About what temp do I NEED to switch to a UQ?

**brady1** · 09-18-2015, 21:48

I plan an getting a UQ at some point in the near future but I am using a Thermarest RidgeRest pad for now. I've only been out down to maybe 60 at night and I had no issues at all.

I was just wondering at what temp would it be prudent to pack the UQ on a trip.

My current setup is the RidgeRest pad and a 20 degree bag used a topquilt. On my coldest night, I only used the pad and a sleeping bag liner. The sleeping bag was barely on me at night. Evidently, I can get down to the 60's with this. I would think 40 might be pushing it?

**gunner76** · 09-18-2015, 22:22

Any temp below 70

**paleus** · 09-18-2015, 22:33

I've slept comfortably in the 50s with just a synthetic 30 degree sleeping bag.

**n5750547** · 09-19-2015, 00:01

If you can stay on your pad and have a decent sleeping bag you will be able to go quite low. As it gets colder, go and try it out but just take extra clothes to layer up if it gets chilly

**DuctTape** · 09-19-2015, 04:33

Underquilts are not warmer than pads. Some uqs are warmer than some pads. Some pads are warmer than some uqs. IME for equal weight, ccf pads are warmer than uqs. By packed volume, uqs clearly are superior though. I use uqs in the warmer temps, down to about freezing. I use both down to about zero. Subzero, ccf pads exclusively.

**SilvrSurfr** · 09-19-2015, 08:42

The colder it gets, the more condensation I get with pads. I gave up ccf pads entirely at 22* F - my son and I were both drenched in condensation. I haven't used a pad since.

**PappyAmos** · 09-19-2015, 08:58

Originally Posted by gunner76

Any temp below 70

This may sound like a smart@$$ answer but not so! A 40 deg UQ can be left loose to vent in the 70s. Then easily snugged up if you get chilly later at night.

**vagabondyogi** · 09-19-2015, 09:55

Slept comfy last night with my Neo air 3/4 and a 45degrees marmot bag as a top quilt, went down to about 60 degrees... although i will switch to an under quilt when i have the funds. my mattress is nice, and small enough that i'll always carry it as a "go to ground" option, but there's just a lot of fiddling thru the night with it
I've got down to about 45-50 with this set up so far.

**joe_guilbeau** · 09-19-2015, 10:09

Formula is C-10=UQ

Where:

C=Comfort Zone
10=10 degrees Fahrenheit under YOUR comfort zone
UQ=Under Quilt

**SpitballJedi** · 09-19-2015, 10:41

Most people need some kind of protection at about 70 and below. Whether it's an UQ or pads is a matter of preference.

I've never tried a pad, so can't speak from experience. BUt, as mentioned above, different pads will have different ratings.