Strapped-4-Cache
10-02-2010, 20:05
Cooler weather has allowe me to finally test out the IXUQ that I purchased from MacEntyre several months ago. I've read loads of good reports about them on this forum and have looked forward to using mine.
I've used an SPE until now, so I've never mounted an UQ on my hammock. After a bit of trial and error, and looking over some threads on here, I got it strung up and began to get it adjusted. I was amazed at the difference it made!
Based on what I had read I knew that the IX needed some space between the hammock and the UQ in order to insulate properly, and it needs to seal along the edges while sagging enough to provide the insulating dead air space.
Since my wife wasn't busy this afternoon I asked her if she'd mind coming outside and checking the UQ for the proper fit. We talked a bit and she convinced me that I shoujld be the one to test the fit since I'd know what to look for while she was in the hammock.
Long story short, my wife ended up in my WBBB while I adjusted the UQ suspension to get the fit just right. She then spent the next few hours enjoying the afternoon napping in MY very cozy hammock, thanks to the UQ. I'm glad to have an option other than the SPE now, though I can still use it in conjunction with the UQ when I expect a really cold night.
I'll be taking the Mac's UQ with me to Tallulah Gorge in a couple of weeks for a group camping trip, and I'm looking forward to spreading the hammock gospel again to my friends who still insist on sleeping on the hard, uneven ground. They admit they're impressed that I can get my tarp and hammock up in less time than they can manage to get halfway done with their tents and bivys. I like that I don't wake up grunting and groaning, and don't wake up in a puddle on a rainy night. Now I get to stay toasty warm on the upcoming fall nights as well, without having the rigid pad under me that I used to place between the layers.
Thanks, Mac!
- Mark (S-4-C)
I've used an SPE until now, so I've never mounted an UQ on my hammock. After a bit of trial and error, and looking over some threads on here, I got it strung up and began to get it adjusted. I was amazed at the difference it made!
Based on what I had read I knew that the IX needed some space between the hammock and the UQ in order to insulate properly, and it needs to seal along the edges while sagging enough to provide the insulating dead air space.
Since my wife wasn't busy this afternoon I asked her if she'd mind coming outside and checking the UQ for the proper fit. We talked a bit and she convinced me that I shoujld be the one to test the fit since I'd know what to look for while she was in the hammock.
Long story short, my wife ended up in my WBBB while I adjusted the UQ suspension to get the fit just right. She then spent the next few hours enjoying the afternoon napping in MY very cozy hammock, thanks to the UQ. I'm glad to have an option other than the SPE now, though I can still use it in conjunction with the UQ when I expect a really cold night.
I'll be taking the Mac's UQ with me to Tallulah Gorge in a couple of weeks for a group camping trip, and I'm looking forward to spreading the hammock gospel again to my friends who still insist on sleeping on the hard, uneven ground. They admit they're impressed that I can get my tarp and hammock up in less time than they can manage to get halfway done with their tents and bivys. I like that I don't wake up grunting and groaning, and don't wake up in a puddle on a rainy night. Now I get to stay toasty warm on the upcoming fall nights as well, without having the rigid pad under me that I used to place between the layers.
Thanks, Mac!
- Mark (S-4-C)