Underquilt Temperature Rating

[phatt_millips]

One thing that I've noticed over the years is how the temperature rating on a sleeping bag is often overrated. Is that the same for underquilts?

Generally if I know the low for a weekend is around 10-30*F I take my 0* sleeping bag. Is this the same for an underquilt?

[fishwater]

I think most underquilts are rated conservatively, meaning that they can generally go lower than the assigned rating. I know my 20° Phoenix has been comforable in the upper teens. It will vary for each user and just how toasty you want to be.

[mudsocks]

My experience with the quilts made by our cottage vendors is that the temperature rating is an accurate comfort rating. This is subjective to the user and conditions.

[Floridahanger]

One thing that I've noticed over the years is how the temperature rating on a sleeping bag is often overrated. Is that the same for underquilts?

Generally if I know the low for a weekend is around 10-30*F I take my 0* sleeping bag. Is this the same for an underquilt?

Temp ratings are extremely subjective. A consensus of 100 people for a given bag rating doesn't tell me if I will be cold or not until I hit that temp.

Example, 2 years ago, I used a Walmart 50-60*F rectangle el cheapo bag as a peapod with my jacket over the head end and a walmart pad under me and a small fleece blanket, no tarp, down to 25*F.

The 100 people consensus probably won't recomend that for anyone below 50-55*F.

This year, I used a 3/4 length, 2 layer mylar infused, insulfleece UQ, a TQ stuffed with 24oz of polyfil, tarp this time, down to 23*F.

The 100 people consensus probably won't recomend that for anyone below ~35-40*F.

I guess that's the long way of saying your temps need to be experimented with to acheive if your a cold sleeper or hot sleeper and that will help.

And, to answer your question, the vendors here at Hammockforums.net are hangers and use their products as well. The quilts are rated appropriately for most.
Their products are very reliable, but, mostly, they will talk to you for any special requests you may have to ensure your temperature rating is truely what you desire.

[moshe]

Some manufacturers are now putting a tag with comfort to extreme info. For instance a sleeping bag rated for 20 degrees, but the tag says
60 degrees warm
40 degrees comfort
20 degrees extreme.

So it's really a 40 degree bag for most people, but the guy who just buys it for the 20 Degree name is in for a chill if he uses only that down to 20 degrees.

But as has been stated. You have to do your own testing to see how warm or cold you are while sleeping.

[Shug]

I think the vendors on here are right on the money…. Just make sure to get your UQ set up correctly. http://youtu.be/D9N3KkV5Zf4
Carry forth,
Shug

[oldpappy]

And the sleeping bag ratings assume you are wearing long underwear, warm socks, a hat, and a insulated pad under you.

[Floridahanger]

... http://youtu.be/D9N3KkV5Zf4
Carry forth,
Shug

I always love it when Shug answers. He always adds another of his video's for our learning pleasure. It always adds depth to the thread.

Shug, tell him, of the third person, thank you.

[sargevining]

I think the vendors on here are right on the money…. Just make sure to get your UQ set up correctly. http://youtu.be/D9N3KkV5Zf4
Carry forth,
Shug

Set up is key. You can have a 10 degree quilt and if it isn't hung right, you'll freeze at 40.

You have to remember that any insulation system does not create heat, it keeps the heat your body generates from escaping (in our case) into the woods.

[stalker42]

A addition question. Is the temp rating sleeping naked or clothed?