On the fence bottom insulation

**ywagner** · 01-25-2016, 19:16

Hey guys,

I am fairly new to this whole hammock thing, and I would like to know the most effective bottom insulation that combines price with weight, comfort and functionality. I would prefer the price be under around $100 but I am flexible. As for the temperature, anything around 40 degrees is fine for me.

I have a hennessy hyperlite and am currently using the big agnes q core as insulation. As nice as it is, I always end up moving out of the asym lay and find myself having to readjust.

A couple options that I have thought about are the gossamer gear pad, the z-lite pad, and the arrowhead equipment jarbridge underquilt. If there are any better options please let me know!

Thanks so much!

**Shug** · 01-25-2016, 19:24

I would go Jarbidge.......http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/s...nderQuilt.html
Has a great reputation.
Shug

**tonejones** · 01-25-2016, 19:41

Second that, my buddy used that same UQ on the Wonderland thru hike we did a year ago.

**Stinky** · 01-25-2016, 20:05

Third that. I have the Jarbidge and I'm very happy with it.

**dakotaross** · 01-25-2016, 20:10

At the $100 price point, there's really nothing that competes with the Jarbridge. EE and SLD offer some similar quilts, some of them lighter, some with more color choices, some in different sizes, but all at a higher price.

You got a zip or classic bottom entry? You can entertain looking at the full length from those other places, but otherwise, the Jarbridge is perfect for the bottom entry. I miss my classic Explorer. If you have the classic with no zip mod, then definitely get the AHE triangle thingies UQ suspension - you'll be glad you did. Come in handy otherwise, but if you can't reach out to adjust, its a definite necessity for using an UQ.

**Helium33** · 01-25-2016, 21:32

My recommendation is to save a few more pennies and get an UQ from LocoLibreGear or HG. So you don't end up doing it twice and wasting more money.

**ywagner** · 01-25-2016, 21:50

Wow thanks for all the quick response! I have a side zip model, and am fine with a partial length bc I can just add a sit pad into my quilt right? I was thinking about another purchase from HG but not sure if I'm ready to make the commitment again (I purchased a top quilt, and I do regret not getting an equivalent underquilt instead). Would the equivalent partial quilt from HG be that much better than arrowhead for an extra $60 or so?

**Monkeyboy42** · 01-25-2016, 22:31

Originally Posted by ywagner

Wow thanks for all the quick response! I have a side zip model, and am fine with a partial length bc I can just add a sit pad into my quilt right? I was thinking about another purchase from HG but not sure if I'm ready to make the commitment again (I purchased a top quilt, and I do regret not getting an equivalent underquilt instead). Would the equivalent partial quilt from HG be that much better than arrowhead for an extra $60 or so?

I have three diy jarbridge's, and I'm getting ready to do a down UQ (almost done the down TQ!). If you are backpacking I'd definitely spend the extra $60. Down is lighter, and so much more packable. I only did synthetics he first time, because I had to outfit the family first, and frankly I was leary of dealing with down on a diy project back then.

AHE makes a great product at a great price point, but HG makes premium product at a below premium price point.

Also to note: the jarbridge 1 season is good to "the 40's." My diy apex UQ's get me to for around 35-40 depending on wind, and mine are 5oz vs the jarbridge 3.6oz. (He's also been building and designing his a lot longer, so they probably have a better fit!) I'm also not the warmest sleeper.

The HG Phoenix is supposed to be good to 40, so it may give a few more degrees. This is of course all subjective based on how warm you sleep!

At the end of the day, unless you are only camping in the height of summer I'd personally look at a 3 season. I go to the mountains between Virginia and New York regularly in the summer along with Algonquin in Canada, and have been slightly cold when the temp hits 40 in June-August.

**ywagner** · 01-26-2016, 13:03

Now that I look at it, it probably would make more sense to just bite the bullet. Im thinking the pheonix 40 with an ounce of overstuff would be good. That would be good for a three season right? As for my feet, are there any really great products, or are they all about the same. I have my eye on the z seat which is only 2 ounces.

**Shug** · 01-26-2016, 13:06

Originally Posted by ywagner

Now that I look at it, it probably would make more sense to just bite the bullet. Im thinking the pheonix 40 with an ounce of overstuff would be good. That would be good for a three season right? As for my feet, are there any really great products, or are they all about the same. I have my eye on the z seat which is only 2 ounces.

I would recommend a 20º quilt for three season. Will be way more versitile. Easy to vent if too hot but bet it won't be too hot.
I like a thermarest sit-pad for my feet in mu TQ. No condensation ever.
UQ intel.....https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...mBYSPGHjdyGqsL
Carry forth.
Shug