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Haven't done much winter hammock camping but when I have my bottom side is always cold. I'm a warm sleeper but maybe I need a warmer UQ? I've read that some members feel that your quilts should be rated 20* below the temperature out, is this the general consensus? Please advise, thanks
Lots of hangers supplement their higher temp rated UQ's with foam pads, reflectix etc. to help alleviate CBS [cold butt syndrome].Quote:
Originally Posted by JollyGreen
The thing about a WARMER UQ is that you can always vent to make it cooler, but you can't always add enough to stay warm.
Just my .02.
I think it's more of a test-and-see after making adjustments. Once you get it dialed in I think you should be able to take it down to, OR EVEN BELOW, the rating. Especially if you're a warm sleeper.
I've taken my 20° Incubator down to 12° and that was no problem with Capilene 4 base layer. My 40° Incubator down to about 30° with just an extra 100wt fleece jacket.
It's nice to be warm and err on the side of too much insulation, but you also want to be sure you've tried making all the adjustments before getting a new quilt.
I also believe that most uq trouble has to do with getting proper fit. Teaking and testing is so important.
I've been to 18* with my 0* incubator and I'm confident I could go much colder with it. No cold spots at all.
Wazzup Caveman, that's my question. You have been to 18* with your 0* UQ, or approximately 20* above what it's rated for. So to go to say single digits do I need a -20* UQ? If I'm hiking at all I don't want to carry pads and extras, the quilt I carry should be enough. Car camping is one thing but hiking is another.Quote:
Originally Posted by Caveman
I really don't think so. I'm very confident that I could go to 0* with what I have. Even if I got a little cool I could put on a bit more clothing.
I roasted in my 20* incubator when it was 27*. Everyone sleeps different, and there's a lot of variables.Quote:
Originally Posted by JollyGreen
Depends on calories ingested, hydration level, if the quilt ifs setup properly, wind, humidity, top insulation, clothes worn while sleeping, etc...
Since I've used both mine about 10° BELOW the rating, I think it's worth a try. I would say I'm an average sleeper but definitely not a warm sleeper.
I always take a 20x20" piece of mylar pad (automotive windshiled shade) that I can throw in just in case. It's nice to have if you get a cold butt at 4am but don't want to get out and mess around with adjustments for just a small part of your body if everything else is warm.
A couple weeks ago I used a borrowed 40* 3/4 UQ and took it down to about 28*. I was using a short z-rest CCF pad from my feet to my waist. So from waist up I had only the UQ as insulation. I was actually warmer with just the quilt than with the CCF pad. Obviously YMMV, and I was wearing a shirt and 100wt fleece, but I think with the 20* UQ that I recently ordered I should be able to go into the teens with it. Oh yeah, I was also using a 45* sleeping bag as a top quilt. Needless to say it got colder than I thought it was going to.
You can always order and purchase a UQ,,,,say a 20 degree and add a couple of oz's of down extra to it when ordering for that added warmth if you don't want to order a 0 degree and same goes for the 0 degree,,,yu can add a couple of extra ozs of down if you are a cold sleeper. I am a cold sleeper and like the extra down added to my quilts. And like everybody says, you can always vent if your too hot.
i have all ways slept cold so i find a few more clothes on or something along those lines but i all so do not sleep with a under quilt i just have my foam sleeping pad.
I have a 0° incubator, I took it to -22°Quote:
Originally Posted by JollyGreen
I think ratings are conservative, especially if you set them up right.
This is the only reason I do not like the full length UQ. Too many people "replace" the pad with the FL UQ. A torso sized pad should be in every pack for colder temps. In fact the pad never leaves my pack. The UQ gets left behind in hot weather where you only need something a couple hours a night and the torso sized pad is used.Quote:
Originally Posted by JollyGreen
The pad will cover going to ground, UQ wet/malfunction, and added warmth for unexpected temp drop. If I know I am going to be camping at the temp rating of the UQ I will include a larger pad to boost my insulation. Also I have never heard anybody complain about having more padding for your camp seat:).
Oh yeah, If you are only going to buy 1 UQ, get one that covers 3 season use for your region then supplement with a pad. Most people hike more Spring/Fall and only do an occasional winter trip. When in doubt go with the warmer quilt. Do not assume you can go 10-20* below a quilts temp rating. There are too many variables. I have used a 20* at 0* and then the next trip start getting cold when temps went below 20*.
A small pad is just being prepared for a small weight/bulk penalty. You can tell not taking a pad pushed one of my buttons. Long live the (short) pad!:D
Doesn't a pad block your body warming the down underquilt? I bought my underquilt to not have to have a pad that is far less comfortable than the hammock material and comfort.Quote:
Originally Posted by hangnout
The point was that not taking a small pad because you have a full length UQ is not safe in cold temps. I agree that a FL UQ is more comfortable than a pad. I would only use the pad to supplement the UQ when needed or if I had to sleep on the ground because of a gear failure.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bosman
The partial UQ's are a way of saving weight by hikers who are carrying the short pad anyways. They are a good balance between weight, comfort, and safety.
Full Length UQ's ,with a short pad for backup, are the most comfortable but have a weight penalty for the UL hiker that is carrying the short pad for safety.
I use a UQ that does not require a pad but I always have the pad with me. I chose a little more comfort over weight:) but I don't sacrifice the safety factor that a pad provides.
BTW the pad provides warmth when your body and UQ can not keep up with the cold. Don't use the pad until it is needed but if you don't have it the only option is cold.
I took my zero incubator down to 3 at the NJ winter hang and certainly could of gone lower and been comfortable. I've taken my twenty down to 15 or so and probably could get to around ten with it. When I pack for a trip (not car camping) I take my clothing into consideration. So if the weather is going to lets say get down to ten Ill bring my 20 rated quilt and clothing to supplement. I have to bring the clothing anyways to wear around camp and keep warm so I may as well sleep in them. If its going to be below 10 well then ill take my zero incubator and take a bit less clothing (for around camp and to sleep in) because my quilts are warmer. Its a balancing act and it really comes down to how warm or cold of a sleeper you are. I also always carry a torso length pad weather it be a 3/4 or full lengh UQ in case of emergency and I need to boost the temp of my UQ or (and I even hate mentioning it) going to ground.
I use a FL 20* UQ in winter. with a 20F TQ or 5F SB depending on how cold it will get.
No fan of the weight or bulk of a 0* UQ plus I only do 3-4 true winter hangs so it's hard to justify the cost of a 3rd UQ.
I've added a breathable UQP and sleep in a big down jacket and insulated over pants when the temps get below 20F.
It has been good down to +5F
YMMV
UQ with UQP
I usually suspend the UQ asap to allow it to loft but don't put it under the hammock until bed time.
I use the hammock as a seat and found the UQ just gets in the way.
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