So, I'm in the process of removing 2 or 3 layers of Climashield from my WB torso length UQ, due to the warm weather, when I remember something I had wanted to try. Now all I need are some sub-zero temps for testing!
There have been many experiments done around here, adding various items to the HHSS undercover to boost the warmth of the basic pad. But I finally remembered to try this with the original WBUQ. As you can see from this pic, there is plenty or room to add more insulation than it originally came with. Picture #1 shows how easy it can be to add or remove insulation, picture #2 shows the UQ layed out beside my faithful Patagonia 9 oz down vest. This vest, in addition to it's normal use of providing mucho warmth while sitting around cold camps, has provided major warmth boosts while trying to get by in my Pea Pod without a TQ, or added to the bottom of my Pea Pod or SS for major boosts in warmth. Now to try it in my WBUQ.
Picture #3 is the approximate loft of all 4 layers of CS provided by Brandon with the UQ.
Picture #4 shows the down vest added to the UQ.
#5 shows approximate loft after addition of vest. ( you can barely see the green ruler laying on top of the guilt where it crosses the red yard stick)
#6 and #7 is me laying in the BB hammock with UQ snugged nice and tight against my back and butt, trying to show the original and additional layers, and starting to get very warm very quick, as it is only about 65*F plus wind.
There is some serious and major loft under my butt and back, I'm here to tell 'Ya!
Now realistically, this has little practical application for me. Considering that Cannibal tested this UQ at about Zero or even a bit colder without any additional insulation needed. Is that right, Cannibal? Although, Cannibal is a confessed furnace, sort of like Neo. Also, my son used it last fall, on his first night ever in a hammock, mid-20s and toasty warm, with just 3 layers of CS installed. So the likelihood of me needing to add insulation to the 4 layers is slight. Unless I decide to join Shug and Kwapke on a Minnesota mid Jan hang!
But, practically speaking, I can see some uses for this approach. For ex: If I am hiking some where cool enough to maybe need a jacket at night, and my TQ is plenty warm enough without the jacket needed, I can leave an extra layer out of the WBUQ and add the jacket if needed when I go to bed. Or, if I am skimping on bottom layers, but a way unseasonable cold snap comes through, I can throw a jacket in down there if my back is cold. Or, just like with the SS or Pea Pod approaches, any extra insulation ( even dry leaves?) not being slept in could be added in an unexpected situation.
I'm thinking my 14 oz PG parka might work particularly well. Though not nearly as lofty as my down vest, it's WPB shell might serve well down there to help block some wind or moisture if I didn't have a DriDucks poncho rigged as UC or some other UC.
There are so many ways to skin the cold cat. But I love this CS torso UQ with it's ability to ad or subtract insulation, and if Brandon still made them, I would buy another.
There may be some reason why this won't work well in the real world, but I can't figure out what they would be right now. Especially if adding down which would tend to loft up towards the PG layers. Also, if warm enough to justify a jacket, I'm thinking just hiking with one layer in the UQ, and throwing in my jacket or extra whatever might just get me by 3/4 of the year down here.
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Originally Posted by Take-a-knee
I didn't think to try the flopping like a fish method. My biggest problem was getting it secured over my shoulder. You're gonna have to show me your technique sometime. 
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