Which is more important?

[SoundMan]

I have a 20 deg Incubator and with my winter layers have slept into the mid teens in comfort. However- I am a hot sleeper.

[Mountnman]

Get an UQ and if you have one use a sleeping bag for a TQ until you can afford to get a TQ. Good luck.

+1 on this one

[brooklynkayak]

Regarding the lack of full length underquilt form Enlightened Equipment,

He doesn't sell a full length underquilt because his top quilts are also full length underquilts. Check the fine print on his web site. They all include the hang tags for such a purpose. You do need to provide a suspension system. Two bungees or whatever.

He has inexpensive overstuff options and this can really boost the temp rating when down compression could be an issue.
His budget quilts are a great deal and are usually all ready sewed up and ready to stuff with whatever overfill if you want.

If you have any questions, you can email Tim. He has a few models ready to ship.

The Karo baffles allow you to work most of the down from the long sides to the center of the quilt where it is most needed.

That is what I use. I went with a 6' wide size because I use mine as an over quilt when ground camping. I suspect a short narrow size would be better as a dedicated underquilt and could save weight and money.

[stevebo]

Thanks for all of the help everyone. I ordered a HG 0 deg. Incubator. I'm hoping it doesn't get to hot above 0 deg but I like to plan for the worst. I have a climbing trip coming up soon so I'll be able to give some feedback on how well it works out.

Excellent choice-------if its too hot you can always hang it a little loose to vent it!

[arbitrage]

another vote for the UQ first!

[Peter_pan]

Under quilts are definately the most critical piece.

Pan

[freakfx]

Thanks for all of the help everyone. I ordered a HG 0 deg. Incubator. I'm hoping it doesn't get to hot above 0 deg but I like to plan for the worst. I have a climbing trip coming up soon so I'll be able to give some feedback on how well it works out.

I have the zero degree and I love it. You wont be disappointed. I have used it up into the 50's and was fine. May need to make some adjustments to vent but better prepared than not.

Great quilt!

[tylojuky]

Buying the UQ first is good advice - and getting the 0-degree a good choice too.

It's easier to regulate your temperature if the under quilt is "too thick" (as opposed to your top quilt). Heat rises. My mattress at home must have a pretty high R-value but I sleep on the same one summer and winter - I only change the blanket(s) on top.

On the other hand, no amount of top quilt can keep you warm if your under quilt is too thin.

Plus it's easier to supplement for warmth on top until you buy a top quilt (sleeping bags, blankets, comforters, etc.) - not accounting for the carry weight of course.

I'm in the market for a 0-degree UQ myself - looking at HG, UGC as well. Let us know your experience / temps / comfort.

[Gary_R]

I agree Underquilt first and if your only going to have one set starting out get a 20 degree. easy to tweak to go a bit colder.

[RadicalHope]

Thanks for all of the help everyone. I ordered a HG 0 deg. Incubator. I'm hoping it doesn't get to hot above 0 deg but I like to plan for the worst. I have a climbing trip coming up soon so I'll be able to give some feedback on how well it works out.

Hello from Dayton, Ohio You are gonna love your 0* Incubator. That is what I went with and I love love love it.

Like Cali said, now that I can be toasty warm in colder weather, I really enjoy camping in colder weather! I'm a total convert!

So far I've used my 0* Incubator in temps as cold as 26* F up to about 60* F. It worked flawlessly regardless! I was warm and comfortable. In the colder temps I was zipped up in my sleeping bag, in milder temps I used the sleeping bag very loosely like a blanket and wore less clothing.

Enjoy your Incubator!