Backpacking Quilts - Are They Right For You?
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
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Sleeping Bags VS Quilts - • Sleeping Bags VS Quilts
EE Enigma Quilt - bit.ly/37b1iSs
Zpacks Solo Quilt - zpacks.com/pro...
Katabatic Quilt - katabaticgear....
UGQ Bandit Quilt - ugqoutdoor.com...
Outdoor Vitals Budget Quilt - amzn.to/2lh9uvA
Therm-a-rest X-Lite - amzn.to/2nOaOkA
Therm-a-rest X-Therm - amzn.to/2lRQa8e
Therm-a-rest Vesper - amzn.to/2lFfxdH
Outdoor Evolution - theoutdoorevol...
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What Sleep System are you currently using on the Trail?
Do you Rock a Quilt or a Sleeping Bag?
👇Let Us Know Down Below!👇
I use the Cumulus Quilt 250 and 450 (both custom orders for more width)
lighterpack.com/r/2k904f
Moving over to a quit now actually. I decided to switch over after i used my extra wide bag as a quilt this summer. I left it zipped up and draped it over top of me during a very cold night at 12,000 ft just under forester pass. It was definitely warmer that way and i felt more free to roll around. Really though, I have never had a night as cold as that one. When i woke up the ground was covered in frost and my water bottles were frozen....
I use the Aegismax M3, it is long and wide enough for me and I'm a side sleeper. It is light enough and packs down real small. I use the trekology ul 80 pad with trekology V2 pillow. It works well enough for me.
Darwin onthetrail I use quilts in my hammock and when I go to ground, I have a 20* wolf mtn( out of business) and a 50* homemade joe using black diamond throws, just purchased a REI magma30*
I use the Sierra Designs Cloud 800 sleeping bag: 20 degree down. Like a mummy bag without the zipper, it has a quilt 'blanket' cover. Easy in and out. I tried the quilt but even strapping the quilt to my pad I continually awoke with a cold exposed back. Thanks for your first video or I never would have tried the quilt or looked for different options and would be stuck with a mummy bag. I do use the quilt in warmer weather it's fantastic. Thanks again for all your videos! See ya on the trail!
Years ago, I wanted to switch to a quilt but had no money to buy one. So I took my old mummy bag, cut off the zippers and hood, did some sewing and it worked fine for me up to now. This year I want to buy me a brand new real quilt and send my old one in retirement.
NICE! Super Crafty!
I basically did the same thing with the cold weather portion of a military sleep system. I kept only about the last foot of the zipper and I used a windproof lighter to heat the metal snaps to remove them (the heat melted the synthetic fabric quite neatly and much better than cutting). Removing that stuff cut the weight down and made it more comfy to use quilt style.
I cut hoods off every bag. If it’s cold I just wear a hat, but I don’t understand how people sleep fully cinched in a mummy bag 😮
Another great budget option is Econ quilts from hammock gear. The econ version runs cheaper than their premium and what I've seen from EE. I have two of the econs and the quality is great!
I have one of them also. I agree with you about Hammock gear even though I am a ground sleeper. I do love my HG quilt. And the price was right for what I got too.
@@jhonyermo I'm also a ground sleeper :) (though I've considered trying out a hammock setup). I just love the quality + price of their quilts. I have heard from many that they sell good quality hammocking gear as well, though.
I have an HG econ 40 degree underquilt, a 30 degree HG regular goose down underquilt, and an HG 30 degree econ top quilt, along with some other brands as well, including EE and HGQ.
I prefer the goose down for the weight savings and what I perceive as better loft, translating to a little better insulation. That said, I have used my econs extensively for shorter trips and they have performed well. If you can afford the goose down, I heartily recommend it - if not, the econs are a great choice.
🤔 Might have to check them out!
@@DarwinOnthetrail only used one quilt, but it's a Hammock Gear and I love it. And temp rating/weight ended up being a better bargain than EQ
i wanna switch to a quilt but 1:47 has me thinking twice. look how content that man is. i wanna be that content
You have to explain sleeping on the floor of a public bathroom! ?? :)
Seriously. I dont think how bad the weather, I'm not laying next to a public toilet. Ground is dirtier than the toilet.
I think it's in one of his AZT videos.
cold, wet nights get to you
There are two basic standards for the determination of fill power: American and European. The following is worth paying attention to when comparing available products, because it often causes some confusion. American 850 cuin corresponds to European 800 cuin. At Cumulus they use European standards.
Great Info!
I respectfully have to disagree for myself I only use quilts in the summer +35F/+5C at least or greater. When it's colder than that I'm always waking up with a draft somewhere and I have the exact same set up as yourself, so for 9 months of the year I'm in a generously cut, high quality (expensive) sleeping bag. Love your content!
I have a mummy bag that I use as a quilt. The zipper is down and to the edge of the pad. This works for me.
Works for me too JN, and it keeps open the option of using the bag inside a bivvy sac, more easily than a quilt might allow which could be useful if tarping in changeable weather. And if I decide to commit to going full quilt, I can remove the zipper, save a few ounces of redundant weight and have a more compact easier to pack system. Now, if I can work it so I get to keep the hood. . .
