Trail Winder Underquilt Options Guide

This guide explains the fabric, insulation, coverage, sizing, suspension, and modular insulation options available for the Trail Winder Underquilt.

For differences between the Trail Winder, Eclipse Top Quilt, and Summit Blanket, see the Quilts & Blankets Comparison Guide.

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Shell Fabrics

The Trail Winder is available with lightweight synthetic shell fabrics. Fabric selection affects weight, breathability, wind resistance, and the overall feel of the underquilt.

Fabric Characteristics
Argon 67 Ultralight fabric intended to minimize shell weight while maintaining breathability.
Argon 90 Lightweight, breathable fabric offering a balance of weight and durability.
Ion Lightweight fabric with greater wind resistance than Argon 90.

Available colors vary by fabric. The product configurator displays the current choices.

Climashield Apex Insulation

The Trail Winder uses Climashield® Apex continuous-filament synthetic insulation.

Apex provides insulation without requiring the internal baffles commonly used in down-filled quilts. Synthetic insulation also retains useful insulating performance in damp conditions.

Increasing insulation weight generally increases warmth, finished quilt weight, and packed size.

Insulation Temperature Ratings

Apex Insulation Comfort Rating
2.5 oz/yd² 50°F
3.6 oz/yd² 40°F
5.0 oz/yd² 30°F
6.0 oz/yd² 20°F
7.5 oz/yd² 10°F
10.0 oz/yd² -5°F

These are the established single-layer comfort ratings used for the Trail Winder temperature estimator. They are not combined Modular Add-On ratings.

Actual warmth depends on conditions and the overall sleep system, including wind, humidity, hammock fit, clothing, and personal temperature sensitivity.

Insulated Coverage Options

The Trail Winder offers three insulation layouts to accommodate different sleeping positions and coverage preferences.

Configuration Characteristics
Regular Asym Insulation shaped for a dedicated diagonal lay orientation. Minimizes unnecessary material and packed weight.
Broad Shoulders Asym Adds additional insulated width through the shoulder area for broader users or those wanting increased upper-body coverage.
Full Width Provides more uniform insulation coverage for users who change sleeping positions or do not have a dedicated diagonal lay.

Approximate Insulated Coverage

The asym widths below are listed as shoulders / midsection / feet. All three standard insulated areas are approximately 72″ long. Full Width measures approximately 72″ length × 52″ width.

Configuration Approximate coverage dimensions
Regular Asym 42” / 39” / 33”
Broad Shoulders Asym 46” / 42” / 33”
Full Width 72” × 52”
Trail Winder insulation coverage: Regular Asym, Broad Shoulders Asym, and Full Width, with approximate dimensions.

The graphic illustrates the three coverage patterns and their approximate dimensions.

Lay Orientation

The Regular Asym and Broad Shoulders Asym configurations are designed for a specific diagonal sleeping orientation.

Select the orientation corresponding to how you normally lie in your hammock, using your own head and foot positions as the reference.

Full Width coverage is less dependent on maintaining one diagonal sleeping position.

Sizing and Hammock Fit

The Trail Winder is available for standard hammock lengths from 9’ through 12’.

The finished underquilt body is sized one foot shorter than the hammock it is intended to fit. Its approximately 72″ insulated coverage length remains the same across standard hammock-length selections.

For example, an 11’ hammock would normally use a Trail Winder with a finished length of 10’.

This sizing approach helps position the underquilt beneath the occupied portion of the hammock without unnecessary material.

If you require a different coverage length or have a custom hammock configuration, contact Simply Light Designs before ordering.

Suspension and Adjustment

The Trail Winder includes an adjustable suspension system that supports the underquilt beneath the hammock.

Shock-corded sides help adjust the underquilt’s fit and positioning.

Proper suspension adjustment helps maintain contact with the hammock and reduces gaps that allow cold air to circulate between the hammock and insulation.

The Trail Winder includes 5’ of adjustment shock cord along each side.

Modular Insulation System

The Trail Winder can accept a separate Modular Add-On insulated layer for additional warmth in colder conditions.

The add-on attaches with a series of snaps and is positioned between the hammock and the original Trail Winder. The original underquilt remains the outer protective layer.

Modular Attachment Options

No Modular Snaps

The standard Trail Winder does not include the attachment snaps needed for a future Modular Add-On.

Modular Snaps Installed

Select the modular snap option when ordering if you want the ability to add an insulated layer later.

If an existing Trail Winder does not have the required snaps, it must be returned for modification before a Modular Add-On can be attached.

Choosing a Modular Add-On

The Modular Add-On is a separate product and is not a complete underquilt.

Available insulation weights include 2.5, 3.6, 5.0, and 6.0 oz/yd² Climashield Apex.

The add-on must match the original Trail Winder’s size, coverage configuration, and lay orientation. Compatible modular attachment snaps are required.

For estimated combined warmth, use the temperature estimator on the Trail Winder Modular Add-On product page.

Contact Simply Light Designs before ordering a separate Modular Add-On to confirm compatibility. Enter your existing Trail Winder’s size and coverage configuration in the Keystone Notes field when ordering.

Storage and Accessories

The Trail Winder includes a stuff sack and an oversized storage bag.

Use the stuff sack for transporting the underquilt. For long-term storage, keep the insulation loosely stored in the oversized bag instead of continuously compressed.

Optional compression sacks may be available to reduce packed size during travel.

Finished weight and packed size vary according to fabric, insulation, coverage configuration, size, and selected accessories.