Suggestions on how to "get more" out of a top quilt?

[ouroboros]

New member here, hello and thanks in advance... the title probably doesn't make a lot of sense so here's what I'm after:

I have a Hammock Gear Phoenix 20 underquilt already, which works well with my Hennessy Hammock and Hennessy Monsoon Tarp.

I live in the Northern Kentucky / Southern Ohio area and our winters can get down into the teens and toward 0 degrees farenheit at times at night.

I really want to buy only one top quilt for the time being. I'm giving a really hard look at the Hammock Gear Burrow 20.

I backpack, so weight and bulk is an issue.

Around here, I assume the 20 degree combo is going to be perfectly fine the vast majority of the time, but for that occasional really cold night, I wonder if I can just pair some other things / methods with the 20 degree setup to bring it down to, say, 0 to 10 degrees.

-How much temperature will added an extra oz or two or three of down overfill add to the 20 degree rating?
-How much temperature can you gain with something like a Hammock Sock... like the argon winter one that Dutchware sells?
-The Monsoon tarp that I have has doors and can be pulled down into a very enclosed, low to the ground, tight setup to block wind and retain heat.
-I consider myself to be a warm/hot sleeper. At home, I often have only a sheet while my girlfriend has a stack of blankets on her.
-I do not have a problem sleeping in socks, extra layers, beanie, jacket, etc.
-I can pay closer attention to where I hang the hammock (out of the wind, maybe get some fire reflection, etc)
-Hot water bottle / heat pack...

...I guess I'm just sort of fishing for opinions here... have any of you successfully taken your TQ's / UQ's below their advertised temperature ranges?

[dkurfiss]

Any of the things you mentioned above can increase your warmth as the temps go down with extra down stuffing doing, IMO, the most good. As for how much good, you will want to ask each vendor that question as it appears to depend on type of down they use.

As to how much warmth you will get from each item, it really depends on you. I would strongly suggestion you back yard or car camp test each of the items you want to use in the environment you want to use it.

What has worked well for me is sleeping in clean fleece pants, top, hat, and gloves along with very loose fitting wool socks then adding in a hot water bottle for my groin. I have taken my 20F UQ and 30F TQ down to 10F with no discomfort when I blocked all wind from under me and added in a 2QZQ UQ protector. But, each of us are very different so you really need to test in safe conditions before actually taking off into the woods with a new set up.

[goobie]

Try this http://www.jacksrbetter.com/shop/qui...ummer-blanket/ to supplement your TQ, but you're going to need more under you to get much below your UQ's rating.

[oldpappy]

What has worked well for me is sleeping in clean fleece pants, top, hat, and gloves along with very loose fitting wool socks then adding in a hot water bottle for my groin.

This is what I do as well - plus I put my zipped up jacket (or vest) over my feet inside the hammock. For me, by keeping the feet, head, and kidneys warm the rest seems to be good.
I prefer to use an appropriate rated mummy bag along with a fleece blanket - layered insulation I can add as the temp drops at night.
I use the smaller HH and find the bugnet adds almost 10F and the top cover adds another 5F - using the stock tarp on the ridgeline is almost as good.

Keep in mind that by adding insulation into your TQ (or UQ) you will permanently lower the temp range at both ends - thus make the TQ/UQ only usable for those few extreme cold nights of the year - so you don't want to buy more than you need for the majority of your trips. I prefer to add to my pack what I need for the current conditions and the hot water bottle is always along for unexpected temp drops.

[michigandave]

A down puffy or vest does wonders in warming up areas that start to feel cold. My first TQ was a 20 degree EE Rev and I've used it successfully down to -13 with an extra sleeping bag as a liner and additional clothing. I have a O degree on order now, since I enjoy getting out year round. You might want to consider a UQP from 2QZQ for some extra warmth below and to block the wind.

[Hobopelican]

When I went below the rating of my UQ and sleeping bag, I found a Dutch Winter sock to be very helpful. Effectively blocked the wind and allowed a small build up of temp inside. I typically didn't have issues with condensation....except for one night when I work up to a winter wonderland inside! It was cold enough that I just peeled it back and shook it off, so no issue, but be aware.

[kitsapcowboy]

Can't recommend highly enough how versatile a fine product like the 2QZQ underquilt protector can be across a very wide range of temperatures when you just need to gain a few (5-7) extra degrees to stay comfortable. In warm weather it breaks the breeze and takes the nighttime chill off; in colder weather it creates a microclimate around your underquilt and helps it perform to maximum capability.

A hammock sock (either aftermarket or DIY) can offer you similar capabilities and offers you additional protection from wind, blown debris, and moisture (both precipitation and dew); the weight penalty versus a UQP is not substantial.

[SilvrSurfr]

My first UQ was also an HG Phoenix 20, and I thought I could supplement it for lower temps. It didn't work out well for me. The lowest I ever got was 13* F but I was freezing. I did the socks, extra layers, beanie, hot water bottles - all for naught. While hammock socks, UQPs and overcovers work for some, I get way too much condensation and would rather not use those methods.

Nowadays I let insulation do its job, and I don't even wear socks. I use the 10* buffer rule - if the expected overnight temps are going to be 30* F, then I'll take my Phoenix 20* so I have a 10* buffer. If the expected overnight low is 20* then I'll take my 0* Incubator. And if the expected low is 0* F, I'm stacking quilts!

[TrailSlug]

I use the 10° buffer rule here as well and I've never slept cold but one time and that was due to a precipitation issue and a small tarp.

[OCDave]

...I have a Hammock Gear Phoenix 20 underquilt already, which works well ---
... I really want to buy only one top quilt for the time being....

One 20* topquilt has served me quite well in temps from 0-80*F. The key to my comfort has always been the underquilt. The underquilt creates a micoclimate above and determines how warm I'll be.

Adding an underquilt protector is effective in increasing the performance of your underquilt. However, you might consider adding a 40* underquilt. Not only would this allow you to pack less bulk in the warm months, by stacking the 40* and the 20* you could be comfortable during the 0* nights.

Good Luck