How to survive 32° with a 50° UQ

**Buffalo Skipper** · 11-01-2010, 08:19

This weekend I will be out in my hammock. I have been following the extended forecast with the expectation of temps around 45°. This morning the forecast changed drastically, and temps will be right around 32°. I have a diy UQ made out of a cheap sleeping bag, and I expect I will be good to around 50°. For the extra 5°, I was not concerned, making up that should easily be done with a space blanket, but to extend that nearly 20° is something else entirely.

I am looking for any ideas of how to make my life comfortable down here. I have already ordered a 3 Season Incubator from Stormcrow, but as I did that on Friday, I have no expectation for it to be here by Friday. I have been looking for thin foam packing material to make a layer, but have had no luck.
I do have a 25° down bag I am using as a TQ, so I am find on the top. I just need something more for the bottom. And this is car camping, so weight is not so much of an issue for me.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

**nox2825** · 11-01-2010, 08:24

use a sleeping pad plus your UQ, should get you there.

**KerMegan** · 11-01-2010, 08:28

even something like a pool float/mattress (partially inflated) would add loft while it is inside the UQ..just a thought! (though I freely admit the thermarest does a great job of distributing the air, while the pool float may compress too much at the pressure points...since there is no foam inside)KM

**RePete** · 11-01-2010, 08:38

Simple blue wallypad will get you down to freezing by itself so if you have an UQ to boot you will be fine.

**Buffalo Skipper** · 11-01-2010, 08:47

Respectfully, I am trying to commit myself to doing this without a foam pad, as it takes away from the comfort of the hammock. To provide some other ideas, I typically sleep in a minimal amount of clothing (wicking shorts and t-shirt) even in low temps. As such, I am not familiar with clothing options to tide me over in lower temps.

I also made some Reflectix coozies for my Nalgene, so I can try that as well. I do have one 7' long piece of Refectix, but it is only 18" wide, so even if I were to cut it up and insert darts, it would not be enough to line the inside of the UQ (but I could buy more).

Too bad I didn't order the Incubator a month ago. This would have been a great time to test it out!

**CrankyOldGuy** · 11-01-2010, 09:00

I'd try a space blanket and poly-pro long underwear keeping a down or fleece jacket in reserve. Also, for me, a fleece cap is a must.

**Shug** · 11-01-2010, 09:02

I would supplement with a pad ....... at least you will be warm.
I never found pads that bad .... of course straight UQ is the best.
Don't risk being cold .... no fun.
Shug

**animalcontrol** · 11-01-2010, 10:21

Originally Posted by Buffalo Skipper

Respectfully, I am trying to commit myself to doing this without a foam pad, as it takes away from the comfort of the hammock. To provide some other ideas, I typically sleep in a minimal amount of clothing (wicking shorts and t-shirt) even in low temps. As such, I am not familiar with clothing options to tide me over in lower temps.

I also made some Reflectix coozies for my Nalgene, so I can try that as well. I do have one 7' long piece of Refectix, but it is only 18" wide, so even if I were to cut it up and insert darts, it would not be enough to line the inside of the UQ (but I could buy more).

Too bad I didn't order the Incubator a month ago. This would have been a great time to test it out!

throwing out the pad idea...you could try to lay ontop of anything that wont compress. Fleece would be the first thing that comes to my mind...any synthetic material should provide a measure of insulation even after compression...

**bigbamaguy** · 11-01-2010, 10:26

While we were at the Mid TN Hang this weekend we experienced temps in the upper 20's on friday night. My GF and I supplimented our DIY UQ rated at around 35 degrees with a small section of Wally World Blue CCF pad that allowed us to escape the Cold Butt Syndrome. I do not like the pads either but a section of pad that goes from one hipbone to the other across your backside is a wonderful way to get to below freezing. It was not uncomfortable in anyway and I will be trying a section of Reflectix soon to see it will conform more to my shape and still keep me as warm........

**sandpiper** · 11-01-2010, 10:39

If weight isn't a issue I would take along a down jacket or vest (assuming you have a spare) and place it between your UQ and hammock and adjust your UQ as not to compress it.