Temperature rating combinations on TQ/UQ

**Awkward Sportsman** · 09-10-2013, 22:41

I am the market for a TQ, which will be my first. What I am wondering is if you guys like to match ratings on your TQ and UQ. For instance if I have a 0 degree UQ, and a 20 degree TQ what can I expect to get down to? My concern is that I will likely be down in the 20 degree range, and may possibly get down in the single digits, but I would also like to use the TQ in the 40-50 degree range. Anything above 60 I really won't need a quilt at all.

I know that it would be best to have different quilts for different temps. but at the prices I can't justify buying more than 1 or 2 a year. So in short should I get a 0 degree TQ, and then a 40 degree TQ. Or should I get a 20 degree TQ and try to use it for 3 season use. Suggestions? I currently have a 0 degree UQ if that makes a bit of difference.

Thanks!

**sr1355** · 09-11-2013, 06:20

How about a 20* TQ for 3S starter, then a 40*TQ or 50*TQ added for some summer fun and lighten the load. Once you have the two you can interlock the footbox creating your winter TQ with a nested system. If you know you'll be doing a fair amount of cold weather camping and weight is an issue at some point you will want to invest in dedicated 0* TQ.

**Owl** · 09-11-2013, 08:36

Actually, I like this question, and look forward to seeing more responses to it.

I started out with a UQ that was vendor rated to 15F...and added two ozs of down to it.

I later did the same with a TQ from the same vendor.

Now, personally I'm thinking that I can use that UQ pretty much up to the point where I don't want a UQ under me at all. For ME, under insulation tends to be an all or nothing thing most of the time. I either want it, and want it warm, or I don't want it at all.

My TQ is likely to be used for fall/spring/winter camping, in pretty much any temps below 40F at night. I'm seriously considering another purchase at some point for a summer rated TQ for temps above that, but would likely keep using the same UQ year round.

I think this is inline with your question, and I'm curious if this is likely to work for me or not?

**Suede** · 09-11-2013, 08:42

Originally Posted by sr1355

How about a 20* TQ for 3S starter, then a 40*TQ or 50*TQ added for some summer fun and lighten the load. Once you have the two you can interlock the footbox creating your winter TQ with a nested system. If you know you'll be doing a fair amount of cold weather camping and weight is an issue at some point you will want to invest in dedicated 0* TQ.

What is recommended when layering quilts for colder than rated temps? Higher loft i.e. the 20* on the outside (top layer) vice-versa or does it matter?

**Caveman** · 09-11-2013, 08:51

I've got a 0* incubator and a 20* top quilt. It works well through the coldest Texas has to offer.

**FLRider** · 09-11-2013, 08:57

Originally Posted by Space4DaPoppa

What is recommended when layering quilts for colder than rated temps? Higher loft i.e. the 20* on the outside (top layer) vice-versa or does it matter?

Personally, I would (and am planning to, with my DIY insulation) place the higher loft on the outside. That way, if there is any compression occurring on your insulation, it's on the least-critical portion of it. Anyway, that's my theory, and I'm sticking to it!

Hope it helps!

**Awkward Sportsman** · 09-11-2013, 12:15

Originally Posted by sr1355

How about a 20* TQ for 3S starter, then a 40*TQ or 50*TQ added for some summer fun and lighten the load. Once you have the two you can interlock the footbox creating your winter TQ with a nested system. If you know you'll be doing a fair amount of cold weather camping and weight is an issue at some point you will want to invest in dedicated 0* TQ.

I like the idea of layering. I hadn't though of that as an option. I would assum you would want one bag slightly latger than the other.

I too think that my UQ will be an all or nothing thing, but I am not sure. I have only ever slept with a sleeping bag, which I always got into, so this has offered some bottom insulation. I've never slept in just the hammock alone excelt for a few night where the lows were in the 70s

**Boston** · 09-11-2013, 13:06

Generally speaking, you want you're UQ rated lower than your top quilt, if you're going to stagger. Aka, you MAY be ok with a 0*F UQ and 20*TQ down to 0*F,if you wear appropriate clothing, use a sock or over cover, have doors on your tarps, or whatever it takes for you to get there.

If you can only budget for 1 set of high priced down stuff (I def understand, and it's partly why I DIY), I'd get what you need for the lowest temp you expect to camp in. There are much easier solutions to higher temp gear - like UQ's and TQ's from poncho liners - that wont brake the bank.

**sr1355** · 09-11-2013, 13:47

Higher loft on outside layer is the way I prefer to do it, I use 55X78 TQ's and find the extra width helps them tuck in better when stacked. Placing the lighter TQ inside allows for the combined foot box to loft better. Works well and keeps a light weight quilt in you kit for summer use....

**Suede** · 09-11-2013, 17:50

Originally Posted by FLRider

Personally, I would (and am planning to, with my DIY insulation) place the higher loft on the outside. That way, if there is any compression occurring on your insulation, it's on the least-critical portion of it. Anyway, that's my theory, and I'm sticking to it!

Hope it helps!

Originally Posted by sr1355

Higher loft on outside layer is the way I prefer to do it, I use 55X78 TQ's and find the extra width helps them tuck in better when stacked. Placing the lighter TQ inside allows for the combined foot box to loft better. Works well and keeps a light weight quilt in you kit for summer use....

Makes sense to me!