Newbie looking for advice on UQs

**kgkicker** · 08-05-2014, 12:17

I'm putting together a setup for hammock camping and am looking for advice on how to buy or build an inexpensive UQ for UL backpacking (for temps above 32° for now but would like easy options to add for colder). I have considered the following:
1. Hanging a heat-reflective sheet below the hammock
2. Using a poncho liner under the hammock
3. Modifying a walmart Ozark trail 32° down bag (may also consider for top quilt).
4. Buying something - please suggest

Any and all advice is welcome. I'm obviously looking to conserve the $ but also don't want to buy something chinsey now that I'll have to replace later.

I have a ENO double nest and one other lightweight cheap hammock but wouldn't be opposed to buying an all-in-one setup. (If I use what I have I'm most likely going to build a bug net from Tulle and a tarp from clear plastic)

**Old_Man** · 08-05-2014, 17:09

I have no advice to offer I'm afraid but I'm basically in the same situation. I have a HH expedition Asym and a decent top layer but I need something to keep my underside toasty. I shall be following this thread.

**kerryandjane** · 08-05-2014, 17:22

What about a $75 synthetic underquilt?

http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/s...sary_Sale.html

You won't find a better price without DIYing one. If you do share it please.

**jtm109** · 08-05-2014, 21:22

I was looking hard at that AHE underquilt. For $75 its hard to go wrong. However, Kgkicker is a UL backpacker and that synthetic UQ looks like it packs BIG. But....probably not a whole lot bigger than reflectix or poncho liner would.

**Scotty Von Porkchop** · 08-06-2014, 05:46

If you're looking for UL but don't have the cash or DIY to get a down underquilt I'd use a simple CCF pad. It gets expensive quick trying to get a hammock setup in one go

**the_gr8t_waldo** · 08-06-2014, 09:44

If I were to buy only one quilt, it would be an under. A top simplely lays on top...not much work needed since gravity is lending a helping hand . but an under some sorta suspension system needs to be employed/constructed. The extra work involved tipped the balance to buying..at least for me

**Boston** · 08-06-2014, 15:46

For lightweight, and cheap: use a ccf pad, and buy/make a pad extender to allow it to wrap your shoulder's. They are durable, and can easily strap to the outside of your pack.

Anything else is going to be heavier, for the money.

**kgkicker** · 08-06-2014, 15:59

What does the Jarbidge UQ weigh? It looks like a decent option if its light enough but I didn't see a weight on the site.

I am considering a CCF pad + poncho liner under my hammock - have heard the CCF isn't the most comfortable but I'll have to try it before throwing that option out.

I saw someone else mentioned using a neo air inflatable mattress - has anyone here tried that? I have a neo air regular size that works well on the ground but not sure how it would work in a hammock. Could try that + poncho liner.

Does anyone have an idea on the coldest comfortable temp where you could get by with just the poncho liner underquilt? It felt warm when I tried it at 70C but that's no way to try it out.

I'm also very tempted to get the $80 down Ozark Trail sleeping bag from Wal Mart and making my own UQ but just not sure. I may end up deciding to just use the hammock in 40+ and sleeping on the ground in colder conditions. I think I could use the same clear tarp and my homemade Tulle bug net in both cases.

**laxdad** · 08-06-2014, 16:02

3 season is 20 oz

**kgkicker** · 08-08-2014, 10:53

My wife and kids are away tonight so I'm going to sleep out in my back yard in my ENO double with a poncho liner underneath, and a blue pad available for backup. Will use a 30° sleeping bag and a tulle bug net. Only 10% chance of rain so probably won't put up a tarp but will have it ready just in case... Overnight low is supposed to be 62°F so not too cold. Will be the first sleep in a hammock other than many afternoon naps on Saturdays...