Florida Underquilt temp rating?

**Scott_Adkins** · 11-08-2015, 22:19

I have a question for my fellow Florida hangers. I'm looking to get an underquilt soon and want to find out about what temp quilts people are using. What you like/don't like about them. Looking for mainly fall, spring, and winter. Summer is just to hot, lol. In my part off the state temps don't go much lower than 40 average with dips into the thirties, but I'd like to be able to get out even if it does. Trying to decide between a 20° and a 40°. If it gets to hot even after venting on any summer trips I take I'll just use a PLUQ. Any insight welcome. I think I have it narrowed down to Hammock Gear. But if you have any opinion on 3/4 vs. full length for this area I'd love to hear it. I tend to sleep pretty warm.

**Boston** · 11-09-2015, 13:20

Not from Florida, but here's my opinion:

MOST of your trips will probably be 40*F or above. So I'd plan for that - 40*F quilt.

For trips where you're close to, or beyond, the limit of the quilt, plan to bring something extra (like a pad, or layer it with the pluq you mentioned). Eventually save up and have two quilts, a 40*F, and a 20*F.

This is the less finicky option. You could get a 20*F and vent it when warmer, but IMO this is really finicky, and I think you'd have a better experience doing the opposite.

I'm an advocate for 3/4 at least down to the 20*F range, so that would be my suggestion.

**Scott_Adkins** · 11-09-2015, 17:21

Thanks Boston. That's what I think I'm leaning towards. And I figure I'm in Florida, if anybody can get away with a 40° is me. But then I wonder a 40° full length might not be much worse than a 20° 3/4 length. But thanks, just looking for others opinion.

**hangNyak** · 11-09-2015, 18:28

I thought the same thing when I bought my HG Phoenix 40* three years ago. It's fine most of the time and has gone a little lower than 40*. However, at almost every Florida Hang, we have been in the 20's. Yes, 20's here in Florida. A 40 is not enough. One of my next purchases is a 20* UQ. If I had it to do over, I would have bought a 20* in the first place. Reason being, you can always "vent" the quilt, if you get a little warm. Just something to think about.

**olddog** · 11-09-2015, 19:05

Just back from the weekend in Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. During the discussions we determined in 4 years + we have only seen freezing temps on 2 hikes. The exception is the Florida Hangs where we have been into the mid 20°s on most years. For it I pack everything I have and layer them. I have the Wilderness Logic Summer series TQ & UQ and haven't had any problems on most of our trips. IIRC they are rated at 45°. The UQ is a 3/4 and if necessary I'll just place something in the foot end to add some insulation to the area outside the UQ.

**WalksIn2Trees** · 11-09-2015, 19:34

You can look up the temperature history at the Weather Underground website: wunderground.com
They have an app too, but its more designed for current weather at the cell phones location. Best weather map ever too, btw.

I used it to determine that the coldest recorded temperature for my area was -34°F, and in the mountains nearby it reached -38°F

**longtrail** · 11-09-2015, 21:13

20deg for sure... I lived down in the Tampa area for 25 years the cold down there goes right through you even at 40 degrees it's damp.. plus,,, your a thin skinned cracker,, just kidding; )
I got the full 20deg and love it!

**bkrgi** · 11-09-2015, 21:49

Hard to go wrong with a 20*. You will never worry about being cold or having to fiddle and in warmer temps you will just go lighter on top.
A compromise would be a 30* UQ but since your are in the North end I'd say go with the 20*

**Scott_Adkins** · 11-09-2015, 22:01

Thanks for all the feedback. You all are making the 20° sound awful good. Less worry overall and if my wife comes out with me I'll be able to keep her warm. Which let me tell you is much more impotent than my comfort.

**Floridahanger** · 11-09-2015, 22:33

Couple of things to consider. Like OD says, the Florida Hang in Ocala is usually in the 20's. Most of the time above 30 in Central FL.

Your style of hiking and camping is more important than the temps. If you hike mostly in long distance or have very limited pack space and usually hike in warmer temps, then go with the higher temp rating with 3/4 length. If pack space is available and you like Winter, go with the lowest possible rating expected. The pack space will determine the length. Weight is of concern if you're truly shaving ounces and grams.

The UQ temp rating is way more forgiving than TQ. You can use a 20* UQ in Summer, but you can't use a Summer TQ in Winter.

Good luck on your choice and see ya at HangCon 1.