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Well I swore up and down that I would never get a top quilt because I was fine with the sleeping bag and liked zipping it up for warm and cozy, draft-free sleeping.
I’m not sure whether to call it boredom and the need for exciting new gear, or the continuing quest for a lighter, less bulky pack, but...
Talk me into getting a top quilt!
Go...
I don't want one for cold weather, I think I'll keep my sleeping bag for that... But I'm seriously considering one for Summertime. Sounds cozy.
GET a Top Quilt!!!! all the cool hangers are doing it!!!!!
If you could find a hanger close to you, they would let you try one... They pretty much sell themselves.. Nothin like it.. Lite weight, compact, warm downy goodness.. You will let the dog have your sleepin bag.....:lol:
In my mind, some of the best aspects of down topquilts particularly would be their ability to compress into a small space, the lack of weight, of course the warmth, creature comforts, etc. No one can talk you into one if you're dead set against it, but if you are opening the door then you must at least be leaning in that direction already.
I sold my TQ and went back to a down mummy bag, a Marmot Pinnacle. Compress-ability is about the same, but it was about a pound heavier. My issues with TQs is that I sleep in a bridge hammock, thus I have freedom to toss and turn from side to side like I do in my bed. I never had a TQ that would follow me like a good ole mummy bag will. I'd turn from my back to my side and then have to readjust everything. I got tired of tucking everything in. With the mummy bag I can zip it and forget it. Everyone is different though.
Yeah, I'd much rather wiggle around getting zipped up and then have less freedom to move around as needed during the night. Stick with the sleeping bag, LOL.
1. Down Goodness = almost to bacon
2.Lightweight
3. Much easier to get out of the hammock.
4. Compact
5. Support your fellow cottage shop vendors
I don't have any problems with top quilts, easy to slide into, easy to get out of when you have to do your thingy in the middle of the nite. Easy to pack, Super warm on how you have them made. I prefer them over bags after all these years of bagging it,,especially in a hammock, even in my 2 bridge hammocks, quilts work great, you can snap them around your neck, sinch them up around you even in cold weather,,if its hot,,leave the foot box open. I prefer my cold weather gear with sewed footbox but 3 season and summer gear to be able to open the foot box up and vent when hot..some like them all sewed period. And,,look at the weight you save. Its all a matter of preference..why don't you start out with a 40 degree quilt first and see if you like them. The 40's are less money,,but you already know,,anything you don't like,,you can always get your money out of by selling. Good luck in your choices.
For above 20* F, a top quilt is definitely comfortable for me. If you want extra room in it, purchase or make one that is slightly larger than you think you need; this'll help prevent drafts from unintended movement at 3 AM.
I have used both. Pretty tuff to get into a sleeping bag in a hammock....
I watched Shug's video on using sleeping bags in hammocks, his entry technique is very simple.
Aww man I was expecting an easy sell :laugh:
I may try a 40° Burrow and see how I like it. I think this is a good start because on warmer nights a large sleeping bag is impossible to get out of the way and cool down.
Tossers and turners are welcome to request tabs added to the length of the TQ on each side, to accommodate your bungee cord laced in for extra snuggety (no extra charge). :)
I also struggle to justify a top quilt. I wouldn't take my hammock out without my Incubator under quilt, but I'm perfectly happy and extremely cozy in my 20* rectangular down bag. I have no problems getting into it, but I only zip it like a top quilt. Like some others, I've thought about a lightweight quilt for summer hanging. We'll see. Good luck with your decision.
i was comfortable to 25F with an earlier 40F HG Burrow. The one I had was narrower than current, per my measurement. Fill was the same. A balaclava makes a lot of difference with TQs, imo.Quote:
Originally Posted by markr6
Thorwen referred to devices to help you secure the TQ over your body. I'm currently using (in PDX, to 30F) a RAB "top bag" with just 7-8oz of 850 down. I slit the fabric back vertically between the collar and the foot box, so the flaps on both sides of the back which was meant to hold a pad instead act as wings to tuck in.
OTOH, I was comfortable in the same conditions with a 35F WM bag opened to the extended foot-box.
I would not choose to ever struggle, to zip myself full body, into a SB in a hammock.
