Adding warmth to UQ / TQ system

**WesArnold** · 10-19-2014, 15:15

What ways have you guys found that you can increase the temp rating of a UQ / TQ system? Most of the time w/ a sleeping bag / pad system - I've done this by just wearing more clothes, or you can get on of the bag liners. I'm figuring that wearing more clothes would work for the top half of your body, but not much for the bottom half as the clothes would compress just like a sleeping bag would.

What recommendations do you guys have? Maybe use foam pad w/ the UQ too?

Thanks,

**Nodust** · 10-19-2014, 15:59

I just got a under quilt protector and will be experimenting with that. I read that it can add 10 degrees to bottom.

**drchip** · 10-19-2014, 16:17

I use a torso-sized pad I made of reflectix between the layers of my Blackbird to supplement my underquilt/topquilt if need be. I find it to work better than a normal pad as it's a bit more flexible and so conforms to my shape better. Also, easier to shape into just the right shape.

**Nodust** · 10-19-2014, 16:32

I also notice a big difference with a bugnet integrated on the hammock.

It's sort of backwards. A open hammock is cooler for summertime but skeeters get me. A hammock with bugnet is warmer in winter but no skeeters to keep out.

**FLRider** · 10-20-2014, 12:53

Originally Posted by WesArnold

What ways have you guys found that you can increase the temp rating of a UQ / TQ system? Most of the time w/ a sleeping bag / pad system - I've done this by just wearing more clothes, or you can get on of the bag liners. I'm figuring that wearing more clothes would work for the top half of your body, but not much for the bottom half as the clothes would compress just like a sleeping bag would.

What recommendations do you guys have? Maybe use foam pad w/ the UQ too?

Thanks,

Pads, UQP and overcover, hammock socks, hot water bottle between the thighs (against your femoral). All of these help add warmth. Also, it is possible (though tricky) to stack quilts for more temperature range.

**cdnunn01** · 10-21-2014, 07:30

I recently used a DIY sock that I made from rip stop nylon. Worked great to block out the wind and add quite a bit of warmth to my overall space, including underneath me. I will be doing a temperature test to see exactly how many extra degrees of warmth I added once the temps fall closer to freezing here in KY. But so far, for the extra 1 lb 3 oz it weighs, I'm pretty impressed.

**Suede** · 10-21-2014, 07:38

I add warmth with an under quit protector and a top cover. Between the two, a 0* under quilt and 20* top quilt I can get down into single digits easily. I also wear a good base layer to bed... I have heard on this forum that extra clothes can in fact reduce the efficiency of your quilt system.

**cdnunn01** · 10-21-2014, 11:23

Originally Posted by Suede

I add warmth with an under quit protector and a top cover. Between the two, a 0* under quilt and 20* top quilt I can get down into single digits easily. I also wear a good base layer to bed... I have heard on this forum that extra clothes can in fact reduce the efficiency of your quilt system.

I've heard the same thing, however, if I have to get up in the middle of the night in next to nothing I'd freeze my bum off! No thanks, I'll stay bundled up.

**MidTNJohn** · 10-30-2014, 08:26

Wearing clothes in your sleeping bag does NOT make you colder.
Unless

Your clothes are WET (unless maybe they are Wool)
Your clothes make you sweat (see above)
If you get in a bag with a lot of cold clothes on, the Clothes have to be warmed up too so it could take longer for you to feel warm.

**Penfold** · 10-30-2014, 09:25

I use a thin closed cell foam pad, the Exped Multimat. It works for me because I am only 5'5" and it is long enough and wide enough to wrap around my shoulders.