Best Hammock Underquilt Reviews
Hammocks are quite amazing camping implements. But, many enthusiasts are wary about using them during the cooler months. They don’t know that it's still possible to enjoy our hammocks if we have the right accessories (like an underquilt) in our backpacks. Sleeping bags don't always cut it, they tend to lose their insulating qualities when between you and the hammock, which can leave your underside frozen and uncomfortable.
This is further compounded by the fact that, in a hammock, the air is circulating underneath you. Underquilts operate on the concept that if they are hanging outside the hammock, they can eliminate this issue.
When you think about it, underquilts for hammocks are one of the most vital pieces of a good hammock set up. If you want to stay warm and happy when in the great outdoors, they are a must have.
Hammock Underquilt Reviews - Comparison Chart
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Important Considerations When Choosing The Right Underquilt for Your Needs
When picking the right underquilt, there are a number of features that you must consider. Some of them include:
- Filling: The answer to this really boils down to two options, synthetic or down. Down underquilts are unparalleled in terms of warmth to weight ratio. So, if you want a light and super compressed quilt, then a down underquilt is the right choice for you. The problem is that if it gets wet, it doesn’t provide much insulation. But, this shouldn't be a big concern if you have a good waterproof tarp and stuff sack for your gear. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is made of up polyester fibers created to mimic downs ability to trap warmth and air. And while it's not as compressible or light weight as a down underquilt, it is able to retain most of its warmth, even when wet.
- Fabric: Most campers will find that they should go with the lightest fabric that they can but, the actual answer will be dependent on your specific needs. Because under quilts for hammocks actually lie under your hammock and don't have to deal with much wear and tear, a light option will last a long time. But, accidents do happen and there are a ton of fabric types if you need added durability or simply are looking for a color that matches your camping sets. There are even waterproof or windproof fabrics available.
- Temperature: If it doesn't get very cold (even during the winter) around your neck of the woods, you probably won’t need a hammock under quilt. But, if you're camping in the dead of winter in colder places, it’s important to get your hands on an underquilt that will keep you warm and snug, even on the coldest days.
- Torso length or full length: To determine which length will be best for you, you must determine your preferred length. If you are a true naturalist and love living off the land (no frills camping), then a torso length underquilt would be right up your alley. On the other hand, if you hate cold feet and you value your comfort, the full-length under quilt would be a better option for you.
- Price: The price of your hammock under quilt is entirely dependent on the materials it was constructed with. For instance, if you want to cut costs, synthetic underquilt options are probably your best bet.
Best Hammock Under quilt REVIEWS
Our Rating:
This ENO underquilt is designed to ensure that you are warm and comfy. And, for colder temperatures, this full-length hammock under quilt is filled with synthetic insulation and includes a perimeter suspension system that works well with virtually any gathered end hammock.
Furthermore, it’s rated to keep you warm even in temperatures as low as 35 degrees. So no matter if your camping trip takes you to the nearest trail, the Alps, or Alaska, the Vulcan will help you maintain your love for the great outdoors.
Specs Include:
- Functionality: The Vulcan is quite warm. It does a great job at keeping the cold air out.
- Easy of use: Hammocks are easy and quick to set up and this underquilt does not hinder any of that. Simply clip it to the carabiners on each end, tighten up the shock cords, and you’re done.
- Durability: The Vulcan underquilt has a nylon shell that’s been treated with durable water repellent, ensuring that it will last for require some time.
- Value: Its price tag is similar to other underquilts that have been rated for similar temperature.
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Our Rating:
More than just a hammock down underquilt, this Outdoor aerial can be used as a sleeping bag as well. No matter how you use it, it’s sure to offer a cozy outdoor sleeping experience in virtually any weather. It delivers all the values and quality that this brand has come to be known for.
Specs Include:
- Can be used as a pod system, underquilt, sleeping pad, and a technical blanket
- Filled with 800 fill power down
- Weighs a little less than 2 pounds
- Made with high-quality lightweight ripstop fabrics
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
- Rated down to 30 degrees
- Comes with suspension kit
- Has Velcro zipper cover
- Heavy Duty YKK Zippers
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Our Rating:
Anyone that’s slept outside in the hammock is familiar with the windchill that can freeze your underside. So, if you are looking for a unique solution to staying warm in the cooler season, you can't go wrong with the Snugpak Hammock Cocoon with Travelsoft Filling.
It wraps around the hammock, trapping warm air in the hammock and keeping the cold air out. It also features a full-length zip that gives you easy access to your hammock.
Specs Include:
- Fits most hammocks
- Made with MicroDiamond fabric that has been treated with an antibacterial
- Has Travelsoft filling which provides comfort and insulation, helps to trap and reflect heat
- Comes with compression stuff sack
- Wraps around the hammock like a giant banana skin
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Thinking about buying a new hammock? Check out our post on Best Camping Hammock
Final Verdict
Having an idea how your body reacts to sleeping outside is crucial to staying warm during the cooler months. For instance, because of air convention, hammock campers can lose heat from their underside, especially if it's windy outside. Finding the perfect solution is essential for an enjoyable camping experience. It can be the difference between waking up cold and tired or refreshed.
Thankfully, there are solutions to this problem! Not only does an underquilt provide more freedom of movement, they also make it significantly easier to stay warm. The hammock under quilts in the above list are what we consider to be the best on the market, in terms of both price and ability to keep you warm. Down underquilts and synthetic underquilts are excellent choices for those looking for an affordable method of providing insulation. And, with proper care and maintenance, under quilts are a solid investment that will last for many of your outdoor adventures.
>> Check other Camping, Hiking and Backpacking Resources <<
FAQ About the Best Hammock Underquilts
If you don’t see an answer to your question listed below in our FAQ section, let us know and we’ll do our best to help you out.
Is a hammock bottom quilt the same as an underquilt?
Essentially, yes, they are the same thing. However, some companies may choose to use hammock bottom built instead of hammock underquilt, but they are the same thing, so don’t be confused when you do your shopping!
What is the difference between down and synthetic filling?
Down under quilts are superior when it comes to the warmth to weight ratio. They’re both compressed and light, but don’t retain their insulation if they get wet. Synthetic filling, however, is very different.
Synthetic filling is crafted from polyester fibers that are created for the purpose of mimicking down filling and their ability to wrap air and necessary warmth. Unlike down, however, they’re not light or able to be compressed, so they are generally heavier. Although, if synthetic filling gets wet, it’s still able to provide warmth.
The major difference boils down to how warm each one is while they are wet. Down fails, while synthetic wins.
What’s the best way to carry an underquilt hammock?
While most underquilt hammocks come with some sort of sack or rucksack to carry them in, unfortunately, some of them don’t. If yours didn’t come with one, getting some sort of waterproof sack to store and carry it in is your best bet, especially if your underquilt hammock is made of down filling.
What’s the difference between a sleeping bag and an underquilt?
While hammock underquilts are designed to be used in a hammock, sleeping bags generally are not. If you need to use a sleeping bag with your hammock, make sure your trip will not a cold one. Sleeping bags aren’t always all that warm or generally useful when used in a hammock in cold weather.
Underquilts, however, are designed to be used with hammocks. They provide the best warmth possible and should never be overlooked, even if it means carrying a bit of extra weight. You’ll thank yourself!
What’s the cheapest hammock underquilt?
If cutting costs is an option, or something that must be done because of your budget, your best bet is going to be to go with a synthetic underquilt. They are the cheapest hammock underquilts on the market.
