I have a 3/4 l quilt and got a full length for colder temps. I don’t mind having my feet and head outside, as that is easily managed. I seemed to get a gap by where my ankles went out that allowed a draft in that created Cold spots on my back.
I have a 3/4 l quilt and got a full length for colder temps. I don’t mind having my feet and head outside, as that is easily managed. I seemed to get a gap by where my ankles went out that allowed a draft in that created Cold spots on my back.
I use my 20* Phoenix down to about 30* F. If it's colder than that, I prefer my 0* HG Incubator. I'm a big proponent of the 10* buffer rule - always take a quilt that is rated at least 10 degrees warmer than the expected low. And that rule doesn't cover abnormal weather - I once attended a group hang where the low was projected to be 18* F, but it was 13* F when I arrived, and ended up at -3* F. Luckily, it was car camping so I brought a spare set of quilts and stayed toasty warm.
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Well it works for some, not for others. I've used the Phoenix (20 or 40, depending on temps) for years, after using only full length UQ's for a long time. Both work for me.
If you think it might work, I'd get it, try it a few nights at home and if you don't like it after that, just sell it for close to retail here or ebay. Then buy the full length for your hike.
Oh, and I agree that if your budget allows, get the Premium - no "better" but packs smaller for sure. Love my HG underquilts.
I own exactly the same quilts, and take a similar approach. In fact, even with temps in the mid-30's I still prefer the 0* Incubator. Partly because I sleep cold, but partly because I am a very restless sleeper, always switching between side and back sleeping. The result is it's often a bit of a pain keeping the sit pad in the footbox properly positioned. Also after all too frequent nature calls on my 60-year old bladder, the sit pad is just one extra bit of hassle each time I get back in. If I were starting over, I think I would be have gone with 0* and 20* Incubators.
I explored the idea of 3/4 length for my 40f summer set of quilts, I’ve now ordered them and went for full length, I jig around a lot during the night and the extra faff of a pad would get annoying, also at 6’5” I think a Phoenix may have only covered my back! and I do like warmth!!!
Good luck with your decision...
When I realized the shockcord on a 3/4 tries to floss my toes, it was game over.
When given, notice the height of those posting. I’m 5’ 6” and, except for winter, ¾ length is fine for me. Note that when you are on your diagonal lie, your feet go UNDER that extended shock-cord.
Last edited by cougarmeat; 04-25-2021 at 14:44.
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