Stupid Newbie question part 2: Underquilt

**Chris Linneman** · 07-21-2014, 22:19

Ok - 1st trip was a huge success but I determined a couple of things:
1) Pads in a hammock are a PITA. I need an uderquilt
2) 55lbs is way too much wight to hike in 3 miles at 8600 feet.
So I'd like to get an UQ that is fairly light weight. Is there a standout quilt that is a first time go-to? We'll have a winter camp with the troop in February (elev ~5300 feet, typical low around 30deg) and I'd like to be hang'n for that.
The KAQ Jarbridge looks like a contender but I'm so ignorate here that I'd like to steal ideas from those of you who are more experienced before I drop the cash. help?

**FishingJunkie92** · 07-22-2014, 16:42

Nothing wrong with a pad, everyone has a preference. I also do traditional bushcraft camping, I have had winter pack outs that weigh 40 to 60 pounds depending on the number of days I am out. But pack to hammock camping and being light. 25 pounds is a good weight I think. 15-20 is ideal, but its hard to choose a quilt when there are so many out there. I would personally go with a Hammock Gear or Underground Quilt. But Brandon over at Warbonnet and Marty from Wilderness Logics make amazing gear as well. Here in Ohio during the summer I use a poncho liner underquilt, or PLUQ as many call it. That is if I even use it. I think going to a group hang and seeing a bunch of different gear would help. I hope my ramblings have helped.

**nuttysquirrel** · 07-22-2014, 16:45

I love my jarbidge for warmer weather. It kept me warm on my last trip to 9000' @ 33 deg.

**MAD777** · 07-22-2014, 19:48

If you're objective is to travel light while backpacking, nothing will compete with high fill power down quilts. Shop UnderGroundQuilts HammockGear, WildernessLogics. For a trip that won't get below freezing, my skin out weight is less than 20 pounds, minus food, water & fuel, all of which should be gone by the time I return.

There are many hikers in that weight range. I'm not saying this to make you feel bad, but to encourage you so that you can hike comfortably and enjoy yourself more.

**ShellHammock** · 07-22-2014, 20:43

There are lots of options... i've been reading more and more recently of people who have bit the bullet on an UQ only to have issues with them fitting properly. There are all sorts of 'bling' and gizmos that are designed to help with UQ fit issues, but if you have to bite the bullet once, why get nickel and dimed afterwords? This 20° insulated hammock is ventable, adjustable, compact and easy to set-up and use time and time again.

**Wraith6761** · 07-23-2014, 00:45

I don't own a Jarbridge, but I think it's safe to say it's a very nice UQ if the New River I got from AHE is anything to go by. However, remember that synthetics will weigh slightly more, and also that if you go with a partial underquilt like the Jarbridge, you will need some kind of pad for your feet and calves.

**Atlas918** · 07-29-2014, 11:59

Parsing down what you bring will help cut your weight down a lot too. I know you think you NEED that piece of gear, but trust me, it is liberating going without it. Watch some of the videos posted by fellow hammockforums members on youtube about lightening their pack, and what lightweight gear they bring.

**Chris Linneman** · 07-29-2014, 13:31

A lot of truth to that. I knew I was overweight to start but this was my first trip and wanted to experiment a bit. Definitely learned a few things though:
1) Don't need 2L of water to hike in for 3 miles when your ending at a lake.
2) 4 steel stakes and 4 plastic stakes are more than needed for 1 tarp. And I don't need 200' of rope.
3) My sleeping bag is a brick - definitely putting a low weight down one on the Xmas list

Cold weather gear is a sticking point - don't know how to prepare for warm days and cold nights. But I'll figure that out as I go.

**Atlas918** · 07-30-2014, 08:10

Here are some videos that started getting me into lightweight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuQFA-A0tXw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quEoHrmz7fo

and this listing https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...king+gear+list

as much as you look at what they do pack, also take note of what they DON'T pack. These aren't definitive lists, as everyone's needs and comfort levels are different, but just something to get you thinking about what you do and do not need to take with you on your back.

Since watching these videos I've cut a solid 5-10 lbs off of my pack. I probably carry 20-25 for a trip, depending on number of days, weather, and a number of other factors.

**fishwater** · 07-30-2014, 08:42

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...&thumb=1&stc=1
I've attached my sub 10 pound gear list if it helps. I like my hammock gear 20 degree quilt, because Summer nights in the Northeast can still get into the 40's-50's. It's dry out west so down is probably the way to go.