Pad vs quilt conundrum

[AlpineSuspension]

I'm still relatively new at this, it will be only my second season of hammock camping. I can't see ever wanting to sleep on the ground again. My one issue is insulation and I've done some reading here and want to get clarification on some points and would appreciate suggestions.

I went with two HH ultralite asym classic. It seemed like a decent price point, on sale even at the time, and there were entirely too many manufacturers to choose from. Still I wish I researched it a bit more but also generally ok with these for now. The classic model as most here probably know is not a side zipper but bottom velcro entry. It was one of the things that attracted me to it, no zipper to get caught in the middle of the night and less likely to get damaged permanently. Although not relevant, I went with descender rings, carabiners and straps for suspension and combined with snake skins, setup and take down is blazing fast.

Spring and Fall when temperatures drop is my problem, especially if the winds are gusty. Thermals, hat, 30F sleeping bags (compresses down to grapefruit size and ample in the same circumstances if in a ground tent) and a partially deflated torso length sleeping pad don't quite cut it. I was contemplating reflectix but am hesitating. I thought perhaps if it isn't too cold there wouldn't be too much condensation but reading about dew point there are entirely too many variables including humidity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dew_po..._approximation Do people generally find using reflectix or other padding that they tend not to get too wet if low temperature stays say 45F or lower? It seems some people use partial not full lengths of this stuff, presumably to avoid creating a pool to collect moisture. If this is true do you tend to use it for your lower half and another type of pad, like an air pad, for the torso?

Underquilts are pricey and presumably a complete pain with the HH bottom entry. Getting in and out would require adjusting the quilt each time and can be a bit off and therefore compromising the insulation. Is there a decent quilt someone makes for bottom entry and ideally not too expensive? I don't want to shell out too much on two setups and not inclined to try to make them myself.

Like most I try to be space and weight conscious in what I pack so want something that doesn't take up too much space.

[pgibson]

No using a under quilt with a HH bottom entry is not that big of a deal. UQ's hang from shock cord so that they move with the hammock as you move in them. Using the bottom entry to get in and out is as simple as sliding the quilt to the side, hop in and the shock cord will snap the quilt back into place.

Check out my video on using the Potomac (one of the only quilts made thats fitted to the HH's shape).

https://youtu.be/KyosuQPQjek

[Pheonix6579]

not a pain at all. Plus depending on how low you want to go temp wise, there are plenty DYI UQ that are very cost effective. Though if weight is an issue the more expensive down UQ are the way to go IMO.

Plus, in my experience, an UQ will be plenty more comfortable than a pad depending on the temp.

[dkurfiss]

I have a two classic entries and UQ is not a pain at all at least not for me. I got a down UQ from JacksRBetter which matches up with the opening. That means you get in, sit like normal, pull your legs in, and the opening and quilt pop together. Check out The Nest. Yes, it is not cheap but WAY more comfortable than a pad. Been there, done that, and did find a pad to be a PITA with the classic opening. http://www.jacksrbetter.com/shop/the-nest/

Good news is if you decide to change out your hammock later, The Nest will work just fine with any gathered end hammock.

[punkisdead]

+1 on the AHE Potomac. I got one for my son's bottom entry Expedition and it worked beautifully. As an added bonus, it also works well on the WBBB XLC that replaced his Expedition. I'm actually thinking of adding a couple of quilt hooks to the WBBB XLC where the tie off points for the Expedition would have been so that I can hook the exposed shock cord on the Potomac and make sure it doesn't move on him.

[SilvrSurfr]

I often wonder how people in HH classics adjust their UQ without getting out of the hammock.

[dkurfiss]

I often wonder how people in HH classics adjust their UQ without getting out of the hammock.

Can't answer for others but I have never found a good way with my DIY to adjust it but with The Nest because it has pull outs that match the HH shape, I don't end up adjusting it at all.

[albertoes]

So, I'm wondering what folks have to say about Alpine's question regarding Refectix? Curious minds want to know!

[AlpineSuspension]

Since I need this on two setups, one for me and whichever of my teenager kids joins me, I can't justify nearly $600 for a pair of Nests especially as we don't go camping often enough. Too many other things going on in the Summer and Fall. The Nest is a great design, certainly toasty and worth the price as I'm sure the KAQ synthetic option is for HH's asymmetrical shape. I've been searching around for other options, other manufacturers are priced similarly. My current leaning is DIY no-sew PLUQs and bring along some reflectix to insert if necessary. I'll modify the design slightly and figure out some simple way to attach sides to the side tie out cords of the HH.

[davidrip]

I can't remember what temp it was a few weeks ago when I tried sleeping a couple hours outside at night. I used a CCF pad with reflectix under it and they kept me plenty warm. I have heard people say all sorts of good and bad about reflectix. You won't know if it works well for you until you try it, I think. If you don't like it, you can use the reflectix for many other applications.