2QZQ Under Quilt Protector (Sleeping Pad version) Compatible with Dutch Chameleon

**bigbenny** · 08-29-2017, 14:42

I have many questions regarding the UQP: -

1. Is the 2QZQ Under Quilt Protector, sleeping pad version, compatible with the Dutchware Chameleon?
2. Which version is compatible (or a better match): UnderQuilt Protectors or UnderQuilt Protector for WB XLC/Wooki UQ?
3. What is the weight of the UQP Pad version (that's the best fit)?
4. Can the UQP Pad version still be used to protect an Under Quilt (e.g. can you use it with a sleeping pad or with an under quilt)?
5. If I needed to go-to-ground, how suitable would the UQP be at performing double-duty as a groundsheet? Would it be too fragile? Would provide ground water protection, stopping running water from getting inside the hammock (in bivy mode)?
6. Is it's fabric suitable for this ground-sheet purpose- I'm thinking it's not waterproof and hence not suitable (is that right?)
7. I'm thinking that for cold weather a UQP needs to be breathable, and for the floor in a rain-storm it needs to be waterproof, so hence the fabric would need to be waterproof/breathable, and IIUC that would make an Argon 90 or Multicam Quantum UQP unsuitable as a ground sheet in wet weather (is that right?)

I'd like to get a single-layer Chameleon and then create a pocket under it for a sleeping pad.

This way appeals to me for several reasons: -

1. I can use a sleeping pad with the Chameleon.
2. It's slightly lighter than a double-layer Chameleon (assuming it weighs 5.4ozs).
3. I can leave the UQP behind if I don't need it
4. I can use the UQP to protect an Under Quilt still (right?)
5. I could store some gear in it, if I wanted (under the sleeping pad, or off the cordage)
6. It should work with different thickness sleeping pads, like a 9cm / 3.5" inflatable Exped downmat
7. If suitable, it could be used as a groundsheet (as questioned above, I'm thinking this is a "no").

Thanks for the help,
BigBenny

**2Questions** · 08-29-2017, 14:53

Hi BigBenny,
I received your email earlier. I had to run errands and just got back home. I will respond to the email and answer your questions a bit later. If anyone wants to chime in with answers...feel free to do so!
Donna
Two quick answers...the UQP will not work as a ground sheet...it is not waterproof. The fabric used is water/wind resistant and breathable. And...the standard UQP will work on all length hammocks, it is designed to cover a UQ. The UQP for the XLC/Wooki was designed/lengthened to cover the Wooki since this UQ fabric goes end to end on the hammock. Most, if not all other UQs are shorter, with the suspension spanning the distance from the UQ to the hammock ends.

**SilvrSurfr** · 08-29-2017, 14:57

Originally Posted by bigbenny

I'd like to get a single-layer Chameleon and then create a pocket under it for a sleeping pad.

Why not get a double layer if you intend to use a pad?

**Cory Hess** · 08-29-2017, 15:05

I have a 2QZQ UQP that I use with my Chameleon and they work together perfectly. I also have the sleeping pad version. I don't have access to it right now to weight it. It can be used to protect an underquilt. I believe, though I'm not certain on this, that the only difference between the models is that the pad version has thicker shock cord to be able to support the sleeping pad. As 2Q has already said, the UQP would not make a good ground sheet.

I had basically the same thoughts as you. I started with a single layer Chameleon and wanted to have the option to use a sleeping pad. This allows me to do so, or to use an underquilt and keep it protected. It will accomplish everything you're looking for with the exception of the ground sheet. It's a great product and 2QZQ are fantastic to work with. I'd highly recommend it.

**2Questions** · 08-29-2017, 15:15

I just responded to your email. Please let me know if you do not receive it.
Thank you!
Donna

**Burg54** · 08-29-2017, 16:09

I have experience with both the older version and newer UQP that supports a sleeping pad. I LOVE my 2QZQ UQP but do not use it with a pad as I have UQs. To be honest I was kind of disappointed in how it held the pad. It did not hold it near as firm as I would have liked. It was a bit saggy. The UQP for a pad was not as beefy as I think it should be for that purpose. I think its a backup solution at best for that.

If it were me, I would get a DL hammock if I knew i was going to use a pad full time. Or save up $150 and get a HG Econ UQ if you really want a single layer. Then get an UQP when funds allow.

**bigbenny** · 08-29-2017, 20:02

@Donna / 2Q

Thanks for the quick reply here and the email.

Thanks for the clarification that the UQP won't work as a ground-sheet. I was starting to come to that conclusion, but being new wasn't sure.

I see that it might not work, or work very well, if the pad is very thick (9cm/3.5")...

Thanks for the support, I agree with the others that your support is excellent.

@Cory Hess
Do you use your UQP with a pad or with an UQ? How thick was the pad and was it an inflatable type?

@Burg54

Thanks for the honest feedback. Perhaps you are right I should get the double-layer since I'm planning to use a pad on trips. I was hoping that the UQP would perform as well as a double-layer and be a modular option. Other threads I found earlier all had positive results.

@SilvrSurfr

Why not get a double layer if you intend to use a pad?

I can leave the UQP behind if I don't need it, I can't do the same with the 2nd layer in a double-layer.
There's a possibility the UQP is lighter than the difference between a single-layer and a double-layer.
I can use the UQP to protect an UQ when I use an UQ

I could store some gear in it, like clothes. I think this would be easier (and work better) on an UQP then on a double-layer hammock.
Since the UQP is suspended separately, it could hold different thickness pads. I've read that most double-layers are not gusseted. I'm not sure which would work better.

