Setting up an underquilt isn’t always the easiest thing in the world. Honestly it’s usually simple, but the first time you’re standing there with the quilt and a handful of shock-cord lines, not even sure which way is up, it isn’t always obvious.
So I finally made the video I’d been promising all summer. Throughout this article I call it an underquilt; just note that we sell it as the Momo Jord Underblanket – same thing, an underquilt that insulates you from below.
Video: How to set up your Momo Jord underquilt on a Hennessy Hammock
Unfortunately the video has no sound, but the picture and the text below should get you there.
Momo Jord underquilt setup, step by step:
- Gather the four shock-cord lines together at one end. Make sure they’re roughly equally tensioned and tie all four lines in a knot (or several, if you like) to the cord at the head or foot end of the hammock. Check that the underquilt is the right way round, so that the tabs on its long sides line up with the Hennessy Hammock’s structural ridgeline / stabiliser lines.
- Tie off the other end. Make sure the underquilt is centred, i.e. the shock-cord lines are equally long on both sides. (You can fine-tune the outer lines later.) To check the underquilt is sitting well, compare its tabs (on the long sides) with the hammock’s stabiliser lines. If they sit in roughly the same spot, you’re good. You can adjust afterwards.
- Hook the clips into the loop on the stabiliser line (or, on future versions, thread the stabiliser line through the loop) on both sides.
- Adjust the underquilt’s position and tension with the cord locks that sit level with the stabiliser lines. Cinch a line in if the quilt is sagging on one side; ease it off a little if it’s pulled too tight.
The underquilt should sit snug but not taut. It will naturally hang a little loose, which sorts itself out once you lie down in the hammock. It shouldn’t be so loose that you get cold spots and drafts. Above all, make sure the section around your head and back is sitting well.
If you’ve tensioned the lines correctly and dialled in the position, the underquilt falls into place almost on its own – after all, it’s cut to fit the Hennessy Hammock. If you feel a cold draft, try tightening a touch more, or hunt down the gap where it isn’t sealing.
Good luck! (And get in touch if you can’t make it work and I’ll help you out.)
Does the Momo Jord Underblanket only fit the Hennessy Hammock?
I’ve only tested the underquilt with various Hennessy Hammock models, and it’s designed around the Hennessy Hammock Explorer Zip.
That said, it’s quite possible the underquilt works with other asymmetric (a-sym) hammock models. If you give it a go – let me know how it went!
Where do I buy the Momo Jord Underblanket?
Glad you asked 😉 Buy the Momo Jord Underblanket here.
