10F zPacks + 30F Enlightened Equipment = <0F System?

[Coffee]

I've owned a 10F zPacks sleeping bag for a while now with its primary use so far being a hike on the High Sierra Trail and JMT last August. Temps never got much below freezing on that trip and the sleeping bag performed pretty well, and I was actually on the warm side a few times at lower elevations. I feel confident that this bag is good down to at least mid teens for me, and probably good to its rating of 10F.

Since I typically like to do some spring and fall trips on the AT and want a lighter bag for that purpose, I purchased an Enlightened Equipment 30F quilt during the black friday sale that just arrived last weekend. I have yet to take it out into the field but plan to soon, maybe this weekend. Lows in SNP are probably going to be in the mid 20s and I want to test the lower limits of this bag so I'll start with it and see how it goes. I'll pack my zPacks 10F as well in case I get uncomfortable.

My question is whether there is a good way to judge whether the *combined system* of the zPacks and EE quilt could be good down to 0F or lower. I don't do enough winter camping to justify a dedicated deep winter bag so I've never purchased one. I've also avoided colder weather for that reason. But I'm thinking of trying out the combined system later this winter, if conditions and schedule permits. Any thoughts on the probable rating for the combined system? I have already tested out nesting the bags. I'd get in my zPacks first, and then the EE, using the EE strap system to secure it in place near the foot end. There is plenty of material on my EE (it is a long/wide version).

[DuneElliot]

Here's EE's quilt layering guide in regards to temperatures:

https://support.enlightenedequipment...Quilt-Layering

[Coffee]

Thanks! That's very useful... I'm skeptical that my 10F/30F combo would be good to -30F as suggested in the chart but 0F seems easy to justify. I guess trying it out is the way to find out... I also need to supplement my NeoAir, probably with a closed cell foam pad underneath.

[sethd513]

I've had my 40* EE quilt and a vapor barrier suit down to 12*. Just had my 20 and 40 EE set up with vb at -25. I'm a cold sleeper so I just got some extra down added to my 20. There's no reason why in theory subtracting 10* from this chart wouldn't be fine. And saying subtracting I mean towards the warmer numbers


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[sethd513]

Ps you gotta stay dry


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[Hikingjim]

I wouldn't trust -20 or -30 tried with your setup, but 0 should be no problem at all.
I go to around 0 with my 20 quilt and a ~40 sleeping bag without issue

[Coffee]

Thanks - excellent feedback!

[lwhikerchris]

Used my zpacks 20° inside a myog 40° quilt and was good into the single digits and teens.


Your setup will be good and you will love it.