20 degree quilts during the spring/fall? really?

[Bad Biscuit]

I have a set of quilts rated to 20 degrees - and have slept in them to the mid teens - but can you REALLY vent them enough for spring and fall use (lows in the 50's)?

For weight reduction and less insulation required, I have considered purchasing a set (at least an UQ) of summer quilts in the 40 degree range. OR just an UQ and use my present poncho liner as a top quilt. BUT I'm not sure I want to spend the money there as I have a few other items in mind....

SO, can you REALLY vent the 20 degree quilts enough that you aren't clammy during the spring and fall?

Opinions and advice are welcome!

[nuttysquirrel]

Yes. Just hang it lose with the end channels open. You might freeze so adjust accordingly.

[Chard]

+1 on Nuttysquirrel. I use my only undequilt, a DIY 800+ fill goose down to -25c (-13F) in all seasons. I just vent, sleeping comfortable in the knowledge that I can adjust to any temp. Sleeping cold's a drag.

[Passinthru]

I was comfortable with my 20*UQ the other night in the 60's (fitted closely, not vented). IMO, an UQ doesn't make you warmer, it just keeps you from getting cold. It can't make you any warmer than your body heat but it keeps you from losing heat and keeps the cold from coming in. I'm probably not entirely correct about that and I'm sure someone will gently correct me if needed Of course, venting does let body heat escape, and lets cooling airflow in, so your warm UQ can be used on the warm nights as well
Somewhat like a mattress in a bed at home - if you get too warm you throw off the top covers - you don't need to change mattresses.

[SilvrSurfr]

I had a 20* Phoenix I used in all seasons for a couple of years, from overnight lows of 70* F to 13* F. I never ever vented the UQ, just the TQ. I agree with Passinthru that "an UQ doesn't make you warmer, it just keeps you from getting cold."

It's really easy to vent with a TQ; you're just tryiing to lower your core body temp. I start with pulling the TQ down from chin level to chest level, then I might stick my arms out, then a leg, etc. If I'm still hot I kick the TQ off entirely.

[bkrgi]

I was comfortable with my 20*UQ the other night in the 60's (fitted closely, not vented). IMO, an UQ doesn't make you warmer, it just keeps you from getting cold. It can't make you any warmer than your body heat but it keeps you from losing heat and keeps the cold from coming in. I'm probably not entirely correct about that and I'm sure someone will gently correct me if needed Of course, venting does let body heat escape, and lets cooling airflow in, so your warm UQ can be used on the warm nights as well
Somewhat like a mattress in a bed at home - if you get too warm you throw off the top covers - you don't need to change mattresses.

This be my experience as well
Until temps start exceeding 65-70* it is full on 20* UQ and vent using the TQ.
The 20 has to be the most versatile UQ going...IMO
For me in Northern climes the 40* would be the perfect indoor UQ otherwise is purely a luxury item for summer time hangs.....

Save your coin for 'other' goodies

[SilvrSurfr]

For me in Northern climes the 40* would be the perfect indoor UQ otherwise is purely a luxury item for summer time hangs.....

My exact thought on my 40* quilt set - a luxury item.

[Bad Biscuit]

Wow, thanks for the feedback. I will spend my money elsewhere.

[canoebie]

Agreed with all the above. I use my phoenix 20 year round, just vent it. Full length in cooler temps and really cold full length with the phoenix.

[MorChaos]

Awesome info... This is my first year hanging, got my first trip coming up in a couple days. I ordered an Incubator 0 due to the weather here dropping to sub zero during the winter, and I wanted to be prepared for the temp drop. I also wondered if I had to get a separate under quilt for warmer but still cool nights. I figured that I'd rather have the versatility to hang in the winter and be warm over being a little chilly in fall/spring. It is nice to know that I can open it up and allow more airflow during the warmer months. I will let you know how it goes this weekend. I don't expect the temp to drop less than 40...