HG Incubator or Phoenix

**Free Home** · 12-08-2014, 23:59

Here is my original phincubator http://youtu.be/2E_PFFBXTK8

**Gorilla-Z** · 12-09-2014, 00:52

I was in the same situation as you. I pulled the trigger on the Phoenix 20* + 1oz. I upgraded from a jarbidge uq. I really haven't had a chance to put it through it paces (just picked it up on the BF sale) but I wanted a single do all uq and decided to gamble on the Phoenix.

**hutzelbein** · 12-09-2014, 06:45

Another vote for the Incubator.

If you sleep cold(er), or simply like no-fiddle warmth, the Incubator is your best bet. I can understand that every ounce you don't have to carry counts - I would love to shed weight with my insulation. But since I sleep cold and hate to be cold, I rather carry a bit more. If I wanted to do the partial underquilt thing, I would probably go with a WB Yeti, since it is lighter and packs tiny. Of course the Yeti is also a bit more narrow, but for me length makes much more of a difference in warmth than width.

**MuleTeam** · 12-09-2014, 09:26

As a backpacker, I love the weight, size and versatility of my 20* Phoenix. I have been down in the teens with no problems by adding my sit pad in the foot box of my top quilt. If weight doesn't matter to you and you mainly car camp, and you sleep cold, I would go with the incubator.

**jwright** · 12-09-2014, 15:25

I toss and turn so the partials and a pad are a bit more fiddly for me. I love my 20 deg incubator for the cooler temps. I have a 30 Phoenix that I'll grab for 40 deg or maybe >35 if I want to limit carried weight or volume. I think it is important to have 5-10 deg comfort margin

**SmAk9** · 12-09-2014, 17:43

I am going to get the Incubator 20. Thanks for everyone's input.

**fastfoxengineering** · 12-09-2014, 17:59

I struggled with the 3/4 vs full length debate for awhile. Then, the simplest, best advice I can give you, is consider this... A 3/4 length UQ is comparable to using a 3/4 length sleeping pad when sleeping on the ground.

Do you have the knowledge and will to suffice for that missing 1/4 of insulation?

Me.. I like full length. No fuss for a good night's sleep.

**dmolition** · 12-10-2014, 02:53

I had the exact same debate as you, and I settled for an incubator 20° just because a couple ounces don't matter to me if I don't have to wake up in the middle of the night with cold feet. I am thru hiking and every ounce counts, I actually only need a short incubator but still went regular length, because once again, insulation and good sleep are a must for me.

**stephen_q** · 12-10-2014, 14:59

I think the biggest difference is the size it takes up in your pack and how much that matters for your pack size. The weight diff is nominal, both are great function wise.

**OneClick** · 12-10-2014, 15:05

Originally Posted by stephen_q

I think the biggest difference is the size it takes up in your pack and how much that matters for your pack size. The weight diff is nominal, both are great function wise.

I agree. My 20° Incubator and Burrow fit well together in my pack. I still have room left over if needed, but not sloppy loose. I'm starting to regret my 20° Phoenix purchase before it even arrives. Not saving a huge amount of weight, so I'll just have to wait and see if it's worth keeping.