3/4 vs Full Length

**Scottybdiving** · 02-12-2012, 12:06

I started out with a 2/3 and quickly decided it was not for me. I am an active sleeper and I spent most of my time adjusting the quilt and leg pad. I sold it to a thru hiker.

IMO, the only reasons to do a partial length are weight, pack size, and cost. Although weight concious, I am not an ultralight backpacker by any means I am always willing to carry a few ounces extra in the name of comfort. Besides, most of my packing is in a NRS dry bag for rafting.

**TiredFeet** · 02-12-2012, 12:43

TeeDee and I both use the custom Bridges and UQs he designed (described here). We use the Gossamer gear 1/4" thick Thinlight pads when we need to supplement the full length UQ.

Making the full length UQ a 3/4 length would save 3.6 oz.

Gossamer Gear specifies the weight of the pad as between 9 oz and 13.2 oz. So the pad to replace the remaining 1/4 length of the UQ for the legs would weigh between 4.5 oz and 6.7 oz.

So that meant that he would save 3.6 oz to use a pad that would weigh between 4.5 oz to 6.7 oz.

So TeeDee decided that since the full length UQ would weigh less than the 3/4 length plus pad, he just made the UQ full length and we suffer

with the lighter weight and warm legs.

Then we also have the option of supplementing with a full length pad if the temperatures are going to be below the lower limits of the UQ. We have never been that low. The theoretical lower limit of the UQs is about -20*F.

Not an option for everybody, but it just shows what good design and DIY skills can do for you. A full length UQ that weighs less than a 3/4 length plus pad.

**Rabid Deer** · 02-21-2012, 11:46

After a lot of dreaming

thinking

and an extra big check from work

I finally pulled the trigger!

I talked to Adam, who gave better customer service than I've ever had, and decided to go a little custom. Keep in mind that I am 5'6" tall.

I ordered a 0* Incubator (full length) 6" shorter, but with the same amount of down, so it will actually be overstuffed. Adam said that an UQ is way more flexible than a TQ as far as temperature rating goes. Since I am going to continue winter camping in Minnesota, I figured I might as well be comfy! It will be Olive Drab.

I also got a 20* Burrow 6" shorter, but I kept the temp rating the same, so there is less down and it will be lighter. Then I got the sewn foot box so it was a wash for pricing (less down, more labor). Adam said he had some navy blue sitting around so I got that for this quilt. In the deep cold of winter, I have a 20* synthetic that I can throw in the pulk to keep me warm.

I've never been one to go half way on anything. All or nothing! With all of the great reviews of both of these quilts from Hammock Gear, I knew I'd be getting a quality product. Thank you everyone for your help. I really appreciate it.

See you in the woods!