Tq and shelter sleeping

[Awesome]

I just got my new wl top quilt and I'm wondering how well it will work combined with a pad sleeping in shelters in the smokies. Will it keep me warm enough ? I really don't want to buy a bag just for the nights I have to stay in a shelter.

[dangerous]

yeah it should work fine

[Life Scout]

Make sure you pad is one you can actually sleep on without a full bag. I used a TQ in this way a couple times with a self inflating smoth pad. It works good just keep your TQ tucked under you body to cut the draft. I've switched to a Z Lite pad that's dimpled I'm not sure I could sleep as well on it. Just a thought.

[ojdash]

Make sure you pad is one you can actually sleep on without a full bag. I used a TQ in this way a couple times with a self inflating smoth pad. It works good just keep your TQ tucked under you body to cut the draft. I've switched to a Z Lite pad that's dimpled I'm not sure I could sleep as well on it. Just a thought.

I stuff my Zlite down in my WL TQ footbox (it is sewn) and it curls around my feet down there but makes sleeping on the ground easy as the pad doesn't slip out from under me. I have a King Size TQ which is great for my 5'9" self on the ground. I can easily wrap the quilt around me eliminating drafts.

[Awesome]

Thanks for the help folks. This really helps my confidence, this is going to be the adventure of a lifetime.

[4shot]

Walkinslow - just saw this post. are you doing a thruhike? If so (or even if you are doing a long section hike), I strongly recommend going through the Smokies on the BMT (Benton McKaye Trail). Way less crowded and more importantly, only one shelter so you will be free to hang as you travel through the Smokies. I stayed on the AT on my thru hike 4 years ago only because I was unaware of the BMT at the time. You can pick up the Lakeshore trail just past the Fontana Dam. A few more miles and a few creek crossings on the BMT vs. the AT but maybe less overall elevation changes. To be able to avoid the shelters is a huge, huge bonus imo. I despise shelters although I didn't mind tenting near them. You still have to get the backcountry permits and stuff but you have time for all that. Plus you will know that you have the right gear. You can resupply in Cherokee vs. Gatlinburg but that is good too - Cherokee has a public transportation system that will pick you up at Smokemont campground that is right on the BMT. Good luck on your hike!