Set up my Blackbird XLC for the first time today. I am new to hanging so I thought I would like the concept of putting a Thermorest Neo in the Underquilt slot. It was warm. I think the challenge is not sliding off of it at night...Is this why others said I will eventually go with an Underquilt?

Also...for those of you with XLCs...given the Underquilt slot, do you still need to tie down an Underquilt or will it stay in place without cords/clips?

I used a pad in my blackbird for a few trips and overnights until I purchased an underquilt. It wasn't ideal, but it worked. I found it was easier to say on directly under me and not in the slot. When it was in the slot it (the pad)seemed to be almost impossible to move around with me in the hammock.

Also, my shoulders got cold since the hammock itself smashed down my bags insulation. Many people use a piece of closed cell foam that comes up around the shoulders. Some even sew together a sleeve that holds your pad and has "wings" that hold the foam up around your shoulders. I also found that deflating my pad to about 1/2-3/4 full helped me stay on it.

Using a underquilt in the slot won't work, you just compress the insulation. Ya gotta hang that puppy. Once you try a quilt you'll never go back!

The underquilt does not go in the slot ... it would compress and be useless. The U/Q hangs under the hammock.

I started with the pad under my WBBB. Switched to the U/Q to save space and weight in my backpack.

Same as others here I started with a pad thinking "psssh... I can save a few bucks using a pad instead". I sold my blackbird, but went the UQ route as well. It's just easier, and way way way more comfortable.

seriously! is there anything more comfortable than a cocoon of down. I started with the ol' thermarest as well. never was total comfortable. It may seem spendy , but one night with a properly set up UQ you'll wonder why you didn't cough up the coin sooner.