Using a Mummy bag as a Quilt will not give you the weight savings a Quilt does...or the pack size...my 10 degree Zpacks.com quilt packs down to a half of a loaf of bread in size...and only weighs 23 oz....
My O degree Quilt from Jack's R Better...is a 28 oz bag and packs down to just under the size of a small loaf of bread... Jack's R Better Sierra Sniffler Quilts can be Warren like a jacket. . . so you don't need to carry a puffy jacket . . .
www.jacksrbetter.com/product/high-sierra-sniveller/
I have the Marmot Yolla Bolly 15 long. Semi rectangular down bag. This bag converts to a full quilt and since it is semi rectangular bag then it is not super restrictive.
@@kookkamajunga A quilt was designs for hammock camping...not for ground sleeping...I have a Zpacks 10 degree Quilt with the Zipper and a Jack's R Better Sierra Sniveler O degree Quilt...I also have a O degree Sleeping bag...yes the Quilts are lighter...
@@kookkamajunga Using a Mummy bag as a Quilt will not give you the weight savings a Quilt does...or the pack size...my 10 degree Zpacks quilt packs down to a half of a loaf of bread in size...and only weighs 23 oz....
My O degree Quilt from Jack's R Better...is a 28 oz bag and packs down to just under the size of a small loaf of bread... Jack's R Better Sierra Sniffler Quilts can be Warren like a jacket. . . so you don't need to carry a puffy jacket . . .
www.jacksrbetter.com/product/high-sierra-sniveller/
Jack's R Better Sierra Sniffler Quilts are the best for the money, that you can buy, and you can wear this Quilt...on very cold days, so you can save on needing to carry a puffy jacket...
JACK'S R BETTER come 25% overstuffed with down, you will have to buy a stuff bag as a separate purchase, they tell me a lot of people don't use a stuff bag any more, and just put their quilt in the bottom of their pack to save on weight...I like a stuff bag and got one when I order my Quilt from Jack's R Better...
Jack's R Better, are one of the first Quilt makers, these kind folks, are one of the first commercial backpacking hammock makers on the market...and know something about a Quilt... Quilts where first designed for hammockers, not ground sleepers...but the Jack's R Better...are the best Quilts money can buy...for both sleeping options.
www.jacksrbetter.com/product/high-sierra-sniveller/
Therapist: quilted Darwin isn’t real, he can’t hurt you Quilted Darwin: 4:40
That is legit scary, I chuckled
Darwin one of my favorite features of a quilt is if it get to hot a can kick my feet out
I roll up into my regular quilt at home like a burrito when necessary. Sleeping bags always make me feel trapped when I attempt to switch sides. This is for me.
I may not buy a bag or quilt but I enjoy watching your videos, Darwin. Thanks! I am in Arizona and will do day hikes. Many with spectacular views are very close to Phoenix.
Thanks Joe!
I’ve never done cold weather camping. I live down in Deep South Texas and in the spring and summer I put my sleeping pad inside a Walmart sleeping bag liner and just sleep on top of it with no sleeping bag or quilt.
one thing worth mentioning that you didn't mention is that the R value of pads are additive if you use more than one. In winter i use a Zlite Sol accordian pad underneath my NeoAir Xlite blow up pad and get a total R value of 5.7 or so. Cozy and more economical than buying a separate dedicated winter blow-up pad.
True... However, I've never used more than 1 pad at a time.
Hike On,
Darwin
@@DarwinOnthetrail Is there a valid reason for why not to use more than one pad at a time?
I switched to a quilt after watching your last video about them. I toss and turn as well. I was hesitant about spending that much on something I wasn't even sure I would like, so I made my own! If you have any sewing skills at all, I guarantee you can make your own. I have a video up showing how I did it, and a link to the video I learned it from. I love my quilt. Thanks Darwin! Ps. I use my quilt paired with the insulated klymit with R4.4. I will be making a pad cover with straps next.
Definitely a quilt fan. I have broad shoulders, so I went with the wide for my enigma. As a side sleeper, I found my issue to be that the standard sleeping pad size of about 20 inches was too narrow. My arm would lay wierd, or fall of the sleeping pad causing huge pain in my shoulder. I upgraded to a 25 inch wide pad and it gives plenty of room for my arm to lay naturally and more comfortably as well.
On a future update please inform us on what you wear to sleep in, how do you keep your head & ears warm, use of a liner, etc...
God damn it 4:40. I actually couldn't stop laughing so I had to pause the video.
I switched to a quilt last year, I absolutely love it. I made my own and used climashield apex insulation. Was a easy project with minimal sewing skills. Ended up making one for each guy I was in elk camp with.
do you make customs? :)
@@emaleeharding362 you 😅
So here’s a question: id you open up a mummy bag and use it as a blanket, how much different is it to a quilt?
Went to a quilt this summer and love it but it's even a better deal than that Amazon deal you posted and guess what? It's from EE. If you check their Apex Enigma synthetics the Long, Wide goes for around $190 and weighs super light. Love it. Bought 2. Shipped off the shelf. If I can find a light weight 3P tent that handles my wife and I and our 2 dogs that doesn't break the bank I will be in hog heaven. BTW, here's another pack on the cheap: Outdoor Products Arrowhead, 47 liter, 2 lbs at Walmart for $23. Lifetime warranty. Have had good result with this pack and have not gone to DCF because when this one wears out I'm probably just buying another one. 5 trips and no problems yet but I don't over stuff my packs like some people. You should put that on your frugal gear list. Thanks, DOT, keep the good stuff coming!!
I perfer to sleep with an open sleeping bag. Used like a quilt. Plus I can give my self a foot box
I've been using quilts for about 5 years now, my warm weather one is a old Thermarest 35 and when the temps drop, I use an EE Enigma 20. I never use the straps, just toss it on the pad (X-Therm) and fall asleep. I recently borrowed my wife's 5-degree mummy bag for an adventure in the snow, and boy did I regret that, should have used the EE. The mummy was horrible, every time I rolled over or tried to sleep on my stomach the bag wound up and tried to strangle me. I too will never go back to bags.
Quilt now for 8 years, never looked back. Always great content Darwin and I wish more people understood why quilts are better. One thing I think important to point out was mid-video you said you pull your quilt over your head. If camping in the winter, that is a no-no. You will quickly derate your quilt's insulation if using a down quilt due to all the moisture your breath puts into the down, even the dry-tec down on my newest quilt also has this issue in the cold. I do a lot of subzero trips and I used to do this and after 2-3 days, the upper portion of my quilt I could see the clumping starting from the moisture and the quilt is much cooler to sleep in. Better to use a hood or a buff or something over your face than the quilt when it's cold out.
Love the creepy smile on the pan up the quilt! LOL
This dude looks like Shay Carl's skinny brother. That being said, I really love your vids. Im not a thru hiker and never will be. But dangit you're entertaining to watch.
Quilts are basically sleeping bags without zippers. I'd rather have a zipper and not need one then to need a zipper and not have one. The nice thing about a sleeping bag is if you leave them unzipped the transform into a quilt.
I have a pair of the Aegismax UL sleeping bags that you reviewed in a budget gear video. But both are a blanket like rectangle shape unlike the mummy style you reviewed. It allows me the flexibility to use both either as blankets or sleeping bag to fit the situation. I carry one when summer camping and both when I expect colder temps. The rectangle shape also works well on a twin bed in a cabin when I am able to bring sheets.
JUST starting to test out quilts. I know everyone seems to hate being "cocooned" but the thing I've noticed the most so far is that I think I actually really enjoy that feeling.
Thanks for another great video Darwin.
Keep Moving Forward!
I’m a cold sleeper so I find I start cocooned and will layer up (sweater, jacket, second layer of thermals) as the night goes on if I have to.
...would you ever recommend a quilt for someone that's going winter camping?
And by winter camping I mean it's standard to hit -30C/-22F, around my area we usually also have below -40C/-40F but not for prolonged steaks.
But would you be able to recommend any quilts to use in those conditions?
This guy doesnt ever do anything like that, so I think he is not the right one to ask ;)
I used quilts for a few years before ordering a new sleeping bag. Now my arms no longer fall off the side of the mattress, I no longer wake up with a cold back from drafts and I sleep better and warmer overall... My new bag is a 20deg bag from Cumulus which is as light as a 20deg quilt.
I'm happy. Bag for the win for me.
🤔 Interesting... Gotta Use What Works For You!
Hike On,
Darwin
Nemo Tensor 25" wide sleeping bad is worth the extra 4 oz to me to get that extra width. I toss and turn and I dont fall off. Kept me warm enough down to about 25 degrees. Also rock the Nemo forte 30 degree spoon shape sleeping bag which is great for side sleepers like myself.
Great review on a pertinent topic. I prefer a sleeping bag when tent camping under 38 degrees F - I have a 20 degree EE convertible down bag and an EE 20 degree sewn toe- box quilt. For tents I use the full size Neoair Xlite pad, the gold one, which has a decent R-value. In the tent I grow weary of messing with the quilt pad straps when I need to get up in the night and I always seem a little colder in the quilt, in direct comparison with the bag of the same brand and rating. I much prefer a quilt in warmer temps down to about that 38 degree floor. In hammock camping the draft problem is minimized and I enjoy my quilts very much.
Wondering if I'm alone on this.
Question: when you clipped the clips together without using the straps wouldn't those clip be gouging your back? Isn't it still like using a sleeping bag if you do it that way?
I've never had a problem with them digging into my back. Even when they are clipped together, there is much more room to move around inside than a Mummy Bag.
Hike On,
Darwin
FYI, most people do not know how to sleep in a mummy bag. The whole idea is to wear the bag. When you turn, the whole bag turns with you. If you are trying to turn "in the bag" you'll get all tangled up and it doesn't work. This is why a mummy bag has the same insulation all the way around it, as you turn, the bag turns with you so needs that insulation all the way around. The biggest negative I have with my mummy bags is that I can't bend up one leg which I'd like to do.
YMMV though.
I switched to a quilt last week. It was amazing! I will never use a mummy bag again. The freedom of movement was great.
WELCOME!😂
nice one
I tried both quilt,
Last one was a Very nice Cumulus 450 and it was good
But, i move really too much at night, and realize that i'm not much of a hot sleeper. and really, i create drafts all the time, no matter how wide the quilt is..
So i just turn back to good old down sleeping bags !
No drafts at all, and there, i also choose, to yeah, take a bigger one (more down) to just stop having cold !
So now, i'm on a 540g of down sleeping bags that is a bit heavier and geting comfort at around zero to minus 2 celcius d°
With a TAR Neo Air 3.5 RV
Then, i got really nice nights at upper altitude (most of the time between 1500 and 3000m)
I'm glad i tried quilts, but also glad i found my "way of sleeping" !
And even if i defenatly prefer the free style and "at home" comfort of quilts, i was just tired waking up coz of those little cold spots i always created.
So now, i fix my sleeping bag on my mattress, so i doesn't move when i do, and i have no drafts at all anymore, and that little string around my shoulders, is making a HUGE difference on colder nights!
all that said, quilts are great !
And if quilts are fitting your style of sleeping : that's a really neat invest (i got a little one for summer trips at low altitude)
But in the end, with some loop along my sleeping bag to fix it on my matress just as a quilt, and the extra... what.. 2, 300grams, that makes draft not existing and that extra cold option with the shoulder string, i rather prefer carrying a good old sleeping long zipper bag !
One thing is for sure, about sleeping bags nor quilts : Just take something a bit heavier to reach lower d° !
I rather prefer carrying +200, 300g and sleep warm than the opposite ! (but yes, i'm most of a cold sleeping at higher altitude)
Experiencing and trying those out is unfortunatly expansive, so i suggest to look for some people nearby your places and try for free (or for a couple of beers !)
My 2 cents ;)
Cheers from Rainy flat Belgium ! ^^
Happy Hiking everyone !
Aorakis 🤘
Love my quilt so much I turned a Costco down throw into a quilt that fits my recliner. Best all world's when catching a football game.
I paired that puppy up with my Sierra Designs 20° quilt and was wicked comfy up in elevation in the Eastern Sierra last weekend!
Chip Kormas 👌
Switched to a quilt this summer and I'm never going back to a mummy bag. Having the luxury of stretching and bending your legs during the night has given me the extra sleep I needed after putting in long days on the trails.
Welcome to better sleep!😉
If going quilt is wrong then I don’t wanna be right.
😂😂😂 AMEN BROTHER!
Great video, really appreciate the info, thanks Darwin!
I use a mylar space blanket under my Thermarest NeoAir XLite short sleeping mat. In a one person tent it is doubled over. This boosts the R value even further, extending the season usage and provides insulation should any part of my body touch the ground during the night eg. if my arm flops out onto the ground, from under one of my Aegismax bags used as a quilt. It also acts as an additional waterproof layer on the bottom of my tent below my quilt and mat. As for double use, It is there in case of emergency in as a heat reflective blanket. The weight is so light that it is almost negligible and allows me to save weight and space on more heavy bulkier mats. It folds down so small that it fits in the original stuffsack along with my Thermarest NeoAir XLite short sleeping mat. When it eventually wears out, it is cheap to replace.
Awesome as usual. Many thanks. Hey Darwin, would you consider doing a video about bugs on the trail. Recently I have been attracting ticks. I hate ticks. Do you do anything to limit tick attacks? I bet there are other bugs that bug hikers too. What ya got bro?
Years ago I bought a mummy bag from an army surplus store. I do not remember a decent sleep in it. When in boy scouts, I borrowed a kapok sleeping bag from my dad the Forest Ranger. Again, night time sleeping was not enjoyable. For two years we planned float trips for our fly fishing addiction. We put into a river in two man inflatables and slept at a dude ranch by the river. On the last day, Bob and I were on a sand bar just one turn above the ranch and having a "bump" from his flask. We discussed how nice it would be to just stay on this sand bar. We could bathe in the river, cook dinner over a driftwood fire. Sevylor had come up with some blow up boats that were tough and light. He lived in Coeur D Lane and I lived in Issaquah but we were in contact often with our work. He was a customer of my company who encouraged friendly trips with business associates like fishing, golf, skiing, hunting and camping. Good friends created trust and good business. The next year 1974, we met in Kalispell, left our families at Birch Glen at Swan Lake and Bob, Jim and I hiked into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. 30 miles from Holland Lake, over Pendent Pass to Big Salmon Lake then 2 miles down to the South Fork of the Flathead River. At the river on the second day we blew up our boats and floated 30 miles out on the fourth day. My bed was a K79 Tahiti kayak that weighed 13 pounds. I had my mom's old down quilt and a light nylon tarp to keep the river dew off.
I am 6'4" and weigh 220 pounds I make my own sleeping bags that are 44 inches wide and 7' long. I take a comforter (goodwill) fold it over and sew the bottom. I often take my boat even though I might not float. I have never slept well on the ground.
If you see us on the trail or on the river we have a 45 pound pack that is good for a week, our boats and fly rods and a 3/4 size paddle for a walking stick. Every night, dinner is poached trout with bacon and onion. In the pot we have noodles, rice or beans. For greens we have water cress or clover from the river. So, we floated the Flathead, the Swan, the Clark Fork and the Blackfoot. all great rivers and lots of fun.
Iguana
Have been using a quilt for the past 2 years now, and will never go back to a sleeping bag. More versatile, lighter, less bulk, and easier to vent. Plus, a quilt in a hammock is a no brainer.
FO SHO!
I am using a light weight cot with zlite sleep pad and a quilt.....love it
Hi Darwin, thank you for your video. I'm a very cold sleeper. I sleep in a 20 degree gossamer gear bag, but found I wasn't warm enough in the shoulder seasons. I bought an Xtherm to see if that helped - my other sleeping pad is a wide width, but I decided to buy a regular width xtherm so it would be so long. I'm 5'5". Well, I tried one night with the regular width, and I felt like my arms were falling asleep. So, I replaced it with the wide width xtherm which is way too long. I've heard that you can actually shorten inflatable sleeping pads. Do you have instructions or a video on how to do that? They aren't cheap, so I don't want to ruin it if it isn't going to work.
If you are unsure can get one of the convertible types... some of both! (like my EE convert.. still packs down small)
I love my EE Convert. So glad I chose the convert. I'll carry the extra few ounces.
1:46 Looks like you found that guy like that in the woods and said "ooh perfect for my quilts video" :)
Snazzy shirt, looking svelte
I think it is Arcteryx
I’m in the middle: I have an EE 20 degree Conundrum hybrid. I love it! I move around a lot in my sleep. I can’t even estimate how many times I woke up with my face trapped in the hood of a mummy bag thinking some creature was swallowing my head. Talk about panic! 🤣 BTW, my sleeping pad changes with the weather; I’m a cold sleeper. Most often I use a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite. I’m a feather pillow lover, so I use an overstuffed GooseFeet Gear down pillow. It actually weighs less than my Sea to Summit Aeros that I dubbed my “slip n’ slide”.
Great video Darwin! I have made the switch for this falls backpacking trip. I will be using the Nemo Tensor insulated wide regular for my ground pad. They don’t pitch R value that I know of but it is a step above the uninsulated version and below there alpine version of UL pads. I got it on sale at REI.
I also like how you pointed out companies like UGQ have “off the Rack” or Fastrack quilts. I went with a fastrack UGQ 30 degree bandit 55x 72. The price for this was around $200. My Trip is in early October so looking forward to see how this new system works. Keep up the great work.
I have yet to use a quilt, but I’m excited to give it a try! I have been using a spoon shaped mummy bag
How come your new Enigma dont have the thicker denim-er colours at the foot box like your Revelation? Just curious. Thanks for the great video.
U should hike the Chesapeake and ohio canal end to end
Much gratitude for your thoughtful and practical guidance on sleep systems, Mr. Darwin. You address common misperceptions with actual experience and solid visual explanations. One question about the sleeping pad: do you find yourself covering the upper section (where your head and shoulders rest) with a t-shirt, towel or other fabric to protect the pad? From a maintenance standpoint, it seems safer and easier to wash a shirt or towel than the pad.
Thanks Darwin for all the great info!
Haven't tried a quilt yet, this is only my second year of backpacking.
I have mountain hardware ratio 32 bag it's a "comfortable" mummy and I really like it...I can move and bend my knees. I have the long version.
I like it so much I sometimes sleep in it on my bed at home... 😁
Have you seen the Zenbivy bed yet? I’m really thinking of getting one of those systems.
For a year now I've been using a Quilt Enlightened Equipment 20°F Enigma with a SeaToSummit UltraLight Insulated mat (R=3.3) and I just love t!
I too, toss and turn around a lot in my sleep and I just love how the quilt gives me that freedom without me having to worry about it....anymore (as I used to in a mummy bag)
The key thing is to ensure a proper strapping of the quilt on the mat. You only need to adjust the strap once and then just slip the mat into them, it literally take seconds
As for the insulation, I used that sleeping system n Scotland, in Iceland and in french Alps around Mont-Blanc (sept) and, it was perfect!
Fred Level 👌
Hey Darwin I bought a similar quilt as you (10 deg, long & wide enigma , I’m 6’3”) before my thru hike this year on the PCT and loved it. Also have the same mattress as you. I’m also a warm sleeper and was toasty every night accept for on fuller ridge above idyllwild when it 28 deg up there with 60 mph lol. Anyway great video and great meeting you again at pct trail days. Marmalade
I recently switched over to the Sierra Designs Cloud 20, which is a zipperless mummy bag (so kind of a bag-quilt hybrid). It's lighter than a traditional mummy bag but not quite as light as a quilt, but the benefit for me is that I can roll around at night and use the top flap as a blanket in the same way the quilt works. I've used it for 4 nights at temps in the upper 20s/lower 30s and so far, I'm really impressed.
