0 degree bag not warm enough

**ATGIRL2028** · 10-22-2020, 08:02

I bought a 0 degree loco libre top quilt last spring or so. I can only seem to get it down to 45 degrees and then I really have to start layering my clothes. I have accepted that I am a cold sleeper, but I'm beginning to wonder if the bag is really 0 degrees. I went camping at Red River Gorge last weekend and it got down to about 32 degrees. I had my top quilt, 2 blankets, a sweatshirt, a long sleeve shirt, a t-shirt, 2 long johns, flannel pants and a pair of lined sweat pants and was comfortable. Now, my top layer of clothes-shirt and sweeat shirt are all cotton. My bottom half I had a good quality base layer but then cotton clothing on top of that. So I wonder if wearing cotton affected the base layer? I am relatively new to this, it took me a year to gather info about sleep systems and purchas one. Now I am onto my clothing this winter, buying base and middle layers. But I am questioning how many base and middle layers to buy b/c in a zero degree bag I can't even get warm in 32 degrees. I don't want to think the quilt is defective b/c I truly LOVE it. I am actually saving for a 40 below bag b/c I want to winter camp, but the only company who sells that warm of a bag is loco libre and if the zero didn't work, will i be wasting money on a 40 below? or do I just need to get better clothes? I need any insight on what I can do here. This is an expensive hobby and I don't want to waste money on a 750 dollar quilt if it won't work or if i could simply save money by investing in more clothes....HELP!!!

**Countrybois** · 10-22-2020, 08:04

Originally Posted by ATGIRL2028

I bought a 0 degree loco libre top quilt last spring or so. I can only seem to get it down to 45 degrees and then I really have to start layering my clothes. I have accepted that I am a cold sleeper, but I'm beginning to wonder if the bag is really 0 degrees. I went camping at Red River Gorge last weekend and it got down to about 32 degrees. I had my top quilt, 2 blankets, a sweatshirt, a long sleeve shirt, a t-shirt, 2 long johns, flannel pants and a pair of lined sweat pants and was comfortable. Now, my top layer of clothes-shirt and sweeat shirt are all cotton. My bottom half I had a good quality base layer but then cotton clothing on top of that. So I wonder if wearing cotton affected the base layer? I am relatively new to this, it took me a year to gather info about sleep systems and purchas one. Now I am onto my clothing this winter, buying base and middle layers. But I am questioning how many base and middle layers to buy b/c in a zero degree bag I can't even get warm in 32 degrees. I don't want to think the quilt is defective b/c I truly LOVE it. I am actually saving for a 40 below bag b/c I want to winter camp, but the only company who sells that warm of a bag is loco libre and if the zero didn't work, will i be wasting money on a 40 below? or do I just need to get better clothes? I need any insight on what I can do here. This is an expensive hobby and I don't want to waste money on a 750 dollar quilt if it won't work or if i could simply save money by investing in more clothes....HELP!!!

What did you have UNDER you?

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**OneClick** · 10-22-2020, 08:16

Originally Posted by Countrybois

What did you have UNDER you?

Hopefully a 0° underquilt to match.

Otherwise, that is a TON of clothing. Layering up may be the first thought to stay warm, but I think it makes things worse. Try a midweight base layer instead - bottoms and long sleeve top. Dedicated sleep clothes that are DRY, CLEAN AND UNWORN that day. Thick loose socks and a cozy cap for your head. Start there. Give it about 5 minutes lying there after getting in to "warm up". Make sure you're full and well hydrated all day. A warm drink before bed never hurts. Get into the hammock somewhat warm (i.e. if you're sitting around at night and think "I'm cold it's time to get into bed and warm up" it's not a good idea.)

When the quilt is fluffed up and lying on the floor, how high is it? I can't remember the norm without looking at mine.

**ATGIRL2028** · 10-22-2020, 11:18

This is GREAT advice,ty. I really, really like my tq and I've heard such awesome things about loco libre, I did A LOT of research before I purchased one, so I had very high hopes that I could use it in cold cold weather. So when it didn't work my second guess was my clothing was all wrong, but I wasn't sure how. I DID wear my base clothing all day, so it was probably a little moist--duh! How did I not think about this??? Also warmiing up before bed is a great idea. I did exactly what u said not to do-I went to bed when I got cold. I will give your ideas a go in a couple of weeks when it gets colder again (it's 80 degrees today in ohio!)
I do have a zero degree underquilt to match.

**ATGIRL2028** · 10-22-2020, 10:57

I have a zero degree under quilt.

**Shug** · 10-22-2020, 08:17

Sounds like you are over-insulated.
Maybe sweating and getting chilled?
Have you migrated the down in the TQ? Shaking and fluffing it.
Are you warm when you crawl in? Make sure you are.
A 0º bag should keep you warm at the temps you are in.
Shug

**ATGIRL2028** · 10-22-2020, 11:21

Ty! fluffing it up is another great idea I've never tried. I figured I was overlayering, but I HATE to be cold and I've always worn a ton of clothes to bed since i was a kid.
I just saw your video last night about using multiple sleeping pads as well as the underquilt in my hammock. I'm going to try that as well.
Tx for your videos!!

**Adroa** · 10-23-2020, 00:58

I am pretty jealous of that fleece face mask you have in the video Shug. I often bring my balaclava for my head/neck but found that if it is pulled up over my mouth/nose it grabs too much condensation when the temps get down there. Looked around for one with the same openings you have and never had any luck.

**Shug** · 10-23-2020, 07:19

Originally Posted by Adroa

I am pretty jealous of that fleece face mask you have in the video Shug. I often bring my balaclava for my head/neck but found that if it is pulled up over my mouth/nose it grabs too much condensation when the temps get down there. Looked around for one with the same openings you have and never had any luck.

I treasure it. So much more comfortable than the neoprene ones.
Been trying to make a duplicate. Getting close. It is year of the mask!

**rweb82** · 10-22-2020, 08:22

I've used my 20° Loco Libre TQ at -13°F, and was still warm. If yours is a 0° quilt, you should have no issues staying warm at or near 0°. Loco Libre is very generous with the amount of down they use, and all of my quilts from them have actually exceeded the stated comfort rating. As mentioned earlier, layering too much can have an opposite effect. Try going to bed with fewer layers and see what happens. And make sure your UQ is dialed-in properly. Where are you feeling the cold? From on top, or underneath you?