Sleeping Bags VS Quilts
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- čas přidán 3. 08. 2024
- In this video I talk about the differences between Sleeping Bags & Down Quilts and why I made the switch.
Check out Enlightened Equipment - www.enlightenedequipment.com
Music By: Thunder/Dreamer
thunderdreamerband
I'm glad that set up works for you. But for me, I have to have the mummy bags. I move a lot when I sleep, and a quilt is always falling off or opening up and letting out the heat. A mummy bag is the only thing I found that keeps me warm. When the temp warms up, then I can open the zipper and use it like a quilt on top (with a built in footie), or when the temp really warms up, I use it for a second ground cover.
Travel light, freeze at night.
2:50 Comparison actually starts. Backpackers sure love to talk a lot. 🤷♀️
It’s like this on all his vids😂😂😂
I appreciate how well you explain the facts of both sides. Thank you for the info.
I'm so happy to see someone talking about this. After spending lots of time in a tent, I noticed that I was opening all my box toe sleeping bags in the summer months. I recently was given the quilt version of a mummy bag I purchase by accident, and I returned it. After doing the hike I got the bag for, I regret returning the quilt. I am going to be getting the quilt in the near future. If you are cold it is easy to put a sweater on, but it's hard to do much if you are too warm in a mummy bag. I also hate having my feet restricted. I have heard of some people using sleeping bags that are half length in the summer as well. For winter camping though, I could see a mummy bag being practical.
So best gear for a ultra lighter. Is your credit card
:-o azmadayou no way man, credit cards weigh too much
punch some holes in your credit card to make it lighter.
Hike nude to save weight.
@@adriannasanchez468 good point. I cut off everything except the chip on my card
memorize the numbers, so you can leave the card behind.
I don't hike.. I just like sleeping.
Dudelino. I sleep in an Icebreaker mid layer inside of my apartment. Outdoor gear is very good indoors.
So this is the perfect hiking video for you, then.
LOL!!!
This was perfect! I have actually been trying to save money to pick up one of EE's quilts for the last month or so, wanting to make the switch myself. Nice to see someone talking the differences out between the 2. I was already ready to make the switch...but now even more so. Unfortunately saving that kind of money will take a bit, so for now...its the mummy bag for me. Headed out into the hills after work today (friday) thru Monday. Warmth won't be an issue, but def looking forward to having a load of gear upgrades/changes by next year! Thanks for the video
Another great video Darwin I've been thinking about other sleep options and this really helps me out thanks
So glad I found this...Use a bag now but am looking into switching...Huge help thank you
Really informative about sleep systems,One of the best videos i have seen darwin ...including how r values and loft works is information i needed to make a informed decision in my sleep system... keep making videos for us !!! a fan gary
I really appreciated your push for high-R value sleeping pads. That is a great piece of advice. Thank you! I use a Snugpak Softie 3 Merlin most of the time, and in the winter I have a larger Snugpak for the colder temps.
This sold me on quilts. I'm due for a new sleeping bag and I like the versatility you mentioned regarding heat regulation. As I move towards lighter weight gear, a quilt makes sense. Looking to get sub 20 lbs for 3-4 days. I'm done carrying 40 lbs through the Colorado Rockies.
Thanks for this video! I'm going with this for my hammock. Exactly what I was looking for.
You actually convinced me. I bought a Big Agnes permaloft quilt. It's HUGE. Plus it packs up super small. Comes in and right around a pound. I haven't had a chance to take it for a spin yet, but we will next week. From all of the reviews I've read on top of your impassioned review, I'm pretty confident this is the right move. I sleep hot anyways, but the biggest selling point is the ability to sprawl out. Mummy bags make me very claustrophobic. I appreciate the review and the excellent explanation of how compressed down actually works (or doesn't work). Cheers, brother!
Great video, I've always been a tent camper and have moved on to a cheap hammock to start with, I love it. I'm going to order a Dream Hammock Raven with some add ons and a UGQ Hex Hanger12 tarp. I just bought a Dutchwear continuous ridgeline.
Anyway, after watching a few over quilt vids I'm starting to see the plus. But I'm a hard sale (camping in a tent for 48 years). Your vid was quite informative. Thanks.
