Closed Cell vs Yoga mat

[Gadgetgeek]

I did up a simple underquilt protector out of the cheapest PU coated nylon I could get off ebay. They claimed 1200mm waterproofness, but I could get water to drip through it with only a little pressure. So it became a combo UQP and emergency ground sheet. My feeling with it so far is that it doesn't really help with the temp as such, just the wind, but I've also recently discovered a couple problems with how I was hanging my UQs so I may have just found another 10 degrees or more in my system.

I would say, work with what you've got, get some cheap CCF and a roll of gaff, and see what you can make for cheap.

[simonm]

My feeling with it so far is that it doesn't really help with the temp as such, just the wind

Yes that is what the UQP is primarily designed to do, cut the wind robbing some heat, and offer some rain splash protection for those that need it. It certainly won't help if your under quilt is just not up to the task.

[ErichFromm]

Update on this...

I finally got away, far too unfit for a hike so decided to turn it into just a camping trip and saw it as a chance to test out my sleep system and try some ideas with the camp oven.

As weight wasn't an issue I used a thick blanket (inserted beneath the layers of the warbonnet XLC) believing it would be more comfortable than a stiff closed cell mat. It was an ex army blanket and a little stiff, so didn't keep sliding into the middle. Plus my Hammockgear UQ. I also used a milar blanket tied beneath that.

It worked great. Too well in fact and on the second night I had to open it up a bit as I was getting too warm. I was very pleased with myself until the morning when I was putting things away and noticed that the milar was sticking to the UQ which was quite wet. Earlier in the night I'd moved the milar out the way and I couldn't really notice the difference in temp. Not sure I'd use it again - the blanket seemed enough. Perhaps it would've been a different story if it had been windy.

[Moondog55]

My experience has been that if you use a waterproof wind barrier you also need the top layer on the insulation to be waterproof or this wetting occurs every time
Nice camp Good large tarp

[simonm]

Definitely better going with a breathable under quilt protector. They are an easy DIY.

Good setup though. I feel like a nap just looking at it.

[Moondog55]

I'd be going the other way with WP on both sides and a vent on one bottom seam for stuffing into the bag and if you used the lightest Cuben for that it would be very LW indeed
Not that I'm a hammock camper but I may try it soon