Get Winter Sock or stick with UQ Protector?

**MarkThompson** · 01-06-2016, 19:26

I've got a HG Cuben Fiber Hex Tarp w/ doors, but I'm thinking of using the winter sock for winter/inclement camping.

I just returned from a 9 day winter (mild) trip, and two of the days it rained -- one time the rain came at me SIDEWAYS because we were on top of a mountain and the wind was brutal. I had my underquilt protector, so my quilt stayed dry, but I'm sure I still lost a lot of heat.

Should I A) just deploy the doors and stick with my UQ protector or B) get a winter sock and scrap the UQ protector?

If a Winter Sock is your preferred method, which one should I go with. I've seen a few and I'm thinking of Warbonnet Outdoors Travel Sock. I'm hoping it would fit my 10' Dream Hammock. It seems best for me because it's only 9 oz and I like the zipper entry method.

Thoughts?

**oldpappy** · 01-06-2016, 19:42

My 2C worth - I have a UQP (6oz), a Tyvek sock (8 oz), and a sock I made from a car cover (10oz). I do 1 long winter campout every year (Trout fishing) where the night temps get down to 20F and it is windy.
Either Sock will beat the UQP 100% under these conditions - UQP/hammock tend to act like a funnel and collects blowing snow.
Above 40F I go to the UQP due to easy to pack, easy to vent, and light weight. My Socks are bulky due to the material I make them from, but I also use them as a bed roll - hammock/UQ/TQ rolled up in it and attached to outside of my pack.
You can make one in a couple hours - no sewing. I'll attach a picture.
Tyvek sock: https://www.hammockforums.net/galler...r=27438Cinches up around your shoulders/neck - head outside
Car cover sock: https://www.hammockforums.net/galler...mageuser=27438
Note: the round things are bottle tops used as tarp tie-outs - string goes to a biner on the ridgeline to close up bottom of sock.

Your tarp is much better than my small a-sym tarp so you'll have to consider that. I don't even deploy my tarp unless it's going to be a wet night.

**binfordw** · 01-07-2016, 01:01

I just ordered a winter sock (dutchware), really hoping its the ticket to keeping my wife completely snug. We seem to struggle in breezy conditions, we have the cold weather quilts, but stopping the wind seems key.

**hutzelbein** · 01-07-2016, 04:57

I prefer to use a sock when it's cold and windy. My UQP is for warmer nights. I can totally recommend the WB sock. If it turns out that the regular sock doesn't fit, you can always get the XL sock.

**MarkThompson** · 01-07-2016, 09:42

Originally Posted by hutzelbein

I prefer to use a sock when it's cold and windy. My UQP is for warmer nights. I can totally recommend the WB sock. If it turns out that the regular sock doesn't fit, you can always get the XL sock.

Thank! I'll be ordering one real soon then.

**ShortRound** · 01-07-2016, 12:54

Originally Posted by binfordw

I just ordered a winter sock (dutchware), really hoping its the ticket to keeping my wife completely snug. We seem to struggle in breezy conditions, we have the cold weather quilts, but stopping the wind seems key.

**OutandBack** · 01-07-2016, 14:36

Hi ShortRound,
Wow I can't believe I am the first to subscribe to your YT channel.
I like your review style and look forward to more hammock/hammock accessory reviews.
thanks

To the OP I just received an XLC sock for Christmas and love it. That said I will not be selling my UQP. Like Hutzelbein says different tools for different times :-)

**ShortRound** · 01-07-2016, 16:40

Originally Posted by OutandBack

Hi ShortRound,
Wow I can't believe I am the first to subscribe to your YT channel.
I like your review style and look forward to more hammock/hammock accessory reviews.
thanks

To the OP I just received an XLC sock for Christmas and love it. That said I will not be selling my UQP. Like Hutzelbein says different tools for different times :-)

Hello OutandBack! Thanks for taking a look & subscribing to my youtube channel. It is a very new channel & i just want to contribute & pay back all the wisdom & knowledge iv'e gained from this forum & help others where or when i can.

Hang Loose

**ShortRound** · 01-07-2016, 16:46

Btw thats a good looking sock

**joefbtg28** · 01-07-2016, 16:56

Originally Posted by binfordw

I just ordered a winter sock (dutchware), really hoping its the ticket to keeping my wife completely snug. We seem to struggle in breezy conditions, we have the cold weather quilts, but stopping the wind seems key.

I don't run an UQP or Winter Sock, though I do have the WBBXLC with the winter top cover. The best luck I have had stopping the wind is to run a tarp with doors all the way to the ground (or run it all the way to the ground and dig into the snow if have any). Done some very windy night comfortably that way. The key is not giving the wind any way to get into your hammock shelter.