Where is the 58 to 60? Whatever the elevation of that report is for, subtract about 3° per 1,000 ft of elevation (since you'll be higher than the report), and you'll get a better estimation of what the lows will be.
Absolutely something is needed to keep the chill off your top layer. A nice light fleece blanket would likely do the trick -- always better to have it than not!
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday next week - highs around 73, overnight lows about 62, 30% chance of rain. That's at Lat. 35.563, Long. -83.498 (or in other words, Clingmans Dome). But wait a few days...it'll change.
Retired US Navy, 10-year Stage IIIb colon cancer survivor. I believe my last words will be "Hold my beer..."
I hate to steal a post but I'm worried about the same thing. Well the freezing part. I haven't done any cold weather camping but we are planing a trip in November and all I have is a thermarest scout (small) pad and my cheapo 40* bag for a top quilt. It is in Texas so it's nothing like the Smokie mountains. I couldn't see anything below freezing. Can't really swing a real TQ or UQ right now.
Nearest Costco is about an hour and a half. By time my truck gets done with my wallet I might as well get a nice synthetic UQ. Don't get me wrong I do eventually want one, just don't know how I'd be able to before then. Also the down makes me nervous about getting wet. (Murphy's law and all)
You can always use regular blankets and put them underneath your pad. Sure, it'll still get compressed but it'll be better than not using them at all. You just have to carry more weight if you go that route.
I've camped down to 15° before with a pad and no underquilt -- now I wouldn't say I was warm, but I certainly survived.
I was thinking of getting the reflective bubble stuff and pairing it with my pad. My cheapo bag made me sweat in the mid 60'September and no pad. I also thought about some wool socks. (Darn tough) But $25 for a pair of socks is kinda crazy, and yes I know I don't have to get those specifically but they will also be for hiking as well.
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