Which Synthetic UQ?

**Pennsy Camp and Canoe** · 07-30-2019, 12:21

I know this is a can of worms but...

Looking for a Synthetic Underquilt for Laurie. Need everyone's input on temperature ratings and features. Currently looking at Cedar Ridge, Enlightened Equipment, Arrowhead Equipment.

She's a cold sleeper so we're looking for 20°, she wants it to cover from head to toe (approximately 62"), and synthetic insulation. Her current DIY UQ weighs 41.8 ounces, looking to get lighter (shouldn't be hard to do)

What have you used and why?

**jdy98p** · 07-30-2019, 12:41

Cedar Ridge makes great gear (though I only have their down quilts), and AHE is very good (I have an older New River).

Recently I've been eyeballing Simply Light Design's Trail Winder ASYM UQ. If you know the lay direction, it's basically a synthetic Wooki at a great price.

**Brooklyn** · 07-30-2019, 12:55

Since the DIY aspect of a synthetic uq is so basic, if it were me, I'd make my own. If you don't want any hassle or have no access to a sewing machine then I'd echo the suggestion of the SLD Trail Winder.

**sidneyhornblower** · 07-30-2019, 13:00

Originally Posted by Pennsy Camp and Canoe

..

Looking for a Synthetic Underquilt...

What have you used and why?

While it's a 3/4 length and thus doesn't meet your specs, nonetheless, I'll mention the Arrowhead Equipment Jarbidge. I've got the 3-season version and have used it into the low 20s several times and once down to 18 F. The suspension is dead simple to use and the workmanship on the quilt itself is excellent. For the price, especially if you grab one on sale, it's one of the best bargains in an underquilt to be had. I can't remember the weight but believe it's around 20 ounces; their website may say exactly. My assumption, based on my experience with the Jarbidge, is that AHE's other quilts would be of similar quality.

I like the Jarbidge for the size and because it fits both my gathered end and my bridge hammock. If it's any help, I'm about 69" tall and it provides coverage from about neck to ankles.

Another possibility would be a DIY quilt. I've made the full length version from RBTR. I used the 5.0 insulation, if I'm remembering correctly. It's good to 30 degrees easily and I've had mine down into the low 20s a couple of times. The kit costs (I believe) less than $100 and is a good bargain if you're willing to do the work. My full length quilt weighs more than my Jarbidge by about 6 ounces and is more bulky, so it gets less use than the Jarbidge these days. I'm not enamored of the grosgrain for the end channel cinches and ended up modifying mine to remove it and like it better now. If you have sewing skills and want to save money, the RBTR kit is worth a long look, especially if you've made one before. You'd then have a good idea of what you needed and liked and could modify the directions accordingly.

**Pennsy Camp and Canoe** · 07-30-2019, 13:13

DIY is on the table, but as far as I've seen the cost isn't enough of a savings for us (I don't enjoy sewing, nor do I have the time). We prefer synthetic mostly because I don't trust down around here, and the price of down is too high for us.

Getting really good feed back so far, thank you very much. Please keep it coming!

**jdy98p** · 07-30-2019, 14:23

Read through this thread:

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...UILT?p=1979739

**Pennsy Camp and Canoe** · 07-31-2019, 10:53

Originally Posted by jdy98p

Read through this thread:

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...UILT?p=1979739

thanks for the link, there's a lot of info there! I saw Shortround's video before posting here and decided that Laurie moves too much for an ASYM UQ, she likes to lay on her side and pull her knees up. But I'm looking at the Trail Winder for myself as an extra winter quilt to go with my LLG 20°.

**oldpappy** · 08-05-2019, 15:18

The AHE New River might fit your needs. Notice the 3 grosgrain loops on each side - These are handy for snugging it up on cold nights or using it as a TQ.
I prefer Climashield APEX 6.0 = the 3 season here in Virginia.

**Shagginwagon** · 08-05-2019, 19:49

I've used the jarbidge river down into the thirties and as high as in the seventies. Its a pretty versatile UQ. I second the opinion that AHE other quilts are likely as good, and are very affordable.

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