Help me kill my foam pad!

**DocBurN** · 04-26-2010, 08:07

Hi guys,

I love upgrading gears and now, Im at the point where an underquilt is my #1 priority.. im sick of back chill at 4am in the mornin'. I have looked at the el cheapo solution, strapping a sleeping bag under the hammock and other system.. and came to a point where I should drop the DIY mentality (severe lack of time) and just buy a good UQ so I can ditch my ccf blue foam pad.. [really sick of carrying this huge roll of foam outside my pack]. I want an UQ that will pack smaller than a walmart rolled cheap blue foam pad..

What do you suggest for someone who don't have any UQ yet ?
There are a lot of choices in the UQ world.. and most of them are pretty expensive for my taste.. 250$+

Insultex UQ ? Any input are welcome as usual.. please help a brother out who is in need of warm nights!

**gargoyle** · 04-26-2010, 08:46

KAQ from Arrowhead Equipment and PGibson, a member here, is a proven and tested system/uq.

MacEntyre, another member, offers a Insultex UQ. Mac's IX UQ. I used a single layer into the 40's, a double would be better, IMO.
Now that Mac offer's it in an optional layering system along with his chair, it might be a good choice. I haven't tested it yet. Mac also baffles some extra IX tubes for added insulation.

Down is down, and is warm, light and packable. Tested thoroughly, it is the most expensive. But most here swear by it.

**bigbamaguy** · 04-26-2010, 08:57

DOC:
I have the KAQ New River from AHE and one from MrPrez, he had the KAQ brand before Paul did, and I can say that they are excellent UQ's. Actually they work just as well in a TQ mode, which is the way I use them. I have been into the 20's with this setup and been very comfortable.

On the IX UQ that MAC is offering. I have been given the chance to test out these UQ's, nested model with tubes, and I am in the process of doing so. Please bear with me as the temps have gotten up around here and I will be testing them on two possibly three different hammocks. Unfortunately, there will be no BBird testing......I don't have one of those, yet!!!!!!!

Either one of these sources for UQ's is greatly worth looking into for your UQ purchase. Both these gentlemen stand behind their products and are very accomodating in meeting the needs of their consumers...............I hope this helps you out!!!!!!!

**jhunt87** · 04-26-2010, 09:32

You could get one of Leigh's 2/3 Underquilts

Summer for $130 shipped.

3 Season for $150 shipped.

Very reasonably priced and I have heard good things about them. Can't give my own input just yet, I am awaiting the postman

For Sale Here: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=16810

**BER** · 04-26-2010, 09:36

You might consider the 5-in-1 Jerry chair that Mac posted a video about. Nifty use as both an "underquilt" and camp chair. I have to go back an listen to it again, but I think it is insulated with IX.

Edit: yup has IX. see this thread: MMG 5-in-1 Jerry chair .

Just brilliant Mac!

**mbiraman** · 04-26-2010, 10:05

Hey Doc; I've got a 3 season yeti and its great. Packs down smaller than the WBBB. The Leigh at $150 sounds like a bargain. Stormcrow makes great UQ. Any down UQ from one of the HF folks is well worth the $$. The Kaq also has a good reputation.

**Shug** · 04-26-2010, 10:07

Good luck on your UQ choice. You will get one if your a serious hammocker))))))

**DocBurN** · 04-26-2010, 12:22

Originally Posted by Shug

Good luck on your UQ choice. You will get one if your a serious hammocker))))))

oh im serious.. will never go back to the ground

You all gave me what I was expecting, many many option/opinion about UQ, will study them all today.. i am pretty much looking for an approx freezing temp UQ 32-40 fah and up underquilt. I dont know nothing about insultex .. the 5-1 chair is an awesome idea that i have been watching lately.. the only variable I can tell you is what temperature I had so far

1st 2010 trip: -11 celcius at night (around 12 Fahrenheit) with blue foam only and a -5 celcius sleeping bag (and many layer of clothing). cold feet at 4 am and frostbite on the lips.. sleep well but fixed the frostbite after talking to shug.

2nd 2010 trip: 0 celcius (around 32 Fah) .. was suppose to be +9cel but in the mountain.. and the freakin wind.. it was zero cel. no blue foam this time, only the same -5 cel sleeping bag. 3 hours of sleep before the chill got in my back and impossible to sleep from there .. spent midnight till morning in a bushcraft chair near the fire built with 7 foot long tripod and a pouch I had... impossible to fall asleep

It need to change!! I love hammocking but its not suppose to be a painfull experience! its still better than any shelter i have built on the ground.. hammocking is a dream for the back

**DocBurN** · 04-26-2010, 12:41

also forgot to tell you that im 6'2" .. would that be a factor in choosing an UQ ? I was reading review of the Leigh's summer 2/3 UQ and someone said "I find myself really curling down in the quilt to keep my shoulders and knees warm."

It could be something I'll suffer.. do you recommand a full size UQ for a 6'2" guy..

**mbiraman** · 04-26-2010, 13:54

If you need a bit longer quilt check out Stormcrows stuff or go right to JRB MW3season full length under quilt. 2/3 UQ are in fashion at the moment for weight saving reasons but the Mount Washington 3 season looks good. Both Stormcrow and JRB make excellent stuff.