3/4 vs full length winter quilt

**Seadug** · 08-21-2018, 15:49

I'm planning on ordering a winter underquilt. My first thoughts are to get a full length quilt. Should I consider a 3/4 length? I'm not planning on using it below around 10 degrees but things happen. My main concern is weight and volume. Any thoughts on this?

**SilvrSurfr** · 08-21-2018, 16:04

I use 3/4 UQs at 30* and above, and full-length at 30 and below. The whole pad in the footbox thing for 3/4 quilts just hasn't worked well for me. When it's 10* F or 0* F and your feet aren't even remotely cold, it's a wonderful feeling!

I have been able to get below 30* (down to 22* F) using a 20* 3/4 UQ, but I had to put my wool anorak in the footbox. However, the wool anorak weighs a ton and probably is not coming along on hiking trips.

**Peppy** · 08-21-2018, 16:30

I agree with SilvrSurfr, full length below freezing for me as well. I'm glad I'm not the only one who struggles with the pad in the footbox!

**gunner76** · 08-21-2018, 17:01

OR go with 3/4 length and throw your coat/jacket down at the foot end and rest your feet on that for insulation.

**leiavoia** · 08-21-2018, 17:44

I would recommend the full length if:
- You spend a significant amount of time lounging in hammock (coffee, reading, whatever).
- You want one single UQ that can do everything.
- You are a side sleeper, fidgeter, or toss-n-turner.
- You want a less fiddly setup.

**baldknobber** · 08-21-2018, 19:39

If pack space is tight, then consider a 3/4 length winter UQ. I agree with SS, it’s no fun trying to stay warm @ 10 degrees in a 3/4 length with the foot pad sliding around. Been there done that!

My 0 degree HG Incubator is really bulky, but it does provide that peace of mind knowing you’re not gonna be cold.

**TrailSlug** · 08-21-2018, 19:58

I had 3/4 length quilts in the past and sold them all. It's a royal pain to try to mess with separate insulation for the feet plus the weight difference is negligible and typically when you need a 10° quilt you will be taking a larger pack for other winter gear anyway.

**Shug** · 08-21-2018, 20:15

Full length.
Shug

**Two Speed** · 08-21-2018, 20:41

I am guessing you are saying weight and volume to fit it inside your back pack? I use a 3/4 and don't have any issues with it. I use the foam pad in my back pack for the feet and just slip it inside my quilt. I use an inflatable pillow and if its really chilly I will put my puffy(down) jacket under my neck and even put the hood on. That being said I really didn't have any issue fitting a full length 20F under-quilt in a 40L pack along with everything else without overloading the pack. I also find the 3/4 a little tricky to adjust for me but it weighs less so thats why I use it.

**Smilin** · 08-21-2018, 21:02

I would go with the full length. Two weeks ago I went camping with my wife and son, I loaned them my full length quilts. The forecast said the lows would be about 50*. No problem I thought, I will use my 30* 3/4 loco libre uq and my costco down blanket. I'm good! Wrong!! the temps dropped down to 29* with a slight wind chill. The only part of me that was worm was my backside. My feet were frozen! the only way I could stay worm was to curl up into a fetal position between my Loco Libre. After a while in that position I had to stretch out, back to the frozen feet. I know my wife and son were warm because they didn't move the entire night. The good new is my wife had a really light pack, because, all the gear she slept in I carried in my Pack.