Hi
I tried posting over in the Hang forum but for some reason it kept telling me to log in....which I was.....so..... something was not working there....
Anyway. I am getting a Dream Hammock Sparrow and I'm wanting to get an underquilt. I know about Underground Underquilts...the Zeppelin. And Hammock Gear Incubator Econ. I'm going for a 20 degree rating. New England....May through November. Probably can get down to 20 degrees easily on this two shoulder months in Adirondacks.

The Incubator is 800 fill duck down and the Zeppelin is 850 fill goose down. So they're not a direct apples-to-apples comparison. The Incubator costs less but it's using a less expensive down.

Can anyone offer some experienced advice on this? Add overstuffing? One brand or another? Down fill power?

Thanks

This is a warbonnet ridgerunner with 20-degree UQ, I sleep in a 20-degree quilt and add poncho liner when below 40 degrees. The photo shows a second poncho liner as dyi outer wrap. I have been to 18 degrees and okay with this setup.

I'm no expert but spent some time on this topic as I shopped for a setup last year. As I understand it, at similar temp ratings, the higher power down will save on weight and bulk.

Both brands are reviewed very well in the hanging community and I don't think you can go wrong either way. Hammock Gear uses a treated down, UGQ has switched to non-treated. There are plenty of opinions out there on this topic but it seems like a wash to me.

Pack space and trail weight become more of a factor as your hikes become longer. I thinks it a good idea to buy the highest power fill you can afford. Resale value seems to be very good on high end, well-cared for, quilts.

Check out hammockforums.net to find out more than you could ever possibly want to know about hammocks and hanging in general.

Thanks guys.

I’ve got a HG incubator 20 I’ve used for years, a couple years ago I was up in Manistee NF on a snow shoe trip and hit -15 one night….the underquilt along with a -20 rated bag and I was toasty…you should have no issues during shoulder seasons….

Mike

I have no experience with the brands you mention but highly recommend the trail winder from simply light designs.

He integrates a fabric that is wind/water resistant and it works really well for me. I have taken the 40 degree model into the lower 30s and had plenty of spray underneath from a nasty storm in the summer with no issues.

Much cheaper than the down versions you mention and the possibility of adding extra layers to get to lower temps.

Your priorities and budget will determine whether or not this is a fit for you.

If you get the down, get the one that has treated down. I’ve seen some of the untreated down examples that some companies sell in products. After you see the untreated stuff you don’t want that anywhere close to you. It’s more expensive for a reason.

The 20 degree is a nice temperature rating for BWCA during shoulder seasons.
Shopping for down can be confusing. From a practical point of view the higher the number the lighter and more compressible the product.
Although there is not too much difference above 800. The higher number usually means a higher quality too. I have always added a 1 once overfill, but I like a little bit more fluff to my quilt. It also makes up for age loss for very long term use.
Another important factor is what the length you choose. A full length is the largest, but also is easier to use.
I agree that the moisture coating down is a nice upgrade, if available. But with any down product, if you are not careful and it gets too wet it still will not keep you warm.
Enlightened Equipment was a quality cottage manufacturer and if you are going to use hammocks you may as well get addicted to Dutchware gear early.

Lots of good info on here, I’ll try to add to it. I have a synthetic, wish it was down, semi older ENO Vulcan. it’s rated for 30°-50°, so not 20°. I have a 20° Alpinlite down (not treated) bag I mix with it and a Big Agnes insulated air core.

Ok, let’s explain. I don’t hammock camp much, so I might not be much help or even hammock camp correctly. But, my best example is from a 2 week bikepacking trip around Lake Michigan in the fall. Often experienced winds and cold nights. Even though mine is rated for warmer temps, mixed with my pad and bag, I never experienced any cold awakenings the entire trip. I have also used this same setup for a couple of single night winter outings, and still feel comfy.. but I might layer up inside.

800-850 fill power aren’t that different. You’re talking like 3oz between the two and not much difference in bulk. The two fill powers are fairly equal in quality, really. The higher the fill the higher the quality of down = lighter weight, more compressibility, more loft which potentially creates more dead air space for body heat to get trapped. But you’d notice that more so between a 500/600fp to a 800/900fp.

And lastly, slightly controversial, but I’ve never seen the purpose in treating your down. I’m very experienced in paddling/winter ski trips but FAR less experienced than many people, even on this forum. And everybody has their own kit that works. Myself including many friends and acquaintances, have never got a down bag wet. It’s a large scare that if your down is wet, it’s useless. Strong fact, but how strong in reality?? And to throw this out there that I don’t read much about on these.. the face fabric. When choosing a brand like you mentioned as well as other quality names. Western mountaineering. Enlightened equipment. Feathered friends. They choose a higher end material for the outside that has a tighter knit to the fabric. This allows them to use such Uber light materials that, under a scope, have less flaws and gaps. This makes it harder for water, moisture and ice to penetrate to your Filament. I can’t express how many times I’ve woken up with ice all over my sleeping bag, and never had moisture seep through. Just a strong consideration when it comes to quality versus… I don’t want to say gimmick but that’s all that comes to mind. An unnecessary selling point

Which lastly brings out the importance of gear maintenance, and cleaning.

To compare apples to apples you would want to be looking at the Hammock Gear Premium Incubator 20 degree which is 850 fill. I have this one and absolutely love it. The 20 degree can be used spring, summer and fall in the BWCA. I very highly recommend it.

Thanks again to all who replied. I ended up going synthetic, with Trailwinder. I got a base quilt rated to 20 and an auxiliary quilt that snaps on and brings it to 0. Being around water for almost all it's intended use and not especially needing the highest degree of compressibility, this seemed to make sense. We shall see.