If you had to start over, what would you choose for your first topquilt?

[doctor patches]

If you had to do it all again, knowing what you know now, where would you look for your first quilt?

[ringtail-THFKAfood]

Warbonnett

[mrcheviot]

I would have a strong preference for down, but IMO it's not as critical as the UQ. Synth top quilts generally perform very well. Otherwise here is what I'd look for:

Big foot box, i.e. vertically compliant so you can flex and move your feet around freely without feeling like your pushing against the fabric in any direction. These will often have a circle area sewn in. Having draw strings which allow you to vent the foot box is also a big feature.

Tapered designs are nice, definitely err on the side of slightly too wide vs. slightly too narrow. Nothing worse than rolling over only to feel a draft along your back.

Think it's common but worth mentioning is the ability to snap or secure the head end of the quilt around your neck, this ensures that it doesn't slip off your shoulders on a cold night.

Finally, either the interior or exterior should be a bright, highly visible color in case you ever need to signal or be visible from above. Since I don't think having a bright flashy tarp or UQ is desirable in the woods, makes most sense to have it on the inside of the TQ.

[Zilla]

Same as i have now.

[Beast 71]

For a TQ; I would have gotten a JRB Stealth instead of a Shenandoah, I think the head hole would be useful.

For an UQ; As great of an Idea the JRB Mount Washington 3 Convertible (MW3C) is, I would've been just as well off and it would have been cheaper to go with a regular length UQ.

The MW3C is/was (it's discontinued) a 2 piece quilt that Velcros and ties together. the larger piece is a 2/3rd s summer under quilt. and the 2nd part attaches to make it a full UQ for the winter. It's good to 10°F to 20°F by itself, but I've been down to -11°F using a pad with it. But in truth; Minnesota summer nights are just too cold for anything other than a full UQ. I would entertain offers on my MW3C UQ.

[Country Roads]

The same: hammock gear 3-season burrow, except now they use Argon and are a bit lighter, but no I will not part with my 15 degree burrow (now the 3-season burrow). It keeps me all warmy and nice.

[dirtwheels]

My 1st was a UGQ 40* + 2 ozs, I love it, but there are times I wish I would have went with a lighter product, like http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/revelation/, not a huge price difference (if you don't mind skipping the dri-down), and about 5 ozs. lighter. But that being said I KNOW my UGQ is going to last me a long time, and I know UGQ will stand by that product and besides, I know they are great people, so maybe I'd spend the difference, maybe not. EE has a fine rep and devout customers. I'm new and have 3 quilts, of the 2 others I have the UGQ is by far the best made. The others are a WL SSUQ and a JRB Greylock 3. Each of those vendors are great Marty @ WL has answered the phone and returned my calls when I've inquired about WL products, JRB got my UQ out the next day.

I've made it a point to seek out different vendors to gain 1st hand experience to learn what's available, I haven't had the opportunity to see the EE product yet but it's weight has my attention, UGQ's quality and attention to detail makes it hard to choose another. The additional cost of dri-down from EE is their biggest short coming.

[Demeter]

I am very happy with my first quilt, and still have it A HG Burrow. I think you can't go wrong with any of the manufacturers out there; the Jacks have great products, as do Hammock Gear and UGQ. You have to narrow your choices down by materials, price, and warranty (some offer free minor repairs for the life of the product). By supporting a cottage vendor you are keeping things made in America, too!

[mbiraman]

My first TQ was a JRB HRQ. No regrets

[dakotaross]

My first real TQ was a Golite Ultra. Its rated 20 but is more like a 30. Recently got a zero Burrow in wide. Got the zero since there wasn't so much difference between 20 and 30 Ultra. But honestly, I think if it were my first one, a 20 degree Burrow, or similar make, would be fine for most any range of temps except the most extreme. I will say that unlike some others, I think I prefer a more narrow quilt - so reg instead of wide seems better in a hammock for me.