You have given me so much great info in all your vids, going to b a great help next year 2018 on my thru hike..Thanks again
First time I've ever heard a CZcamsr say give it a like or dislike on a video. I really *liked* that.
Awesome video Darwin! A lot of great info in the video. I am thinking of making the switch to quilts here soon. I was looking at brooks range mountaineering
I use an EE Accomplice 20 degree. It weighs less than 2lb so when it is my wife and I that makes really light. Two 20" pads stay together nicely with the straps and the closed foot box makes a nice tight bed. We have camped on nights in the 30's with zero issue with being cold. It is light enough that my wife used it solo on the AT last year.
Enlightened Equipment is a good company.
Great video, I'm more of an overland camper. I watched the video, just to check out the difference between the two. I use a sleeping bag and if it gets really cold I turn on the heater. Keep up the great videos!
Ha ha
Extremely insightful. Getting back into backpacking, was about to buy a sleeping bag, but after watching this video, will be looking at QUILTS instead. Thank-you...
I feel ya on the quilt. I have 2 of them for my hammock setup and I did use it as a ground dweller on a trip with my girlfriend to Colorado and it was awesome!!!
So glad that I did my research and bought a quilt instead of a bag when I was buying my first down quilt.
It gets hot here in Australia so it's really nice to have just one item that can be used year round. Mine rated for about 45 degrees but in cold weather I wear wool sleepwear and I could always add a liner. It is also really comfortable.
Great info, great idea. Been looking for ways to increase the temperature range of my sleeping gear.
I unzip my bag all the time. I need it full on just for freezing temperatures. And than, when it is freezing cold and you can here the wind blowing hard outside, but you are warm and comfortable, that is the best. That is the best feeling when camping.
Great video. First time I ever heard a CZcamsr say "like or dislike the video" instead of asking for a like
Tried out a synthetic quilt from EE, never going back to sleeping bags. Thanks for the video!
Really good videos. Thanks Darwin. I bet you had someone like you to show a bunch of videos like this before you started thru hiking.
A note of caution about the trend towards quilts. On BackpackingLight, where lightweight hikers gather, most have made the switch for 3 season hiking. But a substantial minority have tried quilts and gone back to bags. They simply find that quilts are too draughty when temperatures drop, and/or they find straps too much faff. -A lot depends on the way you personally sleep.
The argument that bags waste down because it's compressed under your body doesn't really apply to the majority who are side-sleepers. By the time you've tucked a quilt around you the difference is insignificant. The real weight saving is in ditching the zip, baffle, snag protector and hood.
Alternatives are to opt for a bag that's specifically designed to convert into a quilt - Enlightened Equipment, Feathered Friends and ZPacks offer popular options. You pay a modest weight penalty, but get more thermal efficiency when it's cold and you zip up. Or you can opt for a hoodless, zipless bag. This is pretty much as light as a quilt, and will keep you warmer weight-for-weight in the cold. But it's harder to cool down when it's warm.
Personally I HATE being too cold, but don't really mind being a bit hot. I favour a zipless, hoodless bag and simply slip it down to my hips in the heat. I've used it from high glacier bivys to blazing hot nights in Florence in August and always slept well. For Darwin, he'd probably bake to death.
So it's very personal - you have to experiment and make your own choice rather than blindly following the trend.
I am thinking of getting a 450g 11 degree centigrade down bag and using a smaller down quilt with it during the colder months. Like a modular system. Never used down though and makes me a bit nervous because it's so wet here in the UK. Great video. Food for thought. Thanks
I started using a quilt this year and LOVE it. Having said that, I used to unzip the foot box end of my mummy bag with a two way zipper, leaving my body core well zipped up and tucked in, letting my toes / feet /legs hang out side. I notice that having my z-loft sleeping pad under me keeps me warm. At first i was concerned about the lack of down on the under side. In the end it is np.
