UQ or Pad?

[GoatHanger]

You can vent the UQ very easily. For that reason, most would recommend a 20° quilt set for year round. You can vent when it's warm, and supplement with a liner and/or clothing when it's colder.

I faced the same decision when purchasing my quilt set (what temp rating for most versatility). I went with a 20° Burrow/Incubator. The lowest I've had them so far is 38°, and I didn't know it was that cold until I got out of the hammock and checked the weather.

I still have a thermarest ridgerest pad, but I don't know when I'll use it again. Probably just for spare gear when someone else wants to come along, and my spare quilt is already in use.

There is a very special feeling of satisfaction that comes with being so warm and comfortable in your hammock, when it's cold outside of it.

[DuctTape]

Only downside with pads for me is the bulk. Come winter, they are my insulation of choice. I do not have condensation issues, but I use the pads in the negative twenties. I can't beat ccf at those temps.

[hutzelbein]

Not sure if everybody saw that you're using a bridge hammock. Pads in gathered end hammocks mostly suck; but with bridge hammocks it's a different thing. Especially since you have a double layer. I have the RR and a lynx, and although I'm not built like a tank, I have had shoulder pain. I was told by Brandon, that a self inflating pad between the layers helps with that. I haven't had the chance to use my RR extensively with a pad, but I'd say, there are some big pros for using a pad in your case.

[sr1355]

Ahhh... Pad vs UQ, for me in a gathered end hammock the UQ is certainly my insulation of choice. I used a pad on several occasions during my early days with little success. It affected the comfort of the hammock and didn't provide the coverage I get from a UQ. Now in a WBRR the pad stays put and has a different effect on the comfort, making for a firmer sleeping platform, some like this and some don't. It is nice to have a dual function piece of bottom insulation but on of the benefits of the WBRR is the smaller and lighter UQ that it requires offsetting the weight of the hammock over gathered end hammocks.

Our 20*F AMBUSH UQ with HD850GGD, specifically designed for the WBRR, is just over 17oz, that's a full 10oz lighter than a 20*F ZEPPELIN UQ with HD850GGD. Why??? Much smaller quilt volume, much less fabric, no draft collars needed, and no major suspension required. This zeros out the weight of the stock poles for the WBRR. We also offer a 0*F version and both are available in HD700GDD or HD850GGD, both a fully vent-able to control warmth and extend upper limit use.

[ksbcrocks]

I've never used an underquilt, but I find that I'm more comfortable overnight in my 10 foot gathered end hammock with a 25 inch wide ccf pad than without it. I like the extra firmness and I seem to get a flatter lay than when I just hang in the hammock with nothing underneath me.

[Jaker]

Well guys I went ahead and pulled the trigger on a WB Full Length Lynx UQ! I chose the 20 degree version because it rarely gets into the single digits here.

Should be plenty comfortable in my WBRR now! Should feel like I'm in bed and fully enclosed in down goodness!

Thanks for all of the help and giving me that extra push to close the deal haha

[GoatHanger]

Nice! Post back with your impressions after your first use.

[dontknowyet]

Fantastic! I have had the Full Length Winter Lynx for a couple years and it is my favorite single piece of gear. I have used it a few times at 0 deg and it is so toasty and comfortable. I'm sure you will be very happy with your choice!

[Floridahanger]

Good for you. And you can still use the pad between the layers when it gets colder than the UQ rating.

First test the UQ to see if you need more insulation to feel warm, then, if needed, add the pad you have anyways. It's a win/win.

[Jtupnsmoke]

Not sure if everybody saw that you're using a bridge hammock. Pads in gathered end hammocks mostly suck; but with bridge hammocks it's a different thing. Especially since you have a double layer. I have the RR and a lynx, and although I'm not built like a tank, I have had shoulder pain. I was told by Brandon, that a self inflating pad between the layers helps with that. I haven't had the chance to use my RR extensively with a pad, but I'd say, there are some big pros for using a pad in your case.

I get that same shoulder pain sometimes in my RR. I've never tried a pad with my RR, but often wonder if I would like it better than my Lynx. I think I am too afraid I'd like the $5 pad better and not the $240 underquilt so I refuse to find out.