Incubator 20 vs Phoenix 20?

[Cliffy]

I'm fairly new to using underquilts and wondered what is the practical difference between a full length and 3/4 length underquilt? I'm thinking of buying either an Hammock Gear Incubator 20 or Phoenix 20.

Thanks so much for feedback and information.

[cmoulder]

Very subjective and individual. Depends on whether you typically sleep warmer or colder than other people, and whether you've got the adjustments really 'nailed'.

I am totally ok with a 3/4-length 20deg UQ down to 20 deg, along with my foam sit pad under lower legs and feet. Any colder than that I use a 0deg Incubator.

You might not know for sure until you try both. The Incubator is the safer route.

[Cliffy]

Very subjective and individual. Depends on whether you typically sleep warmer or colder than other people, and whether you've got the adjustments really 'nailed'.

I am totally ok with a 3/4-length 20deg UQ down to 20 deg, along with my foam sit pad under lower legs and feet. Any colder than that I use a 0deg Incubator.

You might not know for sure until you try both. The Incubator is the safer route.

Thanks so much for the feedback. I appreciate it.

[Peppy]

I really like a 3/4 if the temps will be much above freezing. I like the weight savings and packability as I'm mainly hike in and out of camping spots. I don't hesitate to go with my full length when the temps drop down below 40. Decide what your main temps will be and go from there. HG has great gear and I think you'll be happy with either. As stated, if you sleep a little cold at night, go with the incubator. If you sleep warm, the Phoenix may be right for you.

[TrailSlug]

I personally do not like 3/4 length quilts. Your buying a down quilt for warmth and the added few ounces is offset by having to carry a supplemental insulation to go under your feet. Keeping that added insulation under your feet in a gathered end hammock is a nightmare or at least was for me. Go for full length and save the weight in other areas is my opinion. Waking up with cold feet after a day to two on the trail isn't much fun.

[arcana73]

I personally do not like 3/4 length quilts. Your buying a down quilt for warmth and the added few ounces is offset by having to carry a supplemental insulation to go under your feet. Keeping that added insulation under your feet in a gathered end hammock is a nightmare or at least was for me. Go for full length and save the weight in other areas is my opinion. Waking up with cold feet after a day to two on the trail isn't much fun.

I agree with TrailSlug. I ended up selling my Phoenix and got an Incubator instead. To offset the weight penalty I bought the goose down version instead of the Econ Incubator.

[OneClick]

The space savings on a 3/4 sure would be nice. I just couldn't get used to it.

I was packing my 50L pack last week and didn't understand why everything seemed tighter and hard to pack. I recently switched from a short incubator to a standard. That's only 5", but maybe it made the difference. So a phoenix that is 26" shorter would free up a lot of room. I don't always need it, but with trips requiring more food or clothing it doesn't hurt.

[rweb82]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I love my 3/4 length quilts, and have had no issues staying warm with them. I am a hot sleeper though; and rarely do I even need a foot pad. For me, the benefit of the 3/4 UQ isn't so much weight savings as it is volume savings in my pack. To each his/her own, and HYOH.

[SilvrSurfr]

I use 3/4 quilts down to 30* F. Too many nights my feet were cold at 20* F. Obviously, I'm a fan of the 10* buffer rule - if overnight lows are going to be 30* F, I'll take the 3/4 20* quilts. If temps are going to be 20* F, I'll take the 0* Incubator.

I love going to bed knowing that I won't be cold at all.