Underquilt air gaps

**Mrprez** · 05-27-2009, 20:31

The KAQ is not a flat, rectangular UQ. It is shaped and cut specifically for Hennessy Hammocks. This helps to eliminate gaps if the suspension is setup right. It can also be hung so that gaps are present for milder weather when you need to vent off some of the warmth.

**klaatu** · 06-03-2009, 10:33

Has anyone placed shockcord channels down the length of the UQ on the hammock side? It seems to me that 3 or 4 of those taut or slightly stretched would cause the UQ to conform to the hammock in a gathered end hammock. I'm going to try it when I make my climashield UQ in a few months.

**warbonnetguy** · 06-03-2009, 10:37

part of the problem with the gap is that the spot under your knees curves upward, it's not that the quilt is sagging necessairly (although it could be). so even a quilt that's pulled flat to the bottom of the hammock (or shockcord or whatever) cannot bend inward/upward into that void. this might help with spots where the uq hangs down, but i don't think it would eliminate the one under the legs

**warbonnetguy** · 06-03-2009, 10:44

Originally Posted by Merganser

Also, how large does a void have to be before it become a "cold spot". Is full contact necessary or just close?

it depends on your metabolism, a warm sleeper might not be bothered by one while a cold sleeper might. the larger the gap the more warm air it will let escape.

also depends on outside temp too. if it's only 60deg outside you might not feel it, wheras if it's 20 you're more likely to.

basically, the more snug it fits the better, especially for cooler weather

**klaatu** · 06-03-2009, 11:15

Originally Posted by warbonnetguy

part of the problem with the gap is that the spot under your knees curves upward, it's not that the quilt is sagging necessairly (although it could be). so even a quilt that's pulled flat to the bottom of the hammock (or shockcord or whatever) cannot bend inward/upward into that void. this might help with spots where the uq hangs down, but i don't think it would eliminate the one under the legs

WBG - I am moving from the pad to the UQ, so I don't know much about them. Are you saying that the 'underleg' gap is inside the hammock? Is the gap the reason why some hangers prefer a 3/4 or 2/3 UQ? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to make sure I build my UQ correctly.

**Cannibal** · 06-03-2009, 11:21

The 'gap' warbonnetguy is talking about is between the hammock and the underquilt, outsite of the hammock. And yes, I suspect that is part of the reason for the popularity of the short UQs. The uqs come just about to the point where that gap opens up, but because of the draft tubes on the ends it seals off pretty good. A short pad under the remainder of your exposed legs and feet and you're all set!

The other reason, for me, to switch is the lower weight of the short UQs. Same amount of warmth for less weight. Plus, plus, plus, he's selling they Yetis for $175 right now so they are relatively cheap too! For less than $200 you can get down to 30F comfortable and for less weight. The magnetic poles of the Earth must have flipped or something.

**klaatu** · 06-03-2009, 11:31

Originally Posted by Cannibal

The other reason, for me, to switch is the lower weight of the short UQs. Same amount of warmth for less weight. Plus, plus, plus, he's selling they Yetis for $175 right now so they are relatively cheap too! For less than $200 you can get down to 30F comfortable and for less weight. The magnetic poles of the Earth must have flipped or something.

Thanks for clearing that up for me. The Yetis are down, aren't they? I may be allergic...

**Cannibal** · 06-03-2009, 11:33

Yes, they are down. Allergies suck!

**Merganser** · 06-04-2009, 06:38

Originally Posted by warbonnetguy

part of the problem with the gap is that the spot under your knees curves upward...

That does seem to be the #1 problem area. In working out my shape with just a single layer of fabric I found that adding a cord in the center of the ends (like the JRB end mod) really had a positive impact on that.

I made a prototype out of an old (heavy) sleeping bag and put fourloops on the ends of that (none being exactly in the center). Besides the weight being a challenge the gap was back. My conclusion is the center end cord is key. I'm going to correct that and do test hang this weekend.

**warbonnetguy** · 06-04-2009, 12:20

Originally Posted by Merganser

That does seem to be the #1 problem area. In working out my shape with just a single layer of fabric I found that adding a cord in the center of the ends (like the JRB end mod) really had a positive impact on that.

I made a prototype out of an old (heavy) sleeping bag and put fourloops on the ends of that (none being exactly in the center). Besides the weight being a challenge the gap was back. My conclusion is the center end cord is key. I'm going to correct that and do test hang this weekend.

best is to have someone else lay in there while you inspect and poke around