I am curious on folks thoughts on the need for a UQ for an early June trip. We are heading out of Stuart River in early June for a week. I have a BB 1.4 that I have used down here in the South for some time with a air pad for cool evenings. I am wondering what your thoughts are when the avg temp for this time of the year is a high of upper 60's and lows in the lower 40's.

Do I need to jump on the UQ bandwagon or can I get by with a pad and a nice sleeping bag (Big Bertha) over the top? If a UQ I would go full size based upon my readings. Thanks for your input.

You can definitely get by with what you have. You may get cold shoulders, but a 26" x 20" piece of ccf laid under the shoulders will solve that.

But, a UQ is so much more comfortable, in my opinion.
It is up to you to decide if the $$ is worth the extra comfort.

No, a pad will be fine. I use a 1/8 inch cc foam pad and am good down to the mid 30's. If you know it will be a cold night just wear lots of clothes. A beanie hat really helps too.

I've used a wide pad down to 10*

At 40* at night, you will need something. Play around with the gear you have and test it in the backyard or a park somewhere. You should be fine.

Kind of depends if your a warm or cold sleeper. I have tried several ways, I'm a cold sleeper. Done good with a pad and a a fleece bag liner and heavier clothing while using a Marmot 20 degree bag. After a late (colder) September trip a couple years ago I bought a UQ. Yes for sure it's an $$ investment. One thing I have noticed is I'm not packing as much cold gear to sleep with or in now. Kinda nice not sleeping in bulky clothing. Sleeping good is important to me for making a great trip.
As "The Lorax" said test it at home before you trip.

I prefer my underquilt, for comfort reasons & the option of venting on a warm night or snugging up on a cool night. My son uses a pad in his & has never got cold either, so what you have will work... but its a good excuse to get an UQ, if ya know what I mean!

I think you'll be fine in typical weather. IF temps drop really low - you might be a little cold.

You could bring a piece of reflectix to place under your torso or legs or both. Lightweight, packable and adds lots of warmth.

quote IBFLY: "I think you'll be fine in typical weather. IF temps drop really low - you might be a little cold.


You could bring a piece of reflectix to place under your torso or legs or both. Lightweight, packable and adds lots of warmth."

And hot water in a nalgene helps. In a pinch as well

I used an UQ in mid-August last year (and really was glad I had it a few nights). I find that the UQ takes up less space and weight than my pad.

I used a pad last August too and was cool. I hate wearing extra clothes when sleeping, so for me an UQ was a must for my next trip. For me, I did not like adjusting the pad throughout the night either. After 3 years with a pad in my BA bag, I decided the extra cost of an UQ was worth it.

Thanks for all the input and advice! I am a cold sleeper and actually looking forward to the cooler temps as down South at that time it is already getting too hot, my Wisconsin roots betray me. I think I will invest in a nice full size UQ as I like the idea of not packing the sleeping pad and fewer cold weather sleeping clothes.

Thanks again for all the guidance.

quote SourisMan: "

quote IBFLY: "I think you'll be fine in typical weather. IF temps drop really low - you might be a little cold.
You could bring a piece of reflectix to place under your torso or legs or both. Lightweight, packable and adds lots of warmth."

And hot water in a nalgene helps. In a pinch as well"

I always have it in my mind to have a hot drink before bed, or hot water in the nalgene to help warm up when going to sleep - but I nearly never do. I usually fall asleep by the fire or reading and never get around to heating up some water.

quote magaak1: "..I hate wearing extra clothes when sleeping..."

+1 - just one layer for me plus a wool cap and socks if cold.