Although it is a bit different than traditional camping, hammock camping can be an amazing experience. The best part is that using a hammock eliminates the need for tents, poles, and bulky bedding material. With just a good hammock and a few pieces of gear, your campsite can be ready to go. A hammock allows you to stay off of the ground, remain dry, and sleep comfortably. However, there is one tough challenge to overcome: cold temperatures.
Fortunately, hammock underquilts provide a simple but effective way to stay warm outdoors in low temperatures. An underquilt provides you with enough insulation and warmth to stay safe and comfortable through the night. The extra padding also provides an additional layer of support and comfort. For hammock enthusiasts, a good underquilt is seriously a game-changer. Let’s take a look at the five best hammock underquilts.
The 5 Best Hammock Underquilts
5. Onewind Hammock Underquilt
The Onewind Hammock Underquilt is a great option for hammock camping during all four seasons of the year. This underquilt employs ultralight nylon fabric, weighing a total of just 2.25 pounds. The light weight is great for portability, which makes it an ideal choice for hikers and backpackers
The shell and fabric are 20D 400T, which allows for enough elasticity to wrap around and provide insulation where it is needed most. Each side is equipped with a shock cord that can be cinched up, which tightens the layers to keep your sides, legs, and shoulders warm. When loose, the underquilt provides ventilation between the layers.
Onewind designed this underquilt for when temperatures can drop down between 50 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit (10° to 2° C). It provides plenty of insulation and, when combined with a 2-in-1 combo underquilt, it can even provide safety and comfort in freezing temperatures as low as 14° F (-10° C).
The Onewind Underquilt is washable and contains a bio-based fiber as insulation, which allows it to dry quickly and keep heat inside.
Pros and Cons
4. Ayamaya Ultralight Hammock Underquilt
The Ayamaya Ultralight Hammock Underquilt is one of our favorite choices for 3-season hammock camping. It features a 20D ripstop nylon shell with 300T lining, which provides enough strength and durability to support your weight over the course of many camping trips. The fabric is also treated with a water-resistant coating, which prevents it from getting wet and uncomfortable.
The Ayamaya Underquilt is capable of providing comfort in temperatures ranging from 65 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (18° to -6° C). At just 2.2 pounds, this underquilt is lightweight and easy to pack, carry, and store. Additionally, it compresses down to an impressive 7-inch diameter. Once compressed, the underquilt slides right into an included nylon carry bag.
Stuffed inside of the Ayamaya Hammock Underquilt is a lightweight 200G hollow cotton fill. The filling provides exceptional warmth without increasing the overall weight. This design forms to any standard sized hammock, creating a shell that matches the form of points on either end. For additional insulation, you can clip the elastic rope to the hammock hook, tightening the hammock around your body.
Pros and Cons
3. Geertop Portable Hammock Underquilt
Don’t let the rain stop you from taking your hammock on a trip! The Geertop Portable Hammock Underquilt is an ideal choice for when wet weather is in the forecast. The shell is a 20D 380T waterproof nylon plaid fabric with 300T polyester pongee lining. It also features a quilted blanket design that provides fantastic insulation, especially when compared to many other designs.
Additionally, this is one of the most portable hammock underquilts on the market. It is very lightweight and easy to transport, weighing just 1.87 pounds. When folded up, it compresses down to a size of just 13.7 inches long by 4.7 inches wide.
The imitation silk floss filling keeps you comfortable in temperatures ranging from 65 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (18° to 5°C). The water proof fabric and wide temperature range make the Geertop Underquilt ideal for most months of the year, especially during the wetter months of early spring.
Featuring a form-fitting design, this underquilt is ridiculously comfortable. There are elastic bands on each end that connect to the hammock anchors, which help create a snug, comfortable fit.
Pros and Cons
2. OneTigris Twilight Trekker Underquilt
The OneTigris Twilight Trekker Underquilt is another one of our favorites. This adjustable, 3-season underquilt is capable of providing comfortable insulation in temperatures ranging from 68 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (20° to 5°C).
The Twilight Trekker features SEE polyester filling, enveloped in a 20D ripstop nylon shell. On top of that is a waterproof DWR coating and a 300T polyester pongee lining. To put it layman’s terms: these layers provide protection against water, wind, and cold weather.
On the sides of the underquilt are a series of sleeved loops for the elastic anchors, which span the full length of the underquilt and connect to the hammock anchors. For more insulation and warmth, the ends can be cinched closed.
Additionally, the Twilight Trekker Underquilt can also double as an insulated outdoor blanket. Because of the less conforming design, it can open up, transforming into a blanket measuring 8.2 feet long by 4.6 feet wide.
Pros and Cons
1. OneTigris Night Protector Underquilt
The OneTigris Night Protector is our favorite underquilt for hammock camping. It is lightweight, low profile, and weather resistant. The Night Protector is rated for use in temperatures ranging from 65 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (18° to 5°C). For insulation, it features a 20D ripstop nylon shell with a SEE polyester fill. The outer layer features a high-quality DWR coating for waterproofing and weather resistance.
