full length vs 3/4 under quilt - which do you recommend?

**johnspenn** · 09-12-2016, 12:49

Hey litetrek, I don't know if you're a member of the AOC or not. If not, you should join, they have hikes and trips going all the time that you could tag along on.

I just signed up for this hike on Wednesday at KM:
http://www.atlantaoutdoorclub.com/ev...?eventid=12620

It would be cool if you could make it!

**Afterparty** · 09-12-2016, 13:51

New to hanging and I ordered a EE UQ in long 40*. I also have a EE REV 30* and carry a neo air if it will be chilly. I went with the long because it seemed like I'd like it better. I don't plan to be out many nights under 40.

**oldpappy** · 09-12-2016, 14:52

Originally Posted by litetrek

I live in the Southeast and backpack in the spring fall and winter with an occasional summer trip. I currently have a 20 F jarbidge underquilt which is longer than a 3/4 and a little shorter than a full length quilt. I've been thinking of upgrading to a down 20 F under quilt and that has me considering the different options. The full length is nice because its just simple. No extra stuff to carry to insulate your feet, etc. But it is heavier, costs more, takes up more space in the pack, etc.

I always backpacked with a 3/4 length pad when I slept on the ground and was always fairly warm and happy with that option so a 3/4 underquilt may work fine for me .. don't know.

What do those of you who have owned both full and 3/4 length under quilts think about it and recommend?

I'd keep the Jarbridge and get a full length - this would enable you to pick/choose or stack UQs if/as needed.

**litetrek** · 09-12-2016, 17:01

Originally Posted by johnspenn

Hey litetrek, I don't know if you're a member of the AOC or not. If not, you should join, they have hikes and trips going all the time that you could tag along on.

I just signed up for this hike on Wednesday at KM:
http://www.atlantaoutdoorclub.com/ev...?eventid=12620

It would be cool if you could make it!

Hey thanks. I work most weekdays but I have alternating Mondays off. I've got to work Wednesday, but I'm going to start watching the AOC hikes. Tomorrow I'm hitting the gym at lunchtime to start towards losing the beer belly. About 9 years ago I did a 70 miler with the Scouts at Philmont in NM. I need to get back into that sort of shape.

**Dlrocm** · 09-22-2016, 19:31

I just bit the bullet and purchased a full length underquilt. It's likely to be the only down underquilt that I'll own. I decided to go full length just because it seems easier. I don't have many chances to hike in colder weather, so I got a 35 degree underquilt that should do fine for me year round.

**DuctTapeMessiah** · 09-22-2016, 19:41

This is normally a split debate. Full length is generally accepted as easier to adjust and 3/4 quilts are obviously lighter. Pick what more important to you. I have a Jarbidge and a 20 degree full length Incubator on the way.

**litetrek** · 09-22-2016, 22:12

Does anyone use their down jacket to extend the underquilt length in cold weather? If so how do you rig the suspension. . It seems to me that if done correctly a down jacket that you're carrying already in cold weather could be used to extend a 3/4 underquilt by 18 - 24 inches. Even a lightweight (thin) down jacket should be able to go to 20 F in the foot box area since the jacket would be double thicknes with a trapped air layer.. My thought would be to zip up the zipper and tuck the underquilt into the waist. Cinch the waist cord a bit. Pull the suspension through the neck or arm holes and suspend it. You might need to rig something special for the suspension. to make it work.

**DuctTapeMessiah** · 09-23-2016, 07:44

Originally Posted by litetrek

Does anyone use their down jacket to extend the underquilt length in cold weather? If so how do you rig the suspension. . It seems to me that if done correctly a down jacket that you're carrying already in cold weather could be used to extend a 3/4 underquilt by 18 - 24 inches. Even a lightweight (thin) down jacket should be able to go to 20 F in the foot box area since the jacket would be double thicknes with a trapped air layer.. My thought would be to zip up the zipper and tuck the underquilt into the waist. Cinch the waist cord a bit. Pull the suspension through the neck or arm holes and suspend it. You might need to rig something special for the suspension. to make it work.

Shrug demonstrates something to this regard in one of his underquilt videos. Looks effective.

**airick** · 09-23-2016, 20:42

I use a 3/4 under quilt and wear some thick socks. If its cold i put my down pack jacket around my feet. Has kept me comfy down to 26 degrees.

**T- Minus** · 09-24-2016, 12:52

I use a 20* HG standard with but short full length UQ, It's perfect for me at 5'11". If I were to get a Zero UQ it would be Full size Reg, and if I were to get a summer quilt I would go 3/4 just my .02