sounds good, I anyway always sleep under my open sleeping bag 🤷♂️
I totally agree. I hold fast to the mummy bag for winter camping excursions where I know for a fact I want to trap all heat possible. For longer hikes or when travelling to a trail where I can't be certain of the weather I like a medium r-value ground pad on a small tarp, a rather heavy wool blanket (lotta work keeping that dry, but amazing r-value) and a down quilt. I can use the wool blanket to bolster base pad r-value, tuck the quilt around me to get the mummy bag effect, or I can roll up in the wool blanket and again tuck the quilt around me. If I arrive at the trail head and weather is mild, I can leave the wool blanket behind to save on weight. The weight of wool sucks, and finding creative ways to keep it dry is a challenge, but as an in between layer it adds soooo much more warmth. I really do like being able to stick a leg out in the cold if I am overheating when sleeping so bags suck unless I know for sure I won't be overheating.
A quilt and a linear works good for me also . I must have a pillow .Broke my neck & back .but the new light gear makes it possible for me to get a day or two in the mountains . at 60 . great reviews & thanks for your time . look's like your using a nemo sleeping pad & pillow 👍
Always good videos. The quilt thing looks interesting but I am a really restless sleeper and squirming and turning would always leave a body part exposed when unwanted with a quilt. I am also stout with an 18" neck and 49" chest and mummy bags seem to be made for normal people. So I use an oversized synthetic bag with a sleeping pad sleeve and no insulation on the bottom. That way, in my opinion, I have the best of both the mummy and quilt without the disadvantages a quilt would mean to a restless sleeper.
As a slightly "bigger than average" hiker, I do the same as some have said, partially zip my bag to make a footbox, and use it as a quilt. And they're right, it works. And it solves the shoulder pinch I feel if i zip up a mummy completely. Much more open feeling.
But really there's no way around the weight issue if you're a gram weenie. Less fabric and no wasted down where it's compressed and useless=less weight. Or cram that equivalent down into a topquilt and have a 0° quilt for the weight of a 30° mummy.
I agree that simply using your bag "like a quilt" is a great budget way to see if you'd like the switch before you invest, especially since you don't see a lot of synthetic quilts so you'll be paying for down.
The weight might not matter on a weekend, or even a week long trek, but if you can shave a pound and a half just by changing you sleep system, I have to imagine that's huge for a long trail. ( Of course Darwin offsets all that gain with a camera, extra batteries chargers, cables etc, so we can be entertained. ;) Thanks for the sacrifice! )
I think that's about right wideone23. I don't relish the 'cocoon' feeling of being zipped up in my mummy bag, as it can make me feel like Harry Houdini making an unsuccessful escape bid! I discovered the comfort benefits of using it in unzipped mode when just 'warming up' on entering the tent, and now that's how I use it in all conditions other than the coldest. Often I will wear my insulated jacket underneath the 'quilt-mode' bag as a means of not having to go into zip-up mode.
For the moment least, this suffices for my needs, but I take your irrefutable point about a quilt being ultimately more weight-efficient.
Interestingly, I know of some who, as an alternative to buying a heavier bag for winter use, just purchase a quilt which they throw over their existing 2/3season bag. Now there's a potential 'system' which gives all kinds of options!
David S
What you said about feeling like Harry Houdini making an escape bid with mummy bags, is exactly what occasionally happens to me when I'm in a mummy bag while in my hammock. Sometimes I suddenly get a little panic because I can't move and I think that a bear might get me while I can't move. I don't get it on the ground, but in a mummy bag while in a hammock really increases that feeling.
How did I hike before discovering your channel?!!
You are THE MAN! ✌❤😊
Decent review with some good information but you totally miss a fourth option for a mummy bag - unzip it and lay it over you as a blanket. I have a Marmot Helium EQ, a 15F rated bag that I use from 80F summer (nighttime temps) down to 0F winter camping. When it's hot out I sleep on top or just on the sleeping pad, cooler temps I unzip it and use as a quilt, cooler still I sleep in it with it unzipped, cooler yet but not cold I use it partially unzipped either from the head or the foot, colder weather it's fully zipped, winter camping wear some layers, cold winter camping add a Nalgene bottle of hot water at my feet. Bag weighs under 2 pounds, unless you're tall like me and need the Long version, then its 2 pounds 2 oz, and it has a Pertex water resistant shell. I can't imagine a down quilt would be comfortable across those temperature ranges, especially at the lower end as you can't "seal in" the heat like a mummy bag does. Yes, straps may help keep it in place but unless they are every foot or so around the perimiter cold air is going to get in when one tosses & turns.
