Looking for Suggestions to Supplement my Winter Under Insulation

**jamaulwall** · 10-13-2016, 09:38

Let me give a little background so you understand where I'm at. I have a HG Incubator with 1 Oz. overfill for my winter UQ. On top I have an Ozark Trails Down sleeping bag that I converted to a TQ and added 4 Oz. of 850 down plus what I harvested from the hood. It's a huge topquilt (really wide) and on the heavy side but it pairs nicely with my Incubator. I've successfully taken that setup down to 15* comfortably. That said, I know 15* is about the lowest I can go with that setup as when the wind picks up just a bit my back starts to get cold. I've layered top quilts before and don't mind doing that, but I'm not sure layering UQ's is going to work as well as the bottom UQ will somewhat compress the other quilt. Plus, my summer UQ is 3/4 length and I fear if I put that on with my full length incubator I'll be creating gaps.

I don't really want to spend the money on a 0* UQ this year, though I'm sure I'll end up with one eventually. In the meantime, what can I do to add some relatively lightweight warmth to my backside? I'm comfortable using a hot nalgene, but I won't use a pad or reflectix as the condensation is a problem for me. How much warmth will a sock or an UQ protector add? Has anybody actually tried stacking UQ's, specifically a 3/4 length and a full length? Which one should go next to the hammock if I do it? Again, I'll layer my top quilts and won't have a problem staying warm from above, it's just my backside I'm concerned about. In all honesty I'll probably test stacking quilts in the backyard this winter but I'd like some input before my tests. So.... What suggestions can you give me?

**doogie** · 10-13-2016, 10:30

I have stacked a 3/4 and a 7/8 UQ before (at 5'9" a 7/8 quilt is full length for me). I did have to change the suspension so that it would not compress the inside quilt. I kept the 3/4 on the outside. I added a fleece throw over the top of my top quilt and I was toasty warm down to around 11 degrees.

**jamaulwall** · 10-13-2016, 10:36

When you say you had to change the suspension so it didn't compress the insulation what specifically did you change?

**JasonACraft** · 10-13-2016, 10:43

Originally Posted by jamaulwall

When you say you had to change the suspension so it didn't compress the insulation what specifically did you change?

Looks like the primary shock cord based on that red amsteel running from the green one there

**jamaulwall** · 10-13-2016, 11:10

So I'm assuming adding some length to the primary shock cord via zing-it so the bottom UQ isn't so tight. That makes sense. I'd probably have to do that since my 3/4 UQ is pretty snug with the shock cord I have on it now. Thanks for the tips, pics, observations so far. Keep them coming guys. I want as many ideas as possible to experiment with.

**doogie** · 10-13-2016, 13:30

Originally Posted by jamaulwall

So I'm assuming adding some length to the primary shock cord via zing-it so the bottom UQ isn't so tight. That makes sense. I'd probably have to do that since my 3/4 UQ is pretty snug with the shock cord I have on it now. Thanks for the tips, pics, observations so far. Keep them coming guys. I want as many ideas as possible to experiment with.

Correct, I changed out the single continuous loop of shock cord for 2 separate zing-it & shock cord pieces with mitten hooks on each end.

I cannot deal with non-breathable insulation in my hammock. I once tried to supplement my 3/4 length with a piece of reflectix (like many do), my feet got cold and when I got up I found out why. The part of my quilt over the reflectix was visibly wet.

**SilvrSurfr** · 10-13-2016, 13:41

I've stacked a 0* Incubator with a 20* 3/4 Phoenix on the outside in -3* F weather. I did not notice any compression of down and was warm. On top I stacked a 20* Burrow and 0* Burrow.

**Afterparty** · 10-13-2016, 13:49

I have a Dutch winter sock and so far I think 5-10* is all it will get you.

**jamaulwall** · 10-13-2016, 13:53

Originally Posted by doogie

Correct, I changed out the single continuous loop of shock cord for 2 separate zing-it & shock cord pieces with mitten hooks on each end.

I cannot deal with non-breathable insulation in my hammock. I once tried to supplement my 3/4 length with a piece of reflectix (like many do), my feet got cold and when I got up I found out why. The part of my quilt over the reflectix was visibly wet.

I agree, I can't deal with the non-breathable insulation. That was a big positive for me switching over to hammocks in the first place. Thanks for the help, this looks like a viable option for me stacking my current quilts.