I have a terrible time in my zero degree bag. I toss and turn, twist the bag upside down and try to sleep on my side. I have been wanting to go to a down bag. But I like the idea of a quilt.. Thanks for giving me some info to help think through this decision.
I've got a 40 degree and two 20 degree quilts. When the temp goes below 30 I double up. I slip one toe box into the other and I strap down the outer quilt. I've never been cold, hammock or tent.
I think the "quilts are expensive" myth stems from the inability to (generally) find cheap ones. The starting price is much higher. You can get a garbage sleeping bag from walmart for $20. You can get a decent synthetic at REI for $150-200. Getting even a low end quilt is going to be about that much. So maybe it's just that a lot of people who claim its expensive are people who typically aren't buying 20 degree and warmer 950FP sleeping bags.
Quilts are perfect for warm weather, but for cooler temps, I’ve got to have my sleeping bag. Waking up all night because you rolled over and you have a ice cold “hole” to fix didn’t work for me last winter. In my bag (with bag liner) no ice cold air sneaks into my bag. I agree the mummy bags can feel confining, but disagree that someone who tosses and turns will stay completely “tucked in” all night....son, that air is ICE cold! 🥶
Serious question Darwin... as a side sleeper, have you ever( or have you ever considered/heard of anyone), using a pillow/stuff sack between your legs for a more comfortable side-sleep? I use a BA pumphouse stuff sack inflated, which also double as my pad pump
I realize Im a year behind... but as someone who gets up to pee1-3 times a night, how difficult is it to get out if you're clipped in? Please say not difficult at all, as Ive just ordered (and getting tomorrow!!!) A Taiga Ronin plus quilt!!
I prefer hammock over tent when possible, and debated on going for a under/top quilt with the idea of using the quilt in either situation. Ended up with an Outdoor Vitals Aerie. Use it more of a pod on hammock or full bag in tent. But I'm also just an overnighter, not thru hiker, so the little extra bulk I guess isn't as much of a concern. Tho... I admit, I'm still eyeing some nice quilts and maybe a 3/4 underquilt... we'll see.
Great video Darwin, recently bought an EE 850 fill duck down quilt. Is yours duck down or did you drop the coin on their 950 premium goose down.
Yes I too am looking to switch over from mummy bag to Top Quilt as I mostly hammock camp now,,,, do you have any knowledge of the DiamondBack TQ from Warbonnet Outdoors?
I just can't see myself ever going quilt. I often feel that even a mummy bag is too drafty right around the shoulders. I move a lot during the night and have a hard time keeping a mummy bag in place. I just don't see how a couple clips on a quilt is going to keep a draft out for me. I have a REI 15 degree Magma. It weighs 1 lb 14.4 oz. If I want I can use it as a quilt. The zipper allows me to move my feet out of the box on warm nights. I just see the mummy as way more versatile and if there is much of a weight penalty, I don't see it.
I’ve changed to a quilt, but when it’s really cold I still use a very light down liner. I find it gives me the best of both worlds and in warm conditions I just use the down liner. These two things give me three options when I’m out walking.
Fast-forward 4 years, inflation is a mofo... Enigma long/wide is now $380.
Thanks for the vid. Very informative.
wait what $600 for a quilt !!
My favourite, most trustworthy piece of cooking gear is the MSR Titan Kettle, a really perfect bit of kit for solo use. I love the way it's engineered with the pan "gripping" the lid, so you can pick up by the lid even when full of water.
I'm a Big Girl™ and once I have money I'm ready to go to a quilt. I last invested in a Big Agnes Farwell 0° and 15° variant (I live in Western WA). They are one of the only bags that fit my girth ("women's" bags are THE WORST at this!), and they are bags with no fill in the back but instead have a rectangle pad sleeve. I feel stifled by the mummy bag position though. It doesn't allow me to sleep how I'd prefer.
These bags are synthetic, which I've considered essential since I exist in the PNW and love spring/fall camping,cans here it rains incessantly, especially in the Olympics. The inevitable issue though becomes packability (it's huge even packed!) and weight. I want a quilt, but I worry about going to a non synth system for warmth issues with rain.
Brianna Schuman I lived in Oak Harbor for 8 years and attended WWU in Bellingham. I also did a stint as a seasonal Forest Service employee at Mt. St. Helens. I well understand the liquid sunshine aspect you speak of. 😂 I haven’t researched synthetic quilts, but I’m certain they’re available. Even though I’m a small woman I’m a wild mover while sleeping, and there is a huge feeling of freedom having a quilt instead of smooshing into a sleeping bag. Many times (when I was on a tight budget) in the PNW, I’d simply roll myself up like a burrito in a warm, lightweight synthetic bed quilt on top of an adequate sleeping pad. We don’t have to kill our bank accounts to get out into the wild. Happy trails!
Darwin, I struggle with sweating when my skin touches synthetic materials, even if I wear a long sleeve shirt. I don't think it's a to warm issue, more so plastic materials don't breath. I am starting to consider quilts over sleeping bags. My question is, how do you keep your back dry while sleeping against a plastic pad?
