Choosing TQ options

[snwcmpr]

I am asking someone to make a TQ for me.
Not sure how to choose some of the options.

Width: Regular (52"), Wide (56")

Draft Tube @ Neck: Yes or No

Footbox: Closed (like a bag), or drawcord with snap, velcro, or zipper closure

Pad attachment system: None, simple loops to attach your own, or fully involved

Width: I am 5'11 210 and an XL in shirt size. Is bigger always better?

Draft Tube: I think yes

Footbox: I am thinking snaps. That would let me air it out easier, right? No to Velcro or Zipper.


Pad Attachment: Simple loops, because I might need them?? Or NOT.

Thank you,
Ken in NC

[TrailSlug]

The footbox decision is one that changes based on the temp rating of the quilt. Anything below a 40° top quilt and I get the closed (sewn footbox) option. I'm not a fan of the draft colar and I always get wide quilts as I roll around a lot and want the room.

[Vanhalo]

I am asking someone to make a TQ for me.
Not sure how to choose some of the options.

Width: I am 5'11 210 and an XL in shirt size. Is bigger always better?

Draft Tube: I think yes

Footbox: I am thinking snaps. That would let me air it out easier, right? No to Velcro or Zipper.


Pad Attachment: Simple loops, because I might need them?? Or NOT.

Thank you,
Ken in NC

I like the JRB style footbox.

[dakotaross]

Bigger is not always better. You'd rather have something that fits with little or no excess. In a hammock, the UQ should give you enough side protection so that you don't need it to be wide. You might prefer wide due to size, but I don't think its necessarily needed. Its not a big deal to go wide, but for me, I found I didn't care for the extra material around me.

For warmer quilts, I say no draft tube. Winter quilts, yes.

For me personally, I like a fixed footbox that I don't have to fiddle with. Never did use the zipper/snaps/velcro for any purpose, and every once in a while, it was annoying - mildly so. The idea of being able to lay it out flat appealed to me, I just found it was not a practical need for me. I found the hole at the cinched foot end to be a problem occasionally.

I've never used a TQ with a pad even though I formerly owned two TQs with pad straps. Again, sounded like a good idea, but found it wasn't practical for me.

[snwcmpr]

Dakotaross, I believe you were sitting next to us when we were discussing my getting this TQ made. It was at the Hootenany Hang. We were talking next to the pond, under the trees. The discussion first started when we were sitting on the deck near the showers.
I did not get a chance to say "Hello" but we kinda said Hi in passing.

Thanks all.
I have done some more research/thinking.

Width:
My WM Summerlite bag is 52", and it works for me.

Draft Collar:
No, not for 20° TQ.

Footbox:
I have been happy using my sleeping bag.

Pad attachment:
I seriously do not really see my using it.

I am going to have Print2Fabic with Dutchware's Argon 15D poly fabric.
The idea of what to print came from Dutch. Thanks Dutch.

I will give this an overnight to think more, and place an order.
Another cottage company GooseFeet Gear.
(I have been trying to spread my purchases around)

Ken in NC

[RENDAWG]

I just went through the same questions in my mind in the last month. I ordered a summer Top Quilt with snaps and draw strings at feet. My winter 20 degree Top quilt I ordered has a foot box, on both I went wider. The reasoning for the width is I wanted to have extra to pull to one side or another depending of if I side sleep or back sleep. Any questions just ask.

[Grubester]

I would always suggest you use for comfort and M partial to snaps.

[TxAggie]

TrailSlug pretty much echoed my thoughts:

30* or higher:
Footbox is based on preference (I prefer zipped), no draft collar.

20-30:
Either or, personal preference zone

Sub 20:
Closed footbox, draft collar if weight isn’t a concern (I’ve never used one, but if you are a cold sleeper I can see the benefit)

Width:
All comes down you your size and Hammock width. Do you get enough coverage with a standard width and current underside insulation? Then no need for the extra weight and bulk of the wide.

Pad attachments: completely up to your camping style. If you are 100% Hammock, screw tents then forego the pad attachments. If it’s a 20+ quilt and you sometimes tent/tarp camp then they may be worth it. For sub 20, I would get a full bag for the ground (just me, I understand the weight component, but at sub-freezing I think bags simply keep drafts out better when on the ground. Not an issue in the hammock.)


In short, go with your gut and try not to second guess yourself.

[snwcmpr]

Thanks, I am reading this.