Starting fresh, quilt advice welcome

[vaguely proficient]

After relocating to Boulder, I'm rebuilding my hammock kit for colder nights. My previous gear was fine for tropical temps but now I need something that can handle down to freezing. I'm eyeing the Hammock Gear Economy Burrow and Phoenix quilts both rated for 30°F with wide width and sewn footbox on the TQ. My coworker uses the same setup but adds a liner when temps drop below 40°F. Would this combo be enough for early fall in the Rockies or should I go with the 20°F versions?

 

[potterh3ad]

I had the same problem after moving to Flagstaff. My gear from Florida wasn't warm enough once it got cold. I tried the 30 F quilts with a liner, but still felt cold on some nights.

Next season I got the 20F ones, they're a little heavier but much warmer. If you camp high or get cold easy, I'd go with 20F.

 

[cougarmeat]

I need a 10° cushion between the quilt rating and the expected minimum. Everyone is different, and the humidity in various locations has a definite impact. If you are considering the low 30°, I'd say 20° is a minimum, maybe 10°. Also consider additional aids, like an underquilt protector (UQP) or a full sock cover.

If you have a tarp with doors, many use that instead of a sock. Expect to deal with condensation - that's the winter challenge. You need enough air flow to minimize condensation, but not so much that it robs too much heat. In winter, I often wear a balaclava (silk) that I can pull over my nose.

 

[Gabbana15]

I honestly think going with the 20°F versions is safer

 

[StitchesBear]

I've used both ratings and honestly the 30° is nice for shoulder seasons, but Boulder nights can fool you. If you're just doing short fall trips, you could stretch the 30° set with good base layers. Are you planning winter hangs too or just early fall? That might change the call.

 

[vaguely proficient]

@StitchesBear my goal is just to get through the fall season for now, no deep winter camping is planned yet. Given the advice here, I'm leaning heavily toward the 20°F versions being the smarter long term buy for this area.

 

[cougarmeat]

20° is pretty much the standard for anything but the heat of summer. Even then, you can loosen it up a bit. Some have moved to 30°, but it depends on your ability to create heat, and the temperatures/humidity you'll be adventuring in.

I started with the traditional 0°, 20°, 40° set, but after a few years, I realized 10° and 30° would cover the range where I play. Were I in Washington (rain and humidity), Arizona, or Minnesota, my choices would be different. Around here, the warm nights seldom get above 60° and the cold (dry) winter nights seldom get below 20°. And I have a pretty good body "heater". So, over time, it converges to "what works for me," which could be different than, "what works for you."