Using underquilt but still freezing

[DonutKing]

My buddy and I went for a hammock camping, it was a bit of a chiller!

It was 41 degrees, and I was wearing a 20degree under quilt, but I was still pretty cold on my underside.

My buddy didn't say anything, but I know by his face, he felt frozen lol
Had a 30degree quilt on top, but the bottom was definitely the problem. I cinched the underquilt tight at both ends, which helped a little, but by 7 AM, I was dragging myself inside to warm up. Gotta get this dialed in before I hit the high country.

I'm using a Western Mountaineering SlingLite 20degree, 3/4 length, tapered at the ends. Coverage seems fine, but I'm wondering if I'm missing something crucial. But yeah, why was I still cold with that underquilt?

 

[LowTech]

What do you mean "wearing" the underquilt?

First thing that I would check is whether that quilt has a differential construction, where one side (the side against the bottom of the hammock) is made flat and the baffle tubes hang down from that or it's the same on either side. If it's got a differential construction then it should be right against the bottom of the hammock w/ no air space in-between. If it's not cut that way then you have to be careful not to crush the loft against the hammock and it should just lightly be touching the bottom of the hammock.
The other thing that's been known to happen is that cinching up the ends too much causes some gapping while you're in the hammock. It's helpful if you and your buddy can check each others quilts while one of you is in the hammock to get the quilts dialed in.
There are other nuances that can make an underquilt fit better but those are a good starting point.

 

[cougarmeat]

Following everything LowTech said, experienced hammock campers have mentioned that if your UQ is tight enough - remember, with a differential cut there is a top and bottom - the tension of the UQ suspension should lift the hammock up about 10 inches when you are not in it.

The ends should not be cinched too tight, they need to form to the shape of the hammock when you are at your diagonal position. But you need lift at the ends.

I’m not familiar with WM’s “quilt” products so don’t know their suspension setup. Perhaps you can post a photo.

 

[LowTech]

I found their site but the specs for that UQ are wrong as it's for one of their TQs, which they do say are differential cut so I would expect the UQ to be as well.
I can't tell if they're running full side channel shock cord or just corner attachments but I suspect that it's just hanging from the corners. They did a reverse quilt hooks method by putting them on the quilt and expecting you to hang them on the edge of the hammock. Of course that only works well if you sleep like a banana or are very picky about which hooks you use and which ones you leave off. The end cinch is adjusted in the middle, so hard to adjust while you're in the hammock. Almost no options and pretty pricey for a simple UQ w/ an 850 fill.
It looks like it could benefit from running some shock cord, from the quilt hooks nearest the ends, up and over a ridgeline and to the hook on the other side. That would at least keep it up against the hammock and allow it to shape to the body better than just hooking on the edge of the hammock.

We may need to have a place where we can list some of the current hammock focused cottage vendors as there are some seriously innovative people making hammock specific gear, as opposed to the ones that make backpacking gear and are just adding a few hammock related items to their line due to the current popularity of hammocks.

 

[cougarmeat]

Western Mountaineering is known for their “premium” sleeping bags. Maybe their quilts are designed with a tilt towards ground sleepers, rather than hammock campers.

The temperature rating seems very sufficient for a 41° night (but everyone’s different). I’m guessing it was how it was stung up - but with no pictures ....

 

[CampSway]

Looks like you're dealing with cold butt syndrome with that ¾-length SlingLite. Even at 41°F, if there are gaps or if the suspension is loose, you'll feel the chill. Make sure the underquilt fits well but isn't squishing the insulation. Tightening the suspension can also help keep the drafts out. Using a sit pad under your feet and dressing in layers can make a difference too. With a few adjustments, you'll be cozy next time!

 

[CampBas1cs]

My buddy and I went for a hammock camping, it was a bit of a chiller!

It was 41 degrees, and I was wearing a 20degree under quilt, but I was still pretty cold on my underside.

My buddy didn't say anything, but I know by his face, he felt frozen lol
Had a 30degree quilt on top, but the bottom was definitely the problem. I cinched the underquilt tight at both ends, which helped a little, but by 7 AM, I was dragging myself inside to warm up. Gotta get this dialed in before I hit the high country.

I'm using a Western Mountaineering SlingLite 20degree, 3/4 length, tapered at the ends. Coverage seems fine, but I'm wondering if I'm missing something crucial. But yeah, why was I still cold with that underquilt?

I just want to add to what the other guys are saying that you should also consider sag adjustment and ridgeline tension beyond just cinching.
Too much sag can stretch out your underquilt, creating gaps.
Too little sag can compress it.
Then the ridgeline tension affects the sag and how your underquilt drapes.

 

[zerobasecamper163]

Yep, sag and ridgeline tension really matter for underquilt performance.

 

[Rennie192]

My buddy and I went for a hammock camping, it was a bit of a chiller!

It was 41 degrees, and I was wearing a 20degree under quilt, but I was still pretty cold on my underside.

My buddy didn't say anything, but I know by his face, he felt frozen lol
Had a 30degree quilt on top, but the bottom was definitely the problem. I cinched the underquilt tight at both ends, which helped a little, but by 7 AM, I was dragging myself inside to warm up. Gotta get this dialed in before I hit the high country.

I'm using a Western Mountaineering SlingLite 20degree, 3/4 length, tapered at the ends. Coverage seems fine, but I'm wondering if I'm missing something crucial. But yeah, why was I still cold with that underquilt?

Ease up on the straps a bit, you want a gentle curve, not a tight drum. Pad those feet with foam or extra clothes under your legs for warmth. Double-check for any gaps and make sure your underquilt is snug in place. Oh, and layer up. Merino wool base layers are great for holding in heat.