comfort of UQ: partial vs. full

[catalyst]

I couldn't find any specific information on this topic so I thought I'd ask. I'm close to making my first UQ purchase and I wanted to know to what degree (if any) comfort is sacrificed in a partial under quilt vs. a full. Could people who have used both comment? Thanks!

[Raul Perez]

For me no change in comfort. The only change is how big or little it packed away.

[Cannibal]

Zero difference in comfort from my view. I'm tempted to agree with Raul Perez, but my girlfriend would argue the point for way too long. She is a cold sleeper and is just not comfortable with a partial. Pretty sure it's more a function of psychology than reality, but comfort is what it is.

Comfort is my primary reason for using a hammock and I simply can't remember the last time I slept with a full length quilt outdoors. Full length offers me no benefit of comfort or warmth, just more bulk in the pack.

[Joey]

I'd say the biggest reason for a partial v/s full UQ would be for backpackers. Smaller, lighter, less room in the pack. Car camping allows you to fully comfort yourself beyond what's necessary. Backpacking you really only want to carry what's necessary.

As your body looses heat in 3 main areas: Head and neck, sides of the chest, and groin area. A 3/4 UQ covers these areas just fine. A small pad, one that you may use to sit on (dual purpose) can fit under your feet to block any cool breezes.

[mountaingoat]

I have a 1/2 and a 3/4 underquilt. Full length would be a little long for my 5'2", but one day I will have one made that is full length and just right. I'd say that the longer underquilt would be more comfortable and a lot less fussing and adjusting. I sleep cold and add a pad for my feet, and spend more time than I'd like fitting it just right and readjusting it. If you can afford the cost, the weight and the space......full length by all means.

[Snowbound]

I prefer either a 1/2 or 3/4 myself. They pack smaller and generally keep you just as warm as the full length UQ's. If I was deep winter camping I would probably opt for the larger size though.

[catalyst]

Thanks for all the comments. I'm a backpacker, which is why I'm pretty much sold on the 3/4 length, BUT I came to hammocks for the comfort and I don't want to sacrifice a lot of comfort for a couple ounces. Looks like I won't have to.

[grampa]

I tried using the short quilt with a pad, and got very frustrated with the pad. Went to a full UQ, and haven't looked back. FWIW, I primarily use my hammock backpacking.

[oldsoldier]

I have what is, I guess, a 2/3 uq, and have not experienced any cold issues. I do have a small inflatable foot pad I put down there, but it rarely stays there. Never been cold yet...

[lazy river road]

I agree with what's been said so far and say for me their is no difference in comfort. Only size. The difference is that a 3/4 wont cover your legs where a full will (obviously). They will both provide the same warmth to the area of the body that is covered. I personally like to use a 3/4 especially when on the trail but do enjoy a full length when I am car camping.

If its solely a question of comfort I personally don't find either one more or less comfortable then the other. I use different length UQ for different purposes. I find both equally comfortable.