Just wondering why folks use a top quilt instead of a sleeping bag. To me, it makes more sense to own a mummy bag and just unzip it to use as a top quilt. Then you can at least use it as both. What am I missing about top quilts?
Printable View
Just wondering why folks use a top quilt instead of a sleeping bag. To me, it makes more sense to own a mummy bag and just unzip it to use as a top quilt. Then you can at least use it as both. What am I missing about top quilts?
I think the size difference may be the issue, but i've never had a tq other than my diy tq. I too would be interested.
I was wondering the same, I just plan on using my mummy style like Shug shows in one of his videos. If I'm thinking right, I don't think TQ have filling on the backside, so there may be some weight savings.
Weight, the zipper can catch on the hammock fabric when unzipped and also the also less of the insulation is being compressed underneath you and therefore wasted.
A lot of ground dwellers are moving to quilts now as well because of the compression thing and for the weight savings.
Bulk and weight, mostly. If you're just using your top quilt for hammocking, you can get away with a narrower one than on the ground--assuming, of course, that your under insulation wraps around you. Even if not, a quilt with no back to it will be lighter and less bulky than a bag with one.
Also, for some, cost savings; a poncho liner used as a quilt will cost ~$30. A bag in the same weight and bulk category with a similar temp rating will run ~$100.
Bulk and weight. I bought top and under quilts but, if I had a sleeping bag worth carrying I'd be using it. If you have a bag you like by all means use it! It might be heavier but, if you have to go to ground, a sleeping bag and pad would obviously be superb.
+2 on the bulk and weight, as well as price. If I tried to get the same thing as my burrow from HG as a sleeping bag it would have cost me at least $150 more. And I was skeptical of the TQ but I'm glad I got it.
Price/performance/weight. The cottage industry TQ's are the best.
I've messed around with both the TQ's & bags. I'm down to the fact that the only bag that will work for what I need comes from Western Mountaineering (Latin for "bring your wallet"). I can buy 2 TQ's rated at 0* and have change left over for a nice tarp for the cost of one.
Western is top quality gear and their temp ratings are accurate. So are the cottage quilts.
there are pads now that have loft opening which allow the r-rating of the bag to be usedQuote:
Originally Posted by craige
Another benefit for me is I find it easier to get in a top quilt than a bag...just get in the hammock, put feet in the foot box, pull up quilt, and tuck in sides vs the sleeping bag twisting, etc. while trying to get situated in the hammock and then having a hard time, not to mention time consuming, trying to get the sleeping bag straightened out again while laying in the bag.