Tried out my new New River UQ last night

**desmobob** · 10-03-2010, 09:17

Yesterday, I received my KAQ New River (long) UQ from Arrowhead Equipment. What a well-made product... I was very impressed with the way it looked. It actually surprised me when I pulled it out of the storage sack... it looked so nice and airy and comfortable.

Overnight temps in the low 30's were forecasted, so it was a perfect night to test out the new quilt. I strung up my ENO DoubleNest and Klemheisted a pair of loops of 2mm line to my whoopies to provide an adjustable attachment point for the New River's shock cord and mini-biner attachment system.

It only took one adjustment to get the perfect hang on the UQ. I added a short piece of 1/8" shock cord, a small cord lock and a mitten hook to the last one of the three pairs of Grosgrain loops on the New River to allow adjustment in snugging up the UQ in the foot area.

I used my REI PolarPod 35 deg. mummy bag as a top quilt, a thick polypro zip t-neck inside the New River's stuff sack for a pillow, and a light fleece watch cap on my head for warmth. I was wearing shorts and a cotton t-shirt. I didn't bother to string up a tarp.

I was very comfortable. Due to a bizarre wristwatch malfunction, I didn't spend the entire night in the hammock. (The first time I woke up and checked my Casio G-Shok Riseman after turning in, it read 3:18 am. Great! I slept halfway through the night already! The next time I checked, it said 6:28 am. Wow! I slept well. But why is it still dark out? I went in the house to find it was really 3:02 am. I was disgusted and went to bed. Dunno what's up with that watch....)

I'm leaving on a canoe/backpack bow hunt tomorrow and have decided to pack the hammock instead of the tent. A bold experiment for me, considering I haven't worked out the comfort issues yet.

The first night I slept in the hammock, I had lower back pain. Last night, I raised my tree straps and added a bit more sag. My back felt better but I had some shoulder squeeze and still didn't sleep well. I'll try a little more sag and a diagonal lay the next time. I have an adjustable ridge line to mess around with on my trip. I'm sure I'll either get things figured out or get tired enough that I'll sleep regardless.