HOT weather top quilts

[Gresh]

Here in South Carolina, now that we're staring down the loaded barrel of February we're getting geared up for summer...which starts in March.

Summers here get up into the hundreds, which I'm sure is par for the course for lots of different parts of the world. That said, most of my hangs have taken place in late fall and winter and thus, I'm ill prepared for what awaits me in the hot, steamy months ahead.

What do you use (if anything) as a cover in the summertime? I'm one of those people that can't just sleep under NOTHING...I have to have some kind of sheet, at least.

Guide me, learned ones.

[angrysparrow]

For the true summer temps - a simple sleeping bag liner. They're relatively inexpensive, pack small and light, and have just about the right amount of material to have ~something~ on you.

They're often available in both silk or fleece. And you can find them on sale if you follow the gear prices from the larger distributors.

[Gresh]

For the true summer temps - a simple sleeping bag liner. They're relatively inexpensive, pack small and light, and have just about the right amount of material to have ~something~ on you.

They're often available in both silk or fleece. And you can find them on sale if you follow the gear prices from the larger distributors.

I've got a silk mummy bag liner that I was intending to use just as you've described, but not having done so yet I wasn't sure if just that alone would be sufficient, overkill, or otherwise...not to mention other possibilities.

[sargevining]

I've got a silk mummy bag liner that I was intending to use just as you've described, but not having done so yet I wasn't sure if just that alone would be sufficient, overkill, or otherwise...not to mention other possibilities.

I use a silk bag liner. The theory is that silk wicks perspiration and spreads it over a bigger surface where it evaporates faster and thus cooler than perspiration evaporating off your body.

I'm not sure it makes any difference when the temp is 105*, though, but I;ve had good expereinces in the 80* range.

[Dustb2000]

Another low priced option is to modify a poncho liner into a top quilt like the one I made here:



You can pick one cheap at your local army surplus story or on eBay like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Army-USMC...item3f20f54f72

The weather in Mississippi is similar to South Carolina's and this top quilt served me well last summer. With proper venting its not too hot on those really warm nights and its heavy enough for those nights where there is a moderate temp drop 15-20 degrees. I've taken it down into the 50s and was still fairly comfortable. The only downside is its not quite as light and packable as some of the other options such as a silk/fleece liner or lightweight summer down TQ. The upside being its wide temperature range and low price. I also like TQs with built in foot boxes so after I modified mine I was really happy with how it came out.

[mbcruzin]

Another low priced option is to modify a poncho liner into a top quilt like the one I made here:



You can pick one cheap at your local army surplus story or on eBay like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Army-USMC...item3f20f54f72

The weather in Mississippi is similar to South Carolina's and this top quilt served me well last summer. With proper venting its not too hot on those really warm nights and its heavy enough for those nights where there is a moderate temp drop 15-20 degrees. I've taken it down into the 50s and was still fairly comfortable. The only downside is its not quite as light and packable as some of the other options such as a silk/fleece liner or lightweight summer down TQ. The upside being its wide temperature range and low price. I also like TQs with built in foot boxes so after I modified mine I was really happy with how it came out.

+1 on the poncho liner as a top quilt. I bought two one for a top quilt an the other was made into a PULQ ( poncho liner under quilt ). I'll use these for spring, summer and fall or till the temps drop below 45*. Carrying both is like two pounds in the back pack. Also on a side note you can use the poncho liner as an over cover in the winter to help keep heat in.

[tncamper]

If you have to have something, I'd go with the liner like Mr. Sparrow suggested. I myself camped last year in Sept. in the 90's and the only thing between me and my buginator was a t-shirt and boxers. I hate to be covered if I don't need it.

[Mr.Tattoo]

I use this Diy TQ I made I wanted something light weight because I rarely need it. I carry it as one of those just in case things..lol Sometimes mother nature throws you a curve ball

[Gresh]

What'd you make it out of?

[Mr.Tattoo]

1.1 ripstop stuffed it with 3oz 800fp down I had leftover from another project Down was harvested from a jacket I found in goodwill think I have like $25 bucks in the TQ