What am I missing?

**Ted4bp** · 08-26-2015, 20:48

I am an ultralight camper. Normally I sleep under the stars no tarp or net, the bugs go to sleep before I do I guess.

Someone posted about using an under quilt unless its 80 out, I have never used under/ over? quilts what am I missing out on?

I live in the upper peninsula of Michigan and use my hammock year round with a short sleeping pad and a down bag.

**LuvmyBonnet** · 08-26-2015, 21:06

Laying on the bag compresses the down which is supposed to make it's insulating properties far less. Hanging it under your hammock gives you uncompressed fully insulating down. I've been out in sub zero temps and I wouldn't want to do that with a sleeping bag.
Underquilts are awesome!

**ShellHammock** · 08-26-2015, 22:17

sounds like you just run hot!

**hipbone** · 08-26-2015, 22:23

A short sleeping pad kinda does the same thing as a 3/4 underquilt. If you sleep without the short sleeping pad you would probably notice the cold creeping in fast

**SilvrSurfr** · 08-26-2015, 22:40

Originally Posted by ShellHammock

sounds like you just run hot!

I'm not sure what kind of bag/pad you have, but it seems hard to believe that you can get 4 seasons out of a single bag/pad combo, especially without condensation problems. I started out with a 0* synthetic bag and ccf pad, and gave it up (after two years) because of condensation.

I now have HG 0*, 20* and 40* quilt sets. Underquilts are definitely more comfortable than pads, and I've never experienced condensation.

**cjayflo** · 08-27-2015, 07:43

UP weather off a short pad and a bag? You sleep hotter than a furnace. I use a 20 degree under quilt with a 30 degree top quilt. In Michigan winters I had to use a sit pad of reflectix as well as a 30 degree army bag. I also wore wool layers to bed.

**Ted4bp** · 08-27-2015, 18:44

Originally Posted by ShellHammock

sounds like you just run hot!

I don't know where this is going and am slightly intrigued yet afraid all at the same time...

I wear a hoodie as an outer layer for most of the winter so heat might not be a problem.

Originally Posted by cjayflo

UP weather off a short pad and a bag? You sleep hotter than a furnace. I use a 20 degree under quilt with a 30 degree top quilt. In Michigan winters I had to use a sit pad of reflectix as well as a 30 degree army bag. I also wore wool layers to bed.

I'm sweating just reading your post.

Thanks guys, I would like to try a lightweight option underquilt, I think i can see the benefit.

**Ted4bp** · 08-27-2015, 18:54

IMG_1782.jpg

IMG_1783.jpg

Hanging out this last spring in Munising Pictured Rocks.

**Theguywitheyebrows** · 08-27-2015, 18:58

an underquilt is so warm and SO MUCH more comfortable than trying to wriggle into your bag in the hammock. compressing the down under you by laying on it doesn't help keep you warm, apparently, whilst a UQ doesn't compress, leaving your hammock entirely a 'warm spot' (if you have a full quilt). huge difference in warmth.

**Charliev** · 08-27-2015, 20:04

You ain't missing out on anything if you are comfortable. I got a nephew that only uses lightweight sleeping bag in 30* and stays warm. I ferrze my butt off under 80* without something under me. I use 20* UQ all the time.