I'm heading out to the BWCA on Memorial weekend and I just bought the new blackbird xlc...you guys think an underquilt is overkill for that time of the year. This will be my first time hammock camping. I have padded foam that I can use in between the hammock but I'm not sure if that will be warm enough. Also what is the best way to position the hammock for windy days...I have the super fly tarp.

You can't go wrong with a under quilt. If you have the money, buy or make one.

I've been in some windy wet conditions. Unless your fully exposed with some real high winds, you don't get a huge draft coming thru. Believe it or not the skeeter netting holds a bit of additional warmth and may knock away a little draft. Having said that, you can put the edge of the tarp closest to the ground if needed, but I never seem to have an issue with a draft coming thru.

I wouldn't sweat wind angles when choosing your hang location...

You will need some under insulation. If cost is a concern I would suggest a synthetic underquilt from arrowhead equipment. I have the jarbidge and use it on my blackbird, but it works on the XLC as well. If you want light and packable look at any of the cottage vendors that sell down quilts.

Nice the Jarbidge seems to be the way to go. My budget was no more than 100$ and most I looked at were over 100. I was thinking about getting about getting a cheap 20$ gander mountain sleeping pad but that's way too heavy. Wow never thought I'd spend 450$ for a hammock setup.

quote Exo: "I wouldn't sweat wind angles when choosing your hang location..."

Never better advice for first-trip!

I found that in the BWCA trying to work out wind angles is close to impossible - either the trees aren't there, or are too big, or they are alongside the wind rake. But, a little creativity, and some decent long straps will see you through.

You have a great tarp, and the doors give you all sorts of options.

quote popin_popper: "Nice the Jarbidge seems to be the way to go. My budget was no more than 100$ and most I looked at were over 100. I was thinking about getting about getting a cheap 20$ gander mountain sleeping pad but that's way too heavy. Wow never thought I'd spend 450$ for a hammock setup. "

I've not tried it, but if you are handy, a problem solver, and not looking for perfection...

I bet a clearance rack +40 or 50 sleeping bag, some anchor points (safety pins?) some elastic cord, and some mitten hooks with a little fussery would work... Heck, a kids bag to make a 3/4 UQ....

I used a foam pad for years from may to sept trips never have had a problem plus i only bring a couple of blankets no sleeping bag never have been going to the nwca for over 30 years

If you get the jarbidge I would also buy a cheap inflateable sit pad. I dont always use it but if the temp drop putting it under your feet can warm you right up.

popin,
You have a good tarp that will see you through all kinds of weather. As others have said, you NEED something under you, and an underquilt is where most hangers seem to end up eventually. Check out Shug's videos over at hammockforums.net for some good information on hanging. He's a member here as well.