I was interested in the UQP performing double-duty as a groundsheet when I need to go-to-ground. Being cinched up and curved, I was hoping it would act similar to a bathtub groundsheet, where it protects the contents from getting wet from running ground water. From this thread I now know this idea is busted.

------------------

I am debating going single-layer or double-layer now. Either way I still plan to get a UQP for it's many benefits, such as blocking wind, and protecting an UQ (when I get one).

**2Questions** · 08-29-2017, 20:24

Bigbenny,
We only know of success using the UQP that will support a pad. The hammock forums members that were my testers reported that it worked great. If the shock cord ends and both side shock cords are cinched tight enough...but not too tight...the UQP should hold a pad in place. I'm not sure what caused @Burg54's dissatisfaction using the UQP with his pad. I would be interested in a PM from him so we can work through his issues. He might have some insight that I might need to consider and make an adjustment with the design.
Also...I'm not saying that the UQP wouldn't work with your thicker pad...I just don't know enough to say for sure.
Donna

**Cory Hess** · 08-29-2017, 21:54

After your questions I feel like I should clarify my experience. I originally bought the UQP because I had just gotten my first hammock and wanted to get some hang time before I committed the funds for an UQP. I already had a pad, so I figured that this would give me a starting point. The pad I used is an Alps Mountaineering Featherlite, which is an inflatable that is listed as a 3.5" pad. The UQP held it under me just fine. I didn't notice a huge amount of shifting. I will say that it wasn't held super tight against me, but I can't say how it compares to a double layer hammock in that regard as I've never owned a double layer hammock. I was very happy with my experience using the pad in the UQP, and it was much more comfortable and stable than using the pad inside of the hammock.

The UQP also blocks the wind from hitting the bottom of the hammock. In a naked hammock I start to get chilly if the temp drops below 70. I have been fine with just the UQP down to the low 60s. There are some reports that it will extend the lower range of an underquilt, but I can't speak to that.

I received the UQP in the beginning of August, and haven't had an occasion to use it in the field with an underquilt to this point. It just hasn't been cool enough for me to need to carry an underquilt. However, that is my plan for this fall and I don't see any reason to doubt that it will perform well in that duty.

I do feel that once I get more experienced and comfortable with my tarp setup I probably won't need the UQP protector. However, I think that it's worth carrying for now for peace of mind given it's small price and light weight.

I hope that this helps. I will try to get some pictures some time this week so that you can see how it looks with my pad.

**bigbenny** · 08-31-2017, 09:16

Originally Posted by 2Questions

Bigbenny,
Also...I'm not saying that the UQP wouldn't work with your thicker pad...I just don't know enough to say for sure.
Donna

I get you. After reading Cory's post it seems confirmed that it works with 3.5". Also, I like that you care about all feedback and continual improvement, bravo. Hopefully the info @burg54 mentioned already helps.

Originally Posted by Cory Hess

After your questions I feel like I should clarify my experience. I originally bought the UQP because I had just gotten my first hammock and wanted to get some hang time before I committed the funds for an UQP. I already had a pad, so I figured that this would give me a starting point. The pad I used is an Alps Mountaineering Featherlite, which is an inflatable that is listed as a 3.5" pad. The UQP held it under me just fine. I didn't notice a huge amount of shifting. I will say that it wasn't held super tight against me, but I can't say how it compares to a double layer hammock in that regard as I've never owned a double layer hammock. I was very happy with my experience using the pad in the UQP, and it was much more comfortable and stable than using the pad inside of the hammock.

The UQP also blocks the wind from hitting the bottom of the hammock. In a naked hammock I start to get chilly if the temp drops below 70. I have been fine with just the UQP down to the low 60s. There are some reports that it will extend the lower range of an underquilt, but I can't speak to that.

I received the UQP in the beginning of August, and haven't had an occasion to use it in the field with an underquilt to this point. It just hasn't been cool enough for me to need to carry an underquilt. However, that is my plan for this fall and I don't see any reason to doubt that it will perform well in that duty.

I do feel that once I get more experienced and comfortable with my tarp setup I probably won't need the UQP protector. However, I think that it's worth carrying for now for peace of mind given it's small price and light weight.

I hope that this helps. I will try to get some pictures some time this week so that you can see how it looks with my pad.

That's good info, and confirms that it works with a 3.5" pad. Thank you. I have zero experience but from what I've read it can help with splashing under the tarp, so you might find it still has more utility than just peace of mind.

That would be great, I'd love to see photos of it with the pad.

This brings me to another question I have that is about UQPs in general. If I understand correctly, they are to keep the UQ dry, from splash and horizontal precipitation etc., and to block wind, and as a side effect it adds a little extra warmth. These all sound pretty desirable, so why is it that an UQ doesn't have it's outer shell made from the same material as an UQP? Why aren't UQ already wind-proof and with DWR?

I read that Argon90 resists wind, sheds water, is breathable, and has DWR, and is designed to be used for the outer (and inner) shell of quilts. I haven't heavily research quilts yet since I'm planning to start with a pad, so I'm not sure what is typical of the shells. Is it more the fact that it's a second shell, so precipitation and wind has to penetrate 2 layers of Argon90 (or similar) that makes the difference? Or is it the Argon90 making the difference?

Sorry to ask so many questions. I am trying to read up on things, but there is a lot to learn.