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how far can you push the temperature rating on an underquilt?
does it help if you have a tarp covering to the ground?
or if you have a weather sheild?
how about the clothing you wear?
would like some recommendations please!
also....how far have you pushed the temp rating of your gear??
I use my poncho as a weathershield. This significantly helps with blocking air movement which will steal warmth from your UQ. In very nice weather, only the poncho is necessary. It is quite effective. The fact it also helps stop any rain splash is just a bonus. I have pushed my LeighLo 2/3 summer UQ to just below freezing with the poncho supplement and was very comfortable. Final recommendation: a knit hat!Quote:
Originally Posted by ontariohanger
You can push it as far as you want! You'll know when you've reached the limit of your underquilt. But not all UQs are made the same, or fit your body/hammock the same, etc...so be careful when comparing temp ratings across different manufacturers.
It does help if you have a tarp covering to the ground...it slows radiative and convective heat loss. A weather shield is similar, and provides a smaller microclime to keep you a bit warmer.
Clothing adds loft, and more loft makes you warmer. But, just like a sleeping bag, you can compress the clothing that you're laying on. Fleece compresses less than down, though, so a fleece jacket would be a good addition as far a compression goes (but you'll pay a penalty for the bulk when it's in your pack).
I've been into the -20s F, but I can't say that's pushing the limits of the gear b/c I was so warm I had to vent. I've also shivered in the JRB Nest at about 45F b/c it was humid for days and I didn't have it fit properly.
Yes a big tarp help with heat loss as will a weather shieldQuote:
Originally Posted by ontariohanger
yes cloths will help to a point ... but too much can hurt you .. got to find a good mix
pushing temp ratings is something i would do in your yard and not in the woods .... a lot will factor in like being a warm sleeper,wind,type of tarp stuff like that ... if you plan on being in 15F weather bring a UQ thats rated for 0F ...
warmer temps are more forgiving when pushing gear beyond there limits ...
i feel once you get down below freezing it's just not safe ... taking a 3 season UQ knowing the temp will be 5F is just not a good idea IMO
even with extra cloths (will be compressed under you) and a weather shield ( maybe 5-8 degrees of more warmth) you still might not be warm
and like others have said a lot factors in
but it's best to do it in your yard ... if it doesn't work you can bail out into the house