Does color matter???

**TheTurtle** · 03-17-2014, 13:30

So I'm planning to order a new TQ and UQ within the next few weeks. I assume this question applies more to the TQ than UQ if at all.

Since there has been some great debate about color over the last few days, I have a query.
My question is does color affect performance of a quilt? I know black will draw/absorb heat and while gray or silver will reflect heat and retain less heat. So does color choice affect/effect (sorry, English was not my strongest subject) performance at a TQ or UQ. I would presume if any, it would effect TQ inner fabric and UQ outer fabric the most, but I certainly may be wrong. (Then maybe inner of both may be most crucial...)
I was thinking maybe a black would hold more heat in for TQ but possibly gray or silver would reflect heat back in toward the occupant. I feel like black is best for outside of UQ as it may perhaps draw some heat from sunlight during daylight hours or would one of these colors black or silver/gray be better on inside of UQ to retain warmth or once again reflect back toward the hammock.

Wow once I've sifted through the quilts for the past two months and narrowed those down to a couple of options (both fellow HF members) I'm still finding myself searching for the perfect quilt.

Any thoughts or input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for the assistance.

Turtle

**MAD777** · 03-17-2014, 14:00

Personally, I don't think color will affect performance at night. However, having one side black will help if you need to dry a quilt in the sun. Hopefully, you'll never get a quilt that wet.
A through hiker on the other hand, will prespire into their quilt over a series of otherwise damp, rainy days. They will routinely "sun-dry" their quilts on the first sunny day.

**pizza** · 03-17-2014, 14:04

I don't think it makes a bit of difference what color the inside is. It's dark with the quilt over you. The only factor might be the outer layer and that's if you are sleeping during the day with the sun out. Darker color absorbs more light/heat. At night I see no factor.

**Scotty Von Porkchop** · 03-17-2014, 14:54

I think the way to find out is to check the colour with an infra-red camera. I've used one and the colours are not what you'd expect given the daytime colour (dark green hat appearing bright white etc).

I've never noticed any differences between the colours though. Personally I just buy a colour if its attractive

**peello** · 03-17-2014, 15:54

Not sure color affects performance, but having two quilts myself with one all one color and the other black on the outside and silver on the inside, it is a lot easier figuring out where to slide your feet into the foot box with the two colored top quilt. With the all one colored quilt, you don't know if its twisted, upside down, inside out, etc, but with the two color its a no-brainer.

**TheTurtle** · 03-17-2014, 16:11

Thanks a lot folks. Sometimes I do have a tendency to over think things a bit. Black drying faster is a good point and I do plan on purchasing both quilts in two tone...
So now I just have to decide which colors are attractive. Any suggestions?? Jk

Thanks again for the timely responses.
Turtle