Pad vs. Underquilt

So I am new to the forums here. Found the forum through BPL and am very interested in the idea of underquilts. I have used hammocks for as long as I can remember but have never had an underquilt. I live in Utah so my trips have been in the Uintahs where temps are generally cold at night. We always used a CCF pad with a properly rated sleepign bag or top quilt and never had problems with getting to cold. In terms of lightwieght I would think the CCF pad trumps the underquilt so I am wondering what your opinions are on this. What are the benefits of each and which is preferable for lightwieght backpackign and hammock use?

ccf is bulkier but lighter and waterproof. UQ's comfort hard to be rivaled in my own experience. If weight's the only concern ccf is absolutely doable, if you can feel a pea under your mattress I'd go quilt or high quality pad. my .02. Also CCF gives you the option to go-to ground if you're in an area where it's a possibility you might have to.

The option to go to the ground is always good even though I hate to do it, I have had to do so in order to fish some high mountain lakes above tree line before.

Thats what Im talking about! True fisherman!!!!!!! Very nice indeed. Now the truth, was it for the sport or were you out of food ?! :laugh:

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Originally Posted by zscott

The option to go to the ground is always good even though I hate to do it, I have had to do so in order to fish some high mountain lakes above tree line before.

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Go above treeline to fish and then back down to sleep :).

In all seriousness - depending on which quilt you choose, the weight difference can actually become negligible. The Warbonnet Yeti is only 13 ounces and brings you down to 20*. All you need is a small (2'x2') pad for your lower legs and feet.

Pros/Cons are the following for me:

UQ pros:
- More comfortable for most people
- Do a bit better job at lower temperatures (well below freezing)
- More comfortable
- Less possibility for 'sweaty back' or 'cold shoulders'

Pad pros:
- Cheaper and sometimes lighter (although not always - see above)
- Allows going to ground in an emergency (hopefully this can be avoided)



Personally, I go with the UQ - I need the comfort - that's why I switched to hammocks to begin with.

Like this?

I currently have both set ups since recently acquiring a 15* 800 fill down sleeping bag. I will be testing the the bag/pad rig for the next 3 nights with temps predicted to be in the high 20's/low 30's. Common for where I"m hiking & fishing this year.
Picture is of Lightning Lake, which is on my bucket list. Will be coming in from the south over the plateau. Trek is 2 days in, 2 days out with stops at other good lakes a little lower in altitude. Lightning Lake is known for its big golden trout.
Will post a review of the bag/pad later. The big problems with the high altitude hikes are high winds and storms with lightning along with an occasional blizzard.

Always fishing for sport, but I also like to eat them as well. I picked up an old down sleeping bag off the FS forum a while back so once I get around to turning it into an underquilt, I will have a better idea of that world. It seems from the various posts on this topic that it comes down to preference. (Seems to be that way with just about everything in life.)

Lightning lake and Golden Trout..............Sounds like something I should be doing. Have fun!

In my case realistically I cant afford to drop three hundred bucks and dont have time for a DIY. I just spent over $150 on a self inflating pad and by golly I am gonna use that sucker!! Like it or not we are gonna make it work!!!! Until further notice, Pad for me ! Unless, someone is interested in a Summit Self Inflating Pad!:lol::lol:

Anyone use one of these? How does it perform in the summer? Too hot? Looking for a pad for low in the 60's w/ a 45 degree bag. Looks like it would also be nice as a second bottom layer.

Attachment 47188

Since there are occasions where I am hiking in scrub with no trees I do have to go to ground so I plan on using a pad. What pad is best to dry (I know they are waterproof but some might hold water better on there surface) and would be good to an absolute minimum of 20° farienhiet, whither appropriating rated sleeping bag of course

I just got one and have used it down to 45F or so in testing in my yard. I taped a thin piece of fleece on the up side so as to put some airspace between myself and the radiant part (you need air space for the heat to radiate in) and to keep the moisture problem at bay. It works well since fleece doesn't really compress well and I was using a cheaper 30F (maybe) bag I own. Actually I was a little too warm so I think it could go to 40F or maybe 35F pretty easily. I'm thinking of sewing a lightweight fleece 'sock' for the pad for these cool but not cold nights. I have not backpacked with this setup and was also wearing just a cotton shirt and sweat pants. In true camping setup I'd be wearing more appropriate clothing for the temps.

During the shoulder seasons, I use a windshield sun visor as a pad. Its really warm, one side is aluminum like a space blanket.