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Thedude
senior member (74)senior membersenior member
  
01/29/2018 09:37AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I'm thinking about getting a quilt sleep system. I was just wondering how people like them. Pros and cons. And how they work for bwca.
 
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BigFlounder
senior member (63)senior membersenior member
  
01/29/2018 09:51AM  
I love my down top and bottom quilt from hammockgear.com but I'm sleeping in a hammock. But even if I was tent sleeping I'd go with my quilts.
 
01/29/2018 04:00PM  
I do not hang, and I use a quilt. I like the freedom they afford (active sleeper), and there is no need for fill under you as you get in many bags as it gets compressed and therefore has no insulation value.
 
01/29/2018 04:15PM  
I prefer a quilt because it packs smaller and lighter than a bag for the same amount of insulation. OR for the same weight/bulk you get a MUCH higher degree of insulation.
 
andym
distinguished member(5340)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
01/29/2018 04:18PM  
In many ways, the Big Agnes bags are quilts masquerading as sleeping bags. Realizing that has been making me wonder about getting a quilt. Also with a custom double quilt, we could make the two sides different amounts of fill for my wife and I. Hmmm.
 
01/29/2018 05:18PM  
I love my quilt, other than my boats it's up there with favorite gear purchases that gets used nearly 12 months out of the year.
 
Fizics
distinguished member (145)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/29/2018 05:18PM  




Get yourself some UGQs, never think about sleeping arrangements again, they look so good in the new included stuff sacks :). Shit I even use my top quilt when tenting, I guess if you need a zipper go with a bag?
 
RetiredDave
distinguished member (368)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/29/2018 05:38PM  
This thread has me wondering what kind of quilts everyone is talking about. How does it work with a quilt? Do you need two, one under one over? I'm kind of liking the idea of no zipper, but since I solo, would quilts involve a lot more stuff? Would one quilt mean you kind of become a taco? Would it work in chilly temps (late September)?

Any enlightenment here would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Dave
 
01/29/2018 06:23PM  
I suggest you start your quilt journey at Enlightened Equipment . The basic notion is that your body compresses the bottom insulation of your bag rendering it relatively uninsulating. Your pad supplies insulation under you and your quilt provides it on top. The lower portion of the quilt can be closed to form a bag for your feet. A quilt saves weight and pack space and allows you to sleep unencumbered.

I've comfortably used my down quilt (with a good insulated pad, Exped or Nemo) to temps in the low 20's (quilt rated to 25).
 
mr.barley
distinguished member(7231)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
01/29/2018 07:48PM  
I usually use my down bag like a quilt. Zipped open with my feet in the foot box.
 
Fizics
distinguished member (145)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/30/2018 12:11AM  
Banksiana: "I suggest you start your quilt journey at Enlightened Equipment . The basic notion is that your body compresses the bottom insulation of your bag rendering it relatively uninsulating. Your pad supplies insulation under you and your quilt provides it on top. The lower portion of the quilt can be closed to form a bag for your feet. A quilt saves weight and pack space and allows you to sleep unencumbered.


I've comfortably used my down quilt (with a good insulated pad, Exped or Nemo) to temps in the low 20's (quilt rated to 25)."


Just an FYI enlightened equipmemnt is more expensive and after comparing designs you can tell EE was designed by children compared to other high quality quilts. Underground Quilts are a better value per quilt and materials, and they aren't a fanboy club for people who think it's cool to blow extra money just because x-product was made in the same state you live nevermind that it's design is elementary, and frankly just because anyone with an industrial sewing machine and a line to order insulation off of dutchware like everyone else, doesn't mean you should go on sewing squares together an calling it an Underquilt like EE :P
 
BigFlounder
senior member (63)senior membersenior member
  
01/30/2018 12:50AM  
Underground Quilts and Hammock Gear are both top quality quilts. Can't go wrong with either.
 
