Sleeping bag efficiency when used as a TQ

[Roadtorque]

For the last month or so I have been on the road and sleeping in my sleeping bag (on a bed). I have been playing with the bag and find it most comfortable when laid out like a top quilt and partially zipped up to form a foot box. I have mostly slept like this although I have used it in typical sleeping bag mode too. I have consistently been finding that I sleep warmer when it's used in its traditional method vs unzipped like a tq. This has started me wondering about quilts vs sleeping bags while out hammock camping. Would a sleeping bag be warmer than a tq? Would a sleeping bag be warmer when zipped up vs used as a tq? I dont recall ever reading about this on hammock forums but I'm sure others have experiences with this as well.

[SmokeBait]

I always used sleeping bags prior to learning of TQ's. I tend to think they can be warmer as they eliminate drafts. Down vs. synthetic can matter as down just doesn't insulate well when crushed underneath you. The main difference for me anyway, is getting in and out of a sleeping bag in a hammock can be a pain, depending on how it is cut of course. TQ's are so easy to use that I'd just never go back to a sleeping bag unless it was all I had. I suspect there will be a range of comments here as we all have our preferences.

[warbonnetguy]

maybe could be less drafty, but if you tuck the topquilt in under you it makes a tight seal, moving around alot could cause a gap to open but they are easily sealed back up.

when i've got the top cinched around my neck it's quite efficient. i am a pretty still sleeper though and that probably helps some too.

[lori]

I hated sleeping bags. I love my quilts. I am warmer in the quilts than I ever was, but then again, I ended up with really dumbly rated sleeping bags, and chose a really good top quilt.

I think the only thing that might force me back into a bag would be subzero temps. But I don't intend to do that on purpose either!

[TadTheTinker]

I am currently using a sleeping bag as my only cover. It can be a drag as the zipper may get turned to the bottom under you. Makes getting out interesting.

I am trying to work out an under quilt without spending much in the way of money. I enjoy a challenge if nothing else.

Beyond the zipper location I haven't really had any trouble out of my bag but that is just me.

[Shug]

I seem equally warm in either but I am a very still sleeper. Good tucking is the key....and a hood or hat.
Shug

[TadTheTinker]

I sleep like a tornado in a trailer park.

[Owl]

I sleep like a tornado in a trailer park.

Same here. I've not made the plunge to give up my sleeping bag for a TQ yet...although I am now considering (finally? ) upgrading from my Army issued ICW to something lighter/less bulky.

I still prefer to sleep IN the bag even in the hammock. Granted some compresses underneath me, but I've still got that seal of warm air around me, and as long as I've got something like my HHSS underneath the hammock, the heat loss from the compressed sleeping bag isn't noticeable.

[Big Papi]

I personally like th top quilt better. I have done both, but seem to be warmer under the quilt. I move quite a bit while sleeping so the flexability it gives me is paramount

[lizzie]

My old down 3 season bag had a busted zipper and lay in a heap in the corner for years. So when I started reading about top quilts, I simply stitched the bottom third or so shut with a backstitch and, viola, it has worked very well as a TQ. In fact, I find it just as warm and a heck of a lot less constricting.