I am about to make the switch from ground to trees. I have an WB XLC that should be here today and am looking at UQ options. I have decided that a HG UQ is probably the way I am going to go (still deciding on 3/4 vs Full..im 6'2"). I keep going back and forth between 0° and 20° quilts (I am also considering a 10° custom) because I am unsure how accurate those ratings are.
My question is: are UQ temp ratings as lame as I have found sleeping bag temp ratings to be? I have a 15° down Big Agnes sleeping bag and Insulated Q-Core Pad that I feel start feeling the cold around 35-40° without extra layers. If i were to order a 20° UQ, will that realistically get to me to comfort at 20-25°? Or can i expect to be feeling the chill underneath me at 30-40°? I know that warmth is subjective and every person is different, but I am looking for a base here. In my experience sleeping bag ratings are often times inflated. I get that I wont die in my 15° bag at 15° but it sure makes of a long nights sleep. I was hoping that the UQs would get someone much closer to their rating. (I also wont be using my BA air pad with my XLC but I do have a Thermarest Zlite Sol that I can use to combine with my UQ if need be.)
Basically if a newb camper asked me about sleeping bags, I would say get the lowest temp you are willing to carry. If you think a 20° bag is the temp you want...get a 0° to be comfy at 20°. I am hoping that UQ ratings are more realistic as I am trying to save some weight if i can.
Sorry for the long winded preamble.
Thoughts?
Bookmarks