Quilt temp rating for long section hike?

**Onemorehill** · 04-22-2016, 22:08

I posted this on WhiteBlaze.net, but I need more hammockers' opinions, please.

I'm planning a 60-day section hike, beginning next May (2017). I will start on approximately May 6 on Springer and plan to hike as far as I can--hoping to do about 500 miles--by July 6. I will be using a hammock with top quilt and underquilt.

My question is this: Should I plan on taking quilts rated 10˚-15˚ or should I plan on quilts with a 30˚-35˚ rating? My first priority is to not freeze if there is a cold snap, of course. But would the winter quilts be overkill? I live in Texas, so I would have more use, on an ongoing basis, for the 30˚-35˚ quilts, but I'm willing and able to purchase the warmer ones if they are the better choice for this section hike. Ideally, I will do another long section in 2018 and will be able to use them again for that.

Please help me choose wisely.

**TrailSlug** · 04-23-2016, 09:59

You can always vent a warmer quilt but you can't easily make a quilt keep you much warmer than it's rating without some work. It really boils down to - is the weight for the warmer quilt worth trading out a few cold nights for? Do I have a way to get warm on the really cold nights ie heated water bottle, more cloths, etc. You could also consider starting with a warmer quilt and exchanging it out as well at your chosen resupply locations.

**bobbycobbler** · 04-23-2016, 18:36

It should be relatively warm by May. I think a 20-30° pair should be fine, especially if you go full length underquilt.

**bkrgi** · 04-23-2016, 19:07

I would say a 20* set would be ideal...super comfy at 30* but plenty of buffer should cold and or damp conditions plague one.

This is my 20* set with hammock and suspension (no bug net and no tarp) stuffed in a UGQ stuff sack. No argument from me about size, weight (I believe under 4lbs) for max warmth for cool nights and does just fine on a 60* plus night with some venting.

**Onemorehill** · 04-25-2016, 09:42

Thank you, everyone. The information you provided helps a lot. I think I will go with the warmer set.

**bartlax4** · 04-25-2016, 10:19

Shameless plug, but I offer this "half quilt" : XCUSE

which be ideal for you to supplement your warmer set should a cold snap come through. If you hit a point you are confident you don't need it you can mail it home in a pretty small package.

**12trysomething** · 04-25-2016, 10:26

Mix and match quilt ratings. Often in the transition months (when winter is still around and summer isn't quite here or the same in fall) I will bring a cooler rated under quilt and a warmer rated top quilt.

It is easy to add warmth to your top with shirts, jackets and the such while keeping your backside warm can become a challenge. A 20° UQ with a 40° TQ may be perfect as an example.

Food for thought.

**Helium33** · 04-25-2016, 21:32

Originally Posted by 12trysomething

Mix and match quilt ratings. Often in the transition months (when winter is still around and summer isn't quite here or the same in fall) I will bring a cooler rated under quilt and a warmer rated top quilt.

It is easy to add warmth to your top with shirts, jackets and the such while keeping your backside warm can become a challenge. A 20° UQ with a 40° TQ may be perfect as an example.

Food for thought.

I agree . Since you are from Texas your blood is thinner due to higher temp . I don't think it matters if you have a full or .75 UQ. IMO I would save the weight and use a .75UQ. You will probably have a sit pad that you can use for your feet.

**Helium33** · 04-25-2016, 21:33

Also do you own quilts yet

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Longrun** · 04-26-2016, 22:37

Sounds like a great trip!!! I leave for an 8 week solo hike starting from Springer Mtn on June 5.

After lots of research, talking with hikers... I am going to use a 30* EE Top Quilt and a 20* HG UQ. I have spent several nights testing the quilts and am happy I went with what I did.

Good luck. Enjoy your hike!