01/30/2018 06:35AM  
I switched to a quilt last year and don't plan on going back to a sleeping bag. I loved using it and I'm a tent sleeper. First trip that I used it was early May before fishing opener w/ overnight temps in the low 20's. It was way cheaper and lighter than a comparable weight and temperature rated sleeping bag. Sleeping bags in the same price range were heavier and sleeping bags that w the same weight/temp rating were more expensive than what I found in my search.

My kids liked it so much that we ordered one for each of them.

the Enlightened Equipment link posted by banksiana has some great videos showing how they work for those of you that have questions about using a quilt.
 
DrBobDerrig
distinguished member(688)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/30/2018 06:54AM  
For car camping we have brought a quilt for on top the sleeping bags...or under if we desire. They do smoosh down pretty good..... I like my feet covered up so I still like the sleeping bag.
dr bob
 
01/30/2018 07:00AM  
Fizics: "
Banksiana: "I suggest you start your quilt journey at Enlightened Equipment . The basic notion is that your body compresses the bottom insulation of your bag rendering it relatively uninsulating. Your pad supplies insulation under you and your quilt provides it on top. The lower portion of the quilt can be closed to form a bag for your feet. A quilt saves weight and pack space and allows you to sleep unencumbered.



I've comfortably used my down quilt (with a good insulated pad, Exped or Nemo) to temps in the low 20's (quilt rated to 25)."



Just an FYI enlightened equipmemnt is more expensive and after comparing designs you can tell EE was designed by children compared to other high quality quilts. Underground Quilts are a better value per quilt and materials, and they aren't a fanboy club for people who think it's cool to blow extra money just because x-product was made in the same state you live nevermind that it's design is elementary, and frankly just because anyone with an industrial sewing machine and a line to order insulation off of dutchware like everyone else, doesn't mean you should go on sewing squares together an calling it an Underquilt like EE :P "


Can you elaborate on exactly what it is about the construction of these quilts that's so much better? After looking over the site all I can see is that they use a different baffle layout and brand of down fill &/ material which to me means very little (just branding really). Every bag and quilt company out there claims that they have the best baffle design, fill, material, etc but in reality where there are significant differences they come down more to personal preference than anything. As someone who makes quilts myself I don't see anything particularly advanced or innovative about these UGQ designs, but maybe I'm missing something?

The only standout feature I can discern is the differential cut on their high end quilts, which in my experience makes little difference in a quilt unless you start getting into really high loft projects like below 0-10 degree ratings or so and it's not really all that innovative (bag makers have been doing it for a long time...).
 
HappyHuskies
distinguished member (418)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/30/2018 07:51AM  
I still use both quilts and bags. For spring and fall I generally use a Hammock Gear 20f quilt with 2 ounces of overstuff. Reasonably light. I use this both on the ground and in a hammock. It's kept me warm down to 15 degrees (below 25f or so I augment by wearing a puffy or a fleece in addition to using the quilt). I have been using this for about 5 seasons now. For hammock use I pair with a Hammock Gear under quilt.

For mid summer I switch to a Zpacks 40f bag. If I had a quilt this light I might use it instead, but the Zpacks bag is pretty light at less than 13 ounces on my scale.

Winter I still use a sleeping bag exclusively. I like a bag for blocking drafts and like a hood. I know there are those who use quilts in the depth of winter, but I own a winter bag and in these conditions like to be conservative. Mine is an old North Face I've owned for decades. Still works and my winter gear is not light anyway, so I continue to use it.

Guess what I'm saying is that I use what I have. I value light and compact gear and when on the ground using a tent or tarp I don't really have a preference for either a bag or quilt. In a hammock I prefer the quilt as it is easier for this old man to wiggle into.

