Top Quilt General rules?

**littlebigpole** · 08-21-2011, 07:12

Ok so I was wondering what Top Quilt to buy as it relates to temp rating. I know that will be a difficult question as each individual will sleep hotter or colder so with all that said here is the question.

Do most purchase the Top Quilt to get them to the temp they want so they sleep in base layer or even tighty whities or do most purchase with the intent of wearing extra clothing?

Example: I am a hot blooded individual. I want to get to 20* but want a 3 season Top Quilt. Should I get a 40* TQ so that I can adjust clothing to get me to 20* or is that to big of a range. Would a 20* TQ be better and simply vent as needed?

**Mancat** · 08-21-2011, 07:53

I would get a 40 degree for 3 season and just add clothes. If you do much winter camping than you might buy a 0-20 degree. For me though it is more important to have a really warm underquilt.

**Dblcorona** · 08-21-2011, 07:55

I think your basic 3 season is a good starting point. But it really depends on when and where the majority of the use will be. I used my Burrow down to 10deg in Feb. here in MI. I used my new summer quilt I just made in the Upper Peninsula last week and barely needed to cover myself up.

**Two Tents** · 08-21-2011, 08:02

Good question with no simple answer. I figure that a rating to get to say 30 degrees may require adding clothes. MAY require. There are times my thermometer says 40 and it feels way colder than that or 30 and no way it's feels that cold. Wind? Humidity? If I'm hungry? Tired?A lot of factors at any given temp will have an affect on how cold I feel. In winter,spring and fall I ALWAYS have extra clothing in case I just feel colder than it is.

**Trooper** · 08-21-2011, 08:03

Originally Posted by Mancat

For me though it is more important to have a really warm underquilt.

Get a three season TQ. Most of the warmth seems to come from the UQ. So much in fact, that I often vent the TQ until below freezing.

**OutandBack** · 08-21-2011, 08:19

I use a 3S TQ year round and just change out my UQ from Summer 3/4 to 3S full.
I hang year round in Colorado with this setup.
On the coldest nights I add insulated over pants and down jacket with hood.

hth

**littlebigpole** · 08-26-2011, 14:58

Thank you all!

I had in my mind that the 3 season would be the way to go. Here in Alabama we can get some very wet cold nights but for the most part its hotter than a 2 dollar pistol. I know it was a difficult question but I got what I need from your post. Thanks again!

**deetjunkie** · 08-26-2011, 20:19

From what I'm seeing, it's a matter of layering just like your daytime clothing. You can extend your top quilt rating with cothing, but I wouldn't stint on the under quilt as what ever you are wearing will be compressed on the bottom and be next to useless. I live in Wisconsin and I know cold. I'd rather go out in many light layers than a big heavy parka and a teeshirt. If you are wearing breathable, wicking clothing you should be able to get away with a lighter top quilt if you dress properly. ie. wicking under layer with good insulating outerwear.

**aboyd** · 08-26-2011, 21:35

I live right here in central Alabama, same as you. I have a KAQ New River from AHE as my UQ and a Stoic 30* down bag as my TQ. I have used this down to 28 with poly pro long johns, wool socks, and a light fleece vest....along with my fleece hat. I was plenty warm, no problem. This was up around Cheaha Mt, north Alabama. I likely not see much colder than this where I camp, and if I do I can layer up and be fine. In the warmer months, I have a poncho line UQ I made, but have not had a chance to try it out just yet.

**lymphocytosis** · 08-26-2011, 22:57

Got to agree with some of the other guys. The warmth of the UQ seems to be more important than the TQ. To a certain extent, of course. But I've slept plenty of times up here in MN with a toasty UQ and very little up top.