NX-250: Underquilt AND pocketfill or Underquilt OR pocketfill ?

**Latt** · 03-21-2014, 02:31

Tomorrow I'll be going north a bit and will be deploying my NX-250. I recently got a snugpak underblanket and will be using that for the first time. I've read a lot on this forum, particular the clark specifik forum, but I haven't found an answer to this specific question. I think I might be overthinking things as usual, but better ask than wonder, right?

Will filling the pockets with various equipment from my backpack add insulation with the underquilt deployed or will it result in the quilt being too far from the bottom of the hammock and thus reducing the insulating effect?

I'm a cold sleeper and I haven't found the pockets with gear alone, to supply sufficient insulation even in Summer (And by Summer I mean Scandinavian Summer, so it's not really Summer at all...)

**P-47ChowHound** · 03-21-2014, 05:36

Latt, I used the Zliner and a UQ combined on 2 nites at 8*. I put my boots, pants, and jacket in the pockets. All was good. I slept in just my UnderArmor. Hope this helps

**Latt** · 03-21-2014, 07:03

Sweet! Thanks

I was worried i had to stop being lazy and have everything within reach while in the hammock.

**gogrillz** · 03-21-2014, 07:40

The pockets are 1 of my favorite features on the NX. I always stuff em with gear, but I use a Big Agnes Sleeping bag with the built in sleeve for the pad. That takes me down to at least 15*F

**barchetta** · 03-21-2014, 19:53

Just keep in mind that the more you stuff the pockets the further down the underquilt will be pushed down, possibly leaving you with cold shoulder

**_jstevens2010_** · 03-21-2014, 21:10

I haven't really used the pockets yet. I'm not sure why I haven't. I guess i stash things in my pack more.

**Latt** · 03-24-2014, 05:07

The trip was a success. I'm not certain of how cold it was, but I did shake off some snow off of the tarp before I went to bed. So it was definitely below zero (Celcius ... 0C = 32F). I attached the snugpak underblanket connection points to the tarp ridge line, so it was snug up against the NX-250. Then I emptied my rucksack into the pockets. I was using a down comforter meant for indoor use as a blanket.

I slept through the night from around midnight till about 6am when nature called. After I took care of that and reentered the hammock, I noticed that it was a bit cold. Not "I can't sleep and I'm shaking"-cold, but about 1 or 2 degrees less than desired. I snoozed for about 2 hours after this. So I guess that means the temperature limit for this setup is around 0C for me. I'm going to buy a proper TQ and think that might help me to bring it down to -5C.

I'm certain that if I fill the pockets with proper insulation (which I made as a DYI project last summer) I'll be able to take it down to -10C or maybe even -15C. If i then toss in my backup therm-a-rest insulated air mattress, I'm sure I'll be able to enter the -20'ies C with no problem.

The weather shield really helps keep in the warmth. It's very nice. I had mine opened a bit, but with the bug net closed all up and I think that might've been a mistake. There was a little bit of moist inside the hammock after the night. So I'll unzip even the bug net too next time.

**DemostiX** · 03-26-2014, 22:50

Drafts can be a major source of discomfort.
A feature of the pockets on the Clarks is that they can be lightly filled so they act as compressible gaskets. The ridges and furrows that form in gathered-end hammocks in tension, do not leak air past an underquilt and pump heat as they can on other hammocks because the fabric of the pockets is not in tension.

**Brian Miller** · 03-28-2014, 12:34

I just pulled the trigger on a 40 degree TQ and 20 degree FL UQ from Underground Quilts for my Clark NX-250. The backlog is running about two weeks, and the wait begins. I want to use the pockets underneath the Clark for stowing clothing, boots (at the foot end), and maybe my water bottle. With six pockets I am hoping I can disperse the lumps so as not to negatively affect the UQ loft or seal. I am looking forward to the extra comfort of being able to sleep under/over the quilts and the reduction in bulk and weight from a SB, FL Thermarest and SPE.