Top Quilt not really doing its job

**Crawldaddy** · 10-30-2018, 11:32

I use a Warbonnet XLC with a 20* Whoopie and a 20* Top quilt. In cold weather, my core is quite warm and comfy but I keep finding cold spots around hips and shoulders since these areas crush the down as I move in my sleep. Its hard to stay centered within the UQ all night. Its enough to keep me from having a sound sleep. So Im wondering if I should get a synthetic top quilt such as Owyee Tq? Or should I put on more synthetic clothing instead? Appreciate any thoughts. Bill

**Jiffiboy** · 10-30-2018, 11:37

Drink more whiskey and you’ll be warmer or at least not care as much!!!
But on a serious note are you using a single or double layer hammock

**rweb82** · 10-30-2018, 11:40

Do you have the standard Wookie or Wookie XL? The underquilt may be the culprit, if yours isn't properly sized for your hammock. A standard underquilt wraps around your body more- adding insulation to the sides where you may be compressing the down from your top quilt. I don't think the Wookie offers much- if any, insulation around the sides of your body- due to its construction. You may want to check your top quilt, and migrate more down to the areas where you are getting chilled, and see if that helps- before investing in new gear.

Which top quilt do you have, if I may ask?

**Shug** · 10-30-2018, 11:53

Have you washed your TQ lately and put it in the dyrer to air dry it and fluff it? Works wonders. Down should be washed once a year if you use it enough.
Migrate the down? Use a good down wash.
Shug

**Red Wing** · 10-30-2018, 11:59

+1 shug. Washing works wonders.

**Grey Mouse** · 10-30-2018, 12:14

+1 on migrating down and checking your UQ. Do you use a neck cinch on your TQ ? My wife's older model wilderness logistics 15°F TQ didn't come with one (they now offer it). I use my cinch/snap and it helps me stay centered even when I side sleep.

**TallPaul** · 10-30-2018, 12:34

Do you mostly sleep on your back in a diagonal? Seems odd that the UQ isn’t providing warmth on the sides. Are we talking windy conditions?

**rallywagon** · 10-30-2018, 12:35

I dry my down quilts and sleeping bags at the laundromat in the larger, industrial dyers with 2 or 3 tennis balls....plenty of room for them to get fluffed out to max loft. Always pay attention as they dry....as soon as they are dry, take them out rather than letting them cook.

**BillyBob58** · 10-30-2018, 13:51

Originally Posted by Crawldaddy

I use a Warbonnet XLC with a 20* Whoopie and a 20* Top quilt. In cold weather, my core is quite warm and comfy but I keep finding cold spots around hips and shoulders since these areas crush the down as I move in my sleep. Its hard to stay centered within the UQ all night. Its enough to keep me from having a sound sleep. So Im wondering if I should get a synthetic top quilt such as Owyee Tq? Or should I put on more synthetic clothing instead? Appreciate any thoughts. Bill

So are you sure the UQ is doing the job? It seems to me I have always crushed the loft somewhere along the shoulders, elbows or hips with any TQ or bag I have used, but I expect the UQ to be supplying uncrushed loft, outside of the hammock, at those spots. Synthetic would flatten a bit less at those spots that are not trying to handle your full weight, either a syn quilt or clothing. I would expect some improvement, but seems like the best way to address the problem of compressed loft is by way of the UQ, which shoul be wide enough to cover all pressure points.

**IRONFISH45** · 10-31-2018, 23:46

In cold weather I have a little oval Therma-Rest pad I leave the pad uninflated and put it under my shoulders. Some how it is soft and comfortable, plus it keeps my shoulders warm. I have metal and ceramic holding my shoulders together & I am unable to tolerate cold around my shoulders, the little Therma-Rest Pad makes me warm and comfortable.