Purchase a UQ or TQ first?

**brentm32b** · 02-12-2015, 22:07

I have been lurking here for a couple weeks and have noticed quite a few posts that say to purchase an UQ before a TQ. I have a few hiking trips lined up this year and am in the process of acquiring the gear I need. My funds are limited and investing in both a TQ and UQ isn't an option at the moment. I currently don't have a packable sleeping bag (most of my camping has been car camping) so I am leaning towards getting a TQ first and just using a pad in the hammock. Given my situation would you recommend purchasing a TQ first?

**gnosticmoron** · 02-12-2015, 22:32

Top quilt and pad may be easier to tackle than underquilt and ???

**gunner76** · 02-12-2015, 22:38

welcome to the madness

Recommend that you attend a group hang in your area and check out the different sets ups.

There are pros and cons to the use of pads and UQs

What kind of hammock will you be using ? If it is a single layer, then you will probably have problems with the pad sliding around in the hammock. A double layer hammock helps to trap the pad and keeps the movement to a minimum. Many hangers do use a pad with great success. Others ( like my wife ) have problems with condensation when using a pad.

However, most of us have found that using a UQ is much more comfortable than a pad and does a better job of keeping you toasty at night.

If you are on a budget, then I strongly recommend that you get a UQ and TQ from Paul at Arrowhead. His KAK line of UQ and TQ are excellent buys. I have and use a 1, 3 and 4 season Jarbridge UQ. He also places them on sale a few times a year.
Also you can get some great deals on used gear on the For Sale section of the forum.

**mudsocks** · 02-12-2015, 22:41

Many people already have a usable sleeping bag which can be used as a TQ thus the recommendation is UQ first. Many of us started out using pads and some people use pads exclusively. I started out with a TQ and pad.

Do you have a hammock yet and if so is it double or single layer? You may want to read up on SPEs.

**Jumper0155** · 02-12-2015, 22:41

I vote UQ first. You can use pretty much anything as a TQ to keep you warm.

**mtbchuck** · 02-12-2015, 22:53

For me, hammock camping was only okay when I first converted from a tent, using my existing bag/pad setup. I found myself slipping off the pad and getting cold and uncomfortable often. Once I got my UQ (HG Incubator 20), hammock camping became amazing! Night and day! The difference between bag and TQ wasn't that dramatic. That was more about weight savings for backpacking.

**brentm32b** · 02-12-2015, 23:00

I'm sure I could borrow a sleeping bag for my trips if I needed to. Currently my system is a GT double and a HH Hex tarp but I will be purchasing a longer hammock soon. Last summer I slept many a nights in the GT on my porch (and in a hammock that a friend brought me from Brazil) with just a blanket but night time temps were warm. I am going to try to attend the spring hang at Pine Grove Furnace but I won't be able to stay there because I have other obligations that weekend but want to see everyone else's setups.

**Rain Man** · 02-12-2015, 23:24

Originally Posted by brentm32b

Given my situation would you recommend purchasing a TQ first?

Nope. UQ first would be my vote, since I've gone through your evolutionary process myself.

**DanglingModifier** · 02-13-2015, 01:45

You'll likely be a lot more comfortable with a good UQ and a secondhand sleeping bag than with a good TQ and a cheap pad.

**Catashep** · 02-13-2015, 06:48

UQ. It has already been said but I will repeat anyhow.... A great UQ will allow you to use something on top you probably already have and can be combined with clothing if need be. Being cold underneath is difficult to compensate for.