So should you get a quilt? Sure they work well. Downsides? Not much other than drafts can be an issue if the quilt is not wide enough. I guess some folks use straps to hold the quilt down and reduce drafts, but I've never felt the need. Anyway, give it a try and see what you think. If you buy a used quilt in good shape and don't like it you can resell it and get most, if not all, of your money back.
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/30/2018 11:16AM  
I haven't read the whole thread so maybe this has been covered but for sleeping on the ground be sure to get a quilt wider than hammockers use since it needs to wrap around and under your shoulders on cold nights.

I like everything about the quilt until the weather gets cold and windy. Sleeping in a CCS Lean there's some draft in the tent and I think a full wrap sleeping bag would have been warmer. I'm thinking of pairing the quilt with a lightweight breathable bivy bag for such situations.

Alan
 
01/30/2018 11:23AM  
Top quilts were originally designed for hammock sleepers as an alternative to struggling in and out of a sleeping bag while hanging, and they're lighter since there's no insulation on the bottom like with most sleeping bags. There's been some crossover into the ground dwelling market because of this lightness, but personally I don't see any huge benefit over using a sleeping bag when on the ground. I hang, so I have switched to down quilts in this situation. I have quilts by Enlightened Equipment , Underground Quilts and Hammock Gear and they are all top quality cottage vendors. You can't go wrong buying from any of them. I do find though that EE tends to be higher priced than the others. Also, Hammock Gears Econ down quilts are real game changers given the price points at which they're offered.
 
mc2mens
distinguished member(3311)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/30/2018 11:57AM  
Fizics: "
Banksiana: "I suggest you start your quilt journey at Enlightened Equipment . The basic notion is that your body compresses the bottom insulation of your bag rendering it relatively uninsulating. Your pad supplies insulation under you and your quilt provides it on top. The lower portion of the quilt can be closed to form a bag for your feet. A quilt saves weight and pack space and allows you to sleep unencumbered.



I've comfortably used my down quilt (with a good insulated pad, Exped or Nemo) to temps in the low 20's (quilt rated to 25)."



Just an FYI enlightened equipmemnt is more expensive and after comparing designs you can tell EE was designed by children compared to other high quality quilts. Underground Quilts are a better value per quilt and materials, and they aren't a fanboy club for people who think it's cool to blow extra money just because x-product was made in the same state you live nevermind that it's design is elementary, and frankly just because anyone with an industrial sewing machine and a line to order insulation off of dutchware like everyone else, doesn't mean you should go on sewing squares together an calling it an Underquilt like EE :P "


Trashing a gear company and the people who buy their gear is not cool. No matter if you're right or wrong.
 
01/30/2018 01:33PM  
"Trashing a gear company and the people who buy their gear is not cool. No matter if you're right or wrong."

And often has the reverse effect of turning potential customers off.
Pointing out differences in design and construction convinces more often.

butthead
 
01/30/2018 01:40PM  
Thedude: "I'm thinking about getting a quilt sleep system. I was just wondering how people like them. Pros and cons. And how they work for bwca."


Really tried to like a quilt. Looked at EE, Nunatak, Jacks, and others. Even tried a few with my pad of choice, Exped 5 short. All were well built, light weight, pack-able, and the options are numerous. My trouble is founded in being a tenter, sleeping very well on the ground, and having used BA sleeved bags for many years. Got used to elbows being tucked in and secure in the bag, and rolling around without rolling off my pad, and yes I know how to secure a quilt with straps, which did not work as well. My desires follow andym's description, I now enjoy a BA Horsethief, essentially a quilt with a sew and zippered pad attachment. A bit heavier an slightly less pack-able but more comfortable in my usage.
Just a shout out to good friends here that allowed me to look at, and try out quilts! I learned something I did not think mattered. Still, if or when I take a hammock plunge, I know something about considering quilts and what to look for.

butthead
 
01/30/2018 04:08PM  
Yep, I agree with butthead. When I hang I use a quilt. When (God forbid) I go to ground I use a Big Agnes Heart Mountain 30 degree sleeping bag with an Exped Synmat 7UL pad inserted in the BA sleeve. That works better for me on the ground than a quilt.
 
