Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 12
  1. #1
    New Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2021
    Location
    Cincinnati Ohio
    Posts
    9

    Newbie underquilt questions

    1. For 3 season hammock camping(lets just say, April thru October in the southern Appalachians, TN NC GA VA) what temperature rating should your underquilt be? Whats the best single rating to get? My Warbonnet Blackbird XTC is a heavyweight double and I can use a pad as well/if needed.

    2. Whats the best "bang for the buck" underquilt? Really dont want to drop $300 on one just yet, but I dont want a junk quilt that I have to upgrade. I get the buy once cry once mantra, just looking for other vouched for options. Im 6'3 so I'd need a full length.

    3. Are underquilt protectors necessary? I can see the point, and know how useless wet down can be, but if you have a good hang with ample tarp coverage, do you really need one?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    all secure in sector 7 Shug's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Minnesota
    Hammock
    I have many so....
    Tarp
    Blackcrow DIY Tarp
    Insulation
    FrankenquiltUQ/Pod
    Suspension
    Whoopie Slings
    Posts
    23,394
    Images
    62
    I think a 20º UQ will get you pretty far. April and October can be chilly.
    Easy enough to vent a UQ.
    UQs are not cheap. A partial will cost less as it is shorter and has less down fill. Also a 30º and 40º is cheaper than a 20º as there is less down.
    Underquilt protector is not necessary but nice to have if needed. My video below explains some things.
    Shug



    Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven

  3. #3
    FLTurtle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    Orlando FL
    Hammock
    DW Chameleon, WB Eldorado
    Tarp
    Thunder/Superfly
    Insulation
    HG 20/40
    Suspension
    DW Beetle Buckles
    Posts
    1,110
    2. Hammock Gear Econ Incubator is probably your best bang for the buck. You'll need the long model.

  4. #4
    Senior Member JollyRoger70's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    Laurinburg, NC
    Hammock
    WBRR
    Tarp
    SLD Winter Hvn
    Insulation
    Apex/Down
    Suspension
    Birch/Beetle buckl
    Posts
    206
    If you don’t mind the weight of a synthetic, Simply Light Designs has a version of their Trail Winder (insulation sewn onto an underquilt protector) to which you can add an extra layer of insulation that snaps on. You can then have two target temps to work with. The downside is that Apex is heavier than down. I’ve been meaning to get my Trail Winder retrofitted to take the additional layer.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  5. #5
    cougarmeat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Bend, OR
    Hammock
    WBBB, WBRR, WL LiteOwl
    Tarp
    OES, WL BullFro
    Insulation
    HG UQ, TQ, WB UQ
    Suspension
    Python Straps
    Posts
    3,759
    Because down seems pretty tolerant if the temperature is warmer than rated, I’d guess a 20° UQ is a place to start. Note that everyone has their own “level”. I can use a 20° UQ near 20 - I’ll be doing it tonight - but I prefer a 10° cushion; like using the 20° gear not much lower than 25° - 30°. That comfort sone is something you’ll have to find for yourself.

    A UQP, does more than add a little warmth and keep rain splash off. It also can make up for a less-than-best setup if you are often changing hammocks and quilts. It also helps should the wind change direction when your tarp doesn’t have doors.
    In order to see what few have seen, you must go where few have gone. And DO what few have done.

  6. #6
    Senior Member cmoulder's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Ossining, NY
    Hammock
    DH Darien, SLD Tree Runner
    Tarp
    HG hex
    Insulation
    Timmermade, Revolt
    Suspension
    Kevlar, Lapp Hitch
    Posts
    4,912
    Images
    356
    If you can only have one, of course the lower temp rating is the way to go. But on those several months with warm weather you might begin to question the wisdom of having a quilt that is much heavier and bulkier than you need. With nighttime lows above 70°F you'll need very little insulation, so a 27oz quilt (HG econ) will seem like mega overkill on those nights.

    A lot depends on your mode of travel. If you plan to backpack you'll appreciate something that is lighter in weight and more compressible, and if you're backpacking longer distances with more vertical element you'll appreciate it much, much more keenly. Especially important when hammocking because we carry 2 quilts, not 1 like ground dwellers.

