top quilt as under quilt?

**catalyst** · 01-25-2012, 18:34

Anyone use a top quilt as an under quilt? (I'm sure this topic has been discussed before but I couldn't find any relevant threads in my searching) How well do you think it would work? I've been contemplating stacking my 3 season Phoenix under quilt with my 20 degree top quilt (used as an under quilt) in winter conditions rather than purchase/make a 0 degree under quilt. I would probably supplement my legs with a small pad or perhaps my pack. Do you think I'd be warm enough? The dimensions of the top quilt are approximately 70" x 50" (at head) x 38" (at foot).

**BrianWillan** · 01-25-2012, 19:23

I take it your top quilt will lay flat after undoing the foot box? Many of the JRB quilts are designed to be used as a top or underquilt in this manner. It is just a matter of having enough attachment points to hang the quilt under the hammock and be able to cinch it up. This also begs the question of what you are going to use for top insulation now?

Cheers

Brian

**catalyst** · 01-25-2012, 19:32

Originally Posted by BrianWillan

I take it your top quilt will lay flat after undoing the foot box? Many of the JRB quilts are designed to be used as a top or underquilt in this manner. It is just a matter of having enough attachment points to hang the quilt under the hammock and be able to cinch it up. This also begs the question of what you are going to use for top insulation now?

Cheers

Brian

The top quilt can lay flat after undoing the foot box and I think there are enough attachment points to work with. I have a 0 degree top quilt I can use. I'm trying to be economical and avoid purchasing a winter under quilt. I think it will work.

**Hulk Smash** · 01-25-2012, 19:38

As long as you have enough attachment points on the uq, doubling them up should work out for you. I was out the other weekend doing the same thing, temp got down to 3 degrees, and was nice and warm. Hope it works out for you, have fun!

**pizza** · 01-25-2012, 19:43

That's what I do. My JRB Hudson River sees double duty. It's my 3 season top quilt and in winter it doubles up with my 3 season Yeti as an under quilt.

**griesl** · 01-25-2012, 20:31

Originally Posted by pizza

That's what I do. My JRB Hudson River sees double duty. It's my 3 season top quilt and in winter it doubles up with my 3 season Yeti as an under quilt.

Curious - how low have you gone with that setup? Or how low do you think it could go? Thanks.

**pizza** · 01-25-2012, 21:52

Originally Posted by griesl

Curious - how low have you gone with that setup? Or how low do you think it could go? Thanks.

I did last years frozen butt hang at -11F but I used a CCF pad as well. Never tried it without the pad on that hang to know if I really needed the pad or not. I did use the same setup without the pad though on a solo hang at +15F and was WAY too warm and had to vent some. My top quilt was a JRB Old Rag Mountain. My guess is I could comfortably get down to 0F for sure with the Hudson River and 3 season Yeti doubled up underneath with no other pads.

**wisenber** · 01-25-2012, 22:07

JRB has been doing it for years. I've used my No Sniveler and my Old Rag Mountain as bot TQ and UQ. You might check with JRB on their suspension. Those ten bucks will help make it simpler if you have anything to attach to at the corners.

**MedicineMan** · 01-25-2012, 22:13

Wisenber on target.....or underquilt as top quilt.
My no sniveler can be either with equal aplomb or a camp capote.
To my right about 3 meters is a Mt.Washington 4 that is a UQ but would make a heck of a TQ if you so desired.....recently I got a Leighlo Winter 0F UQ, it is 60 inches long-for some that would be a wonderful TQ.
Its perfectly ok to mix and match.

**griesl** · 01-25-2012, 22:19

Thanks - good info to have. I've not yet had to double up quilts, but probably will have to next month on a trip. This stuff is good to know. Thanks again.