I’m considering using a 20°F rated quilt for camping in weather that’s expected to drop to around 23°F. If I wear a coat while I sleep, will that be enough to keep me warm? Looking for advice on how to manage this slight temperature discrepancy.
Boost your warmth with a high R-value sleeping pad and a fleece or wool sleeping bag liner. Wearing a mid-weight base layer can also help. Pro tip: A water-tight Nalgene bottle filled with hot water can provide extra warmth, though it may only be effective for about an hour.
@Zev
The sleeping pad is crucial. While the hot water bottle is a great idea for initial warmth, it won’t compensate for an inadequate sleeping setup over the whole night.
Using just a quilt, especially one that’s barely within the temperature range, might not be enough. Wrapping the quilt tightly around you will likely compress it and reduce its insulating effectiveness.
You’re unlikely to freeze to death, but it’s probable that you’ll be uncomfortably cold throughout the night. Ideally, your sleeping bag or quilt should have a comfort rating about 20°F lower than the coldest temperature you expect to encounter.
Check whether your gear is comfort-rated or survival-rated. Manufacturers sometimes list both. Also, consider the clothing you’ll wear to sleep; it can significantly affect warmth. Here’s a useful guide from REI on understanding sleeping bag temperature ratings: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/understanding-sleeping-bag-temperature-ratings.html
For temperatures as low as 23°F, I recommend using a 0°F rated down bag for assured comfort.
An R7-R8 rated pad is vital if your quilt is only comfort-rated to 20°F. Remember that temperature ratings on the mountain can vary significantly from those forecasted. Always prepare for colder than expected conditions.
Sleeping in that temperature with a 20°F quilt was not a comfortable experience for me.
That’s likely a survival rating, not a comfort rating. Ensure you have a high-quality sleeping pad for ground insulation. Being unprepared in cold conditions can lead to a dangerous situation.
Everyone’s tolerance to cold varies. Consider a comfort-rated sleeping bag and be prepared for conditions worse than predicted. Also, think about other factors like wind and humidity, and whether you’ll be in a tent, which can retain some heat. Adding a bivy cover or using a sleeping pad can significantly increase your warmth.