Newbie underquilt questions
1. For 3 season hammock camping(lets just say, April thru October in the southern Appalachians, TN NC GA VA) what temperature rating should your underquilt be? Whats the best single rating to get? My Warbonnet Blackbird XTC is a heavyweight double and I can use a pad as well/if needed.
2. Whats the best "bang for the buck" underquilt? Really dont want to drop $300 on one just yet, but I dont want a junk quilt that I have to upgrade. I get the buy once cry once mantra, just looking for other vouched for options. Im 6'3 so I'd need a full length.
3. Are underquilt protectors necessary? I can see the point, and know how useless wet down can be, but if you have a good hang with ample tarp coverage, do you really need one?
Thanks!
Newbie underquilt questions
1. I’m local to you, similar height and had this same question. Hate the idea of buying more than I need or conversely having to go out and buy more right away. 20/20 TQ/UQ gets my vote for most use. I tent camp w my fam in summer, so 3 season hammocking for me is fall/winter/spring. I started w buying a 0d UQ and using an old 30d TQ. Next for me was a nice 20d UQ. Next for me will probably be a nice 20d TQ, and layer that with the existing 30 TQ for proper winter conditions
If I was doing more in summer and doing it from scratch I’d do 20/20 to begin, then 40d TQ, then 40d UQ if I stuck with hammocking and as budget allowed. Lighter fabrics and higher fill power are nice to have, but if you don’t see yourself doing any longer backpacking trips soon and want to cut cost, I would personally do it by avoiding the UL stuff. Of course if you have a tiny UL pack already, you don’t want to get normal quilts and then have them take up all the space in your pack…
2. If you use a sit pad, consider a partial underquilt since you brought up price. Many people have good experience with them + sit pad. Be aware that lengths vary between manufacturers. I am 6’2” and looked into it - the difference between a similar spec Wooki and Yeti is just a few ounces. I do not use a sit pad, okay with spending more, and really prefer the ease of use of the full length Wooki. If you use a sit pad and are on a budget a partial quilt may work better for your big picture
3. Definitely don’t spend your money here to begin with. Good thing to have if you are expecting extreme weird + rain imo. I have one and it is not worth it for me for the vast majority of trips. You didn’t mention tarps but if for some reason you’re choosing a tiny tarp to start a UQP may be more of a priority
Hope it’s helpful. Trying to pay it forward from others who helped me
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