AHE Jarbidge Question

**BayouBeard** · 02-06-2016, 11:19

I was originally going to go with the New River Long UQ as I'm right at 6' and really wanted full coverage. However, I'm really considering the Jarbidge now. The plus sides of the Jarbidge that I can see are weight and pack size savings as well as price. With it measuring in at 42" x 58", it should give good coverage from my shoulders to my ankles as described on Paul's site.

My question is, when using a synthetic sleeping bag (Marmot Trestles 15°F in my case), do you need a pad of some sort under your feet? I know that synthetic insulation doesn't compress as much as down, and I'm not putting my "body" weight on the foot end of the bag.

Also, is the New River wider than the Jarbidge? How is the shoulder coverage on the Jarbidge?

Every time someone mentions the Jarbidge it seems to get great reviews. I really like the price and pack size/weight, but am wondering if it will do well down to the mid 20s being used with a 15° bag.

**Speedogomer** · 02-06-2016, 11:49

Most people would say you need a pad under your feet. AHE sells them on their site.

Some people don't get cold feet. I'm not one of them lol...

**Vino** · 02-06-2016, 11:58

I have a 3 season Jarbidge and I would recommend a pad under your feet. Foam pads or inflatables are both light and work well.

**pgibson** · 02-06-2016, 12:13

Pad. We have several choices now. Cold feet sucks and you can use them for other uses around camp as well.

**Twin Dragons** · 02-06-2016, 13:15

I like the versatility of Jarbidge + pad instead of a full length quilt because you can also use the pad for sitting or kneeling on the cold ground around camp.

**bwhntMT** · 02-06-2016, 14:28

Pad. I use one I got from AHE.

**goobie** · 02-06-2016, 14:43

I was amazed at the coverage when I first saw one. Plenty there to keep the shoulders nice and warm! Good down to the low 20's with a mil surplus bag and a thermarest z lite sit pad.

**oldpappy** · 02-06-2016, 15:13

I'm 5'9", camp with temps down to 20F with the Jarbridge and a 15F sleeping bag, but I don't use a pad. When in the 20's I put my jacket over the end of my sleeping bag (like Shug puts his over the end of his hammock). I also use an UQP or sock to block all wind and wear clean dry loose wool socks.
If I do feel a little chill early in the AM, I slightly roll fetal, bend knees a little, and get the feet inside the UQ.
I find shoulder coverage is good (I have broad shoulders).
If you bring a sit pad - might as well use it but I don't find it critical.

**BayouBeard** · 02-06-2016, 20:13

I do like the idea of using a pad several different ways at camp. I have a Helinox Chair One Tactical that I'll be using for my chair though.

It's good to hear that the coverage is good for the Jarbidge. That is my main concern with it being a smaller UQ.

So if one were to have both the New River and the Jarbidge...which one would get the nod? Or is that more of a personal preference kinda thing? I'd rather save the money if I can for other gear and go with the Jarbidge, but if it's worth paying the extra for a full length UQ I can always wait and save up I guess.

Is it tricky at all to keep a pad in the foot end of a hammock?

Ahhh...it's such a tough decision...lol. One minute I'm sold on the Jarbidge and the next I'm wondering if I'd be better off just getting the New River.

**DuctTapeMessiah** · 02-06-2016, 21:35

Originally Posted by BayouBeard

I do like the idea of using a pad several different ways at camp. I have a Helinox Chair One Tactical that I'll be using for my chair though.

It's good to hear that the coverage is good for the Jarbidge. That is my main concern with it being a smaller UQ.

So if one were to have both the New River and the Jarbidge...which one would get the nod? Or is that more of a personal preference kinda thing? I'd rather save the money if I can for other gear and go with the Jarbidge, but if it's worth paying the extra for a full length UQ I can always wait and save up I guess.

Is it tricky at all to keep a pad in the foot end of a hammock?

Ahhh...it's such a tough decision...lol. One minute I'm sold on the Jarbidge and the next I'm wondering if I'd be better off just getting the New River.

I recommend the Jarbidge. I got mine a couple weeks ago and have slept like a baby in my hammock in ~40 degree nights. I also bought the $8 foam pad that Dutch sales on his site to aid in cold feet but haven't needed to use it. I put on fresh merino wool socks before I sleep and I have been good to go. I also recommend Dutch Ridgeline Quilt Hooks or Dutch Quilt Hooks (if you don't have a ridgeline). These really help you get your Jarbidge where you need it to stay warm. Depending on how much you move around your pad could move. I haven't officially slept with a pad under my feet though so I can't give you field tested feedback.

Get a Jarbidge and be happy.