Warmth – UL 7 vs Hyperlite

Hey Gary, try the synmat winterlite. the MW weighs just about the same as the regular length/width synmat UL7, but is MUCH MUCH warmer. And the fabric actually feels pretty nice. This is the one I bought to replace my now down-less downmat UL7 (which I really loved) and while I haven't needed to use it for anything cold just yet, you literally can feel the warmth when you lie on it – which, of course, you don't with the synmat.

Not sure I'm going to be OK with the tapered pad, but getting the MW seemed to mitigate the taper, at least for me.

Maybe try adding a small piece of 1/8" CCF on top for torso/tush? Perhaps 1.5oz

I have used two different ul7's over the last 4 years, and find they get
cold in the mid 30's when by themselves.

I normally stick a 2/3 Lawson pad underneath it (which I have with me anyways)
and it's fine to below 30f, any colder and I team it up with a ridgerest solite or bring a warmer pad.

Jennifer –

"Not sure I'm going to be OK with the tapered pad, but getting the MW seemed to mitigate the taper, at least for me."

Are your elbows are supported, or does it taper so quickly they slide off?

I really wide the rectangular MW for "elbow management".

I'm mostly a side/stomach sleeper, so no issues with elbow management for me……..

But lying on my back yes, my arms are quite supported the whole length.

I finally tested my Hyperlite out a few weeks ago down in the 28-30F range. It seemed to be just at the 'warmth' edge. I noticed just a tiny bit of cool in a couple spots at one point in the evening. Nothing I was concerned about, just barely noticable. This was also a road trip so my metabalism would have been lower. I was also using a full 30F bag (WM Megalite) and wearing Capilene 2 top and bottom. I had a Synmat UL 7 several years back that went bad on me (baffle separation). Personally I have no issue with the taper on the Hyperlite and was quite please to go back to the vertical baffles that I found to be comfortable on the UL 7.

Based upon that limited experience, I will probably take a think CCF pad (1.5oz) for anything in the 20-30 range and stick with my Xtherm for anything under 20. Of course that is subject to change with more adequate testing.