Having trouble eliminating drafts in my WBBB XLC with 3/4 UQ

**MatthewStenger** · 04-15-2014, 07:04

Hi. I have been using the TeWa 3 season 3/4 length UQ with my XLC for the past 2 weeks now, and I am still getting drafts come in from the foot end. I have got the head in snugged up tight, but the foot box design of the XLC seems to create a ridge in the middle of the hammock and cold air travels right down it. It has been warm enough that it has not been an issue but tonight it may drop below 20 and I want to snug this thing up.

Just to clarify the issue, the hammock seems to concave up in the middle right around where my knees lie, and I have not been able to figure away to stop the draft which this creates.

**Redpath** · 04-15-2014, 07:32

Same issue with mine...but at both ends. I was wondering if draft collars be the answer, but have not researched them yet.

**Canoefor2** · 04-15-2014, 07:36

I have the xlc and understand about the ridge in the center, however I do not have a underquilt and use a space blanket in between the layers. I would think that if you had a thermorest and half to three quarters inflat and place in between the layers that it may help stop the ridge. That is the next think I am going to try.

**Shug** · 04-15-2014, 07:37

Does the UQ have the ability to cinch the ends from side to side? If so....loosen those a bit and see if that helps.
Carry forth.
Shug

**aboyd** · 04-15-2014, 07:47

+1 on what Shug said, I have cinched mine too tight before and gotten gaps. I also use some of Dutch's quilt hooks to help pull the quilt up snug.

**MatthewStenger** · 04-15-2014, 07:50

Originally Posted by Shug

Does the UQ have the ability to cinch the ends from side to side? If so....loosen those a bit and see if that helps.
Carry forth.
Shug

I will try that Shug.

You might be flattered to hear that when hiking I met a lady who, as soon as she saw my hammock, started asking me if I had seen your videos and was carrying on about how delightful you are.

**mrcheviot** · 04-21-2014, 19:03

I agree re: not overtightening the foot end cinch. Few other minor things to try out..

How close to the zipper is your shoulder? Very close to the zipper will make you more asym and distribute pressure against foot end more evenly across the hammock instead of along the length of the hammock, which should help eliminate the large channels you mention.

While adhering to the 30 degree rule, be sure you're raising your foot end at least 6 inches above your head end. I've actually found 10" to be about right for me. The point of this is to make sure you're positioned correctly fore/aft in the hammock, which again will help eliminate the channels.

Perhaps an obvious one, but when once you've found your sweet spot try and push the excess fabric in the center of the hammock towards the outside with your legs and arms.

Lastly, a symptom of a hung-too-tightly hammock are ridges. Try putting some slack in your suspension as an experiment (which will slacken the RL as well) - if this helps then perhaps consider shortening your RL slightly before setting it up as per normal again.

And practice hangs in the yard are invaluable.. good luck.