If I can only have one...

**mr hvac** · 01-23-2014, 22:48

Another quick question. Is the o* incubator to warm ? I was really considering going with it instead of the 20* so I didn't have to worry about what temp I was in

**hutzelbein** · 01-24-2014, 03:11

Originally Posted by Fish<><

All I am getting at is synthetics aren't as bad as most would think and they are a ton cheaper. Switching companies on a comparison is not fair. Look at the jarbidge for the 3\4 length variety and you can see it indeed is a ton cheaper than an enlightened equipment uq of similar size.

I will not turn this into a debate of syn vs down, but I don't want our newer people think that down is the only way to stay warm at close to the same pack weight. Just saying...

No discussion there. I agree with you that Climashield is a viable and cheap alternative. I was only disputing the statement that above 20° down has no benefits other then packing smaller. And I always compare all the products available to me. I don't care about who the manufacturer is; if it saves me 4oz, I will go for it, unless it is indecently more expensive or has considerable disadvantages (for me).

**hutzelbein** · 01-24-2014, 03:23

Originally Posted by mr hvac

Another quick question. Is the o* incubator to warm ? I was really considering going with it instead of the 20* so I didn't have to worry about what temp I was in

I don't think that an underquilt can be too warm, unless you sleep very hot. You always have the option to vent it. However, I would go with an underquilt that covers 90% of your needs. If you only camp below 20° twice a year, I would go with a 20° underquilt and add additional insulation (e.g. Reflectix, a hammock sock, a hot water bottle) in those rare cold nights. You probably will appreciate the lighter weight and lower pack volume during all the other hikes. At least that is how I feel, and I am a super cold sleeper. I was carrying a 10° underquilt on my US trip this summer and there were only 2 or 3 nights when I needed that much insulation (which doesn't mean that temperatures dropped that far). I seriously wished I had taken my 20° underquilt instead.

**Snaggletooth** · 01-25-2014, 16:14

I say the Hammock Gear incubator 30 *

It's custom but they are all made to order.

**dakotaross** · 01-28-2014, 06:48

Agreed, an overstuffed 30 maybe.

**LostAloft** · 02-06-2014, 20:31

Worth every penny.

My Incubator 20 has arrived, and it's perfect. I've completed a few urban hangs now with my full set up, and I am (re)hooked. Review to follow in the Hammock Gear forum.

Any questions or comments, fire off.

**ebrianschmidt** · 02-08-2014, 15:04

Maybe slightly off topic, but I was wondering how the packability of the various down underquilts compares. Seems like getting an underquilt that errors on the side of being too warm only costs a few extra oz of down, so not really a big issue for weight unless one is really counting oz. But how much more space would a 0 degree 3/4 underquilt take up in one's pack compared to a 20 degree underquilt, with everything else being equal?

**LostAloft** · 02-09-2014, 16:40

Originally Posted by ebrianschmidt

But how much more space would a 0 degree 3/4 underquilt take up in one's pack compared to a 20 degree underquilt, with everything else being equal?

I can't compare the two, but as far as the fullsize Incubator 20, the non-compression stuff sack that it came in is about 14x10 in., and it stuffs back in there with ease. I know you don't want to store them compressed, but for backpacking purposes I would say you could get it to about half that size in a compression sack.

As far as weight goes, I have a +1 oz. Incubator 20, and when I picked it up in the flat rate shipping box it came in, I couldn't believe it was in there. You're absolutely right that unless you're down to counting grams, erring on the side of 'too warm' is the way to go if that's a concern.

On the flip side, as far as personal experience, I had the Incubator 20 under my hammock in 65-68 degree afternoon weather, just to test the conditions; and while unnecessary for an afternoon hang and nap, with it vented loose it wasn't an issue to have it there.

I haven't had hands on all the different UQs available, just the one I own, but I did a grip of research and read a lot of reviews and opinions. The Incubator 20 materials and construction are second to none. I am very pleased, and as light as it is, I was glad in my decision to go with the full size instead of a 3/4.

**OneClick** · 02-10-2014, 13:14

Originally Posted by ebrianschmidt

Maybe slightly off topic, but I was wondering how the packability of the various down underquilts compares. Seems like getting an underquilt that errors on the side of being too warm only costs a few extra oz of down, so not really a big issue for weight unless one is really counting oz. But how much more space would a 0 degree 3/4 underquilt take up in one's pack compared to a 20 degree underquilt, with everything else being equal?

Between my 20° and 40°, it really doesn't seem to take up more space. It just takes more effort to pack the 20° down to the same size. But I guess I could always put more effort into packing the 40° into a tiny space...but I never really try too hard.

And I definitely don't notice the extra ~5oz.

My biggest thing is not going overboard given the weather. I could probably vent a 20° when it's 52° at night, but when it's muggy, calm and I feel dirty and sweaty, the last thing I want to do is mess with venting and have that warmth radiate from a quilt that keeps me warm at 10°!