Is an Underquilt protector an essential item to add to your setup?
My UGQ Zeppelin 20° has a DWR treatment and I believe the down is treated also. Is this enough protection from rain spray and other moisture related issues?
I also have a HG Incubator 40° on order. How does this Underquilt perform with moisture?
Last edited by muzzo909; 03-26-2017 at 04:23.
Not sure on moisture, I got mine for wind protection. That way I can keep my tarp pitched higher for a better view.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Good point on the wind protection. If you weren't using a QP does the underquilt handle light wind pretty well or does the wind whip right through?Originally Posted by skyymallcorn
Let's say I'm using my 20 degree. I'd be ok let's say at 32/34 with a slight breeze. Any lower it seems to loose heat.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
There have been times when I have been really glad that I had one. Wind & driving rain conditions, especially.
I sew things on youtube.
I don’t sew on commission, so please don’t ask. Thanks.
On a recent trip I didn't pitch my tarp properly ("It won't rain tonight, right?") and a sudden storm blew rain onto my HG Phoenix. It handled the moisture perfectly. That said - I got up and adjusted the tarp pitch during the storm so it wasn't prolonged exposure to direct rain, but I wouldn't stay in the hammock knowing my UQ was getting soaked anyway.
The third night we had HIGH, prolonged (Literally all night) winds and I frequently got a chill. There was no sleep to be had this way so I attached a length of shock cord to each of the side triangle-rings and I was toasty the rest of the night. The Argon handles wind extremely well.
I think underquilt protectors (UQPs) are extremely useful and effective against both wind and moisture, but I do think their utility can vary with the environmental conditions in which you camp.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, where three of the last six months have been virtually the wettest on record and with gusty high winds commonplace, carrying a versatile 4- to 6-ounce UQP is a no-brainer choice most of the year. My UQPs are effective against heat-robbing wind, shield my quilt and hammock from ambient ground fog, dew, and condensation, and protect against blown rain and backsplatter off the ground. (I grew up on the East Coast, so I'd wager the Hudson Valley experiences at least some of these same camping conditions at certain times of year.)
Using my trusty remote thermometer I've also been able to estimate that a UQP can give you a couple of extra degrees of warmth inside your hammock when you are pushing the rating of your underquilt.
Moisture can happen in very unexpected places with in your hammock camping shelter system even with judicious pitching and full-enclosure. DWR treatment on your underquilt outer shell is a valuable feature, but, especially if I were using a down UQ, I would much rather not have to trust the DWR to protect against more than a few drops of rain or some morning dew. For a full night of punishing wind and rain or extreme fog and condensation, it's so easy to slip off a damp UQP and store it separately, leaving your underquilt pristine and dry.
So, while not absolutely essential, UQPs are valid and versatile gear for many of us. My $0.02. YMMV. HYOH, and good luck.
Last edited by kitsapcowboy; 03-26-2017 at 08:08.
Smart graphic design for all your needs by BGD
I've never seen a zebra like that kitsapcowboy!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So if I'm using my 40° quilt it should be good to about 52ish with wind then, any lower, I'd start to chill?
More than likely.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks