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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Outdoor Vitals Top Quilt - Down Alternative
 
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Snosaj
03/21/2018 08:08PM
  
I just noticed they posted a deal on some blem 30 degree top quilts for $50. VERY tempting for summer use or kids.


Outdoor Vitals 30° Blem Top Quilt


-Jason
 
sylvesterii
03/14/2018 02:06PM
  
Outdoor Vitals just released a new "synthetic down" top quilt with a type of synthetic insulation that is supposed to be similar in weight and loft of 525 fill power down. I was a little skeptical, but had an amazon gift card to burn, so I bought one.

https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Vitals-Ultralight-Backpacking-TopQuilt/dp/B078X19156/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521058050&sr=8-1&keywords=outdoor+vitals+top+quilt

I bought the large version. I haven't had an opportunity to test it outside, but sitting in my 55 degree basement I was very very warm.

It isn't quite as compressable as a true down quilt, but it is surprisingly compressible and light, especially if it is truly 15-degree.

They have a video on Youtube where they soak it in water and then sleep in it after letting it drip out. Seems really promising for any situation where you are concerned that even treated down might fail.

I kind of wish that the footbox wasn't sewn shut, but I can definitely understand why they did.
 
sylvesterii
03/23/2018 09:12PM
  
After a few more days, I think the down alternative they are using isn't quite "ready" for prime time yet. It really clumps. So much so that they either need to change the baffle structure (should probably be as small as a down coat) or figure out a way to prevent caking, perhaps with some type of anti-static coating. It very quickly lumps together, which seems to create some empty spots that would result in significant heat loss.


Bummer. I'm returning it.
 
Rs130754
03/23/2018 09:17PM
  
Thanks for the update, I was hoping for something revolutionary. I think I will find the spousal unit something else.
 
Snosaj
03/18/2018 05:25PM
  
I'm looking hard at the Aerie 20 degree down bag/quilt. How is the build quality on your top quilt?
-Jason
 
sylvesterii
03/18/2018 06:09PM
  
Snosaj: "I'm looking hard at the Aerie 20 degree down bag/quilt. How is the build quality on your top quilt?
-Jason"


I’m pretty impressed with it. I would say it’s pretty much on par with my. Nemo bag.
 
Rs130754
03/18/2018 06:31PM
  
I watched the live release on U-Tube and it sparked my interest. I am going to order a bag for my wife to see how she likes it. I am glad to hear that the build quality is decent. Thanks for sharing.