The quilt is easy to set up, featuring a split design that connects to your hammock with a short bungee cord at either end. It is a full-length, form-fitting design that fits any standard sized hammock.
Our favorite features of the Night Protector Underquilt are the portability. The most impressive aspect is how lightweight and easy to carry it is. It weighs just 1.75 pounds. It also folds up and compresses down to a size of just 13 inches by 6 inches. The lightweight and portability make the Night Protector Underquilt the perfect choice for backpackers, hikers, and campers who intend to walk a fair distance. Seriously, it is so light and portable that it can be easy to forget you are even carrying it!
Pros and Cons
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Hammock Underquilt
For those who enjoy hammock camping, a good underquilt is an essential piece of outdoor gear. It will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the night. However, in order to choose the best hammock underquilt, there are a few important factors that you should consider.
Temperature Rating
Because the main function of a hammock underquilt is to keep you warm, it is important to consider the temperature rating. Typically, the rating is listed as a range of temperatures in which the underquilt is capable of keeping you at a safe body temperature.
Not all underquilts provide the same level of insulation, so if you are camping in colder climates, it is especially important to take note of these ratings. Regions with temperatures that spike during the day and plummet at night may require an underquilt rated for a wider temperature range. High mountain and open desert areas may require more insulation or additional layers.
When combined with wool blankets or additional layers, many underquilts can provide comfort in temperatures well below their rating. However, it is much better to be safe and choose one that is rated for the proper temperature it will be used in.
Your Sleeping Position
While some underquilts allow for more freedom of movement, others provide a more snug fit around the natural shape of the hammock. A better night’s sleep can sometimes be attained through the diagonal lay. This is when you offset your sleeping position diagonally from the center of the hammock.
If you sleep better while lying diagonally, a form-fitting style of underquilt may not be the best choice, as it can limit range of motion and constrict shoulders. Instead, we recommend opting for a more loose, blanket-style underquilt.
If you prefer to sleep while lying straight in the hammock, the form-fitting underquilts perform well. Typically, this type of underquilt is less bulky and weighs less, which is great for backpackers and hikers.
Water Resistance
Another important factor to consider is water resistance. In order to maintain a safe body temperature, it is key for you to stay dry.
While many hammock campers utilize a canopy, they are not entirely effective when the weather gets too wet. A waterproof underquilts provides protection from below and on the sides, which can be extremely helpful when blowing rain hits your campsite. In some climates, even the morning moisture can create an uncomfortable situation.
Consider the climate you will be camping in, and if there is a lot of rain or snow, you should opt for an underquilt with a high-quality DWR waterproof coating.
Weight
The weight of the underquilt is another important factor for you to consider. Many hammock campers tend to backpack, hike, and travel long distances. If you are one of these adventurers, it is absolutely crucial for you to choose an underquilt that is lightweight and easy to carry. There are plenty of lightweight hammock underquilts available. Also, as an added benefit, opting for a less bulky model may allow you to pack additional gear that you did not have room for before.
Reducing the weight in your gear bag is the best way to save your back and preserve your energy. By limiting the amount of pounds you carry, you will be able to go farther, hike higher, and have more fun.
On the other hand, if you are just planning to set up a hammock by your vehicle or camper, weight should not be as important of a factor for you. Instead, we recommend focusing on comfort and warmth.
Type of Insulation
Different temperature ratings, compaction, and weight all hinge on the type of insulation used inside of the underquilt. Synthetics retain more heat and allow for quick drying, where cottons and natural fibers can provide more breathability. Waterfowl down is very warm, but is also difficult to clean and dry.
Depending on your preferences, you may want your underquilt to have more breathability or warmth. You may want easier maintenance and cleaning. Or, you may want the lightest, warmest overall option. Look closely at your long-term use, storage intentions, and cleaning cycles to determine the best type of insulation to fit your needs.
Hammock Underquilt FAQs
What is hammock camping?
Hammock camping is an alternative to traditional camping that eliminates the need for a tent. Instead, campers simply spend the night on a hammock. Properly outfitted hammocks can provide significant comfort and shelter while reducing the weight and required space in a gear bag.
Do hammock underquilts have a weight limit?
Underquilts do not support weight. Instead, they rely on the hammock to support the weight, while the quilt hangs directly beneath as an insulating layer.
Does an underquilt wrap around the entire hammock?
No. An underquilt does not cover the top of the hammock. It covers the bottom and lines up with the sides of the hammock.
Final Thoughts
Hammock camping is one of the best ways to experience nature. Without the tent, you really become a part of the environment. It is extremely liberating and very fun. However, you do not want to get caught on the wrong side of a cold night or your backside may never recover. Staying warm is important, and a hammock underquilt is an essential piece of gear for doing so.
Happy Camping!
We would love to hear about your hammock camping adventures. Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
