Do I need an UQ?

**brawny** · 05-19-2022, 16:46

Hi folks,

Sorry for the rambling post. Thought I'd provide a bit of background, and maybe got carried away...

I just joined HF, but I've had a HH Deluxe Explorer Asym for 10 years or so, but only used it a few times. I had thought it would be good for bike touring, but never had much of a chance to use it, as I was always concerned about whether I'd be able to find campsites with trees where I needed them. I also decided I didn't like the bottom entry, and the fact that it wasn't usable as a chair, so I've now had it modified by 2QZQ with Mod #4, and I expect to have the hammock in my hands this weekend. Looking forward to trying it out - we're headed to Michigan camping (Algonac State Park), and I hope to find a couple trees to do some test hangs. I've also seen some threads discussing Tensa Trekking Treez, which I may look at if I can get over the price!

I bought the hammock 'fully loaded' at the time, snake skins, the larger hex rainfly, and the super shelter, which is an under cover and a heat reflecting underpad.

I'm not a fan of the Hennessy knot, so I've purchased a pair of climbing carabiners, and four descender rings. I plan to use the carabiners and rings with the treehuggers, and then use the existing suspending ropes to hang. (I saw that done in this video on Youtube). I don't want to cut the ropes off and replace them with infinite loops yet, but might do that once I know the carabiners/rings will work.

I'm pretty stout - currently 5' 10" and ~285lbs, so close to, but under the weight limit on the hammock. Hopefully I stay airborne!

My question is this - assuming I'll probably use the hammock 4-5 times a year, and only 3 seasons here in southern Ontario, so never below 32F, and typically 45F - 65F at night, is it worth looking at an UQ for this hammock, or will I likely be OK using the undercover and reflecting pad? I have a 40F down bag that I'll use as a top quilt. Are there any UQs that won't fit the HH properly? I assume that just about anything made for a gathered end hammock will work, right? I'd likely be either using the hammock on short(ish) hikes, or possibly bike packing, so hoping to keep the weight (and volume!) down. Price is also a concern, since I'm not sure how often I'll use the hammock, or whether it will get shelved again for another decade...

I know the answer will likely be try it and see how it goes, and make a decision based on my experience, but hoping to get feedback from other folks.

Sorry for rambling! Appreciate any feedback.

Brawny

**docbrown** · 05-19-2022, 17:01

You'll be much happier with an underquilt. In the 45F-65F range you can probably get by with a pad in the short term, but you'll likely want an underquilt as soon as you can get one. In that temperature range (and depending on how warm you sleep), you could get by with a 3/4 length 40deg UQ. If you want to go the cheep+crafty route, the DIY UQs using the costco-style down blankets work really well down to ~45deg in my experience.

I think pretty much any of the UQs from the cottage vendors will work fine with your hammock.

**ScottS** · 05-19-2022, 20:23

I would recommend an underquilt. I would get a 20deg which should cover three seasons. Look at the Tensa Solo as an option vs the Trekking Trees.

**dkurfiss** · 05-20-2022, 07:21

No one really needs an UQ as they can you pads or such but the comfort level is much better with an UQ. As you have said, try it and see how it goes then make a decision based upon your comfort level.

**Rolloff** · 05-22-2022, 04:57

Originally Posted by dkurfiss

No one really needs an UQ as they can you pads or such but the comfort level is much better with an UQ. As you have said, try it and see how it goes then make a decision based upon your comfort level.

OP not talking about using a pad. OP wanted to know if the HH mylar reflective system would work at those temps. For most. It will not.

**brawny** · 05-20-2022, 08:16

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll have to read up on the Costco blanket DIY UQ options, and look a bit closer at the cottage vendors offerings as well. The Tensa Solo is also a great option, and probably better in my situation than one of the treez.

Looking forward to getting in some hang time soon!

Brawny

**Shug** · 05-20-2022, 08:23

You can take a peek at my Tensa Solo at 3:10 in the video below.
Jacksrbetter make UQs specially for Hennessys.....https://www.jacksrbetter.com/product/the-nest/
Also take a look at the Economy UQs from Hammockgear.....https://hammockgear.com/economy-under-quilts/
A partial UQ will save you even more money over a full length.
Something to consider as well.
Shug

**sideshowraheem** · 05-20-2022, 08:53

Keep an eye out here for used UQs they come up fairly often.

You may also want to check out Arrowhead Equipments apex underquilts. They're cheaper than down UQs, and if you're not going to be hiking a ton of miles are perfectly fine. I actually prefer apex even for the warm humid midwestern summers that I camp and hike in.

**Rhody Seth** · 05-20-2022, 10:55

No matter the temp and how warm it was, I was never comfortable and truly warm in a sleeping bad/pad combo. Only an under quilt brought true warmth in the night. The wind was always stealing it away from me!