    Which is why most people eventually end up with 2 or 3 underquilts AND top quilts for different conditions.

    When buying quilts, pay special attention to the shell material. Those made with 10D material compress down much smaller and are considerably lighter than those made with 20D.

    I have tried UQP but find I rarely need it. Pitching the tarp low or using a tarp with more coverage works for me 99.62% of the time.
    Five Basic Principles of Going Lighter (not me... the great Cam Honan of OZ)
    “If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.” ~ Gen. George S Patton

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    Midway, GA
    Posts
    161
    I camp in that area and a 20* works well. I like to be warmer than many people, however (some due to old age). I also would not by choice go camping in cold weather. Sure I can stay warm in the hammock, but when I get out.

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
    Location
    WNC
    Hammock
    1.2 MTN streamliner + myog net
    Tarp
    HG DCF Std, Lawson
    Insulation
    Wooki, old EE TQ
    Suspension
    1.4 UHMWPE, Becket
    Posts
    123

    Newbie underquilt questions

    1. I’m local to you, similar height and had this same question. Hate the idea of buying more than I need or conversely having to go out and buy more right away. 20/20 TQ/UQ gets my vote for most use. I tent camp w my fam in summer, so 3 season hammocking for me is fall/winter/spring. I started w buying a 0d UQ and using an old 30d TQ. Next for me was a nice 20d UQ. Next for me will probably be a nice 20d TQ, and layer that with the existing 30 TQ for proper winter conditions

    If I was doing more in summer and doing it from scratch I’d do 20/20 to begin, then 40d TQ, then 40d UQ if I stuck with hammocking and as budget allowed. Lighter fabrics and higher fill power are nice to have, but if you don’t see yourself doing any longer backpacking trips soon and want to cut cost, I would personally do it by avoiding the UL stuff. Of course if you have a tiny UL pack already, you don’t want to get normal quilts and then have them take up all the space in your pack…

    2. If you use a sit pad, consider a partial underquilt since you brought up price. Many people have good experience with them + sit pad. Be aware that lengths vary between manufacturers. I am 6’2” and looked into it - the difference between a similar spec Wooki and Yeti is just a few ounces. I do not use a sit pad, okay with spending more, and really prefer the ease of use of the full length Wooki. If you use a sit pad and are on a budget a partial quilt may work better for your big picture

    3. Definitely don’t spend your money here to begin with. Good thing to have if you are expecting extreme weird + rain imo. I have one and it is not worth it for me for the vast majority of trips. You didn’t mention tarps but if for some reason you’re choosing a tiny tarp to start a UQP may be more of a priority

    Hope it’s helpful. Trying to pay it forward from others who helped me


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  9. #9
    New Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2021
    Location
    Cincinnati Ohio
    Posts
    9
    For now, I'm using a 40deg down sleeping bag as top insulation. Full zip, semi rectangular. And have a folding Zlite type pad. Looking at the Hammock Gear economy full length UQ. Thx for the tips, keep em coming!

  10. #10
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
    Location
    WNC
    Hammock
    1.2 MTN streamliner + myog net
    Tarp
    HG DCF Std, Lawson
    Insulation
    Wooki, old EE TQ
    Suspension
    1.4 UHMWPE, Becket
    Posts
    123
    You probably have a general idea how cold you can take your sleeping bag. 20UQ, your current bag + puffy jacket w a hood and warm socks should get you down pretty far


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  • + New Posts
  • Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

    Similar Threads

    1. Some Newbie Underquilt questions.
      By SmokeyBugle in forum Bottom Insulation
      Replies: 8
      Last Post: 01-11-2019, 14:44
    2. Replies: 9
      Last Post: 09-06-2017, 16:29
    3. Newbie has some questions
      By Tobl in forum Dream Hammock
      Replies: 2
      Last Post: 06-13-2014, 09:18
    4. More Newbie Questions
      By wirerat99 in forum General Hammock Talk
      Replies: 13
      Last Post: 11-01-2013, 09:22
    5. Newbie questions
      By Shapeshifter in forum Tree to Tree Trail Gear
      Replies: 4
      Last Post: 04-06-2011, 11:44

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •