UQ for starting out

[Stonedune]

So I've been hanging for about two years now and so far have only used pads (Thermarest & reflectex). I'm out west in the Desert but often find myself taking a trip to colder climates. I've taken my current setup down to 7ºf and had my double bubble, thermarest under me along with a 20º mummy inside my 30º top quilt. I was warm and surprised with only a little condensation but the setup was a pain and really is at the limit of what my current gear is capable of. I'm looking to go the UQ route now for simplicity and was wondering your opinion on what a good temp rating would be to start out at? I figure I can vent it when it's warm and slip a pad under when it's colder. I am looking at a HG Incuabtor 0 for the depth of temperature however fear that when it's in the 50s that it'll be to warm.

Thoughts and suggestions welcome. Down the road I'd look at a pod for extreme temps but where is the temp line for "my first UQ"?

Thanks

[Shug]

You can always vent a UQ......
A 20º UQ is very versatile.
Carry forth.
Shug

[Brewmaker]

Most people on here recommend to give yourself a 10F buffer. So if the expected lows in the 10-20 range, then a 0-10 range UQ is recommended

[Flash Grundelore]

It's always a balancing act between MAX utility and temp range vs weight/size and your real frequent-use temps
You'll be happy with any of our vendors offerings, econ or full....

[cmoulder]

Whatever you get, pay attention to Shug's video about adjusting the quilt to prevent drafts.

I have a 0° Incubator and it definitely needs to be strung up higher and tighter at its low temperature limit than I would ever have assumed. At very low temperatures shock cords lose some of their elasticity and the extra slack can permit drafts. And I also find that quilt hooks on the hammock help, both on my DW Chameleon and DH Darien.

Coldest I've used the Incubator this winter was 4°F and it was completely warm for me, although it did require some testing and tweaking to achieve this.

EDIT: But to answer the specific question, which quilt to start?, I'd say get something for the upcoming season and conditions, then get another one later as necessary. No one quilt is going to be appropriate for all seasons and you'll likely end up needing at least 2 and preferably 3 quilts to 'cover all the bases' if you hike/camp year 'round. Personally, I have the 0deg Incubator, an EE Revolt 20deg shortie (55") and a 40deg Revolt shortie. Especially for a backpacker, there's no sense carrying around the weight and bulk of a 0deg quilt when an 11oz 40deg quilt is all that's needed.

[goobie]

First UQ?? No question, get an AHE Jarbidge. Right around $100, adjusted correctly it'll get you below 20°. I haven't checked process, but the HG Econ series could be just a good a value? You might be able to get a 0° or 20° and a 40° or 50° Econ Phoenix without breaking the budget. With any combination of those options you'll get way below zero.

[brutalguyracing]

I love my jarbridge for summer fall trips
I also live my hg 20* set

[Coldcityely]

I would not want to use my 0* underquilt all year round, even with all of Shug’s tricks. I’m waiting on a 40* underquilt/topquilt set from UGQ and when I have the money would love to have a 20* underquilt. I think having a 0*, 20* and 40* underquilt is common if you can afford it, and a lot of folks start with 20*. I think Cmoulder makes sense. Look at the season and conditions your going into and buy for that. I doubt you will find 1 quilt that will meet all your needs, especially when it’s 60* out and all you have is a 0*, that does not sound fun to me.

[Jd1983]

I have an Econ set of quilts from hammock gear and they are a great value. Maybe you would want to check out the Wilderness Logics Budget series quilts as well.

[Chesapeake]

My first UQ was a Snugpak and for the price it's great. I've done a few vids on budget insulation options on my YouTube channel if your interested : https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCdlR64khg0auvnVhQ3zRTNQ .