3 season vs 4 season ??

**Tafische** · 04-24-2013, 22:45

I am looking for my first underquilt. My camping ranges from a few occasional 20 degree nights to 75-80+ degree nights.

Is it possible to buy too much underquilt? I am torn between the 3 season vs 4 season models. I don't need the 4 season very often but would be nice when I do...on the flip side I don't want to burn up on the 60 degree nights.

Besides price and weight which I already understand...what are the pros and cons of each?

**breyman** · 04-24-2013, 23:03

Price and weight are probably the two biggest things. You can get a bit hot with too much UQ, but it's easier to vent than to add warmth if you don't have enough.

If you hit down to around 20* a few times a year, I'd recommend a 3-season quilt, with an ounce of overstuff at the most. I've found I can go to 15 or 20 with a 20* quilt and wearing a fleece/long underwear to bed and using a hot water bottle. I'm an average warmth sleeper - but I HATE being cold.

**Detail Man** · 04-25-2013, 07:25

Like Breyman said, you can vent a UQ pretty easy. In my experience, having a 20* UQ is pretty versatile into warmer temps. In warm weather I change out my TQ and keep the 20* UQ because that's what I have. Another thing you can do is stack UQs for added warmth. For example you could go with a 20* and add a 40*UQ for the really cold trips. You can also sleep in warm clothes with a 20* to add warmth.

If you backpack this is more of a concern, but if you mainly car camp get the most UQ you can afford for the convenience.

Keep in mind that every person has their own comfort rating. My 20* UQ is "comfortable" to about 25-28*.

**Bubba** · 04-25-2013, 07:29

Good points so far. IMO it's easier to add to a three season with a pad or another quilt for the few times you may need it vs carrying the extra weight and bulk and possible being too hot to sleep comfortably. Yes you can vent a 4 season but in my experience I have not been able to vent without frequent readjustments or inconsistent warmth. If the majority of your time is in the warmer months, I'd go with the 3 season.

**SmokeHouse** · 04-25-2013, 07:52

I've got both and gave the 4-season to my wife... All I use is the 3 season and add clothes as needed if its below 20... never been cold down to 10F ...

**MotoHanger** · 04-25-2013, 07:57

Originally Posted by Bubba

Good points so far. IMO it's easier to add to a three season with a pad or another quilt for the few times you may need it vs carrying the extra weight and bulk and possible being too hot to sleep comfortably. Yes you can vent a 4 season but in my experience I have not been able to vent without frequent readjustments or inconsistent warmth. If the majority of your time is in the warmer months, I'd go with the 3 season.

I haven't tried it yet, but I picked up some duct insulation (bubble wrap-ish material sandwiched between mylar) to add as extra insulation. From the look of it will need to be rolled and folding may inflict damage. But at 25" wide and the fact I moto-camp I can lash it on the bike somewhere or use it tube like to pack other items in and still fit it in my cases.

In theory this should work like a pad, not sure how well yet, but take up less room than a traditional pad.

**dakotaross** · 04-25-2013, 08:03

Get the 20 as unless you're buying ENO, the other UQ mfrs can be relied upon for the quality of their product with regard to temp ratings. I've got a JRB torso pad that I take instead of the UQ for warm trips, but I'll always take the UQ with lows below 60. I've never been too hot, but its possible. Also, I've not had much luck supplementing the UQ with a pad, whether its the torso pad or the BA insulated pad I used to use. I'm always warmer on the UQ by itself, even around freezing in my 40 degree UQ.