It's all about "Personal Preference"..... I have never had as good of sleep in a Mummy bag as I do with a Quilt. I have used it in a ton of different temp ranges, I toss & turn like crazy when I sleep, & I am 6'1..... I have NEVER woke up cold in the middle of the night because of "Draft". Again it is a Preference thing & unless you have spent a lot of time with using both, I wouldn't be quick to judge a quilt..... lol, I sorta find it funny how many peoples feathers get ruffled on this topic. Try a quilt out & judge for yourself!..... Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Mark U 7.
@@DarwinOnthetrail he didn't say a quilt is bad, he simply said that you forgot a lot of options for a sleeping bag^^
I just set my friends sleeping bag on fire and keep warm. Wanna go campin?
I do the exact same thing with mine
Well said, thanks brother! Stay safe and happy hiking maybe catch u on the AT
nice video and very informative, I have to much money at this time into my WM bags but in the future I think I will give this a try, seems like a great idea. Thank you
Wah, seeing this in 2019 . . . Great info, thanks!
Great! I have been thinking of switching to a wool blanket. But it might be a bit on the heavy side
The demo model was adorable for each change. Made me chuckle.
Please do an in depth on dogs and backpacking love your vids!
Informative. This has provided me with something to consider. Thanks.
Guess what kind of sleeping pad does a pirate want.... one with a great "R" value
ARRRR value
Oh no
R
Jackson c. And has a pillow that can be used like a flask for rum
In general mummy bags are not very comfortable. Go with a rectangular one with Zippers when yoor a large Person use A double one or go with the Us military 3 Layer ones. In Switzerland with many Mountains no one uses a Quilt. They are not safe under heavy Conditions.
have used a the quit set up yet but many nights and some days in mummy bag. You brought many valid points to switch. The one problem I have in mummy bags is turning bags are problematic while rolling in your sleep. I always have to wake up to and re arrange. I will be looking into quilts.
I bought an EE quilt based on your recommendation and love it.
Thanks, Darwin. Clear video, useful.
Thank you for this video. I thought a lot about it, and possibility of buying quilt, but it didn't seem quite fit for me (just theory), and finally my thinking over and over this topic ended with visit to Decathlon -- their current sleeping bags have zippers on BOTH sides. Man, I checked all known brands and nothing, null -- and here we go, cheap with ability to really open the bag. Perfect for me, granted they are not state of the art, but since I bikepack they qualify with weight, and for volume I am less happy but I manage, I have 17L saddle bag for this reason exactly after all ;-).
Nice vid bro, definitely will look some quilts up, thanks!
This is so informative. Thank you!
Liked this one as well! Good info.
Awesome.....I was looking a
for a down bag.....but now I'll look at the quilt. Thanks
DO IT! You can't go wrong. Thanks for Watching Mike!
Hike On,
Darwin
Darwin Onthetrail Thanks. Love your channel!!!
I purchase a down rectangular 55' sleeping bag several years ago. I have it un-zipped and use the bag as a quilt, I have a cotton bag liner that adds to the versatility of the bag. Never slept more comfortable, lowest temperature was 21'F to over 100'F. Cold I use the jacket as a second layer over my feet.
Thanks for the demo. Great vid.
I've been using my MSS Patrol Bag (2.3lbs rated to 30 degrees comfortably) for years and I actually use it as a quilt in warmer conditions. I flip it upside down and sleep with it open. I could see the benefits to a dedicated quilt too, but the $30 Patrol Bag won't die even after a decade of sleeping with it almost every single night of the year (except in extreme cold when I use the -10 deg Intermediate Bag from the MSS). Of course, when I camp, I use a Thermarest XTherm which helps a lot. :)
Hello Darwin. I use both of it in wintertime that makes my 15 degrees F sleeping bag a real 0 F. On springtime I use my sleeping bag only, then, only down quilt in the summertime, etc... You're very right concerning the efficiency and the difference made by good insulation to the ground provided by a good inflatable mattress. Both of sleeping bag or quilt is compressed on the ground surface that makes you chilly after a while. Conclusion: Wrap yourself with prisoner air!
Awesome job at sending us an informative video! Thank you! So I live up here in New Hampshire and I've always wanted to hike the AT. Do you have any tips for anyone deciding to try it out? One big thing I can think of is carry weight. Would it be better to go really light and just have a bunch of gear mailed to a bunch of places along the way as you may need it or is that not too practical?
I saw the surly cap and knew I liked this dude
I have a synthetic mummy bag, but it unzips at the feet. (On cold mornings I could put on slip on crocs and sit around all bundled up but can still walk a bit to watch the sunrise.). There are many ways to stay warmer without getting a different bag. Wear a beanie since you lose heat through your head. Depending on the weather and temperature, wear long johns to bed, sometimes I just wore the top since I was hiking with a bunch of guys. Carry a bag liner which adds 8-10 degrees of warmth depending on the material. Wear some fleece socks just for sleeping. (long johns and socks are ONLY for sleeping in. Don't hike in them or they will get sweaty and damp and you will freeze at night). Just like in clothing, it's all about layers.
We started out in August over 100 degrees at sea level. One morning we woke it was 31 degrees. Oh yeah, we were NOT using tents. Sleeping in a tent adds another 20 degrees of warmth.
So between tent, no tent, unzipping bag in middle of warm nights to get air to my bare legs and or feet if too warm, adding long johns on cooler nights, adding socks and beanie when even cooler, scarf around neck or even a balaclava so the only thing showing was my eyes. Bag liner I didn't need. The top of Mt. Whitney was freezing and windy. Brrrr. In August!! But it was covered in snow still in July that year (2009). I don't use air mattresses. None of the guys could understand how I could sleep on my 1/4 inch closed cell foam (8 oz) pad, but it traps heat, and I don't have to heat up the air in the air mattress. Those suck heat from your body, which might be what you want.
Something you did not mention is that a synthetic bag will keep you warm "enough" even when WET, and a down bag is useless. Why don't you bring a cheap emergency blanket for inside on cold days? So many things you can do besides a whole new bag.
My bag is a Cat's Meow from REI, mens size since I am tall and have no hips. Not sure if they are still sold.
Recovering Soul Best comment I have seen so far! You must have been in the military and had to make do with what you have available.
I sleep in my van when I travel. This is really good advice. I’ve never liked using mummy bags.
Great vids. Thanks for all you do.
Question, I side sleep. Six foot one and average size. How much more room do you suggest so the quilt stays closed at the bottom (on the pad)
I'm still waiting on my Revolution 20* from them. I can't wait for it to get here in mid January.
THat's the model I have. It has been the best Sleeping Companion I've ever owned. Stupid Comfortable! Like I said in the video, I will never go back to traditional "Bags". Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
My quilt blew off and about about 90 yards down into a ravine in the middle of the night. When I woke in the morning and fell down into the ravine, it was partway in the icy stream. I trudged back up the hill with my sopping wet down quilt; someone had taken my high r-value sleeping pad. No regrets
This video was very helpful and informative
being a hammocker, I've been using quilts for about 5 years now. Won't use anything but. Mine are all from Underground Quilts. Way better in my opinion than mummy bags.
I've heard great things about Underground. Have a friend who rocks 1 & absolutely loves it! Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
I agree with the quilt. I have tried a lot of outdoor sleeping options and have settled with my blow up kayak (K79) with a down quilt. And, a tarp over to keep off the 4am dew. I like the quilt over the mummy because you can keep you legs apart. I am 6'4" and do not fit most bags. I often take my blow up kayak (12 pounds) on trips where I do not float just because it provides a very comfortable bed.
Iguana
As another EE quilt user there is one thing to remember. Sleeping pads such as Kymit X Series are designed to have the under side of the sleep bag fill in the holes. Using a quilt with the a pad like that with the cutouts in it is not going to work.
Good point Rugbyturner! Those Klymit X pads always seamed like better use for a Hammock System, which in that case you would want to have an Under Quilt as well. Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
rugbyturner yup. Love my softie elite 1 and klymit x frame setup. Fine on the ground- exceptional in a hammock. I'm a big fan of layering and I've gone down to -15 in a nor'easter slept like a rock.
Darwin onthetrail the static v works great in a hammock.
I don't run pads in my hammock, but have found the Static V to be very drafty with quilts, although the combo works great in a bivy where drafts are minimal
My down -4’C mummy sleeping bag has a side zip and a foot zip so it can become a quilt when needed. I also use the Sea to Summit reactor liner 18’C and the two of them kept me cozy in Namche, Nepal during winter.
I watched this video a while back and it led me down the path of an EE quilt that I love. Do you have any thoughts on how it would work with a closed cell foam pad?
Thanks for the info. Keep it coming.
Thank you. Needed this tip.
Getting to the point is always good!
Or unzip your sleeping bag and pretend it's a quilt. Save some money.
It's all about "Personal Preference"..... I have never had as good of sleep in a Mummy bag as I do with a Quilt. Unless you have spent a lot of time with using both, I wouldn't be quick to judge a quilt..... lol, I sorta find it funny how many peoples feathers get ruffled on this topic. Try a quilt out & judge for yourself!..... Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Yep, I have the Sea To Summit Micro 3 Goose Down Long Hooded Sleeping Bag, which opens up into a quilt... Best of both worlds.
I will definitely be trying it out as a quilt this coming Winter.
:-)
Oh I love quilts, use them all the time. But when I first switched I just unzipped my bag. When I eventually bought a quilt, I noticed it was more comfortable, but not enough to justify the purchase for any less than a frequent camper.
P.S. Thanks for replying! It means a lot!
Not a matter of ruffling feathers or personal preference ... the gear manufactures love to reinvent and sell you something "new" especially when there is planned obsolescence built into most products today ... nothing wrong with reviewers, like yourself, showing different items w/comparisons providing different points of view. (and I thank you) This certainly gives people with no (hands on) access more info than a picture alone. I find your comment "I wouldn't be quick to judge a quilt" a bit judgmental as the comment is another valid point of view - "do the best you can with what you have where you are" T Roosevelt ...
The Outdoor Canadian I agree, I do the exact same and love using my mummy bag like a quilt :) I think both can be great, but quilts are definitely more for people who have the money for it.
Make my own high spec quilts love them :)
Nice! Once you go Quilt, you don't go back! Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Do you make quilts or have a video where you are making one ?
Really enjoyed the ladies sleeping demonstrations
Great video. Hiked Israel Sept - Nov with a heavy mummy bag and melted or froze. When searching for an answer I found this and you. Will try it thank you.
The only blanket i need is my goddamn muscles.
it would be your skin ya fool!
Coffee jack? Mote like coffee jacked
Wow so badass, you just made me dripping wet with your masculinity
Hey Darwin, getting ready for my first trail hike and am trying to pick a hammock. I have always tent camped so this is something new to me. There are so many different makers of hammocks ranging from $10- $75. I have no clue what i am looking for. I do know I want to have a mosquito net w/ tarp. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all the great videos, I have been watching them for days on end getting ready..
It seems to me that a mummy back also protect you from critters like ticks a bit at night. If used closed, which is optional.
I was skeptical cause i love the bag, but thats a huge difference in weight! I'll definitely check it out!
I got a 20 dollar synthetic mummy bag for 30°F that weighs 1 1/2lbs love it
Great video. I was waiting for your EE Revolution vid. Specific to that 20° quilt... what do you use as a dry sack/compression sack? How small does it actually compress down to? (The weight savings is amazing, but space in my small pack is important too)
They Compress TINY! I use a Zpacks Cuben Fiber "Sleeping Bag" Stuff sack. If I wanted to I could put it in something much smaller. Glad you enjoyed the Vid. Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Mummy bag can be unzipped and used like a quilt but it's harder to do vice versa... I like the idea of having the extra layer between me and the ground.
