UQ Suspension HELP!!!

**JCINMA** · 10-30-2010, 16:13

I'm staying out tonight in the hammock, and it's going to get to around 40*. I am using a poncho liner as a UQ, but I don't have a clue as to the suspension.

I have two pieces of ~5' shock cord, two cord locks, all the paracord I could ever need, and two little biners.

Please help me think of something FAST!

Thanks guys

**JohnSawyer** · 10-30-2010, 16:30

Originally Posted by JCINMA

I'm staying out tonight in the hammock, and it's going to get to around 40*. I am using a poncho liner as a UQ, but I don't have a clue as to the suspension.

I have two pieces of ~5' shock cord, two cord locks, all the paracord I could ever need, and two little biners.

Please help me think of something FAST!

Thanks guys

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ner+underquilt

Read the above thread before you start...

Put the shock cord in the bottom layer of both side channels, as you don't have enough to do all of it.

You cinch the ends a bit, (you'll need to play with it a bit to get it right.) Tie the shock cord to the corners, leave as much as you can dangling, you'll use that to suspend the liner under your hammock.

Now it's time to tie up your UQ.

You'll need a length of paracord to tie from each loose end of the shock cord through a biner clipped to your suspension just at the end of the hammock. Make it the right length so one end comes up to the middle of your head, the other end should be about your knees...

Don't make it too tight. It should be just tight enough to pull it up to your backside. You'll probably need help with this.

Ideally, you need another 15'+ of shock cord, depending on your hammock size. If you can get some more, GO!

I did this 3 weeks ago and was plenty warm at 45...

Use your windshield reflector inside your hammock to keep your feet warm.

What are you using for top insulation?

Here's a relevant thread:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ner+underquilt

**JCINMA** · 10-30-2010, 17:15

Thank you for all the help.

I'll get that done and set it up. I'm starting to lose light here in NC.

**Trooper** · 10-30-2010, 17:21

I tried the poncho liner UQ with a space blanket, 30° mummy bag, fleece top, and fleece lined coat around 40°F. I shivered all night from the cold below me. Make sure you've got a backup plan!

**JCINMA** · 10-30-2010, 18:11

Well, Thursday night I tried the same set up, but without shock cord. My paracord didn't help at all, and I ended up putting my z-lite in the hammock just to get a little insulation.

It's supposed to be a bit colder tonight, and I set up my PLUQ, which looks great, thanks to John, and I have my Z-Lite and a Trail Pro in reserve. So we'll see how it works.

You'll need a length of paracord to tie from each loose end of the shock cord through a biner clipped to your suspension

I actually didn't need to do that. Apparently, the Clark Ultralite is incredibly short. I had my shock cord tied together at the ends, and going up way past the end of the hammock. I'll put up some pics tomorrow.

The PLUQ feels great just from laying in it a few minutes. My back warmed right up. Of course, it's only about 60* right now.

**Trooper** · 10-30-2010, 18:53

With a Z-lite and poncho liner you should be fine at those temperatures. Good luck with it, and let us know how it turns out.

**JohnSawyer** · 10-30-2010, 22:32

The z-lite would probably be enough to keep warm...

If you're a warm sleeper, I think the PLUQ will be ok. Me? I'm a human Icicle.

The cool thing about a pluq, is you can add insulation to it... I added a 3'x4' piece of IX to mine, and it made it much warmer. ]

You could also get some polyethelene microfoam sheets (used in packing electronics or as floor underlayment) in between the layers, it would add a bit of warmth.

As Dejoha indicated in his design, leaving the bottom a BIT larger than the top trapped a bit of air, making it warmer...

Hope it worked out! Need pics! I want to see that Mule Tape and PLUQ in action!

**JCINMA** · 10-31-2010, 07:00

Well, the PLUQ did not live up to my expectations, but I think down to the upper 40s, I'd be fine with it.

As soon as the temp started dropping, the PLUQ just dropped off from the bottom of the hammock. I have no clue why, but it just didn't seem to work. I'll have to rig a proper suspension, and then I think I'd be fine.

I got the z-lite out, and was wonderfully warm, and then I switched out for the Trail Pro at about 4am, and was even more satisfied.

As far as pics go, I only have some for the mule tape, but that is working like a charm. I put it on my Clark, and ended up cutting half a pound from my total setup.

I just tied it in with a water knot.

And I'm using a modified marlin-spike toggle to tie it in.

And that works quite well.