3/4 or full length underquilts?

[WestCoastWhale]

All,

First time poster who has been absorbing as much information as possible for the last month and lurking for the last two years or so, on and off.

To get the question out of the way first do you recommend a 3/4 or full length underquilt and why? You really don't have to read any further than this unless you want to.

My son and I went on our first hammock trip Friday night to test our new gear and overall it went well. We are both using Hennessy hammocks, Scout and Explorer Deluxe zips. Easy to get here in Canada.

Temps went down to 7.5°C (44.5°F) and it rained hard all night, thunder and lightening, it was amazing. I loved it, my son said it was too loud to sleep at first with the rain bouncing off the tarps. He has lots to get used to!

He is 10 years old and was toasty warm on a 27" x 3/8" full length CCF pad that has been trimmed down near the legs to be about 18" wide. On top of this pad I've strapped a light fleece blanket, he has a down -7°C (19°F) mummy bag used as a top quilt. No noticeable condensation. I'm thinking the fleece may have helped absorb some of it as he normally sleeps hot and sweats at night even at home.

I used a Hennessy Radiant Double Bubble Pad XL with a -12°C (10°F) mummy bag used as a top quilt and woke up slightly chilled on my back a few times, definite condensation and actually changed my top at around 2:30am due to it being wet near the waist. In the morning my bag was slightly damp, nothing to worry about.

We both wore warm pants, tops, socks, to sleep in.

Now I want an underquilt and can't seem to come to a decision on 3/4 or full length, I'm 6'2". I've read compelling arguments for each. This year will be my son's first backpacking trip and my first in about 15 years. Things sure have changed.

[12trysomething]

My first UQ's were all Incubators (full length) from Hammock Gear. Starting out I went that route for a few reasons: 1) I was afraid of being cold and I didn't want to have a bad experience knowing you can't add onto it once you have it. 2) I was working my way into lighter gear and the benefit of a lighter UQ was't high on my priority list due to my first reason. Recently I have gone to a Phoenix (3/4 UQ) from HG for my summer system. 3) I am 6' and I wasn't sure how a 3/4 would work. I knew a full length would.

I know many have started with 3/4 and had no issues and in fact I most likely could have as well. That being said, if I had to do it all over again, I would have stayed with a Incubator as my quilt length. I hope this helps.

- Rob

[Rolloff]

I hike, that makes me weight conscious. I am also short. 2/3 or 3/4 length UQs probably provide me a bit more coverage than average.

I also sleep warm and would rather just put on more of the clothes that I'm already carrying, before considering more better insulations.

With a week's worth of food and full ration of water, my pack is full. More insulation either means, less food or pay the man for a larger volume pack.

I think that's it...Oh yeah, I found a sweet deal on a 20 degree 3/4 length HG Clone, made by one of our very own, in the HF FS section.

[hutzelbein]

As an extremely cold sleeper, I only use full-length underquilts. A full-length underquilt will always provide more (consistent) warmth.

Which underquilt will be best for you depends.

If you sleep cold, you might want to consider a full-length uq. If you sleep warm or hot, you might not benefit a lot from a full-length uq.
If you already carry a sit pad, a partial uq will save you weight.
If you move a lot in your sleep, a full-length uq will be easier to use, since it doesn't slip like a sit pad does.

In my opinion, the only real reason to go with a partial underquilt is to save weight and volume. In all other categories, a full-length underquilt wins.

[ironfish77]

I am 5 ft. 2 ins. sort of short. I am definitely a cold sleeper.

I started with a 3/4 underquilt. I do not like the ridge the end of the quilt makes, switched to full length UQ, it works better for my needs. I am not fiddling around in the night getting comfortable, no ridge from the UQ with the full length.

[kayak karl]

3/4 above 40, full below.

[12trysomething]

3/4 above 40, full below.

This is spot on - well said.

[Bannerstone]

I use partial length for 20* and above.

David

[TallPaul]

I use partial length for 20* and above.

David

Ditto for me

[WestCoastWhale]

Thanks everyone,

Just pulled the trigger on a Hammock Gear Incubator 0°, 2 sets of whoopie slings, and some Zing-it. Actually meant to order about 6 Dutch hooks and forgot, oh well, next time.

Next quilt will likely be a 3/4 30°.

Thanks again!