"Best" bang for buck full length underquilt?

**sr1355** · 03-05-2014, 07:24

We also offer HyperDRY700GDD quilts, a 20*F 47X77 is $229.95 before shipping. Includes 16oz HyperDRY down, illume UL fabrics in 10 colors, draft collars, silnylon stuff sack, mesh storage sack, and excellent customer service

**Mustang** · 03-05-2014, 07:56

I too was looking for a "Best Bang for the Buck" quilt. I was pretty sure that I wouldn't sleep in temps. below 30*, but then thought what if should want too. I certainly wanted that flexability. I chose a 20* full length TQ (Zeppelin ) and a 20* UQ ( Flight Jacket ). I'm satisfied that these will make for good 3 season hanging, and a little winter hanging if I so desire. I bought these from UGQ and could not be happier with my decision.
~Happy Hunting~

**Pipsissewa** · 03-05-2014, 08:10

For a more complete list, look at the underquilt comparison chart in the hammock gear spreadsheets: HERE

It hasn't been updated in awhile, but still lots of good information here.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

**dkurfiss** · 03-05-2014, 08:36

The question you are asking is like asking which oil to use in your car. There is no "best" answer except what works for you.

My suggestion is make a list of what features you must have, what features would be nice to have, and what temp rating is your lowest. Then start shopping the vendors to see who has what meets your specs.

Things like:
Down or Synthetic?
Dry down or not?
700/800/900 down
Minimum width you want?
Heaviest weight you want to carry?
Compression size?
full or 3/4
Vendor reputation
Price

**youbet** · 03-05-2014, 08:52

Well they all work, and work well depends what you requirements are. I have a diy military patrol bag underquilt, ahe kaq new river. And a jrb mt washington 4. All have done well dont regret a single one.

**OSU_Matthew** · 03-05-2014, 09:24

I'm not sure I can solidly endorse the Insultex underquilt from DIY gear supply. It's a lot of work to make, and if I could have done it again I would have probably doubled the insultex layers and made it longer. I took it out backpacking and the temperature got into the low thirties, and even with my sleeping bag cocooned around me I never felt like my backside was anything more than lukewarm. I'm sure it's fine for summer, but I probably wouldn't want to use it below fifty.

**overthinker** · 03-05-2014, 09:24

I went for the Foyle UQ from underquilts.com. It's a great product, Dave does a fantastic job sewing. I'm 6'1" and it covers all but my feet - it's a lot longer than most other quilts advertised as 2/3 or 3/4.

Alternatively, climbing.kevin made this UQ out of two vests:

Double Vest UQ

That thing is pretty sweet, and I bet that you could get some of those for pretty cheap now that things are starting to thaw.

There's also always the poncho liner UQ. Since you mentioned a military discount, I'm assuming you're familiar with this bit of gear. Hop on the DIY subforum, there's several threads heaping praise on this as a cost-effective bottom insulation solution.

**HamMach1** · 03-07-2014, 03:45

I went with a Lewis from Underquilts. Figured I will never know what I like until I buy it and try it

**Floridahanger** · 03-08-2014, 20:56

Originally Posted by OSU_Matthew

I'm not sure I can solidly endorse the Insultex underquilt from DIY gear supply. It's a lot of work to make, and if I could have done it again I would have probably doubled the insultex layers and made it longer. I took it out backpacking and the temperature got into the low thirties, and even with my sleeping bag cocooned around me I never felt like my backside was anything more than lukewarm. I'm sure it's fine for summer, but I probably wouldn't want to use it below fifty.

Not picking on you, just using this example.

This is a perfect example of why each person needs to find out what type of sleeper they are. I'm a warm sleeper and made an UQ out of Mylar impregnated insulfleece from Walmart. It's similar to the Insultex in temp rating, I think. My design goes from my shoulders to just below my knees.

I made a 2 layer with wind resistence fabric. Most would not want to use below 40-45*F. I used it down to 23*F with a synthetic TQ and foot pad, baffles at 1 1/2" stuffed with 24 ounces of polyfil. Most may not want to use TQ below 40*F either. I've had many nights below 50*F and moreso with the UQ since I made that first.

Experiment and enjoy the process.

**JToon** · 03-10-2014, 09:52

I am seriously considering the Zepplelin 20*. My only hesitation is I have not yet been where i absolutely had to have an under quilt, dont get me wrong I have been a bit chilly before. I have always just used my down bag, I am wondering is it that much more comfortable once an under quilt is on.