Best Underquilts
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Quick answer: The best underquilt for most hammock campers is the Hammock Gear Incubator (full-length, highly configurable). On a tighter budget, the Hammock Gear Econ Incubator gives most of that warmth for less. Warbonnet Blackbird owners should look at the Warbonnet Wooki or Yeti, and if you want something on Amazon, the synthetic ENO Vulcan or a budget Onewind underquilt will get you started.
An underquilt is the single piece of gear that turns a hammock from a summer novelty into a three- or four-season shelter. Choosing the best underquilt comes down to four things: the real temperature you camp in, length (full or 3/4), how it fits your specific hammock, and how much weight and money you are willing to spend. Below we compare the hammock underquilts that consistently earn strong owner feedback, then explain how to pick one that actually keeps you warm.
If you are new to the idea, start with our underquilt guide and the broader hammock insulation guide. This page assumes you already know you want one.
Best underquilts compared
| Underquilt | Insulation | Lengths | Approx. weight (20°F, full) | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammock Gear Incubator | 800-950 FP down | Full, 3/4 | ~20-24 oz | $$$ | Best overall |
| Hammock Gear Econ Incubator | 800 FP duck down | Full, 3/4 | ~24-28 oz | $$ | Best value down |
| Warbonnet Wooki | Down | Full | ~22-26 oz | $$$ | Blackbird and Ridgerunner owners |
| Warbonnet Yeti | Down | 3/4 (torso) | ~12-15 oz | $$ | Ultralight Blackbird setups |
| UGQ Outdoor Renegade | Down (custom FP) | Full, 3/4, custom | ~20-26 oz | $$-$$$ | Custom builds and colors |
| ENO Vulcan | Synthetic | Full | ~2-3 lb | $$ | Wet climates, retail availability |
| Onewind underquilt | Synthetic or down (varies) | Full | Varies widely | $ | Budget starters, car camping |
Weights and prices are approximate and change with configuration; cottage makers update specs, fill options and pricing often, so confirm on the maker's site before ordering.
How we chose these underquilts
We do not lab-test gear. We compared published specs (fill weight, fill power, dimensions, suspension design), read through a large volume of owner reports on hammock forums, Reddit communities and retailer reviews, and weighted the things that matter most in the field: whether the underquilt seals against the hammock without gaps, how easy the suspension is to adjust, and whether its temperature rating holds up in owner reports. Underquilt temperature ratings are not ISO or EN tested; each maker sets its own, and you should read them as "comfortable for an average sleeper with a decent top quilt and a wind block". Our hammock temperature guide explains why the same rating can feel different hammock to hammock.
The best underquilts for hammock camping
Best overall
Hammock Gear Incubator
- Fill
- 800 FP duck down standard, upgrades to higher-fill goose
- Weight
- ~20-24 oz for a 20°F full-length (varies by options)
- Price tier
- $$$
- Best for
- Most gathered-end hammock campers who want one quilt for three seasons
The Incubator is the reference point most other underquilts get measured against. It is differentially cut so the down stays lofted as the hammock sags, uses a shock-cord channel suspension that adapts to almost any gathered-end hammock, and comes in temperature ratings from summer to deep winter. You can add overfill, choose length and width, and pick shell colors, which makes it easy to match a specific climate. Owners widely report that its ratings are realistic, which is not something you can say about every underquilt.
Pros
- Reliable, honest temperature ratings in owner reports
- Suspension fits nearly every gathered-end hammock
- Lots of options: length, overfill, fill power, colors
Cons
- Lead times can stretch in peak season
- Not cheap once you add upgrades
Best value down underquilt
Hammock Gear Econ Incubator
- Fill
- 800 FP duck down
- Weight
- A few ounces heavier than the standard Incubator
- Price tier
- $$
- Best for
- First real underquilt on a budget
The Econ line keeps the Incubator's proven cut and suspension but trims options and uses a slightly heavier shell to bring the price down. For most weekend hangers that trade is invisible: you get honest down warmth for roughly the price of a mid-range synthetic underquilt. It is usually sold in stock configurations, so it ships faster than custom builds.