I think it all depends on what you are wanting to get out of it ...If you are trying to drop weight then a TQ will defiantly cut some weight in your pack. IMO if you are carrying an UQ why carry the extra fabric of a bag? Try using your bag like a TQ Though it will probably be a little larger in width then a true TQ you will see if you like them and you are out of pocket $0 then if you enjoy it by all means buy one. :D
A sleeping bag will work for you if you treat it like a quilt. Just unzip it with the zipper on the bottom and crawl in it.
I have A Kelty 45° sleeping bag with a 3/4 zip and it works great in the fall. I also have a Marmot Helium 15° bag with a full zip that works great in the winter time.
Hah! I said the same thing, and yet now I have a TQ on order! :)) What tipped me over? Well, actually it was getting an UQ and a CF tarp... They shed so much weight from my pack weight, that I started weighing the items I haul. Turns out that my sleeping bag weighs in at 2,1 kg... so I ordered a quilt rated at 20*F with an ounce of overstuff, which will substitute those 2100 grams for about 650-700..
Now I can bring even more fishing gear with me! :D
For those using sleeping bags with UQs, keep in mind that the enclosed sleeping bag is somewhat subversive to what the UQ offers. In theory, the UQ and TQ are like a sleeping bag with you and the hammock in between. So, if you've got a nice, expensive UQ, definitely drape the sleeping bag so that you're lying directly on the UQ. Otherwise, you're adding another layer, however "crushed" it might be, between you and the efficient insulating properties of the UQ.
Keep in mind that its your body heat that makes these things work. An enclosed sleeping bag is designed to trap that heat, the same heat that is supposed to be making the UQ cozy for you.
I don't see how this would be an issue. I'd rather keep as much heat as close to me as possible. Besides, if the sleeping bag were insulating enough on the bottom for this to be an issue than you wouldn't need an UQ anyway. That just doesn't make sense. Either the sleeping bag is insulating on the bottom and keeping that heat close to your body, which is good, or it's not and it is a non-issue. This is like the guys that will tell you that wearing clothes in a sleeping bag detracts from the insulative properties... :rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by dakotaross
My 30° and 15° down bags weigh 2.4lb and 2.75lb respectively, so it's not like I'm hauling around big old 6lb bags but there is a good 1-2lbs to be saved. Hmmm...still thinking...
I have to agree. While that may sound logical, I've never had an issue with my sleeping bags. 30° Marmot + 40°UQ down to 30° no problem at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by OldRagFreeze
I see you are currently using a pad... Have you tried a under quilt yet?Quote:
Originally Posted by OldRagFreeze
Nope, never even seen one in person.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mountain Gout
Don't do it then....You will never be the same.. When you see one....Run away!!!:laugh:
I know, that's the plan. :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by Mountain Gout
I know I'd love it, but I'm sleeping comfortably and warm now in sub-freezing temps... So I'm gonna try to put off any talk of UQs for at least another year. Maybe next Christmas.
keep in mind that you don't use the sleeping bag as a sleeping bag. You use it as a quilt unzipped and it covers you like a quilt.Quote:
Originally Posted by dakotaross
This is a good way to use what you have until you can buy a TQ
I use it as a sleeping bag... I still don't think his concerns are legitimate.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ewker
Oh yeah!? Well I triple dog dare ya. ;)
I agree. I have used my combo Marmot Pinnacle(as a sleeping bag not a quilt) and my JRB Greylock with very great success. I have been very warm as low as 20f, have not had the chance in Alabama to try it any lower.Quote:
Originally Posted by OldRagFreeze
I have had 5 different TQ's from 3 manufacturers. They all were quality pieces of gear, but in then end they were not for me. Many people love TQs. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with using a sleeping bag. Personally I think having it under you adds to the "R" value of the UQ.
My best advice is try them both, whichever one you dont like sell it on HF. Its worked for me.
You want it, you need it, isn't that reason enough?....RR
I have been using a sleeping bag as a top quilt for about 5yrs now with problems,,, but im working on a diy top quilt, I really don't think there will be much of a difference between the 2 besides the weight. The tq should be considerably lighter and pack smaller!!
Yep.. Truthfully I never had problems getting in one either, with the wally pad I was warm as toast... Just wanted everything to fit in my pack, less weight and zero condensation.... Just personal taste..Quote:
Originally Posted by vwgerald
this is very interesting
I have been thinking about a top quilt for sleeping in my tent on an air mat.
i never zip myself into a bag anyways and use it like a blanket.
Im thinking a top quilt would make more sense for me.