Too Much Loft; Diminishing Returns?

[MAD777]

Great explaination, Youngblood!

No, no...the coldest time of night is exactly that time after you wake up cold.

I thought that the coldest time of night always coincided with a full bladder

[drewboy]

Well that's certainly been my experience!

I thought that the coldest time of night always coincided with a full bladder

[lori]

And layering two 2.5" UQs may or may not result in 5" - depends. You'll probably end up with more like 4" due to compression, unless you're using synthetics, in which case loft isn't how you measure it anyway.

[bear bag hanger]

I can tell you from experience that using a -15 degree bag in 15 degree weather can be pretty miserable. The body overheats and when you go to vent the heat out, the cold air introduced freezes you. You need to know a little about the conditions you'll be sleeping it to decide what is the right amount of insulation.

[Dutch]

I made a 5+ inch thick winter quilt and I find it to be overkill for all but the coldest conditions. I wish that I had made it thinner and double up when I really need it. YMMV though.

[MAD777]

This comment is sort of at the other end of the spectrum, but I think it makes a point.

I have a 1-1/4" thick, SEWN THRU underquilt that is 2/3's length. It only has 3 oz of 900FP down in it. Size 51"x39". Minimal quilt in most people's mind, I would say.

It takes me down to the high thirties... COMFORTABLY!

My point is that down is amazing stuff (but keep it dry).