question about quilts

I made the switch to quilts from mummy bags a couple years before I moved off the ground and into a hammock. I didn’t need to make a change to my pad or my supplemental clothing when I made the move while I was still sleeping on the ground. A 30-degree quilt will keep you as warm as a 30-degree mummy bag as long as you have something for your head.

That’s really probably the biggest difference I noticed – you definitely need good headgear to keep warm in a quilt. I can “seal” all of mine around my neck (make sure the quilt you buy is long enough) but it leaves my head sticking out. Even if it’s going to get down only into the 50’s at night I’ll still keep my Possumdown beanie handy. It’s the first thing I put on if I get a chill. If I know it’s going to be colder I bring a balaclava – either a fleece or insulated one depending on the temperatures.

One other thing that you’ll love about quilts is how easy they are to get into and out of when you’re in a hammock. Make sure you check out the Jacks R Better quilts. They have a great selection at very reasonable prices. They also seem to hold their value quite well on Gear Swap if you decide you don’t like it or want to move towards something custom.

Kevin is right on. I’ll just add Hammock Gear and Te Wa to your list of quilt makers to check out. I have a quilt from both and they’re top notch. If you plan on using it on the ground, make sure you get it a little wider.

Adam, depending upon where you are in Alabama, there is a great opportunity this weekend to view some quilts. The 2nd Annual Heart of Dixie Hang will be taking place near Cheaha. There will be several people there with quilts. I helped to put this together last year, but I cannot attend this time. I will tell you that those participating are gentlemen–and ladies–of the first degree (don't tell them I said that).

Follow this link, to hook up with them.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=39397
I don't like promoting one forum on another, but this will take you to a great resource, if you are able to drop in and visit with them. PM bigbamaguy (John). He will be your best contact.

As Jeff mentioned, make sure you opt for something wider if you're going to be using it on the ground. The hammock's "walls" confine the quilt to a limited space and as a result require much less quilt width for adequate coverage, coupled by the fact that you're limited to how much you can really stretch out while in a hammock. 90% of all hammock quilts are built too narrow for appropriate ground use in my opinion. I'd recommend a minimum of 52" wide *FINISHED* usable width for most normal sized ground dwellers, and that's assuming a "half" taper. With a straight taper, even that might be cramped or drafty if you're planning on something rated below 30deg.

Adam and Te Wa are both friends and great craftsmen, I'm sure they can accommodate your needs, as long as you determine what they are first. Definitely consider going with a custom quilt from one of them before you buy off the shelf, unless you get an opportunity to try the off-the-shelf product first to make sure it fits.