Partial UQ vs full Length?

**andrewtomasch** · 10-25-2015, 17:17

I have a full length UQ for 3 season camping but I am looking for something more light weight and I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on the pros and cons of a partial under quilt.

**Twin Dragons** · 10-25-2015, 18:12

I have a 3 season Jarbidge which is 3/4 length and have been plenty warm into the upper 30s. I just use a small piece of closed cell foam pad stuck in the foot box of my sleeping bag to keep my feet and lower legs warm. The foam pad also can double as a sit pad around camp. I have also tried a small piece of reflectix which packs smaller and did keep me warm but it seemed (at least for me) to collect more condensation.

**pgibson** · 10-25-2015, 19:21

Full Length versus Partial Length comes up frequently, here is my general thoughts on it. Choosing between the two are a couple factors. Partial length quilts came about to reduce pack volume and make use of a pad that can serve double duty as a sit pad around camp or on the trail...make that log a little more comfortable. Some pack manufactures also use a pad as the back support...mostly ultralight packs....so now the pad could serve 3 uses making it more functional for the weight to carry. In the long run it works out as a net weight savings over a full length quilt.

Full length quilts like the New River however can function warmer as if you roll over and the pad moves out from under your feet they get cold and you wake up...a full length quilt does not have that issue. They let you stretch out and your still insulated. They take up a bit more pack volume, weigh a bit more, but have less fiddle factor to set up and adjust.

**PharmGeek** · 10-25-2015, 19:56

Yeah - i had the same question and ended up getting 3/4 UQ and a top quilt that could also serve as an UQ and decided I would try both but hope that I'll do good with the 3/4 UQ

I slep in my 3/4 last night - only got down to 65 so not a good test but I was plenty toasty

**andrewtomasch** · 10-25-2015, 19:56

Thanks i think ill make a partial to make it more light weight thanks for the tips

**Shug** · 10-25-2015, 20:07

This video may give some insight........
I think is is about space in the pack.
Shug

**pinballwizard** · 10-25-2015, 21:33

I have a full length 0 incubator and LOVE it. But I have used a partial quilt a little too, but not that much. So here's my question: Does anyone ever find a partial quilt more comfortable, because maybe it isn't as restrictive to the lay of the hammock, or do others not find that to be a factor?

**gunner76** · 10-25-2015, 22:33

I have one FL UQ, a 7/8 and the rest are 3/4 length. I rarely use the FL.

**PharmGeek** · 10-26-2015, 10:22

One question I wondered when pondering this decision was:

"Ok, so I want to try the 3/4 UQ cause it saves a significant amount of pack volume. If I end up just really not liking it, how much out of pocket and hassle will it be to sell it?"

Also, after getting both my 3/4 UQ and of course FL TQ (greylock 3 and Hudson river), the volume difference is pretty significant.

Talk to me in a month or so when I have tried the 3/4 UQ in 30-40 degree temps overnight I guess.

**HillbillyHanger** · 10-26-2015, 10:40

I think you will be well pleased with the Greylock 3 and Hudson River. I use a Thermarest Sit pad, Greylock 3 and the Sierra Sniveller. Camped about a week ago and the low was around 34. Only time I got cool, was when I woke up and had to return some of the water that I had borrowed back to the earth.