Top quilt top color

[soul embrace]

I'm looking into getting a top quilt from either HG or UG and I know I want one of the layers black. Would I be better to have the color black as the inside or outside or does it really matter?

Thanks

[Keep Calm And Hike On]

I might have this backwards but I think you want a dark color on the outside and the lighter color inside.

I usually make all my quilts that way.
Ryan
www.keepcalmandhikeon.com

[booone0]

Darker outer layers will be warmer in direct sunlight. The inner layer won't matter.. Pick whatever looks good. Hope this helps!

[hawghangar]

If you're going to develop a stable of quilts, it helps to differentiate outer colors between various temperature ratings so that you can easily identify each particular quilt without having to look at the labels. Further, I like to color coordinate my sets of quilts (UQ/TQ of same temp rating) so that I can easily match them together.

I have 0 degree (brown), 20 degree (green) and 40+ degree (black) sets... this makes it easy.

[gunner76]

It does help to have your UQs and TQs all different colors so you can ID them faster. Before I figured this out I packed what I thought was a UQ and TQ and got to the site and started to set only to find I had packed two TQs. Luckily I had a double layer hammock so I put one of the TQs between the two layers of the hammock and made it thru the night, a bit cool but ok.

I also use a silver sharpie and write on the inside of each UQ and TQ what it is rated for.

[soul embrace]

Yea I was thinking dark outer later. I only plan on getting one top quilt a 20 degree with overstuff. I won't need an under or top quilt in the summer. I don't use any cover during the summer in my state, just sleep in shorts and a t shirt and I'm fine.

Thanks for your opinions and help

[Nickhob]

If you're going to develop a stable of quilts, it helps to differentiate outer colors between various temperature ratings so that you can easily identify each particular quilt without having to look at the labels. Further, I like to color coordinate my sets of quilts (UQ/TQ of same temp rating) so that I can easily match them together.

I have 0 degree (brown), 20 degree (green) and 40+ degree (black) sets... this makes it easy.

Brilliant tip , I love that level of organisation

[bkrgi]

If you're going to develop a stable of quilts, it helps to differentiate outer colors between various temperature ratings so that you can easily identify each particular quilt without having to look at the labels. Further, I like to color coordinate my sets of quilts (UQ/TQ of same temp rating) so that I can easily match them together.

I have 0 degree (brown), 20 degree (green) and 40+ degree (black) sets... this makes it easy.

That is absolutely the best advice for anyone adding or making there quilt selections for various temp ratings and is the route I will be taking.
Keeps it simple and eliminates a mistake in grabbing the wrong Quilt set for given temps which could really suck...

[lijn]

Just remember that dark colors get warmer in the sun. This may be an advantage if you want to air a quilt during break time to get rid of moisture build up.

[Boston]

It's recommended to have at least 1 layer be a dark color to help absorb solar radiation for the purpose of drying in the field. It doesn't have to be black, although technically speaking black is the best color for absorbing and releasing radiated heat energy.

While technically a lighter color on the inside will be better at reflecting radiated heat back at you, practically it doesn't make much of a difference, as the heat retained by the insulation is going to far outweigh this effect. Radiative heat loss form your body is going to be negligible compared to other forms of heat loss (conduction and convection).

All my quilt's have a black inner liner, and a colored outer liner.


Color differences are more noticeable when trying to stay cool in the hot sun, which the light color will reflect heat from solar radiation away from your body. (or I suppose in winter when in the sun, with dark color's to help stay warm)