Onewind Underquilt Protector and Hammock Double Skin

Onewind UQP (Under Quilt Protector) adds extra protection (as the name implies) to underquilts, from condensation, rain splash, dew. When used as a hammock second layer, it blocks some warmth-robbing wind and helps keep a little more warmth in. It’s simple, lightweight and works as intended, and can even be used as groundsheet or gear/backpack cover in emergencies. Overall, a good four-season companion for hammockers and backpackers.

Introduction

I live in a tropical country so it’s rare that I need underquilts and other “heavy” warming gear or clothing. I’ve used UQs during trips abroad, and we do have sub-zero (Celsius degree) temps, at the top of winter in my region and when backpacking or camping in high-mountain - but I use my bivy tent instead of my hammock and tarp for those adventures.

Still, temps vary wildly in the woods even during summer here. It’s always good to have options to keep some warmth inside and wind/cold/water outside. Especially when they’re as light, small and effective as an Underquilt Protector. It’s a very simple idea, and versatile too as it also works to keep me from being eaten alive by bugs and mosquitos.

For many years I’ve used a Hummingbird Single hammock for this purpose. It also works to keep moisture away from my hammock (and should do so for underquilts, too). The Single is even lighter than the Onewind UQP, and some friends have copied this idea (which I copied from someone else, I admit).

Since I discovered dedicated products like this UQP, I’ve switched and now I keep the hammock for its intended use. Other makers like 2QZQ also make UQPs, but the Onewind cost half the price and only weights 1oz more, and it’s easy to find and import. Onewind has a vast line of nicely designed/made and honestly priced outdoor gear, and I’m already ordering some of their stuff to test in the future.

Onewind UQP and hammock double skin

I couldn’t find fabric specs for the UQP, but I suspect it’s 20 or even 15D Ripstop nylon with DWR coating. It’s lightweight (6.35oz./180g. per Onewind - actual weight is 190g., only 10 grams above listed), and well made, with consistent stitching and overall build. Strong shock cords and plastic bits round out the package and also seem durable. Available colors are dark olive green or camo, the later costing slightly more. It’s soft and nice to the touch, and feels resistant.

Size is 85” x 53”, more than enough for most single-person hammocks, an should completely cover a full-size underquilt. It has two attachment systems: a pair of plastic hooks and locking clips in ample shock cord at each end. Use either one to keep the UQP in place even in the worst conditions. The clips can lock to either the hammock or the underquilt. There’s no way it won’t work or not stay in place no matter what. 

The side walls also have adjustable shock cord, to allow for a perfect fit and help keep it tight around the hammock. The setup and fabric are strong enough to hold a jacket or other piece of clothing, but it’s not designed nor built to function as gear storage. Besides, adding weight to it could ruin a perfect placement.

In use.

It’s pretty straightforward to attach and adjust. Even first-timers should be able to install it in less than a minute or two. Just attach the hook to the hanging cord or tops of the hammock and position it. Then, adjust the side cords. The stuff sack is stitched and stays on, but it’s not usable to store heavy stuff (will unbalance the UQP).

I have used the UQP to hold my inflatable sleeping pad and it works well for that, though not as nice as a two-layer hammock because it doesn’t get as weighed/compressed. It’s a little more tricky to adjust the pad diagonally, but with time and practice it’s possible to attain a perfect lay. 

Mosquitos can still find their way into the UQP even when used as intended.  These devils are really fierce around here. A couple of times I camped near lakes during hot summer nights, and it was hard to keep mosquitos away. I have treated some of my camping gear with Sawyer Permethrin spray, and it works for that end but I prefer to work on the setup with extra care if I can. Most of the time it works, but when it doesn’t it sucks. 

Efficient for wind and cold. 

It does work very well though to keep wind off and some extra bit of warmth in. Of course it’s not like a real underquilt, but will be enough if temps are not freezing or wind is not too hard. It will add another layer, like a sock. That works for me because my strategy to keep comfortable and warm (or vice versa) is to add (or remove) layers. If it’s really cold, wet and windy, I’ll take a tarp with doors, a loftier pad, add clothes, a beanie, and so on. 

Once set up correctly, it can even be adjusted for side winds: just pull one side up slightly higher to block wind coming from that side. It’s breathable, but blocks wind very well (it also blocks some glare and reflexes too). The Hummingbird Single is made from parachute nylon so it’s even more effective for that purpose, but the Onewind UQP cost a lot less and is easier to setup and adjust, so I’m glad I found this product. 

Background

I’ve used my Hammingbird Single hammock for this same purpose many times. It was just much harder to setup correctly, so when I found about Underquilt Protectors like this Onewind UQP/Hammock double layer, I had to try it. Now it’ stays in the bag all year round, because I never know when water, wind, cold and mosquitos will strike.