How many under-quilts do I really need?

[DevonHowton]

The question is simple, do you really need more than one UQ? Can you have just one that is rated for the lowest temperature that you think you'll need? For example, can you get a 0°F UQ and make it work in warmer weather? Or, do you need to have an UQ that is rated every 20°F, ie 0°F, 20°F, 40°F, etc.

The question mostly stems from the price. UQ's are expensive and I don't want to buy more than one if I don't need to. What are your thoughts?

[TrailSlug]

I believe you could get by with one but I would hate carrying my 0° under quilt in the late spring or early fall so I opted to go for a 0° and a 3 season under quilt which is rated to 20°.

[mcbpdx]

I suspect you'll be getting different answers from different people. In a perfect world (one where you never ran out of money) I think 3 sets would be perfect. You can get by with 1 winter set as long as you vent. 2 sets are probably more reasonable, however: maybe a 0* and a 40*...


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[bluzharp]

I carry a 0 full length in 30 or below and a 2/3 length 20 in the warmer months. The short quilt (warbonnet yeti) works great when it gets warm because it's very light and easy to vent.


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[leiavoia]

I just use one all year round. For deep winter camping (not something i do often), i can bring a foam pad insert or a costco throw to extend its range.

[Caminante]

I use a 20F year round, doesn't really feel hot in warmer weather until such a time as I don't need an UQ at all, which is north of 70F. I agree w/TrailSlug that a 0F would be bulky when you don't need it and want to go with a lighter, more compact kit, but it is workable. If I were in Calgary, I'd probably get a 0F down quilt now and then something like a 30-40F quilt later. I wouldn't hesitate to get a 30-40F Climashield quilt if cost were a factor (and can be DIY'ed for ~$50). That would cover most anything, because you could even stack those two quilts for sub-0.

[LuvmyBonnet]

maybe a 0* and a 40*

0* Incubator 40* Phoenix .

[AlanH]

Two sets for me. A 0 plus one oz set and a 20 degree set from Hammock Gear. I'm not a great fan of hanging in July/August. Seems to dang hot for me even in the backwoods. If I did I properly would of went with a 40 degree set. Maybe somebody could invent a cooling quilt!! That would work for me.

[SilvrSurfr]

It all depends if you're a hiker and care about weight. I like having three sets of quilts, though truth be told, I used a 20* set for two years. I had no problems with using the 20* set in temps up to 70* F (you can always vents), but the 20* quilts just didn't cut it for 20* and below.

[Kroma]

I like my 40 degree Phoenix for 3-season camping in Texas. My 20 degree Incubator is more than adequate for Texas winters. If I lived farther north I would add a 0 degree quilt set to my harem. I like having options.