Proper UQ for warmer weather?

**Quattro15** · 06-30-2011, 16:20

Well let's see here....

I'm a hot sleeper. I am currently using a UL Therm-a-rest pad for bottom insulation with a 45 degree sleeping bag. I usually don't touch the sleeping bag when I'm sleeping at night unless it's windy or raining hard.

I want an UQ but don't want to get one that is going to be too much for what I'm used to camping in. I do most of my backpacking in the hot spring and summer months here in NC and was thinking about getting a full length UQ but am worried that it's going to be too hot for me.

So now I'm leaning toward a 3/4??

What are your thoughts on the subject?

**beep** · 06-30-2011, 16:44

Originally Posted by Quattro15

Well let's see here....

I'm a hot sleeper. I am currently using a UL Therm-a-rest pad for bottom insulation with a 45 degree sleeping bag. I usually don't touch the sleeping bag when I'm sleeping at night unless it's windy or raining hard.

I want an UQ but don't want to get one that is going to be too much for what I'm used to camping in. I do most of my backpacking in the hot spring and summer months here in NC and was thinking about getting a full length UQ but am worried that it's going to be too hot for me.

So now I'm leaning toward a 3/4??

What are your thoughts on the subject?

To better answer your question, it would be helpful to know what low temperature you want to deal with. Generically, any UQ can be loosened in warmer temperatures to allow for warm air "leakage" at the ends...or even shifted to one side of the hammock so that it's not even deployed under the hammock. The limiting factor for most folks is the low end of the temperature range.

If you're looking for an UQ with a similar 45 degree rating as your bag, a summer-weight UQ is probably a good choice. A three-season weight UQ will get you down to the mid-20s or so, but is overkill at 50 degrees. Don't get me wrong, a 3-season weight UQ will work and feel fine at 50 degrees but it's more insulation, weight and cost than you'll need at that temperature.

**DemostiX** · 06-30-2011, 17:06

OP There are at least two other threads going right now or in the last 30 days on exactly this topic. Browse for opinions and options.

**Shug** · 06-30-2011, 17:13

Most of us Backpackers like 3/4 UQs as they take up less backpack space.
Here is a current thread on what would seem to fit your question: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=33968

Here is one of my recent videos which may give you a bit more UQ insight. Hope this all helps ya' out.

Shug

**Cannibal** · 06-30-2011, 17:14

I too am a hot sleeper. Partially for that reason, I'm a user of partial length underquilts. Saves weight, money, and space while still keeping me toasty throughout the year. The two that pop into my mind for summer specific partial UQs are the Summer Phoenix from Hammock Gear and the Summer Breeze from Te-wa. I own a Te-wa UQ and can speak to the quality from first hand experience. While I don't own a quilt from Hammock Gear, I have certainly handled several dozen of their quilts and have yet to find any reason to not buy one...other than current funds.

**Quattro15** · 06-30-2011, 17:42

Thanks guys! I am thinking a 3/4 with a pad for my tootsies is the way to go. Shug...I watched that video already. Good stuff in there.

**flatline** · 06-30-2011, 17:44

i'm a little bit down the hill from you in high point.
during summer i use a fleece throw between the layers of my hammock and
that does a good job for me down to 60ish. if you have a place to test hang in your backyard you might try experimenting with some bed quilts or spreads. gather the ends and loop some line around each end and hang it like a uq just to see what you're comfortable with,(swat i did).
there is a bunch of diy stuff to check out on the diy forum, like this that may give you some ideas,
the other 3 seasons i use full length synth.

**NewtonGT** · 06-30-2011, 17:48

Originally Posted by Cannibal

I too am a hot sleeper. Partially for that reason, I'm a user of partial length underquilts. Saves weight, money, and space while still keeping me toasty throughout the year. The two that pop into my mind for summer specific partial UQs are the Summer Phoenix from Hammock Gear and the Summer Breeze from Te-wa. I own a Te-wa UQ and can speak to the quality from first hand experience. While I don't own a quilt from Hammock Gear, I have certainly handled several dozen of their quilts and have yet to find any reason to not buy one...other than current funds.

dang! I thought you owned everything hammock

jk man

**Shug** · 06-30-2011, 17:52

Originally Posted by Quattro15

Thanks guys! I am thinking a 3/4 with a pad for my tootsies is the way to go. Shug...I watched that video already. Good stuff in there.

Cool...I never know.
Go 3/4.......good choice.

**Quattro15** · 06-30-2011, 17:55

Yeah...I'm up the hill a little on ya there! The killer here isn't the temp...it's the humidity. This temperate rain forest gets swampy sometimes!!

I'm roasting until the sun goes down. Then I'm good with nothing to help keep me warm. Then I wake up in the morning with the humidity down and reach for some gooesdown.

I've been camping riverside with a constant breeze coming through and woke up with some cold buns and toes before I started using a pad.