2007 Jacks ‘R’ Better Old Rag Mtn Down Quilt REVIEW

Hi Doug, I enjoyed your review. I noticed that you recommend using the Old Rag Mtn as an additional underquilt (to supplement the Nest) instead of the No Sniveler. On the JRB web site they seem to describe the opposite approach. Could you elaborate on your rationale for this choice? Presumably additional underneath insulation was needed. Perhaps to extend the temp range for which you did not need to carry the additional foam pad? And in that case, you were using only the No Sniveler as a top quilt and supplementing with clothing to get down to the mid teens? I would be interested to hear what other clothing choices you made with this system to stay warm down to those temps. Also, any suggestions on how to dial in the performance of the quilt system is appreciated. Thanks.

Joseph,
I've used a Hennessy hammock with 2 No Sniveller Long quilts for several years now. I spent all last week in the Indian Peaks of the Colorado rockies with this set up. I'm 6'4", so I would say that a JRB quilt in long will be ample for your height. I hadn't considered using a regular size quilt on the outside. It might just work if you have some insulation for your head and maybe your feet. A fleece hat and socks might do the trick. A shorter under quilt might allow more drafts from the ends, however. Hanging the under quilt takes a little skill. If you leave a gap between you and the quilt you might get cold. If I get cold it's usually from underneath, and the butt and lower back tend to feel it first. I use a fleece hat and a Montbell inflatable pillow even with the long quilt underneath. Some hat is required if it's at all cool out.

I can totally see where Jack is coming from. The reason I used the No Sniveler on top was that I found it warmer to have the additional insulation beneath me. It also made an easy transition from using the No Sniveler as a poncho to using it as the top quilt.

But what's wonderful about the system is its versatility. You can choose more insulation on top or more underneath…whatever you like best!

Doug