Question on Top Quilt Temp range

[FLRider]

A PLUQ will keep you warm down into the fifties, no problem. Personally, I'd carry either a fleece throw or another poncho liner for a top quilt under the expected temps.

I agree with both MAD777 and Tendertoe that you should prep for temps to be ten degrees cooler than expected (as well as temps ten degrees warmer than expected, as far as water carried, but that's another thread). Having that fudge factor in your gear means that a trip that would be highly uncomfortable otherwise is now "just right".

At most, a poncho liner is going to set you back a pound over and above a sheet. A fleece top quilt maybe a little less. Either way, if the temperatures decide to drop unexpectedly, you'll be good to go.

And, at most, you'll be at 21 lbs instead of 20. To me, that's worth it. To you? I dunno.

[Cermichael]

I just put together a PLUQ. I have been comfortable in the mid 60s with just a light silk sheet. I have an Eno Double Delux with the Eno bug net. I have a fleece sleeping bag and a microfiber blanket stored in the bug net and easily available if I need it. In the outback I would never try to peg the tempreture; I would settle for getting the range right within 10 to 15 degrees.

My biggest problem with the PLUQ is it is not very wide. My PLUQ is 82 inches long and 30.5 inches wide. But, for a Summer UQ it seems to get the job done.

Thanks for all the good information!

[Spiffyguy]

I think my PLUQ should be wide enough. I am hoping to get decent performance out of it. I have heard good things about them here. I will think about making a proper underquilt as winter gets closer. I am still new to the hammock so I am need to learn what works for me. Can only read so much, with out practice there is no personal knowledge. I agree that 1 pound is not a bad price for a good nights sleep. I will just have to see how it all works out. Only a few more days....kinda excited.

[FLRider]

I just put together a PLUQ. I have been comfortable in the mid 60s with just a light silk sheet. I have an Eno Double Delux with the Eno bug net. I have a fleece sleeping bag and a microfiber blanket stored in the bug net and easily available if I need it. In the outback I would never try to peg the tempreture; I would settle for getting the range right within 10 to 15 degrees.

My biggest problem with the PLUQ is it is not very wide. My PLUQ is 82 inches long and 30.5 inches wide. But, for a Summer UQ it seems to get the job done.

Thanks for all the good information!

Hrm...mine is ~ 42" x 60". Did you fold long side-to-long side? If so, you might get better results out of folding short side-to-short side. Anyway, just a thought...

[Spiffyguy]

I folded mine short to short. Gives me enough coverage on the side. Only a 3/4 length though but I have socks lol. And a top quilt

[Spiffyguy]

well I did the trip. was quite cold lol. was 90s during the day and got to 54 on the first night. I skipped the second after roasting my self hiking 16 miles with a too **** heavy pack lol. Luckily i brought a Cap 2 and my wool buff to use as a hat. Legs were still cold.

I think my problem was more with the poncho liner underquilt and less with the fleece top quilt I had made. I am certainly glad I was convinced to bring that at least. Would have been freezing with a just sheet on top. I think my PLUQ was just hung wrong or maybe I need to change the suspension lines going through it to shock cord to get a snugger fit. I have plans to make an IX underquilt so that should work a bit better than the PLUQ. Be a bit lighter too perhaps. Certainly appreciate the info on the matter and the resources that are here. Makes life easier.

[MAD777]

We're glad that you survived!
A double IX underquilt with one layer of 1.1 ripstop on the outside of it should weigh about 14 ounces. You would have been comfortable with that on your trip. As with all underquilts, you must get a good seal. That can bit a bit challenging around the foot end, but can be addressed with a plug sewn across that end.

[Spiffyguy]

yeah the the one side of the PLUQ is tied and I think that helped to let heat out. My plan is for an "almost full length" 3 layer IX. should be good to 30 I am hoping lol then I will work on a top quilt. I do have a 35 degree bag but it does not fit so good and the fabric does not feel the greatest. makes me kinda clammy. but it was free. Might have to adopt that into another configuration.