Pros
- Real down warmth at a mid-tier price
- Same proven differential cut
- Often in stock
Cons
- Fewer customization choices
- Slightly heavier and bulkier than the premium version
Best for Warbonnet hammocks
Warbonnet Wooki
- Fill
- Down, several temperature ratings
- Weight
- ~22-26 oz depending on rating
- Price tier
- $$$
- Best for
- Warbonnet Blackbird, Blackbird XLC and Ridgerunner owners
The Wooki is shaped and suspended specifically for Warbonnet's asymmetric and bridge hammocks, so it seals cleanly without fiddling. Because Warbonnet designs hammock and underquilt together, owners report fewer cold spots at the shoulders and feet than with generic quilts on the same hammocks. If you already own a Blackbird or Ridgerunner, this is the easy, low-risk choice.
Pros
- Dialed fit on Warbonnet hammocks
- Simple, quick hang
Cons
- Less ideal on other brands' hammocks
- Fewer custom options than some cottage makers
Best 3/4 underquilt
Warbonnet Yeti
- Fill
- Down
- Weight
- ~12-15 oz
- Price tier
- $$
- Best for
- Ultralight hikers in Blackbird-style hammocks
The Yeti is a torso-length underquilt designed around the Blackbird's footbox, where your legs sit on a pad, sit pad or empty pack. It packs small and saves meaningful weight, which is why it shows up often in thru-hiker kits. The trade-off is that your feet depend on whatever you put under them, so it is a choice for people who already understand their system.
Pros
- Very light and compact
- Works well with the Blackbird's footbox
Cons
- Needs a leg pad to stay warm
- Not a fit for most other hammocks
Best custom underquilt
UGQ Outdoor Renegade
- Fill
- Down, choice of fill power and overfill
- Weight
- ~20-26 oz for a 20°F full-length (depends on build)
- Price tier
- $$-$$$
- Best for
- Hangers who want specific dimensions, fabrics or colors
UGQ's Renegade is a full-featured underquilt you can configure in detail, from length and fill to shell fabric and color. Owners like its adjustable suspension and the ability to order exactly the warmth they need. It is a strong pick if you sleep cold and want to add overfill, or if you hang in a wider or longer hammock than average.
Pros
- Deep customization
- Good reputation for build quality
Cons
- Custom builds take time
- So many options it can be overwhelming
Best synthetic underquilt
ENO Vulcan
- Fill
- Synthetic
- Weight
- Roughly 2-3 lb
- Price tier
- $$
- Best for
- Damp climates, ENO hammock owners, buying at retail
The Vulcan is ENO's warmer underquilt and one of the few you can buy off the shelf at outdoor retailers and online. Synthetic fill keeps working when damp, which matters in humid Southeastern and Pacific Northwest conditions, and it is easy to care for. It is noticeably heavier and bulkier than the down options above, so it suits car camping, short trips and people who prioritize simplicity over grams.
Pros
- Easy to buy, no wait
- Synthetic fill tolerates moisture
- Fits ENO hammocks with minimal setup
Cons
- Heavy and bulky for backpacking
- Less adjustable than cottage designs
Best budget
Onewind underquilt
- Fill
- Synthetic and down versions (check listing)
- Weight
- Varies by model
- Price tier
- $
- Best for
- Trying hammock camping without a big investment
Onewind is a hammock-focused brand sold mainly on Amazon, and its underquilts are popular entry points for people testing whether hammock camping is for them. Expect basic suspension and temperature claims that are best treated optimistically; many owners report that a budget underquilt feels warm a good 10°F above its listed rating. Read current reviews carefully, check the actual fill weight in the listing, and plan to upgrade if you get serious.
