KAQ put to the test

**guySmiley** · 04-12-2009, 21:21

I got to put my Potomac to the test last night, really for the first time.

There was little to no wind to speak of, but it got down to the mid twenties where I was. I had no idea that it was that cold until nature called very early in the morning and I had to get out to take care of things.

I didn't have the quilt in "cold mode" either. I just had all the shock cords pulled pretty tight and it worked perfectly.

I'm completely satisfied with the Potomac. I'm all but certain that I could take it down to 20 degrees without adding any insulation to the hammock system, and it's probably my favorite gear choice since I dumped tents for my hammock.

Here's a photo:

**Preacha Man** · 04-12-2009, 21:23

5oz Climashield XP is great stuff, I have yet to be cold in my quilt set that my wife has made me. Sounds and looks like a good time.

Dwight

**gRaFFiX** · 04-12-2009, 23:53

I'm pretty new to hammocking and I wonder if this will work with an ENO Singlenest, so where can I get in on this UQ? Anyone with a website?

**Mrprez** · 04-13-2009, 05:45

Originally Posted by Graffix_Skull

I'm pretty new to hammocking and I wonder if this will work with an ENO Singlenest, so where can I get in on this UQ? Anyone with a website?

I have a quilt that is being evaluated by several forum members that would fit your ENO. It may be a few weeks before the design is finalized though.

**Manbert** · 04-13-2009, 10:00

I saw guySmiley's KAQ in action and was impressed. Enough so that I am ordering one for myself.

**MrGreen** · 04-13-2009, 12:16

What type of tq or bag were you using ?

**guySmiley** · 04-13-2009, 12:56

Originally Posted by MrGreen

What type of tq or bag were you using ?

I was using a my 17 degree synthetic bag as a quilt. Funny enough, if anything got cold it was was coming from on top, not from underneath. That was due to a foot or a hand sticking out from the bag though, not from insulation failure.

**bwg** · 04-13-2009, 16:21

GuySmiley -- Is that one of Mrprez's quilts or is that one made by someone else? If a Mrprez quilt, is it a standard Potomac or did you have extra insulation added? Mrprez had one for sale earlier but stated it was good to about 40F and now I am wondering whether he has more than one version or if he was being overly conservative in his estimate for low temperature.

**Rushthezeppelin** · 04-13-2009, 17:00

I think Mrprez airs on the side of underestimating his quilts temp ratings. He has said 40 but a few so far have reported being fine in the 20s. I'd say (from observation) he rates his stuff for the coldest sleepers out there. Not 100% though if smileys isn't "overstuffed" (not sure the term you would use for insulation like climashield that comes in sheets and not in the form of a fill).

**Mrprez** · 04-13-2009, 17:00

GuySmiley's is a custom quilt made by me with a double layer of insulation. He really had to twist my arm hard to get me to make that one. It is very hard to sew 3 inches of insulation. I am always on the conservative side when asked about temp ratings. Everyone is different as is every situation. One person may be comfortable into the 20s while another may not be comfortable in the 50s.