01/30/2018 05:44PM  
butthead: ""Trashing a gear company and the people who buy their gear is not cool. No matter if you're right or wrong."


And often has the reverse effect of turning potential customers off.
Pointing out differences in design and construction convinces more often.


butthead"


It's what he does. He did the same thing on my thread about EE and Sanborn being two great local companies. He trashed EE with nothing to back it up. Then never responded back to defend his claims when people called him out on it. Like farting and leaving the room. I would be much more likely to listen to what he's saying if he weren't so rude about it.

EE may be a touch more expensive, but they're local enough that I can 1) pick up my order and not pay shipping, 2) go to their shop to look at and test their gear, 3) drive there if I damage my item and need them to repair it (and save shipping again), and 4) support a local company, which for some reason seems to irritate Fizics. All of the above are worth more than the $40 you can save with UGQ. Also, EE's website is much more user friendly.
 
SevenofNine
distinguished member(2472)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/30/2018 06:35PM  
Pros
1. Ease of sticking an arm or foot out to cool off if you are overheating.
2. No hood to get in the way if you are a side sleeper.
3. Lighter weight and greater packability.
4. Greater room (providing you get a wide quilt) to move around in.

Cons.
1. No hood to allow your body to warm your head like a sleeping bag does. Bought EEs “Hoodlum” and use it when it’s really cold.
2. Drafts, unless you cinch the quilt around you a draft is inevitable.
3. No zipper to quickly batten the hatches so to speak.
4. No under fabric to lay on so your pad fabric is what you feel unless you buy a pad cover (more weight).
5. The sleeping bag fabric does add some insulation, not much but it does add some.
6. Dealing with pad straps is a small hassle.
7. The greater room of a wide quilt means your body must heat that space.

Many cons but I love my Revelation EE quilt in 20 degrees I bought a few years back. I use it in 3 seasons and bring in Winter camping to supplement my cold weather bag. Did I say I love my quilt?
 
01/30/2018 06:58PM  
Goldenbadger: "
butthead: ""Trashing a gear company and the people who buy their gear is not cool. No matter if you're right or wrong."



And often has the reverse effect of turning potential customers off.
Pointing out differences in design and construction convinces more often.



butthead"



It's what he does. He did the same thing on my thread about EE and Sanborn being two great local companies. He trashed EE with nothing to back it up. Then never responded back to defend his claims when people called him out on it. Like farting and leaving the room. I would be much more likely to listen to what he's saying if he weren't so rude about it.


EE may be a touch more expensive, but they're local enough that I can 1) pick up my order and not pay shipping, 2) go to their shop to look at and test their gear, 3) drive there if I damage my item and need them to repair it (and save shipping again), and 4) support a local company, which for some reason seems to irritate Fizics. All of the above are worth more than the $40 you can save with UGQ. Also, EE's website is much more user friendly. "


From what I hear, he does this on other forums as well. Do not feed the troll, and it will move on.
 
rdricker
distinguished member (103)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/30/2018 09:43PM  
I'm not sure if I'd like a quilt. I'm intrigued by the concept and think it's a great idea...but not sure if it's for me. I guess I could change, but I seldom sleep with a shirt on unless it's freezing out, and often not then. I don't at home and it's just the most comfortable for me. I'm thinking with a quilt, I wouldn't care for the feel of the sleeping pad under me.
 
Thedude
senior member (74)senior membersenior member
  
01/31/2018 09:40AM  
Wow thanks everyone. I am a ground guy but can't stand sleeping bags anymore I think o will try a quilt. Its nice having EE so close (20 min) so I can climb in one
 
Wick
distinguished member (287)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/31/2018 10:10AM  
rdricker: I'm thinking with a quilt, I wouldn't care for the feel of the sleeping pad under me."


that is exactly my problem too, but I overheat easily, and often have a leg hanging out to cool off, while my wife tries to climb under me to get warmer. We are trying quilts on our trip, but we are taking one sleeping bag also, that would unzip to a larger rectangle for a second layer over both of us,,,just in case. If we find the quilts alone will do it on the trip, we will get to lighten the load next trip and leave the bag at home. Maybe have to carry a sheet, but I will sleep directly on the pad before the trip to see how that feels. I like being colder then most people at night and have very mild claustrophobia. My arms and legs must be able to get out.
 