I use a Thermarest sheet.
He tacos himself in the bag, doesnt sleep under it. (explains at 8:19) But you could also use a sheet.
4:40 this must be the thumbnail🤣
Have you tried the Vesper 20F? IMO best on the market. I like the cottage brands. In the end, it's about the product. Vesper is a very good quilt - IMO better than EE. I am speaking from having several from the different makers. Comfort is hard to deny for the Vesper. Warmth delivers. And the sewn foot-box is a personal preference. Otherwise, I agree quilt > mummy for temps allowing.
I don't know about anyone else's budget, but the term "you just need to try out different things and see what works for you" doesn't work... not at all.
Thermarest pads have recently got bad reviews over cheap valves leaking..
The costs of custom quilts from folks taking 6 - 8 month hikes...
$350 pretty brown "sneakers"...
Nylon down jackets... must be ok when hiking/ camping in a field... I like woods...
Not jealous, for real... glad you folks have the cash... I don't, but I hate Wally-world crap too. So it's tarps & bug nets, bushcraft camping where I don't get judged on alligator shirts and bright tents/ sneakers... carbon hiking poles... sry. I have committments AND still get out!
You did a great video before about quilts and mentioned UGQ, my wife looked them up and got a 30 degree quilt from them. We love it. I take it camping, she even takes it on road trips when she goes home to visit the folks. It's won us over and now I want another one. I sleep on a Thermarest Basecamp or sometimes the Thermarest Luxurymap pad which are a little heavier and bulkier than ultralight pads but they sure comfy. Hike on.
Their Quality is Phenomenal!
Quilts definately don't work for me. I'm an extremely cold sleeper. I find the quilt can let air in as I toss and turn. I need a 10 F degree bag during summer.....😱
My sleeping pads are all above an R value of 4.0.
Definitely use what works for you!
Hi 👋, I live in india 🇮🇳 and the weather here normally is between 25-30 degree celcious . Which quilt fo you recommend ? Also this summer I am hiking to Everest base camp ⛺️ where lowest temp would be -15 to -17 degree celcious . Which quilt you recommend for that as well . Kindly advice .
2021 EE Enigma quilt convert here, base on this and a few other more recent (from 2019) EEE reviews.
So I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on a 20 degree UGQ quilt to pair with my NEMO Tensor Insulated pad (3.5r), and i'm not really concerned about getting cold on any trip. However, what are your thoughts on using this set up in warmer climates? 60's - 80's at night? I'm a hot sleeper so I was just wondering if you would have a different warm set up or if the quilt with venting works in warm climates as well for you.
I appreciate all the content you make, it's helped to get me back outside. (:
EE Enigma 20 degree short regular 2014 model 800 fp and a woman's Neoair x lite I'm only 5' 3" love it
You keep saying "Mummy bag" but that's only one shape / style of sleeping bag. I have a Semi-rectangular one, which has much more space to move around inside than a slim mummy bag.
Great video Darwin, I have made the change to a quilt over a year ago- based on your earlier review of your change over.... I'm not sure I'll look back or change back to a full bag either. I have chose to go with teh Paria Outoors 15deg quilt and it is wonderful, for me. If I change anything at all it will be to get myself a more expensive quilt with my own custom additions. Until then, I'll use my current quilt until it just cant go on another trip. Thank you again.
NICE! Keep on Quilting!
Hike BRA! Order me a quilt from ugq ...custom ordered. ...down ..color. .material. waiting for it to arrive! ! Your right cheaper $$$$ an definitely lighter #### i trust your reviews an you been spot on !!! You have great vids! Trek on safe brother! !
Whatever you do DON'T buy a Katabatic quilt! I used a 30 degree quilt on my thru-hike of the Long Trail and was cold every time it go down to about 40 degrees even though Katabatic states that their temperature ratings are for comfort. I contacted Katabatic about this and their response was basically too bad. I am now stuck with a quilt that I can really only use from about 45-50 degrees, which is not very helpful. Again DO NOT buy Katabatic! I am going to try the Enlightened Equipment 20 degree Enigma this fall and hope it works out better.
I don't get the hype for Quilts, guess that's a North American preference.
If I open the Zipper on my mummy bag I have a Quilt for the warmer Nights. If themperatures go below zero Celcius I close my mummy bag up and sleep comfortably whatever the temperature rating is. Weight saving of a quilt is minimal, temperature versatility of a mummy bag is impressive.
I think a quilt is fine above zero Celsius if it goes below a Mummy bag has advantages without compromising the possibility to open the Zipper up and enjoy letting air on your body.
As far as I know all the Quilt manufacturers doing Mummy's as well, just check out what's best for you.
What’s your hat? Seen it in a lot of recent videos.
I'm still not convinced. The quilts are lighter and pack smaller, but you also need a bigger, heavier sleeping pad. And after checking a couple of your links (EE and Zpacks) and a couple bag sources (Klymit and North Face), the quilts are significantly more expensive.
