What do I need to do about condensation on my upcoming trip to Arkansas?

[tplusfive]

I will be backpacking for 5 days this month (Nov) in northern Arkansas. Historical average temps are 39F to 59F. Precipitation averages 4 in and average humidity is 70%, from 84% in the morning to 50% in the afternoon. The record low for Nov is in the high teens. I have a top quilt rated at 20F and a bottom quilt rated at 10F, both from Hammock Gear. So my quilts are capable for the conditions. Is it necessary to bring along something to put over my top quilt, like a fleece blanket, or to use a fleece bib, to capture condensation? Or is that really for much colder conditions? And what about my bottom quilt? I've read some of the other posts here but still not too sure. I haven't had a chance to test gear in these conditions or I would be doing that (I'm in Austin, TX).
I appreciate any help or advice you can offer.

[goobie]

Use a tarp, obviously if it's raining, and an underquilt protector. Pitch the tarp for plenty of ventilation, porch mode if you can. Other than that, enjoy your trip!

[tplusfive]

Use a tarp, obviously if it's raining, and an underquilt protector. Pitch the tarp for plenty of ventilation, porch mode if you can. Other than that, enjoy your trip!

Thank you! I've got the tarp and can do porch mode to get lots of ventilation. That makes sense. How does the under quilt protector help with condensation?

[Watertooner]

Moisture rises up from vegetation or settles on available surfaces via ambient air currents, The tarp protects from falling precipitation or settling air currents while the UQP protects from rising wetness. The UQP keeps the moisture out of your insulation. Some may say that it isn't necessary at all, but I feel it's a reasonable item to bring in order to guarantee staying dry.

[SilvrSurfr]

Just use a tarp to overcome condensation. An UQP is really more for splash (but I'd rather have a 4-season tarp rather than have a skimpy tarp that needs a UQP).

[tplusfive]

Just use a tarp to overcome condensation. An UQP is really more for splash (but I'd rather have a 4-season tarp rather than have a skimpy tarp that needs a UQP).

I've got a Warbonnet Superfly so plenty of coverage when needed.

[SilvrSurfr]

I've got a Warbonnet Superfly so plenty of coverage when needed.

Then I don't think you have a worry in the world. You will be protected, unless you go for some porch-mode configuration.

However, I must say that there are some weather conditions that are beyond one's ability to deal with them. One night in CT, I saw this weather system come in that was unlike anything I had ever seen. It wasn't rain - it was just a wall of thick fog and condensation. I turned on my headlamp and couldn't even see anything - and I was under my 4-season tarp!

And that's the beauty of camping - you will experience things that you could never have dreamed of when inside your house, cuddled up on your bed.

[tplusfive]

And that's the beauty of camping - you will experience things that you could never have dreamed of when inside your house, cuddled up on your bed.

Yes. Agree

[Rolloff]

Unless you are a cold sleeper, for those temps a 40/20 insulation kit might work better. If you sleep too hot and need to vent, in most circumstances that can also lead to more condensation.

My present goto is a 40/30 kit and for me it seems to handle the above temps as I need it to.

[tplusfive]

Unless you are a cold sleeper, for those temps a 40/20 insulation kit might work better. If you sleep too hot and need to vent, in most circumstances that can also lead to more condensation.

My present goto is a 40/30 kit and for me it seems to handle the above temps as I need it to.

Good point. I think I am more of a cold sleeper, and this is the only insulation kit I have.