I've read a ton on here and I'm still a little confused on the temperature rating of UQs. A few nights ago I slept in my HH with a 20degree North Face Cat's Meow. The weather channel said it got down to about 60 at the lowest point. I was never freezing, but I was a little colder on my back side than I would have preferred.
My question is, will a 40 degree UQ actually keep me warm down to 40 with a 20 degree sleeping bag? I assume even if the UQ says 40 degrees I'll still need something on top if the temperature is actually 40 degrees?
Right now I don't see myself being out hiking if the nightly low is less than 30, will a 40 degree UQ and 20 degree sleeping bag support that? If I do find myself hiking consistently in sub freezing temperatures I'll get a nice winter UQ, but right now I'm just looking for an UQ that will keep me warm enough down to 40, and possibly 30 if the temperature plummets for some reason.
With that being said, what would you recommend for 40 degree under quilt that will pack down to a small size with a compression bag? Money isn't a huge issue, but I'd rather not go out and spend a million dollars on it.
One more thing...I've read that down is the best for packing, but synthetic is better for wet weather...being in Michigan we get a lot of wet weather. Would treated down then be my best option?
Thanks in advance for helping me!
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