Haven't done much winter hammock camping but when I have my bottom side is always cold. I'm a warm sleeper but maybe I need a warmer UQ? I've read that some members feel that your quilts should be rated 20* below the temperature out, is this the general consensus? Please advise, thanks
Lots of hangers supplement their higher temp rated UQ's with foam pads, reflectix etc. to help alleviate CBS [cold butt syndrome].Originally Posted by JollyGreen
The thing about a WARMER UQ is that you can always vent to make it cooler, but you can't always add enough to stay warm.
Just my .02.
I think it's more of a test-and-see after making adjustments. Once you get it dialed in I think you should be able to take it down to, OR EVEN BELOW, the rating. Especially if you're a warm sleeper.
I've taken my 20° Incubator down to 12° and that was no problem with Capilene 4 base layer. My 40° Incubator down to about 30° with just an extra 100wt fleece jacket.
It's nice to be warm and err on the side of too much insulation, but you also want to be sure you've tried making all the adjustments before getting a new quilt.
I also believe that most uq trouble has to do with getting proper fit. Teaking and testing is so important.
I've been to 18* with my 0* incubator and I'm confident I could go much colder with it. No cold spots at all.
If you ain't havin' fun, you're doin' it wrong
Wazzup Caveman, that's my question. You have been to 18* with your 0* UQ, or approximately 20* above what it's rated for. So to go to say single digits do I need a -20* UQ? If I'm hiking at all I don't want to carry pads and extras, the quilt I carry should be enough. Car camping is one thing but hiking is another.
I really don't think so. I'm very confident that I could go to 0* with what I have. Even if I got a little cool I could put on a bit more clothing.
If you ain't havin' fun, you're doin' it wrong
I roasted in my 20* incubator when it was 27*. Everyone sleeps different, and there's a lot of variables.
Depends on calories ingested, hydration level, if the quilt ifs setup properly, wind, humidity, top insulation, clothes worn while sleeping, etc...
Since I've used both mine about 10° BELOW the rating, I think it's worth a try. I would say I'm an average sleeper but definitely not a warm sleeper.
I always take a 20x20" piece of mylar pad (automotive windshiled shade) that I can throw in just in case. It's nice to have if you get a cold butt at 4am but don't want to get out and mess around with adjustments for just a small part of your body if everything else is warm.
A couple weeks ago I used a borrowed 40* 3/4 UQ and took it down to about 28*. I was using a short z-rest CCF pad from my feet to my waist. So from waist up I had only the UQ as insulation. I was actually warmer with just the quilt than with the CCF pad. Obviously YMMV, and I was wearing a shirt and 100wt fleece, but I think with the 20* UQ that I recently ordered I should be able to go into the teens with it. Oh yeah, I was also using a 45* sleeping bag as a top quilt. Needless to say it got colder than I thought it was going to.
You can always order and purchase a UQ,,,,say a 20 degree and add a couple of oz's of down extra to it when ordering for that added warmth if you don't want to order a 0 degree and same goes for the 0 degree,,,yu can add a couple of extra ozs of down if you are a cold sleeper. I am a cold sleeper and like the extra down added to my quilts. And like everybody says, you can always vent if your too hot.
2nd CAG, CAP 2-1-5 5th Marines, 1st Mar. Div.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combined_Action_Program
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