Expecting 45º lows w/ 0º UQ - TQ Choice?

**StrungOut** · 09-04-2014, 13:03

So I'm headed to Northern CA next month and plan on buying a HG Incubator 0º, but I'm uncertain about which TQ to purchase. I prefer a warm sleeping environment as I tend to get cold easier (I like sleeping inside @ 78º). I'm considering a 20º TQ, but think a ventable footbox would be nice in case I get too toasty. Any suggestions for a TQ or words of wisdom?

**SilvrSurfr** · 09-04-2014, 13:07

A drawstring footbox is great if you plant to use the TQ for ground dwelling. However, I wouldn't buy a drawstring footbox because it vents easier.

I prefer sewn footboxes because I don't do the ground thing. Venting is easy; take your feet out of the footbox or kick the TQ off.

**hk2001** · 09-04-2014, 13:40

I disagree with Silvr.. I prefer the ability to open the foot box, and that's just not when worrying about going to ground.

Expecially in a place like Northern Cali, where temps can fluctuate vastly on a day per day basis. One night you could be looking at a 30° night, and the next a 50° night. On the 50° night, your probably going to want to open the foot box and use it as a flat quilt, simply because your feet will be roasting (and sweating) in the box. Silvr's right, you can just take your feet out of the box, but you there's no real middle ground.

You get that ability with a snap closure. For a 20° topquilt, I'd stick with the snaps. Anything below that, go sewn. If your worried about drafts, jam a sock in the hole.

Since my thyroid treatment, I sleep really cold.. but I find the ability to open the footbox to be a blessing. HG 20° burrow with snap footbox is my vote.

**OutandBack** · 09-04-2014, 13:55

Originally Posted by StrungOut

So I'm headed to Northern CA next month and plan on buying a HG Incubator 0º, but I'm uncertain about which TQ to purchase. I prefer a warm sleeping environment as I tend to get cold easier (I like sleeping inside @ 78º). I'm considering a 20º TQ, but think a ventable footbox would be nice in case I get too toasty. Any suggestions for a TQ or words of wisdom?

Dang a 0 UQ for one trip with expected temps of 45F!?! That is really overkill IMO.

A pair of 20's will serve you much better.

**StrungOut** · 09-04-2014, 14:02

The 0º UQ will be my first UQ, and will also be used most of this coming winter on a nightly basis here in Austin, TX. Perhaps it is overkill for this 20+ day trip, but I'd rather be warm than scrambling for warmth in the hills.

**genixia** · 09-04-2014, 15:25

You'll tolerate a 0 degree UQ at those temperatures without much issue. People sleep on 12" mattresses in 74+ degree houses. Since you've declared as a cold sleeper and willing to vent, I think that you're on a good path with a 20 degree TQ. Worst case scenario, you're wrong and downsize next time. There's not much risk there. Going with a 30 or 40 degree TQ carries the risk of leaving you cold for 20 days, and neither will be as useful to you this winter either.

**dakotaross** · 09-04-2014, 19:00

Probably goes without saying that a 40 TQ would be more than sufficient at 45F. But a 20 TQ is less of a mismatch. In fact, a lot of folks would say that the greater need is underneath, so that a zero UQ and 20 TQ is a perfect match.

**Chriss** · 09-04-2014, 20:44

I have purchased a 0 UQ and a 20 TQ for this winter. Low of 6F in North Mississippi last winter. I think you would be more than covered Have fun on your trip. You can always move any quality gear here for very little loss if you find that it does not work for you.

**sargevining** · 09-04-2014, 22:55

Originally Posted by hk2001

I disagree with Silvr.. I prefer the ability to open the foot box, and that's just not when worrying about going to ground.

Expecially in a place like Northern Cali, where temps can fluctuate vastly on a day per day basis. One night you could be looking at a 30° night, and the next a 50° night. On the 50° night, your probably going to want to open the foot box and use it as a flat quilt, simply because your feet will be roasting (and sweating) in the box. Silvr's right, you can just take your feet out of the box, but you there's no real middle ground.

You get that ability with a snap closure. For a 20° topquilt, I'd stick with the snaps. Anything below that, go sewn. If your worried about drafts, jam a sock in the hole.

Since my thyroid treatment, I sleep really cold.. but I find the ability to open the footbox to be a blessing. HG 20° burrow with snap footbox is my vote.

I can't figure out why venting would be advisable on the ground, but not in a hammock. All my quilts are draw string foot boxes. I think its the best way to rgulate temperature.

**SilvrSurfr** · 09-04-2014, 23:24

Originally Posted by sargevining

I can't figure out why venting would be advisable on the ground, but not in a hammock. All my quilts are draw string foot boxes. I think its the best way to regulate temperature.

So enlighten me on how venting is infinitely easier with a drawstring foot box. When I bought my first TQ, the vendor asked me if I wanted a drawstring or a sewn footbox. My response? Why would I want a drawstring footbox when I'm in a hammock?

How is it so easy to vent? Don't I have to reach down and adjust the footbox? Don't I need a pad or some way to cover up the hole caused by the drawstring footbox in cold weather? Where is the advantage? It goes right over my head how a drawstring footbox is more convenient or practical in a hammock than a sewn footbox.