Ridge Reaper - does it need draft collars?

**hutzelbein** · 11-16-2017, 04:48

Do the draft collars make a difference on the Ridge Reaper? I have only used the Lynx and that doesn't have any. Are they worth the extra money?

**TrailSlug** · 11-16-2017, 09:56

I wouldn't think they would be needed because if the quilt fits like it's supposed to it will be rubber band tight.

**georgecarr** · 11-16-2017, 10:18

Not necessary, but I've used my demo at hangs and it definitely makes an air tight seal.

**underserviced** · 11-16-2017, 14:21

I ordered them on mine. I'd rather spend the few extra dollars now, rather than wish I'd ordered them later. I figured they might help with wind and there are a few hangs I do each year with the potential for -20 C/ -4 F. I'd rather be warm than sorry!

That being said, my hanging Buddy uses a Lynx. I'll report back in the spring.

**hutzelbein** · 11-17-2017, 12:50

Thanks for the answers. I sleep very cold, but my feeling was, that the Lynx doesn't have any gaps that need sealing. I assume that the Ridge Reaper has the same kind of seal; that's why I was wondering what a draft collar can possibly add. I found draft collars helpful to some degree with shock cord suspended underquilts, but the Wooki (which to me is the equivalent of the Lynx for GE hammocks) made them redundant. It's not so much about the money but rather the added weight. If the collars add noticeably more warmth that would be OK.

**TrailSlug** · 11-17-2017, 13:43

I would be afraid the collars would work opposite the way they were designed by pulling the under quilt away for those few inches where they are against the quilt. I know my Lynx fits very tight as I tried to grab the edge last weekend and could hardly get my fingers between the hammock and the quilt so there's no air getting in there.

**georgecarr** · 11-17-2017, 20:05

Originally Posted by TrailSlug

I would be afraid the collars would work opposite the way they were designed by pulling the under quilt away for those few inches where they are against the quilt. I know my Lynx fits very tight as I tried to grab the edge last weekend and could hardly get my fingers between the hammock and the quilt so there's no air getting in there.

The collars absolutely don't push the quilt away. Even on a gathered end they shouldn't push the quilt away. As I said, they are not a necessity, but if you toss a lot the could help avoid any momentary issues. I slept in a 20° Ridge Reaper 2 weeks ago and was absolutely warm all night, no matter how I moved (and I was all over the place

).

**IRONFISH45** · 11-19-2017, 06:59

Originally Posted by TrailSlug

I would be afraid the collars would work opposite the way they were designed by pulling the under quilt away for those few inches where they are against the quilt. I know my Lynx fits very tight as I tried to grab the edge last weekend and could hardly get my fingers between the hammock and the quilt so there's no air getting in there.

I was just thinking through Draft Collar or not. I see George Carr's comment, however I think Trail Slug echos my thoughts on the draft collar.

I do put draft stoppers on my TQ because they stop all the little air leaks. I just use a flange of fabric, no down needed, just a flap of fabric gets the leaks. The UQ and TQ form a seal.

I sleep really cool, my heart rate drops very low plus I hang a lot in humid conditions, our snow is more like white rain.

My Lynx was a nice secure fit, never a leak of cold air. I am probably going to replace it with the 0 degree w/o draft collar, maybe, not sure as I am thinking about this discussion.

Maybe the fact it is offered as a option means it might or could be needed. I guess I will go back to the Winter Lynx, with a proven to me, preformance.

**georgecarr** · 11-19-2017, 12:56

Originally Posted by TrailSlug

I would be afraid the collars would work opposite the way they were designed by pulling the under quilt away for those few inches where they are against the quilt. I know my Lynx fits very tight as I tried to grab the edge last weekend and could hardly get my fingers between the hammock and the quilt so there's no air getting in there.

Originally Posted by IRONFISH45

I was just thinking through Draft Collar or not. I see George Carr's comment, however I think Trail Slug echos my thoughts on the draft collar.

I do put draft stoppers on my TQ because they stop all the little air leaks. I just use a flange of fabric, no down needed, just a flap of fabric gets the leaks. The UQ and TQ form a seal.

I sleep really cool, my heart rate drops very low plus I hang a lot in humid conditions, our snow is more like white rain.

My Lynx was a nice secure fit, never a leak of cold air. I am probably going to replace it with the 0 degree w/o draft collar, maybe, not sure as I am thinking about this discussion.

Maybe the fact it is offered as a option means it might or could be needed. I guess I will go back to the Winter Lynx, with a proven to me, preformance.

Since you are both established and respected posters here I'll put my money where my mouth is - I'll send my 20° Ridge reaper out to each of you to try if you'd like. Then you can make an informed opinion of the product. Just pm me and let me know.

**TrailSlug** · 11-19-2017, 13:08

Originally Posted by georgecarr

Since you are both established and respected posters here I'll put my money where my mouth is - I'll send my 20° Ridge reaper out to each of you to try if you'd like. Then you can make an informed opinion of the product. Just pm me and let me know.

Sorry George as you are the designer and have done the testing you have the first hand knowledge. In my mind (which is getting weaker by the day) I was just "thinking" it would create a bump but like you said I do not have one of these so I can't and shouldn't have commented. If it works as well as all of your other quilts that I own it'll work great as I love my 3 LocoLibre Ghost Pepper quilts. I apologize for the doubt.