What to do on top while I wait?

[Singingcrowsings]

Hello,

I can't afford both a top quilt and an underquilt at once, and have concluded to buy an underquilt first. But what do I do on top while I wait (during summer - fall)?

I have thought about bringing my very bulky sleeping bag, but are there other alternatives?

P.S. I'm a cold faller-asleeper.

[Nodust]

Hello,

I can't afford both a top quilt and an underquilt at once, and have concluded to buy an underquilt first. But what do I do on top while I wait (during summer - fall)?

I have thought about bringing my very bulky sleeping bag, but are there other alternatives?

P.S. I'm a cold faller-asleeper.

Big bulky sleeping bag will keep you warm. I've used fleece blankets before, but needs to be in the upper 50's or I would be cold.

[OCDave]

My wife picked up a couple of cheap synthetic down "Throw blankets" at a discount/overstock store (less than $20 each). A light fleece blanket will work. With a nice underquilt you'll find you won't need alot on top, especially during the summer months. There are summer evenings I use nothing but a cotton sheet (I need just a little weight on me). The heat radiating from the underquilt acts as a cocoon of heat keeping my topside comfortable.

[Singingcrowsings]

Hmm, well, right now I'm looking at a low at night getting down to 45˚F (7˚F). So maybe a fleece can be used later, but I have the itch to go for a wander for at least a couple nights asap, just to et off this island.

I've rigged and "underquilt" using my freebird under my Mayan at home, and I know it makes a difference, but there's no wind. I have a feeling, using a real underquilt would be very different... Cocoon of heat, eh? Sounds good to me!

Maybe I'll have to suck it up a bit and lug the sleeping bag for a bit, unless someone has a suggestion for 45˚ weather?

[Hunter55]

Being new to hanging I've only got a GI poncho UQ that is just did a sew up job on today. and laminated an extra thin layer of poly between the two layers. Point was to work on my sewing and see if I could improve on the PLUQ at the same time. I've only done backyard hangs with it before in 45* to 55* and it along with a fleece blanket was more than enough. Didn't need the fleece till late in the night. I've also used a 30* Marmot Mummy with a pad in similar temps didn't have a problem. In fact it was too warm for me. used the bag like a quilt. There are affordable summer weight SB's that compress down pretty small. It and my PLUQ fit in the lower compartment of My Terra 60 no problem.

[Floridahanger]

With the UQ on the hammock, you just need a summer rated SB on top. The warmth under you will allow you to go lighter on top.

Here in Florida, I use an UQ up to upper 60's(*F)and no underquilt above that(no wind). For the top, I can go with a small fleece or even a towel down to 60*F due to the warmth of the UQ.

In the 40*F range to 50's, a thicker fleece would be fine, but, I use my DIY synthetic TQ made for about $25 or so.

You will have to experiment in your area to see what feels good for you.

[Singingcrowsings]

Thanks for all your answers. You're making me think a PL will do for now. It's a lot lighter and much smaller than my SB! Too, I think a fleece might be a bit risky at the moment - winds prevail in this land!

Thanks for letting me bounce this off you!

[Lastczarnian]

A small cheap 40 degree bag unzipped could work until you get a dedicated TQ

[Singingcrowsings]

A small cheap 40 degree bag unzipped could work until you get a dedicated TQ

Yes, this is definitely an option. I'll keep my eye open. Thanks!

[Tarheel Hanger]

Check out Wildernesslogics.com. Their summer series top & under quilts are priced well. I think both are around $300. You can get the top for pretty cheap. I'm planning on getting the set as soon as I can afford it.