I had my best sleep ever in the boundary waters this past trip. I'm a stomach sleeper, and always felt constricted in a mummy bag. Especially with my legs. Bought a Nemo Disco 15 degree bag, and it made such a difference. I'm 6 foot tall and got the long. Hope this can help any stomach or side sleepers out there.

Any bag insulation under you is wasted weight IMO. I used to go with a down bag but since getting a top quilt I've lightened the load and it's way easier to get in and out of.

TomT: "Any bag insulation under you is wasted weight IMO. I used to go with a down bag but since getting a top quilt I've lightened the load and it's way easier to get in and out of."

+1

Ill have to look into that

TomT: "Any bag insulation under you is wasted weight IMO. I used to go with a down bag but since getting a top quilt I've lightened the load and it's way easier to get in and out of."

I just realized you are probably talking about sleeping in a tent and not a hammock. My bad, sorry.

TomT: "

TomT: "Any bag insulation under you is wasted weight IMO. I used to go with a down bag but since getting a top quilt I've lightened the load and it's way easier to get in and out of."

I just realized you are probably talking about sleeping in a tent and not a hammock. My bad, sorry. "

The intention works both ways just different solutions. Under-quilt for a hammock or an insulation mattress under a sleeping bag on the ground.

butthead

Same here! I just got a Nemo Jazz and have it paired with an Exped SynMat 7. SO much more comfortable and solid sleep vs. mummy bags. A little more bulk and weight but not enough to really notice a difference and certainly not enough to sacrifice good sleep.

Agreed, though I use the BA Anvil Horn. I go super posh and pair it with an insulated sleeping pad an Helinox cot. It's worth the bulk to sleep well.

I still think your advice is applicable, Tom. I know I've never been happier since replacing my sleeping bag for a quilt. I also have not slept more comfortably since I got my Exped 9LW.

Going to a hammock this summer, won't be able to stomach sleep but definitely side!

I tried the Nemo Disco in the store and still felt claustrophobic.

I have the Nemo Mezzo Loft, which is almost the same as the Nemo Jazz. Love it. It's a 30 degree bag and no longer made. Unfortunately a bit too bulky for backpacking, but fine for canoe camping. I periodically look for someone selling the down version which is lighter and packs smaller.

For the "I use a quilt because insulation compressed under you is no good" crowd - this bag has no insulation on the bottom, only a layer of material and a pad sleeve. They must be used with a pad (unless you are masochistic). On warm nights you can unzip one or both sides, or vent just from the bottom. And if it gets cool you just zip back up, not fumble with quilt clips. And every time you turn you don't have to retuck the quilt under you.

Not sure if this will help, but I'm not only a stomach sleeper, but my legs need to be unencumbered and free to move (splayed out, it's not pretty.) As such, zipping up in a bag just doesn't work for me. I have an REI Big Cat, down, very wide. 95% of the time, I just use it as a quilt. I sleep on a long Thermarest that I cover with a small fitted flannel sheet. The system works out great.

Another thing: consider a military poncho liner. They are very lightweight, fold up small, and are very good at keeping you warm. In the summer, I ditch the bag and bring up two poncho liners instead.

Mike

I just got back and the mummy bag didn't work for me. I'm curious, what do you guys mean when you say quilt? Brand? Or just any blanket?

MikeinMpls: "Not sure if this will help, but I'm not only a stomach sleeper, but my legs need to be unencumbered and free to move (splayed out, it's not pretty.) As such, zipping up in a bag just doesn't work for me. I have an REI Big Cat, down, very wide. 95% of the time, I just use it as a quilt. I sleep on a long Thermarest that I cover with a small fitted flannel sheet. The system works out great.


Another thing: consider a military poncho liner. They are very lightweight, fold up small, and are very good at keeping you warm. In the summer, I ditch the bag and bring up two poncho liners instead.


Mike"

Never heard of a poncho liner. Will google, but do you have a photo?

I've been using sleeping bags as "quilts" forever. Cannot stand to be zipped in and always on my side or stomach - so I just don't zip them and use them as a comforter/quilt on top. Got a cheapo Kelty down rectangle bag for under $100
couple years ago and have been testing it out. I prefer the feel of cotton or flannel, to the shiny sleeping bag stuff most modern bags use, BUT the bag is warm and light and compact, so I will suffer the material. Synmat 7 underneath me and it is always great sleeping in the BWCA!!

Mndorf: "I just got back and the mummy bag didn't work for me. I'm curious, what do you guys mean when you say quilt? Brand? Or just any blanket? "

A "top Quilt" is basically a sleeping bag with a foot box for your feet to slip into but the rest has no bottom to it. A google search will pull up brands. They are very popular with hammock sleepers but some or most have side straps to fasten to a pad.

We just bought an Enlightened Equipment quilt and used it in the BW last weekend. It was awesome. It is so much more comfortable than a traditional sleeping bag.

They are made in Winona Minnesota if you want to support a local small company.

We also have Exped Synmat 9 mats. I think they are the most comfortable camping mat by far...

Mad_Angler: "We just bought an Enlightened Equipment quilt and used it in the BW last weekend. It was awesome. It is so much more comfortable than a traditional sleeping bag.


They are made in Winona Minnesota if you want to support a local small company.


We also have Exped Synmat 9 mats. I think they are the most comfortable camping mat by far..."

I have the same setup, except my pad is an Exped Downmat 9 LW. It makes for a great sleep!

Google "poncho liner." They're everywhere. I don't know about the knockoffs, of which there appear to be plenty. I have two from when I was in the Army, so they are "genuine" military issue, for whatever that's worth.

Mike

BWPaddler: "

MikeinMpls: "Not sure if this will help, but I'm not only a stomach sleeper, but my legs need to be unencumbered and free to move (splayed out, it's not pretty.) As such, zipping up in a bag just doesn't work for me. I have an REI Big Cat, down, very wide. 95% of the time, I just use it as a quilt. I sleep on a long Thermarest that I cover with a small fitted flannel sheet. The system works out great.



Another thing: consider a military poncho liner. They are very lightweight, fold up small, and are very good at keeping you warm. In the summer, I ditch the bag and bring up two poncho liners instead.



Mike"

Never heard of a poncho liner. Will google, but do you have a photo?


I've been using sleeping bags as "quilts" forever. Cannot stand to be zipped in and always on my side or stomach - so I just don't zip them and use them as a comforter/quilt on top. Got a cheapo Kelty down rectangle bag for under $100
couple years ago and have been testing it out. I prefer the feel of cotton or flannel, to the shiny sleeping bag stuff most modern bags use, BUT the bag is warm and light and compact, so I will suffer the material. Synmat 7 underneath me and it is always great sleeping in the BWCA!!"

See my above post regarding poncho liners.

I agree completely. I can't sleep all zipped up unless it's so cold that I wouldn't sleep otherwise. I like my system, works for me. Sounds like yours works very well for you too.

Mike

Thanks!

TomT: "Any bag insulation under you is wasted weight IMO. I used to go with a down bag but since getting a top quilt I've lightened the load and it's way easier to get in and out of."

++1. I love my outdoor vitals quilt.