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I am going to order an Incubator underquilt in the next few days. I am trying to decide between a zero and 20 degree UQ and wanted some feedback. Also, what affect does the overfill have? I live in Massachusetts and just ordered a Warbonnet Superfly for cold weather hanging in my WBBB. So I ask, what incubator would be recommended and should I get any overfill in it and why.
Generally, one ounce of overfill is roughly equal to 5º of comfort rating. From what I understand, the denser down with overfill, also acts as a more effective wind barrier. I ordered my 20º Incubator almost 2 years ago before I understood this. If I order another one, I would add 1-2 oz of overfill, as in winter conditions, it is more likely to be windy.
Others may correct me if I am presenting this incorrectly, but that's it, as I understand it.
How low do you go ? Do you plan to camp out when it is above 20 degrees or do you plan to go out when it gets down to 0. You can vent the UQ if is too warm but it is harder to stay warm if the temps go below the gears rating.
Recommend testing your gear in the back yard or in place where you have an escape plan in case it does not work as planned before you head out into the woods.
My wife has a zero incubator and uses it vented with light weight top insulation options in temperatures as high as the 50s. I would want an all around underquilt that will keep me nice and warm in weather down in the 30s and 20s at night. A 20 incubator sounds nice but I would almost rather be a bit warmer from underneath me than the opposite. So Buffalo Skipper, are you saying that a 20 incubator with 4 oz of overfill would at 20 degrees of comfort rating? Gunner, I usually go for 2 nights at a time. I live in New England and love being out in cold weather. Realistically I don't see myself actually hanging in 0 degrees but I would love being warm in the 20s when I would see myself being out there. I like sleeping light in shorts and t-shirt. Thanks for all the feedback, perhaps a 20 incubator with overfill would be a better all around underquilt since it could be used more in the spring and early fall here... hmmm
What you wil find with the cottage manufacturers is the ratings they put on gear are what the majority of people will be nice and warm at. Unlike the mainstream companies than do the whole EN rating thing, Extreme, Comfort etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by mp3prozac
Basically a 20°F quilt will be warm at 20°F. Not boarderline, not extreme rating. I guess you could say the comfort rating is 20°F standard. A lot of people take the HG quilts below the rating without any overfill at all and stay nice and warm. It's an individual thing for many. Depends if your a warm or cold sleeper and only you can answer that one.
A little overfill might boost the temp rating, maybe 5-10°F depending on how much fill. But too much overfill is a deminishing return. You might as well order a warmer quilt with higher baffles if you chase too much extra fill.
For me I like 1-2oz extra fill. It's gives you a little room on the rating and they loft up nicely. With a little overfill I know that at the rating, I'm perfectly fine. If temps gets a little lower than predicted, I'll be okay. If it's really rainy/damp/humid, The quilt should still loft fine.
Just wanted to give props to Adam aka Stormcrow. I contacted him directly with questions and he was very prompt and informative with his replies. Very impressed with his products and service and like Brandon over at Warbonnet, they have gained two customers who will be purchasing many an item this coming year. I foresee multi temp incubators, pheonixs, and burros... :-) Best of all, my wife loves it all as much as I do.
I'm going to order the Phoenix 0 degree in the next few days. I tend to be cold so I want to stay toasty without bulking up with clothes
That sound like a good choice!
I, too, am considering getting a set - a 0* UQ (still deciding on 3/4 vs Full Length) and a 0* Burrow. I am also in New England, but also have hung in New Jersey in the winter, and NH, VT, and ME. I am a cold sleeper, and I want the extra warmth! Rather have it and not need it .... my decision on 3/4 vs Full length is the quandary over ease of adjustment for tight fit to the hammock, the weight difference (specifically for a backpacking situation), and packing volume. Still undecided there, but will probably go with the full length. I hate being cold. I can make the adjustments, and carry the extra weight for comfort. The weight should not be a winter consideration unless true carry-backpacking - otherwise I will use my Pulk and drag it all behind me anyway, so no worries there!
~ Sky
I just received my Incubator 20F with 2oz of overfill. Great quality and easy to use suspension. I'm about to test it tonight with a low of 54F so I'll let u know tomorrow how it goes.