40* Phoenix vs 20*

**JohnVH** · 12-27-2011, 12:52

I have been using a DIY PLUQ and thermarest camprest deluxe pad in both my ENO Dbl and new to me WBBB here in the mild Pacific Northwest and have found it to be just a bit cool between 30* & 40*. I decided to order myself a late Christmas/early B-day present in the form of a 40* Phoenix and am now somewhat biting my nails over the decision, maybe should have gone 20*... My thought was that this is primarily a non-winter sport for, me read not below freezing, and most likely a motorcycle camping kind of setup, maybe some summer hiking. My thought was that this lighter version would have the most seasonal use and not be as likely to "overheat" in the summer/fall when I expect to use it the most. If I wanted to go cooler I could add clothing and or pads. Just looking for validation of the thought process while i might still be able to modify my order I places last night.

**Scottybdiving** · 12-27-2011, 13:25

I would say 20 degree if you can change it (I bet you can). I assume being in WA, you will be camping in the mountains in the summer and it can get pretty cool at night. You should err on the side of "too warm" because you can always ventilate. I use my 20 degree Incubator in the mountains during the summer, no problem. Unless you are counting ounces or grams, I would go with a full length Incubator instead. You will be much happier, IMO.

**wisenber** · 12-27-2011, 13:47

You won't overheat in a 20, but you will underheat in a 40. You can vent a 20 and use it on up until 60 while retaining the ability to go colder. OTOH, the 40 is pretty much just good to 40. I might consider a 40 if I already had a 20, but if I had neither, I'd go with the 20 first.

**canoebie** · 12-27-2011, 13:54

Originally Posted by wisenber

You won't overheat in a 20, but you will underheat in a 40. You can vent a 20 and use it on up until 60 while retaining the ability to go colder. OTOH, the 40 is pretty much just good to 40. I might consider a 40 if I already had a 20, but if I had neither, I'd go with the 20 first.

Agreed, I have a 20 Phoenix overfilled that I use year round in Michigan. Can always vent it a little. Easier to compensate to get cooler than it is to get warmer. I would go with 20 first for sure.

**rip waverly** · 12-27-2011, 14:07

yeah, i'd go 20* ... i've thought about adding a 40* UQ, but it just gets too cold over night in the cascades to be consistently pushing the limits of a 40* quilt.
rather have too much, than not enough.

**JohnVH** · 01-03-2012, 18:18

E-mailed back and forth with Jenny and changed my order to a 20*, sent some extra bucks to them and just received the shipping notification today! Going to the Olympic National Forest in two weeks for a hang. Still taking along the pads but this should definitely be warmer than my poncho liner DIYUQ, heck might not even need the pad!

**wisenber** · 01-03-2012, 18:30

Originally Posted by JohnVH

E-mailed back and forth with Jenny and changed my order to a 20*, sent some extra bucks to them and just received the shipping notification today! Going to the Olympic National Forest in two weeks for a hang. Still taking along the pads but this should definitely be warmer than my poncho liner DIYUQ, heck might not even need the pad!

Those pads will make for a nice dry place to keep your boots under the hammock as you probably won't be needing them with that 20* Phoenix. You won't regret the upgrade.