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Under quilt protectors
I have a Warbonnet Blackbird 1.7 double layer hammock that I haven't used yet. Plan to go to the everglades (10 K island) area in February. Temps average 55 at night. Would an under quilt protector (aka 2qzq) by itself provide some protection? I will be set up on the beach (w/tripods) so it will be breezy. I also want to protect from blowing rain. A closed cell foam pad will be used in between the bottom layers.
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If you are not a cold sleeper, you should be fine.
For me, though, an UQ is optimal to prevent discomfort.
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If you have a good sized tarp, you should be fine. Even if the outer layer if the hammock gets a bit damp, the pad will keep you and the inner layer dry.
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With low temps of 55, the pad itself might be warm enough, perhaps too much. An UQ by itself will probably be good enough as well. In either case, witht he expected wind, I hang my poncho under my hammock as a windshield. I am already carrying it, so it isn't an additional piece of gear. Do you use a poncho or jacket for rain?
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Depending on the CCF thickness, either it, or just the UQ, might be enough. Can you test your choices at home, prior to your trip, so that you don't over pack?
Some folks do not intentionally choose breezy campsites, in order to save the weight of carrying the extra insulation. If that is done for bug protection, that is different than just an insulation concern. Could you search for a wind chill calculator for your expected temperatures, as a rough guide to your insulation needs?
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The UQ protector is a great piece of gear to own. It packs down very small and weighs nothing. Adds some warmth by keeping out the wind and helps keep things dry. Wind over a wet surface = air conditioning.
You can't go wrong with bringing one along.
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Depending on wind speed at the stated temp a WS of 10 mph will drop you from 55* to approx 51*.
Here is a chart and calculator
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ssd/html/windchil.htm
Personally for the weight I would take the UQP it's a light weight insurance policy. Don't under estimate the ability of the wind to blow mist under your tarp and foo-bar your UQ.
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for me at 55 i can fill the cold under me but it dont bother me to bad.
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With a closed cell pad (even a thin one) and the protector, you should be fine at 55 degrees, even with a high wind. During Dec and Jan, it can get colder, maybe even down to 40 degrees. Not common, but not unusual either. I know the wind can get crazy on those islands, but I think you'll still be warm enough. One thing to watch for is if the wind gets in between the protector and you hammock, then it might get a little cool, but you'd still be warm enough with the closed cell pad between the two layers of the hammock.
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What size tarp are you planning on using?