4 Season UQ Advice

**Str1der** · 10-07-2010, 14:50

I'm fairly new to hammock camping. Just discovered this site a few days ago, and I've been soaking up knowledge ever since. I go camping in all kinds of weather, but I rarely backpack. Usually, my longest hikes are day hikes or over-nighters, so space and weight aren't huge concerns for me.

I definitely don't want to buy multiple uq's for different temperatures, and I'm interested in an uq that will protect me in winters approaching 5*F but will still be functional in 40-50*F weather. Is that possible by simply adjusting how snug it fits? I would prefer a full length uq over a 2/3 or 3/4 paired with a foot pad. The uq's I have found that are rated for sub 10*F are more expensive than I want to spend, so I'm not sure if I should try to make one myself or just bite the bullet and buy one. Is my idea of having a single uq for all four seasons realistic?

This is to be used on an ENO single nest. I have a down 0*F sleeping bag for use as an oq, as well as a few warmer weather bags. Don't really know if I am a cold or hot sleeper. Any help from the pros would be greatly appreciated by this hammock noobie!

**tjm** · 10-07-2010, 15:30

Since weight is not a concern, you could look to use things like rectangular cut synthetic or flannel sleeping bags and wool blankets.

Since wool blankets do not compress much you could place them in the hammock underneath you rather than suspended underneath the hammock itself.

**Str1der** · 10-08-2010, 10:35

That's not a bad idea for the fall, but I have an upcoming camping trip in December when the temperature will probably drop to 5*F or so.

**Festus Hagen** · 10-08-2010, 10:50

http://www.ddhammocks.com/products/underblankets

Love mine, neither especially light nor compact but nicely built. I've used mine along with a sleeping bag down to -13F (bag is rated to -30 and I do zip in).

**Raul Perez** · 10-08-2010, 10:52

Any reason why you dont want to go 2/3 or 3/4? I went to a 2/3 and I will never look back... packable, less expensive, and I've never been shivering cold down to 3*F. Of course I do have a 3 season version and a winter version.

**Str1der** · 10-11-2010, 09:04

Mostly just because I don't feel like messing with a foot pad. That's a bad reason though. I guess I'll put 2/3 and 3/4 back on the table.

**Dblcorona** · 10-11-2010, 09:43

Just an option. Saw this over the weekend and it was pretty nice.

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/Mt%20Washington.htm#MW4

**swampfox** · 10-11-2010, 16:39

My wife and I just spent the weekend with a Mt. Washington 4, rated in the single digits. I used it Friday, she used it Saturday and I switched to a Snugfit.
Night time temp never got below 50. we were both perfectly comfortable. Although, it's a great insulation, it's not like it actually generates heat.

**Lonely Raven** · 10-11-2010, 17:37

Originally Posted by swampfox

Night time temp never got below 50. we were both perfectly comfortable. Although, it's a great insulation, it's not like it actually generates heat.

There are a couple threads where people spoke like this was the case. I'm baffled by that. Or that one color material will keep you warmer in the winter than another!