Big agnes as a tq?

**miyanc** · 02-17-2014, 10:42

I know many of us use mummy bags as a TQ. I currently use a alps 20 degree bag as a TQ. I just bought a BA 15 degree down mummy, but its a BA so it has the empty slot on the bottom. I understand I could DIY it into a TQ, but I am wondering with the extra room it has how bad would it be to just leave it and use it without a pad and have an UQ.

Anyone use the BA system in a hammock with or without the pad?

**fiveonomo** · 02-17-2014, 19:37

I have always used my BA Encampment bag for a top quilt. I just zip it down to my knees and use it like a TQ, it works ok. I really want a dedicated TQ though and if the right one comes up on the forums I am going to pull the trigger on it.

On a side not I am a BA fan, I love their stuff and have quite a bit of it.

**miyanc** · 02-17-2014, 19:46

Originally Posted by fiveonomo

I have always used my BA Encampment bag for a top quilt. I just zip it down to my knees and use it like a TQ, it works ok. I really want a dedicated TQ though and if the right one comes up on the forums I am going to pull the trigger on it.

On a side not I am a BA fan, I love their stuff and have quite a bit of it.

Is it not good enough just to get into it? I would think that by using it like you stated you would have a hole in the insulation because there is no insulation on the bottom of the bag. In looking, yours is the same as mine but synthetic.

**just-bobby** · 02-17-2014, 21:07

I have a 20 degree Zirkel, that I have used as a Top quilt (no mods) the excess bottom material just tucks on the side(and helps prevent drafts along that edge). I do not plan on cutting it due to it's value as a regular sleeping bag(w/pad).

**fiveonomo** · 02-17-2014, 21:18

I just tuck the bottom part off to the side and it works well. I've been down to the high 20's low 30's and was feeling really good. There are some things that are a pain like the top of it where your head comes out, it just doesn't fit exactly right.....it works but it was designed to be a sleeping bag and not a TQ. I am kind of tight in the bag so I have never tried to get into it in my hammock. I would think it would work though.

**miyanc** · 02-17-2014, 21:35

Originally Posted by just-bobby

I have a 20 degree Zirkel, that I have used as a Top quilt (no mods) the excess bottom material just tucks on the side(and helps prevent drafts along that edge). I do not plan on cutting it due to it's value as a regular sleeping bag(w/pad).

I love the BA I even back to my tent dwelling days. Although I have yet to experience it I feel its a better system. I will be able to see it better when I get it. Thanks for the input.

**Mountnman** · 02-18-2014, 19:12

That's what I used before going to a TQ. They work great

**miyanc** · 02-20-2014, 01:07

So I got it today. Didnt have a lot of time to play, but its in good shape. It looks like there may have been a few cuts or wholes because it looks like some spots were stiched, but if you werent looking you wouldnt find them. None on the outside. I got in as a tq and could feel the zipper pretty good. I didnt adjust and would probably have it zipped up a few inches and move the zipper pull. I also got in and zipped the whole thing up and layed down. Its huge. Very roomy. Seems like I could use is it zipped and have room like a tq. I will see how hard it is to do that in the hammock. I love it so far.

**honeybakedhammock** · 02-20-2014, 01:15

I like this idea. My buddy just bought a BA about a week ago and he says so far he loves it. I didn't really like the idea of having a sleeve for a sleeping pad, but it would be really cool if it worked as a top quilt. Hope to hear about how it works out.

**miyanc** · 02-20-2014, 10:21

Originally Posted by honeybakedhammock

I like this idea. My buddy just bought a BA about a week ago and he says so far he loves it. I didn't really like the idea of having a sleeve for a sleeping pad, but it would be really cool if it worked as a top quilt. Hope to hear about how it works out.

i will be testing this weekend.