Full, Short, 3/4...Don't knock it till you try it

**BigVillage** · 06-08-2016, 17:37

I have a Phoenix 20* UQ with standard fill and I was fine at 30* with a worn out sleeping bag. I'm 5'8" and 140# and I didn't get cold at all. I'm going to get a JRB Greylock 4 to go a little colder but I don't think I need a full length. I don't plan on going below 10* though.

**danah.** · 06-08-2016, 21:09

Originally Posted by alifeoutdoors

I was actually following your several threads and it bounced me back and forth for awhile too. I actually even sold a phoenix 40 because the cord up over my foot was bothering me so much. Then something SilvrSurfr mentioned in one of those threads clicked on a light bulb for me that my problem was actually "psychosomatic" because, as he mentioned the shock cord is in the exact same place it's just covered by fabric and what not on full length quilts. Well duh, I felt really stupid. I sleep like a dormant volcano , cold has never been an issue so I immediately ordered a Dutch version phoenix 40. That little lesson cost me a few bucks but oh well, it's been fun to follow your though process on this whole thing and I learned a thing or two as well. Love it, no matter how long you've been into this stuff, always learning something new.

What is a "Dutch model phoenix 40?" how is it different from a regular phoenix 40?

Thanks looking to get a phoenix (my first UQ) want to go armed with info Thanks.
R22

**Minos** · 04-03-2017, 17:33

Originally Posted by markr6

I've always been a proponent of full length quilts. Having a standard length (78") Incubator in 0°, 20° and 40° flavors, I was set. But then I decided to try the short version (73"). At 5'9", this was still plenty to cover me from my neck to a few inches past my feet...nice peace of mind for cold feet. With lots of down (top quilt and bottom quilt) the reduction in bulk is always welcome..

Hi Mark,
Re-reading your comments, I am curious why a 73"quilt for your 5'9"body (ie 69" body) does not cover you from top of the head to end of the feet when accounting for the extra 4" of length of your quilt and the diagonal lay.
I understand that feet extended when lying might add a bit to your overall length but I am still surprised the 73" UQ is not enough for complete coverage! (Trying to optimize length on my first underquilt).
Thanks for any insights, Minos

**canoebie** · 04-03-2017, 18:56

I hung with some friends who are experienced hangers this last weekend and as we talked about different approaches we realized that we really don't get too set in our ways. Part of the reason I have a lot of gear may be just to satisfy my mood at the time in terms of which tarp, hammock or underquilt I decide to use. I guess for me that is what makes it fun. The limits are only my own openness and creativity. Though admittedly, sometimes it is just laziness, I take the easy route. Regardless i get to choose and experience some variety as I make effort to sleep well and be outdoors. I am over 6 ft. tall and used a phoenix for years. I just curled up a bit. I still like to use it in the summer. My wife often tells me I have the curiosity and orneriness of a 9 year old.

**Rolloff** · 04-03-2017, 20:06

My only real issue is volume. I feel if I move away from my 3/4 or 2/3 lengths into full length, I'll either need a different pack or have to learn to radically change my current packing system to accommodate the additional bulk.

I'm not even all that concerned about weight. I find it hard to argue with more downy goodness. There are a lot of other places to strip the weight.

I'm also 5'6", roll on my side, bend my knees a little bit, and I am pretty much on my UQ

**T- Minus** · 04-03-2017, 22:40

I'm also jumping down that rabbit hole, just ordered a 40* phoenix I was flip flopping on committing to my order for about a week, I usually sleep above a 20*Incubator but in the south it gets pretty hot and stick in the summer, so I chose to try it out. Lighting up my pack want hurt, and if my feet are a little cooler I think I can manage.

**Secondmouse** · 04-03-2017, 22:52

in weather cold enough to need a balaclava, I like a full length. anything around freezing up to summer, I like 3/4 length...

**OneClick** · 04-04-2017, 07:27

Originally Posted by Minos

Hi Mark,
Re-reading your comments, I am curious why a 73"quilt for your 5'9"body (ie 69" body) does not cover you from top of the head to end of the feet when accounting for the extra 4" of length of your quilt and the diagonal lay.
I understand that feet extended when lying might add a bit to your overall length but I am still surprised the 73" UQ is not enough for complete coverage! (Trying to optimize length on my first underquilt).
Thanks for any insights, Minos

I think the short does cover me completely. Trying to remember...but can't. So I had to dig up this photo of the 73", a perfect fit!

One comment about the "lying on the diagonal" thing. Everyone seems to buy this but I think it's TOTAL BS. Maybe on paper, maybe on a flat floor with a flat piece of cloth. NOT in a hammock. Once you get in and move around, and things start stretching and forming, the UQ wraps up the sides of you, those "extra" inches aren't there IMO. It becomes very clear with this 73" version. Do I have 4 extra inches? No. In fact, it's the opposite. I'd say it's "shrinks" and leaves me with maybe 2" to spare.

p.s. for the most reduction without leaving your legs un-insulated, I went with a 62" Phincubator. The absolute minimum for me.
Thank you Hammockgear - 30° Phincubator is a winner! (sorry, dropbox killed all my linked images)