Darwin great videos, me and my wife live in central Texas, we enjoy camping, fishing and hiking the Texas coast. Its always very hot 90s + weather. What do you recommend for sleeping pad and do you recommend a quilt for sleeping on the beach.
Thanks for the info 👈😀😀
Ya Buddy! Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Hi Darwin just found your channel and loving it. One thing, I recently bought a quilt style bag with a kind of head peice and love it but the mummy bag in the same brand came with waterproof down while mine did not, have u ever wished you had water proof down or is it a gimmick, i mean my bags in a dry bag anyway.
The mummy bag i have has a double zip that lets me stick my feet out allowing for more uses in warm weather.
Took the dive on a Kammok Firebelly. Rated to 30F, feet can breathe on the warm nights, makes a hammock cozy, fits two people, can be used as a wrap, and on and on. My still fantastic Montbell #0 and #5 are now loaners. To those considering; a cheap quilt will leave you suffering same as a cheap sleeping bag.
The video is great info from experience. Thank you!
I have used a mummy bag one more way than you mentioned; fully unzipped and upside down on me like a duvet.
There is a cheaper duvet than down. Use 2 inch quilt batting/insulation, it is called a Rayway duvet.
It is homemade. The quickest way is to get a double bed sized shiny polyester bed topper that has 14 inch frills on three sides. Add the batting and a polyester lining and make a waterproof bag.
You tuck the frills under your body. You still need a thermarest mattress. And a beanie hat.
It is also very lightweight.
Thanks for the video. This is something I've been considering for a while too. Makes sense to me: more flexibility and less weight / bulk than a mummy bag. The only thing that's stopped me is that as a climber I end up in bivvys... not sure a quilt would work too well in a bevy bag. Any thoughts?
My legs like to night dance. I've never gotten used to a mummy bag.
I think this quilt thing might be the answer.
Check out the NEMO spoon bag. Made for side sleepers
Way before I heard of camping quilts, I used a 0C (32F, comfort) bag as my most used and or a long time only bag. When I'm inside I run the bottom zip up for a little ventilation, if its a little hot, stick one or both legs out via that gap. Sometimes I use the bag all opened up like a quilt. sometimes feet stay the box. Nowadays, with a bag, I'll throw in a real silk liner (v light weight) to boost temp for cold nights, on its own as a warm night bag, or just to crash out someone's bed and you don't have sheets.
From what I gather, some down sleeping bag designs have less material on the back, as it'd be compressed (for back sleepers) and thus not working, as you say. So for me one of these wouldn't work. Especially as Im mostly a side sleeper. My bag is a good synthetic and great warmth to weight, evenly distributed all around. So as not found a terrible need, quilts... its still in the untried shelf.
I feel like the back of the bag has some comfort properties. Especially when using a zlite pad I instantly notice that I feel the bumps less and even with an inflatable it gives me more of a "bed" feel. Also when using a contoured sleeping pad like a klymit V there is actually quite a bit of area for the down to loft in the valleys of the mat. With higher-end mats they are smoother and have a higher R value built in. So for dedicated ultralighters with a top shelf budget the quilt is the way to go. But personally I consider the back of my sleeping bag to be one of my luxury items, and it's somehow cheaper than a comparable quilt.
Question Darwin, how cold was it when you slept in the High Sierra with your 20° Enlightened Equipment quilt?
Go for the Sierra Designs Cloud. Perfect balance between a mummy bag and a quilt.
Another good company to check out is Hammock Gear. They make awesome quilts.
I've heard great things about their Gear! Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Darwin onthetrail I agree, Adam & Jenny Hurst of Hammock Gear are great people selling great products
Yup. I have their 20 degree burrow and 20 degree incubator I bought from them in 2013. Haven't done much hammock camping lately but thinking of taking the burrow with me to Baja for tent camping.
I have the Hammock Gear 20 degree quilt and love it....and it was a lot cheaper than Essential Equipment version
i use my 15° pintical as a quilt by opening the ziper and that works. also i got a neoair max
Hey man, I have that same tattoo on my left arm, placed the same and everything. I tell people it keeps me from loosing myself. Whenever I start going to fast and loosing sight of what life's all about I take a look at my compass, and I remember who I am.