Best Value Underquilt?

[goober]

Requirements:
3/4 length is fine as I have Crazy Creek Chair that doubles as foot pad in hammock.
20-25 degrees
2 pounds or so max weight
works snugly with 11 foot by 60" hammock
prefer smaller pack volume, of course

Suggestions, cost?

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.

[yooz85]

Biggest bang for your buck if cost is a concern would be a jarbridge UQ from arrowhead equipment. It should meet all your requirements and just at $100.

[equilibrium]

The Jarbridge is going to be the best when cost is considered a factor, although you will sacrifice minor compressibility when compared to down. I would say that the best UQ for the money would run you into the 200's, but well worth it. An UQ like a incubator or others along that line of UQ.

[Floridahanger]

Requirements:
3/4 length is fine as I have Crazy Creek Chair that doubles as foot pad in hammock.
20-25 degrees
2 pounds or so max weight
works snugly with 11 foot by 60" hammock
prefer smaller pack volume, of course

Suggestions, cost?

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.

Almost all UQ will/should fit your hammock. The length and width of your hammock doesn't matter since your not covering the fabric, but, yourself.

You mentioned the 3/4 length so that takes care of your 11 footer requirement. The suspension is usually shock cord so it will stretch to length. As long as the width covers you in a U shape when your in your hammock, the TQ takes care of the rest.

Are you wanting info on Synthetic or Down UQ?

[goober]

Are you wanting info on Synthetic or Down UQ?[/QUOTE]

Either. But it seems that accepting a little more bulk and weight, you can save a lot going synthetic for the same temperature coverage.

[MDSH]

I've made three UQs with Climashield Apex insulation, both from a kit bought from Thru Hiker and from another order of Climashield from the same source and some material on hand.

Tested one set of a UQ and TQ that I made with Climashield last weekend in NM-- it works great! I'd suggest a 3 season Jarbridge.

It is bulky but for the money it can't be beat, IMHO.

Love my down UQs. One is a Marmot sleeping bag modification and the other, an UL, was made from scratch. The down UL is awesome. But the cost and trouble was daunting. It took me months to psych up for it.

[Floridahanger]

Since "value" is subjective a few thoughts are required.

1)Is your time included as value for DIY?
2)Are you willing/able to MYOG(make your own gear), DIY?
3)Is there a preference for synth or Down?
4)Is there a time constraint for orders?

1)If your time isn't counted for the value and you want to save a few bucks by DIY/MYOG, either Down or synth will do. If your time = money, you need to buy the UQ.

2)If you don't have the skill or tools, you need to buy the UQ.

3a)Synthetics are a specialty of AHE- Arrowhead Equipment, and the most value to purchase dollarwise.

3b)For Down, here is another choice. Most of the vendors here are really close in price and quality so you need to contact them and make your "value" choice. The color and material vary by vendor so it helps to check them out.

4)If time is at a premium, some of the vendors have "at hand" quilts ready to go and that affects the "value".

Synthetic- less expensive than Down, but, bulkier and heavier for equal temp rating as Down. Holds temp value better than Down when wet.
Down- More expensive than Synthetic, but, packs smaller and lighter for equal temp rating as Synthetic.

[SilvrSurfr]

I'm not a synthetic guy, so I'd say an HG 20* 3/4 Phoenix (or similar) is the best value, most compressible, lightweight, etc. Ounce for ounce, down is the best performing insulation out there.

[MDSH]

Since "value" is subjective a few thoughts are required.

1)Is your time included as value for DIY?
2)Are you willing/able to MYOG(make your own gear), DIY?
3)Is there a preference for synth or Down?
4)Is there a time constraint for orders?

1)If your time isn't counted for the value and you want to save a few bucks by DIY/MYOG, either Down or synth will do. If your time = money, you need to buy the UQ.

2)If you don't have the skill or tools, you need to buy the UQ.

3a)Synthetics are a specialty of AHE- Arrowhead Equipment, and the most value to purchase dollarwise.

3b)For Down, here is another choice. Most of the vendors here are really close in price and quality so you need to contact them and make your "value" choice. The color and material vary by vendor so it helps to check them out.

4)If time is at a premium, some of the vendors have "at hand" quilts ready to go and that affects the "value".

Synthetic- less expensive than Down, but, bulkier and heavier for equal temp rating as Down. Holds temp value better than Down when wet.
Down- More expensive than Synthetic, but, packs smaller and lighter for equal temp rating as Synthetic.

Excellent analysis.