Underquilt or Better Bag?

[Dogginfox]

I Just purchased a HH ULB, Im re gearing for a '07 thu-hike and am stuck on weather or not to purchase a new winter bag (currently have an oldschool TNF cats meow)or just get some sort of underquilt to use during the cold season. any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Just Jeff]

A better bag won't be enough to keep you warm in cold temps in the HH - you'll need something underneath you...either an underquilt or a pad, generally. Personally, I think underquilts are the way to go but pads aren't bad if you find a good setup.

Check here: http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingWarm.html

[hammock engineer]

Turn your current bag into an underquilt and buy a nice bag/quilt for on top of you. If you are willing to modify it.

Try your HH out in your current bag. I as amazed how cold I was on the bottom in mine without a pad in my 0 deg synethic bag.

[txulrich]

I Just purchased a HH ULB, Im re gearing for a '07 thu-hike and am stuck on weather or not to purchase a new winter bag (currently have an oldschool TNF cats meow)or just get some sort of underquilt to use during the cold season. any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks

I have a JRB Nest that I've been using as a bottom quilt and it's much better than trying to stay balanced on a pad. I've been using my 20 degree Kelty for a top quilt. It weighs in at 2 lbs. 10 oz. I (with my mom working the sewing machine) just finished a new underquilt thats around 3" thickness. I haven't had a chance to weigh it yet, but expect it to be around 20-22 oz. That with the 20 oz. Nest is still less than my Kelty and I won't need a pad!! Quilts are definately the way to go.

[Patrick]

I'd suggest that anyone starting out try a pad first. You can't beat it for cheap, light, and simple.

If you find that a pad isn't comfortable enough, you can make your own top quilt and underquilt for about $170. That's about what a Cat's Meow costs, I think.

I use one of my underquilts and a Ray-Way basic top quilt and that setup is great for me to at least to the mid-20s.

Be sure to keep us posted on what you try and what works for you.

[Crash]

I'd suggest that anyone starting out try a pad first. You can't beat it for cheap, light, and simple.


I use a reg. sleeping bag & pad during warm to cool weather
during cold weather I add a Big Agnes overbag that you put the pad inside the bottom
I use this in case I want to stay inside the shelter and the pad comes in handy to sit on when cooking in the snow during the day

An underquilt is the next step but the prices are still too high for me change over.
If you havent purchased your sleeping bags/pads yet
then the underquilt is cost effective & weight conscious way to go.

[sparky2000]

How much you need in chilly to cold weather depends a lot on your dehydration factors. If you dehydrate easily (a wrestler or undernurished animal) then extra help will be needed. Dehydration sets you up for very cold, all night long.

[Crash]

OK
I'm considering the JRB WeatherShield after talking to them @ Jacks R Better.

I have a down quilt here at home to use as the insulation between my HH and the WeatherShield and then use my Big Agnes as the over quilt.
I suppose I could still take a pad to use if I get cold or sleep in the shelters.

[txulrich]

OK
I'm considering the JRB WeatherShield after talking to them @ Jacks R Better.

I have a down quilt here at home to use as the insulation between my HH and the WeatherShield and then use my Big Agnes as the over quilt.
I suppose I could still take a pad to use if I get cold or sleep in the shelters.

You may need to figure a way to secure the quilt as it lays in the Weathershield to keep it from falling to the bottom. Perhaps tying some sheetbends at the corners and the side tie outs will help to keep it in place. Also make sure you hang the suspension as noted on their website. The extra weight will require the newer method.

[gdwelker]

...just finished a new underquilt thats around 3" thickness. I haven't had a chance to weigh it yet, but expect it to be around 20-22 oz..

What did you use for insulation to get 3 inch loft in an HH sized underquilt?