Pros
- Low price, fast shipping
- Decent choice for summer and car camping
Cons
- Ratings are unverified and often optimistic
- Heavier and less refined than cottage options
How to choose an underquilt
Pick the temperature rating for your coldest nights
Choose a rating near the coldest low you realistically expect, then add margin if you sleep cold. Air moving under a hammock strips heat faster than ground, so many experienced hangers go about 5-10°F warmer on the underquilt than on the top quilt. A 20°F underquilt is the most versatile choice for three-season use in most of the US; a 40°F model covers summer and warm shoulder season. For winter, see winter hammock camping.
Full length vs 3/4 length
Full-length underquilts cover you from shoulders to heels and are the simplest system: hang it, get in, sleep. A 3/4 underquilt covers shoulders to knees or calves and relies on a sit pad or your pack under your legs. It can save around 4-8 oz, which matters on a thru-hike, but it adds a little fiddling. If you are not counting ounces, full length is the safer choice. Our full vs 3/4 underquilt comparison covers the trade-offs in detail.
Match it to your hammock
Gathered-end hammocks of about 10-11 ft work with almost any generic underquilt. Asymmetric hammocks with footboxes (like the Blackbird) and bridge hammocks often need dedicated designs. If you are still choosing a hammock, read our best hammocks for backpacking and the gathered-end vs bridge hammock comparison first.
Suspension and fit
The underquilt has to touch the hammock along its full length without compressing the down. Shock cord end channels and side adjusters let you snug it in. Gaps cause drafts, and an underquilt pulled too tight crushes the loft and makes you cold. Our how to hang an underquilt guide walks through the adjustment step by step, and underquilt suspension explained covers what each cord and adjuster does.
Down vs synthetic
Down is lighter and packs smaller for the same warmth, and since an underquilt is not compressed by your body, down works especially well here. Synthetic is cheaper, tolerates damp better and is easier to wash. For backpacking, down is usually worth the cost; for car camping and humid regions, synthetic is perfectly sensible. Our down vs synthetic quilts comparison covers the trade-offs in detail.
Pairing an underquilt with your top quilt
An underquilt only handles the bottom half of the equation. Pair it with a hammock-friendly top quilt with a footbox and enough width to tuck around your shoulders; our best hammock top quilts roundup covers the best options. Many hangers buy both from the same maker so the ratings line up and colors match, but there is no technical reason you have to.
Wind is the hidden enemy. A tarp pitched low on the windward side, or an underquilt protector, can make a 20°F underquilt feel several degrees warmer on exposed sites.
Common underquilt mistakes
- Hanging it too tight: if you can feel the shell pressing against your back, loosen it so the down can loft.
- Leaving a gap at the shoulders: this is the most common cold spot. Pull the head end up higher than you think you need.
- Trusting optimistic ratings: especially with budget brands, plan a margin or bring a pad as backup.
- Ignoring the wind: no underquilt fully compensates for a site with steady wind under the hammock.
If you still wake up cold, our cold butt syndrome guide covers every fix we know.
Prices and specs above are approximate, and some links are affiliate links. That never changes what we recommend; cottage-made underquilts without Amazon listings are linked straight to the maker.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need an underquilt for a hammock?
Below roughly 65-70°F most people do. Your body weight crushes any insulation under you, so a sleeping bag alone leaves your back cold. An underquilt hangs outside the hammock where it stays lofted. See cold butt syndrome.
Full-length or 3/4 underquilt?
A full-length underquilt is simpler and warmer from head to toe. A 3/4 length saves a few ounces and bulk but needs a sit pad or your pack under your feet. Thru-hikers often choose 3/4; most others are happier with full length.
Can I use a sleeping pad instead of an underquilt?
Yes, and it is the cheapest route, but pads shift around and are clammy in a gathered-end hammock. Many people use a pad for shoulder season and an underquilt when it really matters. See using a sleeping pad in a hammock.
Should my underquilt be warmer than my top quilt?
Many hangers pick an underquilt rated about 5-10°F warmer than their top quilt's rating, because wind and air gaps under the hammock steal heat quickly. If you sleep cold, size the underquilt generously first.