First Underquilt

In June I will reach a 20 year milestone with my current employer and part of my length of service award is a nice cash gift. I plan to use some of it to purchase my first underquilt.

I have an ENO Doublenest and after reading this forum and looking around online I think the AHE New River underquilt in long would be the best for my budget (under $200).

What is important to me is 1) price and 2) ease of setup. It rarely dips below 30 here in the Pacific NW but I would like to stay warm and I am tired of dealing with pads.

That's the direction I am headed. Am I on the right track or are there other UQ I should be considering?

hmmm.. I'm not sure why this has not gotten any response. My apologizes for a late reply and I hope this offers some insight.

my2cents... The New River is a fantastic synthetic option for an UQ- I freaking love mine. Note that it is synthetic and it does not pack down like a down UQ. If you are worried about keeping down dry and want a synthetic I don't think you will find a better deal for the money. I usually pack mine loose, filling in the gaps of my pack.

However...Paul has recently opened up the flamethrower series which are his down quilts and most of them are under $200. If I was going to go with a new underquilt, (and I'm seriously eying one of these bad boys) I'd definitely go with one for the flamethrowers.

http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/f...ower-gear.html

I've got the eno single and have had the New River for a couple months now. It's kept me toasty warm down to 20 and it's well constructed and a great value. I admit, it does not pack down as small as I like, but I still have no problem packing for a couple days with my REI flash62. And that includes a down bag for a TQ. Once I get a proper topquilt, I know I'll save some weight and space too. Taking it on a 5 day trip in June, so we'll see how it goes.

Whenever I buy something, I always keep looking out for that next purchase. When funds allow, I'll go with down for it's packablility. The key is just getting out there and enjoying it!

Thanks for the responses. This forum is great for getting good input and thoughtful advice. I'll check out those flamethrowers as well.

Are synthetics generally easier to care for than down?

From what I know, not really. When you are in the woods maybe because its not quite as big a deal if they get a little wet, but down will outlast synthetics if it's cared for properly, i think care instructions are the same, just make sure you wash down with down specific cleaners or plain old water.

downs is a little tricky because you have to wash it with special stuff. Also it is very less forgiving when wet.

I can certainly understand being cost concious but if you are wanting to get one UQ and be done and are concerned with moisture being in the PNW then I'd suggest looking at the Zepplin from UnderGroundQuilts.

Having seen Paul's goods I can attest to them being top notch, and he can even stuff your quilt with Resist Down that is extremely water resistant. And when properly cared for Down products don't require washing very often.

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Originally Posted by Catavarie

I can certainly understand being cost concious but if you are wanting to get one UQ and be done and are concerned with moisture being in the PNW then I'd suggest looking at the Zepplin from UnderGroundQuilts.

Having seen Paul's goods I can attest to them being top notch, and he can even stuff your quilt with Resist Down that is extremely water resistant. And when properly cared for Down products don't require washing very often.

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This was going to be my suggestion. Once I buy an uq, it will be a resist down ugq, simply for this reason. I wouldn't have it any other way. Period.

Just about the time I think I have my mind made up new options come up. Oh well, it gives me something to do until June.

Those Zeppeling UQs look great. I have never owned down anything so I'll need to look into that.

One question, most of my hammock camping is done while backpacking here in the Pacific NW. I dont envision temps often dropping below 40. I have an ENO Doublenest, would you reccomend a full or 3/4 UQ?

Initially I thought a full would be best because I liked the idea of being totally encapsulated and I really don't want to deal with foot pads.

you will be very happy with an ahe new river, love mine! slept in it down to 7f, yes I got cold but its rated in the 30-35f so that should tell ya something, and its cheaper than down.

Would the folks recommending the flamethrowers comment on whether it is an appropriate underquilt for midrange temps like 40s to 60s?

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Originally Posted by CannonBeach

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Initially I thought a full would be best because I liked the idea of being totally encapsulated and I really don't want to deal with foot pads.

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i think it's up to preference at this point... Some folks will use the removable pads from inside there UL backpacks, then use the same pad as a sitting pad, then move it to the hammock for their feet. Others will get down booties. All of this is to shed weight in the pack by using one item for many purposes.

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Originally Posted by ttilberg

Would the folks recommending the flamethrowers comment on whether it is an appropriate underquilt for midrange temps like 40s to 60s?

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http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/f...ower-gear.html

"The Flame Thrower Under Quilt--- 9oz of 800 fill goose down in a 40"x54" differentially cut body. This quilt is taking most users easily to 30 degrees and some even lower. So far we have heard of one user hitting 19 and they said they were toasty. Built to be warm, we stuff each of the 8 differential baffles with just over an ounce of down each. "

yup..maybe even a little over kill for the mid-ranges. but you can vent them by toying with the suspension

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Originally Posted by toygun

http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/f...ower-gear.html

"The Flame Thrower Under Quilt--- 9oz of 800 fill goose down in a 40"x54" differentially cut body. This quilt is taking most users easily to 30 degrees and some even lower. So far we have heard of one user hitting 19 and they said they were toasty. Built to be warm, we stuff each of the 8 differential baffles with just over an ounce of down each. "

yup..maybe even a little over kill for the mid-ranges.

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Of course it can be vented just like any other quilt. :shades: I have used a FlameThrower from the 20's to the 50's....we almost never have warmer nights than that.

The Climashield -based UQs from AHE work well. Only you know whether you are likely to spend time in fog so thick and long lasting that fabrics exposed to air become wet. The durable water repellent (DWR) finish of most nylon fabric should be sufficient to keep the contents dry. (I've motorcycle-camped on the coast, and been miserable wearing cotton, which became and remained damp.)

I've used down filled UQs, most every night since October in the Willamette Valley, and been as happy as people generally are with their down filled UQs.

Last thing: With temps like you mention: Think a partial UQ to save money and bulk. Been fine for me.

Leighlo is having a going out of business sale on all of her quilts. Nobody here has ever had anything but ++ for the design and execution, and I've been pleased with mine.

http://www.hammockquilts.com/