Top insulation help

**JCK** · 12-20-2010, 07:14

Hello everyone, I have a question, and I'm no't sure of the solution.

I currently don't have enough money for a topquilt. I'm planning on buying a HG 3S burrow, but until I've saved enough, I'd like to have a temporary solution to provide some top insulation, as from what I've read here, its needed.

Are there some cheap options, that would provide decent warmth (I want to go down to temperatures around 5*C (roughly 40*F). But it needs to be fairly light, so if I go on a few short hikes before I get my TQ, I dont have to carry around 3 kg of warmth.

I'd be willing to spend about 30 bucks (I know this is pretty low, and I'm not too sure what I can use atm). I've really no idea what I should use. old blankets? something synthetic (cheaper I'd imagine).

I'm no good with DIY, but if you'd like to suggest it, I may look into it.

any suggestions or advice you have, would be great.

**titanium_hiker** · 12-20-2010, 08:32

do you have a sleeping bag already? They work great as top quilts.

**G.L.P.** · 12-20-2010, 08:58

$30 is not alot to work with.....
the only think your going to find for that is a cheap walmart bag
sometimes yousee cheap bags come up in the for sale section ... keep an eye out there
also check campmor.com ... they might have a sale going on

**mountaingoat** · 12-20-2010, 09:03

It would help to know what you do; do you car camp or backpack? If you don't have to carry your gear on your back for a long distance, then the sky is the limit. You can buy all kinds of blankets at a thrift store and they will work just fine. If you backpack, then money becomes an issue because light gear is expensive.

**bigbamaguy** · 12-20-2010, 10:11

JCK:
I would recommend a Poncho Liner from Cheaper than Dirt dot com or SportsmanGuide dot com. The PL's can generally be purchased for around $20 (US), and sometimes you can find them cheaper than that. I have used one down to 40 degrees and been comfortable with a lite weight base layer on. Check some of the Military Surplus shops, if you have any there, as another possible location for PL's.

**Trooper** · 12-20-2010, 10:30

If you don't have a sleeping bag or a blanket that you can use, it will be difficult to find something light for $30. Someone has said that you can have two out of three: Light; Inexpensive; Warm, but never all three.

Worst case scenario, you may have to go Han Solo on a Kangaroo...

**BillyBob58** · 12-20-2010, 10:41

Start by looking around at this site as already suggested:

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___43144

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___42081

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___85248

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___68537

**wisenber** · 12-20-2010, 10:58

5° C is not too much of a stretch. A thick fleece or wool blanket combined with a healthy amount of clothing warn could probably get you there. I'm not sure which retailers are available in Australia, but I'm pretty sure shipping and tariffs might eat up most of your $30.
You might try bringing some long-johns, a an extra couple of layers for your torso and some good insulation for your head. That alone will get many campers into the 10° C range. Adding a thick blanket should easily get you to 5° C. It is not the most elegant solution, but it may make you appreciate your TQ when it arrives. That's how many trappers and long hunters managed for centuries before we had all of these down things to spoil us.

**dakotaross** · 12-20-2010, 11:20

At 40F with the UQ you have, you really don't need that much on top. You could probably get away with a JRB quilt liner which is on sale for $20 - not sure what it cost to ship to you - with a full complement of clothing, of course. Otherwise, an el-cheapo bag which will likely be very bulky.

**JCK** · 12-20-2010, 19:31

Thanks for all the suggestions.

MountainGoat - I do intend to backpack with it, so I will be carrying it on my back and not in a car. I know 30 bucks is pushing it, but thats all I can really afford. So no qualms with second hand gear.

TitaniumHiker & GreenLesPaul - I do have a really old synthetic sleeping bag, but it weighs around 2.5kg, and is massive pack size, about 17" high, and 6" diameter. I did consider a cheap sleeping bag, which are available in some stores in Aus, but so far I'm still looking for a decent sized one.

I would take the weight penalty, as its only for a short time I will be using it for, so I'd be happy to lug around up to 1 kg for a top insulation layer.

BigBamaGuy & DakotaRoss - thats a good idea about the poncho/quilt liner, I'll have to see what I can find locally, there are a few disposals shops that may have something. I'm thinking this may be just what I'm looking for.

Thanks for all the suggestions, and I'll have a look around some stores today.