Underquilt without topquilt?

**Quattro15** · 02-02-2014, 07:52

I was thinking about changing my pad to an underquilt. I only go camping in the sping/summer months and was wondering if any of you sleep with an underquilt only in those temps. I usually sleep with nothing on top or bottom until around 2 am and then I have to get my pad out and get it under me and pull a topquilt over me. I'd rather not have to go to all that trouble.

I was thinking an underquilt might solve this for me?

Just have it to the side and swing it under me when I get cold. No topquilt required??

What do you all think?

**kayak karl** · 02-02-2014, 08:06

what temps are you talking? it will help others answer

**Quattro15** · 02-02-2014, 08:12

Usually down to 50 degrees I'm guessing.

Problem is when I go to sleep it's like 70 out still so I'm roasting and can't have any insulation on me until the sun has been down for a while.

**craige** · 02-02-2014, 08:27

You could use the uq at the side like a kinda gear hammock with the tq inside it until temps drop. Imo at 50f, unless you have loads of layers on top you will get a little cool.

**Quattro15** · 02-02-2014, 08:31

That's what I was thinking. Just trying to see what gear i can leave at home.

**Gruxxx** · 02-02-2014, 08:52

I use an underquilt alone from the mid-60s and up. In a T-shirt, around the low 60's and certainly 50's, you'll want a light top quilt or cheap fleece blanket at least, or wear some insulation. If you're only camping down to 50*, a 40* to 50* UQ would be the ticket. That shouldn't be too hot to sleep at 70*, and you can always leave the ends open to allow some airflow or swing the UQ off to one side (away from outside shoulder). When you get cold, you could swing it underneath.

**sargevining** · 02-02-2014, 10:41

I have a muslin top quilt that I use in temps above 60, and a poncho liner works great above 50.

**Quattro15** · 02-02-2014, 11:11

Poncho liner....now that might just be the ticket

**Mountnman** · 02-02-2014, 11:36

I use my 20 degree up to 70 degrees or so with venting it and a 50 degree TQ which goes down to about the size of an orange. I hang my TQ over my ridgeline until I need it. I always take a TQ just in case.

**dkurfiss** · 02-02-2014, 11:40

^^ what he said

I have a PLUQ that I will put under me when it's not going below 65 or so. I find I use a light UQ of some kind 99% of the time. I have a nice 45 to 50 TQ that I just toss over my RL and pull it down when I need it. The TQ is light down so it compresses down really well and weights next to nothing.