Snosaj
member (19)member
  
01/31/2018 02:34PM  
Can someone recommend a big rectangular down quilt? My wife and I like to sleep on an air mattress with a blanket over us. We've been using an old heavy poly fill sleeping bag unzipped. Thanks!
 
01/31/2018 02:54PM  
Enlightened Equipment makes a 2 person quilt called the Accomplice. Big footbox, separate openings up top that you can snap behind you & drawstring like their other quilts.
 
LilyPond
distinguished member (400)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/31/2018 09:41PM  
The cons listed by SevenofNine are why I use a sleeping bag. A sleeping bag is very flexible. In the summer I unzip it and use it as a quilt. Spring and fall the zipper comes in handy for sealing out all drafts. Often I unzip the bottom for foot ventilation. With a zipped sleeping bag you can turn however you want and you'll stay warm. I know there are ways to seal out drafts with a quilt, but I feel a sleeping bag does that more simply and effectively. Quilters will disagree with that; that's fine. I would consider a quilt if I were extremely concerned about packed size and weight, but I'm not. As long as it's under 3 lbs for 20F or 2 lbs for 35F I'm happy.

I'm talking about bags that are insulated on both sides, not Big Agnes.
 
Wick
distinguished member (287)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/01/2018 06:38AM  
Snosaj: "Can someone recommend a big rectangular down quilt? My wife and I like to sleep on an air mattress with a blanket over us. We've been using an old heavy poly fill sleeping bag unzipped. Thanks! "


Rumpl makes very light downfilled blankets for Rumpl down filled blankets click here
 
02/02/2018 04:46PM  
mr.barley: "I usually use my down bag like a quilt. Zipped open with my feet in the foot box."


+1, this in cold weather, with the bottom of my sleeping pad stuffed in the foot box to keep me all together and the heat in. I prefer this over a quilt in the cold.

If it's staying above 60 at night then I use a light down quilt. Actually is an AEGISMAX down bag that completely unzips and is used as a quilt. From China so I was skeptical, but it had really positive reviews on the ultralight hiking forums though so I took a shot at $75....I've been very pleased with it.

AegisMax
 
krole
senior member (55)senior membersenior member
  
02/03/2018 12:41PM  
I'm more of a backpacker, just getting into canoeing, but I personally prefer a quilt for 3 season use. I think the pros outweigh the cons, especially if you plan on backpacking with it as well.

If you need something for winter, I think sleeping bag would be better, though a quilt can be used (you could even combine two quilts).

My girlfriend and I actually have two EE Accomplices (double quilt) 40 and 20 degrees. With that we essentially save the weight of 1 sleeping bag.

Some of the cons here listed I see as benefits.

No hood saves weight, and if it gets cold enough where I need something on my head, I would have a hat with me anyway so I just use that. If I find it really cold I have other tops with hoods on I could use if needed. Winter camping excluded.

I don't sleep naked so I don't touch bare sleeping pad... If it's really warm out I still have a lightweight merino shirt, merino boxers, and socks.

No zipper, I find that as a positive. Easy to get in and out or vent as needed.

After using it a few times you get pretty good at tucking the quilt under your body to prevent any drafts. You must also buy the correct size quilt for this.

Pad straps are a small hassle, if it's warmer we don't even use them. Well we use them to keep our sleeping pads together but don't connect our quilt to it. We only really use them when it gets near freezing.

But again everyone is different and has different needs, priorities, preferences, etc.
 
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