has anyone tried multiple UQ's?

[pixelgrunt]

I may be able to kill 2 birds with one stone here. In September, I took my 6 year old son on hist first backpacking overnighter, and naturally we both hung. He had a blast.

It was my first night to try my new 3/4 40º Phoenix UQ, and I loved it. My son used my older thermarest setup (I know, I know, what kind if dad am I? Well, let me finish). The lows that night were barely in the 50's, so everyone was comfortable.

Anyway, I was thinking. I chose the 40º 3/4 length UQ for warmer trips, maybe I should get another 40º full length UQ (Incubator). This way, my son can use the 3/4 length, and I can use the full-length on our seasonal outings together. Then, I can use both together for colder outings with my friends. I'd hope to get to 20º or so comfortably doubled-up like that.

I mentioned this idea to my wife, and she didn't dismiss me completely, which is always a good sign

Does anyone here use a similar setup? I'd probably have to ask for some extra width. Any thoughts?

[Shewie]

I asked a similar question a few weeks ago, the general consesus was that they would work together, using the 3/4 over the top of the full length to avoid any air gaps between the layers.

I should be testing the theory this weekend

[Just Jeff]

Yep - lots of folks do that. I've done it several times. JRB's 4-season set comes with three quilts...you stack the Nest and NS on bottom, then use the ORM as a TQ. It's been sold that way since about 2004.

The key is making sure the suspension system is flexible enough to ensure a good fit for all uses. E.g., putting two quilts on an elastic system designed for the weight of one quilt might result in a less-than-optimal fit. If you're using a partial quilt and a full-length quilt, you'll probably have two suspension systems...so you'll pay a weight penalty, but it should work fine.

I'd put the partial-length on the bottom, and make sure it hangs loosely enough so it doesn't compress the full-length one. Otherwise, you'll probably have an air gap under your legs.

[Shug]

I have and I do....here is my friend Timmy using two of mine together this Friday in -1º temps. JRB Hudson River (green) against the hammock, my DIY Frankenquilt 3/4 UQ outside. Jacket over footbox for gauranteed warm toes....not wearing it anyways.
Shug


Timmy the Natural by Sean Shug Emery, on Flickr

[Doctari]

At the 2011 MRHO I had:
Me
Small (the frame of my pack) CCF pad
Hammock
3/4 length quilt
KAQ New river quilt
Moly Mac 1X

So, yes you can do multiple UQs. Next time I'll put the KAQ on the OUTSIDE, in tests at home after the MRRHO I was much warmer. My theory (supported by my at home tests) is at MRHO I thought that I was not compressing the KAQ, but after getting a bit chilled from below I suspect that I WAS. Therefore, be very aware of compressing your quilts between each other.
My at home tests were only done at around 20 with only about 30 MPH winds, so I didn't get to test under full winter conditions, but I did notice a difference even then.

[MacEntyre]

Does anyone here use a similar setup?

Jacks R Better pioneered nested UQs. It's a proven concept.

I have nested a HH SS with a KAQ; a KAQ with a 50*F UQ; a Baby Orca IX UQ inside down; and a Snugfit inside a PeaPod. TZ nested two Snugfits. It works well!

... diminishing returns beyond nesting one thing inside another.

- MacEntyre

[russmay]

I use 2 a 3 season inacubator and a DIY insultec quilt .

[pixelgrunt]

So many great responses- thanks all. I tried searching before I posted, but didn't find anything. I'll go back now and try the term "nesting" to see what else I can find.

I was thinking about using the full length closest to me, then the 3/4 on the outside to minimize the potential gap, but I see recommendations up there to try the other way. I see a need to experiment now, which just means more hang time(!).

Thanks all for confirming my theory.


P i x e l

[Just Jeff]

I was thinking about using the full length closest to me, then the 3/4 on the outside to minimize the potential gap, but I see recommendations up there to try the other way. I see a need to experiment now, which just means more hang time(!).

Nope - I think you had it right. Full-length against the hammock, and partial UQ outside of that. IF you can do that without compressing the full-length.

[Roadrunnr72]

I have an Incubator that I bought last year and a Phoenix that I just got from the black friday sale. I plan on "nesting" them on a campout if Feb. Maybe sooner!!!