Prepping for an AT Thruhike, which top quilt to pick?!

[g2outdoors]

@Dos, you needed a 20 degree quilt the entire time? The lows in late May through Early September couldn't be below 40 degrees in that part of the world right? I'm just curious because I'm in the initial planning stages of a thru-hike myself. I currently have a 15° bag and a 40° TQ. The bag weighs 2 lbs and the TQ right at 1 lb. I'd hate to have to lug an extra pound throughout the summer.

[gunner76]

Those RevX TQs are nice. Excellent value for the price

[Dos]

@Dos, you needed a 20 degree quilt the entire time? The lows in late May through Early September couldn't be below 40 degrees in that part of the world right? I'm just curious because I'm in the initial planning stages of a thru-hike myself. I currently have a 15° bag and a 40° TQ. The bag weighs 2 lbs and the TQ right at 1 lb. I'd hate to have to lug an extra pound throughout the summer.

I didn't give this much pre hike planning in regards to my TQ.
I just went with what I had, and it happened to work beyond well.
I sent my UQ home after NC and used a Z rest for much of the rest.
In PA, with hideous rocks for 60 miles, 98 % humidity and 97 degree heat,
no, I did not need a TQ at all. But at one point , we slept in someone's garage, on the floor, which still required the quilt.

In Harper's Ferry, I bought a 50 degree bag,
but I really regretted sending home my 20 degree TQ within days.

A couple of nights, I recall not using my TQ at all (4th of July) as the mosquitos and humidity were equally intense.

I dunno, I think every year could be quite different.

I got lucky with my weather (rain-wise)
but
I was really surprised how much I needed the TQ, even in summer.
I think for a bit, I did use a silk liner. But I believe I used that in really hot weather and in the mountains (NY and up ) in conjuction with my TQ, but that made me feel like a worm inside a worm jacket.

Maybe having a thin back up at home or home base might be prudent.
I honestly did not give this much thought until I had, like said, sent my TQ home, which I regretted quite quickly.

Try not to overthink this part.

Within a week or 2, you will know what equipment works for you.
What works for YOU will not always work for the next guy.

[g2outdoors]

My plan is to use my 15° bag and 20° UQ through probably early-mid May, or until it's warm enough to downgrade. Then switch out to the 40° TQ and most likely my Exped mat. I'll be using my double layer Ridge Runner for the entire thru.

Dos and you other guys that have been on the AT, do you think that will work?

[Doctari]

My plan is to use my 15° bag and 20° UQ through probably early-mid May, or until it's warm enough to downgrade. Then switch out to the 40° TQ and most likely my Exped mat. I'll be using my double layer Ridge Runner for the entire thru.

Dos and you other guys that have been on the AT, do you think that will work?

May might be a bit early: I have seen snow just south of Damascus VA in late June, (my thermometer read 29F) have heard advice to keep winter sleep gear till through the VA highlands.
Also, picking your site carefully can make a HUGE difference. At the Mt Rogers winter hang, with nearly the same thermometers, there has been as much as 10 degrees difference in site temperatures.
I suggest avoiding: very high sites & very low sites. IMHO: about half way up or down a hill is best, and pick sites with shelter from the wind, preferably on the lee (away from the wind) side of a hill. Which is usually* on the eastern side on the AT.

Sounds to me like your insulation is adequate, for ME. You have to decide if its enough for you. As a back up, I carry a reusable heat pack for "just in case". It won't keep me warm all night, but is enough to take the edge off when I misjudge the insulation Vs the cold ratio.
Sorry, it's buried in my hammock in the bottom of my pack, will post the name after Sunday.

*NOT ALWAYS!!!

[g2outdoors]

I used to live in Lynchburg VA, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and I can't imagine snow there in any part of June... Crazy. The other suggestions are all good ones. Thx.

[Dos]

Doctari was my pre-hike mentor.

yeah, what he said


oh wait.
There was that 3 am call from Fontana....

[fallkniven]

I'd bring 2 tq's a 20* and a 40*. You have a warm quilt, a cold quilt, and you can stack them to go even colder, yet that 40* tq weighs very little and takes up very little room.

[JumpinJackJim]

Love the EE RevX 20! Awesome value. Cannot imagine a more comfortable or better made quilt. I debated closed vs snap/zip foot box when looking, and am very glad I went with snap/zip. When cinched closed, there is no air leak, just not a concern at all. However, when temp is higher (above 45), opening up foot box to vent is nice. So far, I've taken the RevX to 30 degrees, and jut love this thing. (Wore minimal sleep clothing:thin scrub pants and very light weight/thin long sleeve pull over -neither needed.) Can't wait to get a 50 degree one.

[Brancher]

What works for me is my Mt rogers quilt (and I am probably gonna swap for a similar but narrower one). But in early trek, I toss in a Sea to Summit Thermalite liner for extra cold nights. That little guy is about 8 oz and adds 15F to the rating. One of my favorite pieces of kit.

This year, I plan to start with a healthy quilt at first, and (later) swap out the quilt for one of my lightwt mummy bag - a 40f or possibly 45f....then swap back as I hit the Whites.

Not finally sure about that, yet though....

Ymmv. Hope this helps.