Summer insulation

**TallPaul** · 06-04-2013, 12:55

For you backpackers out there...what are you using for summer insulation under your hammock?
I'm looking for something to cover the 50-70* and up nights.

I tried venting my 20* UQ... Little too toasty for me, even at 55* at night with a good breeze.
Also worried that a 40* UQ may be too warm.

**SwinginIt** · 06-04-2013, 13:38

You'd probably be ok venting a 40* or you could get a 50*. My WL SSUQ is rated to 45*.

**Jayson** · 06-04-2013, 13:46

Been just using a 20* Tewa but really considering a summer series set as well.

**FLRider** · 06-04-2013, 14:48

Down to 50*-ish, I've been using a semi-Garlington Insulator. I show it off in a photo in post #2 and a video in post #3 of this thread (the section on the insulation starts at about 8:30).

It works tolerably good for me down to 50-ish (and I've taken it as low as 43* F without dying), but most folks would probably find the lower end of it good to 55* to 60* (I'm an human furnace when I sleep).

It's as water-resistant as anything I've seen and adds ~1.5 oz to my total kit's weight, since I'd be carrying the poncho regardless.

Hope it helps!

**TallPaul** · 06-04-2013, 18:38

Originally Posted by SwinginIt

My WL SSUQ is rated to 45*.

Thanks - I was considering something from WL.

Originally Posted by Jayson

Been just using a 20* Tewa but really considering a summer series set as well.

Last trip I was either sweating or too cold. Something's got to change.

Originally Posted by FLRider

Down to 50*-ish, I've been using a semi-Garlington Insulator.

Thanks for info. Watched the video, very informative.

**breyman** · 06-04-2013, 18:48

+1 on a 40* quilt. It really is a big difference from a 20*. It should be fine, especially with a small amount of venting, for your temps. If you're concerned, you could always do an even lighter top layer to keep you cooler.

For me, it's always easier to adjust (up or down) the top. If you're cold on bottom, there's not much you can do about it, so I hesitate pushing things to the limits too much with my UQ. I prefer to be just a bit conservative there.

**TallPaul** · 06-04-2013, 18:49

Berryman - which one do you have?

**breyman** · 06-04-2013, 18:53

For gathered-end hammocks, I personally like the simplicity of the full-length incubator. But, given the even warmer temps you're expecting, I might recommend a phoenix with a foot pad.