I'm also not seeing anything that you are doing that I can't do with my bag. I typically lie down on my sleeping pad, pull about half my sleeping bag out of its stuff sack, and drape it over me (the sleeping bag, not the stuff sack). As it gets colder, I'll pull more of the bag out of the stuff sack. If it actually gets cold, I'll end up inside the bag zipped to whatever is comfortable. With an uninsulated sleeping pad, I may find a couple cold spots, but the rest of me is insulated. With a quilt, the entire inside of the quilt would be exposed to the sleeping pad. And what happens if your sleeping pad develops a leak? You have to wrap the quilt around you and use it like a sleeping bag.
I ride a motorcycle, and I'm always trying to shave weight off my kit. The weight and size of the quilt is tempting, but I think there is too much compromise. I may try using my sleeping bag like a quilt on my next trip, just to see what happens. I suspect I'll need a warmer sleeping pad. That means more weight and bulk.
Just one issue. I totally get people who just like quilts because they can be less restrictive.
That said Darwin, you proved a point I have been making for a while regarding quilts. Once you make it wider (ground sleepers usually need wider quilts than hammock folks), and longer in many cases so people can pull it over their head, takes away from the weight advantage when looking at a mummy bag of comparable quality. The same applies for winter if people add down hoods to avoid getting a long quilt.
We aren't even talking say EE vs Big Agnes or the like. An REI Mummy bag will be in spitting distance of weight at this point.
That's what makes me still rock a sleeping bag. I don't feel constricted and the lack of weight difference made me say swapping wasn't a necessary expense. Admittedly I also hit the Mid-Atlantic trails in January. I think regardless that a mummy bag is better for sub freezing temps as you don't have to add complications (down hoods straps etc.). The more complications the have the greater chance of failure. Failure in sub freezing temps can hurt, maim, even kill.
Thanks Darwin🙏🏻. That’s helps me excellent 🤙
🤙👍🤘
I've just bought the Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed, which I love, because I fidget and hate being zipped into a mummy bag. Not the lightest I guess, but its very comfortable.
I don't know about quilts, but I do know what's right for everyone!
The cold, crisp, refreshing taste of delicious Bud Light!
Friends don't let friends drink skunk water.......
@@sanction7627 - Sniffle...I don't have friends.
@@GustoStCool No wonder if you foist that swill on people.
@@sanction7627 - It's the champagne of beers, you jerks!
I just spent four nights up in the South Sierra's about 10 miles north of Bishop. Basically, the first time backpacking for me in thirty years so all my gear is new. I got the REI Magma 15 mummy bag and my inflatable pad was R5. I was totally warm enough but man, I hate mummy bags. I sleep mostly on my left and definitely toss and turn often throughout the night. The bag felt confining and it was difficult to get comfortable. If I had researched more, I think I would have chanced getting a quilt. I'm intrigued. If I keep backpacking, I will have to try the quilt because I basically got to the point that I had to accept sleeping comfort as "very average" as part of the experience.
I use a The same pad as you with a Thermarest sheet and blanket that snaps to it. Less than $100 for the blanket. I live in Central Texas and cold night is 25 deg. I also have my 60 lb American Bulldog on a cutdown Thermarest folding pad. I unsnap the foot area and cover her. You never have a cold night sleeping with a dog. I do know cold though. In the 70s as a teenage Boy Scout in Fairbanks Ak I received a “ Hundred Below”merit badge for 3 consecutive nights at -30 or colder. I had a double Vietnam era down bag with a liner and cover, it filled an entire military duffle bag and we hauled them (4) in with homemade sleds. I also have an Outdoors Vitals blanket that I hope to use this winter.
QUESTION, I am Planning on 2020 Appellation Trail at the start of April. Gonna go with a Cheaper quilt, I am making my own Dyneema Composite Back pack and tent. Gonna save me $$$, Thought about making my own Quilt too, But I found one that is the Paria Outdoor Thermodown 15 Degree, on Amazon. What are your thoughts on This quilt? and should I just make my own with a 2.2 oz Hex70 XL Ripstop Nylon on the outside of the quilt and some thing softer on the inside. maybe a 800 or 900 fill. what are your thoughts and suggestions if I make my own in comparison to a Store Made. Like Fabrics, Design, etc... Thanks been watching your videos for a while. In preparation. And your the reason I am going with Dyneema.
I've heard it's not an easy project to undertake... But Good Luck! It's always FUN to make your own gear.
Hike On,
Darwin
Or check out aliexpress (lanshan flame creed tent) you can use it with your trekking poles. I use it and works great
Backcountry banter (youtube channel) has a guide for making a 20 oz 30 deg synthetic quilt. I made one and it's just about as nice as the HG econ I have. Plus I was able to make it the exact length and width I want. Less than half the price of retail/cottage.
I have a few of the 15 degree paria quilts. Bought them for a family trip to Iceland. They're pretty decent for the price. 750 fill so not super light but warm. We've had them down to low 20's comfortably. I think I would consider the Hammock gear econ as an alternative also.
Thanks everyone great ideas