Underquilt for my first ever hammock

[Saitama]

I'm finally finishing up my first real hammock kit after so long putting it off, but I'm kind of stuck on the underquilt now. I sleep warm and don't wanna be out in anything colder than 25°F. Now I'm having a hard time deciding between a premium 15° quilt from Wilderness Logics or a cheaper 40° Econ Phoenix and using a pad when needed. Has anyone here tried the 40° UQ in the 20s?

 

[theBrandon]

Nice work finishing the hammock, I've used the 40° Econ Phoenix with a pad down to 22°F, it is doable, but not super comfy. If you sleep warm, it might be enough though

 

[Georgia9]

What makes you lean toward the 40° Econ,price, weight, or versatility with a pad, if you know you'll be out in temps close to its lower limit?

 

[LowTech]

I've had it hit 21° while I was packing w/ a 40° UQ, definitely wasn't fun but survivable. I find that for comfort I prefer to have a quilt rated for 10° below the temps I'm sleeping in. I also have no trouble using a 20° UQ up into 60°+ nights, just vent it a bit at the ends and it's fine.
If weight saving is your goal then you'll probably save more weight getting an UQ made of a 10D or 7D material than reducing the amount of insulation.

 

[cougarmeat]

I'm with LowTech on the 10° cushion. I also use an underquilt protector (UQP) that adds a little more to the temperature tolerance and allows a tad more sloppiness to the UQ fit. I usually have to set up by myself. Quantum physics aside, I can't be in the hammock and outside to see how it fits at the same time. I have mulitple hammocks and UQs. If I had only one, I could set it up just right and keep it that way.

Note that some experienced hangers suggest that when you are out of the hammock, the UQ should be tight enough that it raises the hammock about 10 inches. That assumes a differential cut - the bottom of the UQ is cut fuller than the top so it can be snugged up against the hammock without compressing the loft. HG's UQs have a differential cut. I don't know about Wilderness Logics.

You didn't mention what seasons you have - how many days you might be camping in 25° weather. There's nothing wrong with being a fair-weather camper.
I started with quilts for 0°, 20, and 40° - the usual trio. But after a few years and observation, when I renewed my gear, I went for just two, 10° and 30°. Around here (High Desert country - cold nights), 30° will cover more of the shoulder seasons while not being too warm for the usual summer days.

 

[DonutKing]

I'm finally finishing up my first real hammock kit after so long putting it off, but I'm kind of stuck on the underquilt now. I sleep warm and don't wanna be out in anything colder than 25°F. Now I'm having a hard time deciding between a premium 15° quilt from Wilderness Logics or a cheaper 40° Econ Phoenix and using a pad when needed. Has anyone here tried the 40° UQ in the 20s?

for a warm sleeper targeting 25°F, a 40°F UQ might push it without a pad, especially if there's any wind. I've personally been chilly with a 40°F UQ in the low 30s. The pad inside the hammock can work, but it often shifts and creates cold spots on your sides/shoulders. For true comfort and reliability in the 20s, that 15°F UQ is the safer bet. You can always vent it if you get too warm!

 

[sway&stay]

Yeah, a 40°F quilt might not cut it when it's in the 20s, especially if it's windy. A 15°F underquilt is the way to go because it's more dependable, and if you get too toasty, just let some air in

 

[cougarmeat]

The UQP's purpose, besides keeping the UQ dry/clean from Rain Bounce, is to give more shielding against the Wind. Unfortunately, with these suggestions, you don't know for yourself until you make an investment in gear and try it out.