Thread: Quilts - Whose Using One Instead of a Sleeping Bag?

Originally Posted by steadwah

What does this weigh in at? I've lost faith in manufacturer stated numbers.

I’m in Aussie at the moment so can’t weigh it. From memory though it was between 700-800 grams

What environment are you using it?

I use it everytime I go out - tops camping, huts, bush camping etc

What are your thoughts on it?

Light, packs down very small. Very warm. Some learning curve - need to have it dialed in to not get drafts and can be a little bit fiddly.

What make / model are you using?

Katabatic Alsek 22f (-5.5C) - I've had it to colder than that and its been fine (I wear thermals to bed + beanie). It's 660g, I weighed it when it arrived.

Where did you get it?

Ordered directly from their website.

Real World Weights:

-6c Quilt:

Enlightened Equipment, Revelation Quilt 850 Downtek Treated, Temperature 20°F (-6°C), Length- regular 6', width 54" Outside Fabric 20d, Inside 10d
Down Type (DownTek Treated):

Weight 670 grams, no straps




-1 Degree Quilt

Enlightened Equipment, Revelation Quilt 850 Downtek Treated, Temperature 30°F (-1°C), Length- regular 6', width 54" Outside Fabric 20d, Inside 10d
Down Type (DownTek Treated):

Weight 530grams, no straps




Straps

Each quilt takes 2 x 13g straps. I only use one in winter as the dog wants part of the action up top.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

I wonder if the old chuck it in the cloths dryer with heap of tennis balls and set it going to beat it up and redistribute the down trick will rejuvenate it???????certainly works for down bags....

If you want to correctly wash your down, watch this video. Use Nikwax. The process and the products work. The only cavaet is all tennis balls must be locked away during the process (to avoid dog claim/theft)

https://youtu.be/C7uMGIQJ0OE?si=wF4uGl4r1VokxlOX

I've noticed a lot of US hunters in YT vids using quilts in 10,000 feet-ish altitudes in deep snow hunting elk and mule deer. They were hunting in some pretty extreme conditions and weather

Thanks for all the responses guys.

Got a colleague heading to Canada for two weeks this weekend so guess I'm going to be hunting around online.

Another thumbs up for Hammock Gear quilts, they're very reasonably priced and good quality. I've been using mine for full-time bush work for around 5 years. Like others have stated, you need to pair it with a good quality high R-Value sleeping mat to make the best use of a quilt. Hammock Gear run sales often now, best I've seen is 30% off once or twice a year but you can usually get a discount by just adding a product to your cart, filling out your details but not completing the purchase. Half a day later you've got a discount in your emails.

Just curious how these quilts are in NZ cold conditions, USA and Canada is a drier cold than here as a rule. Last weekend we were tenting in about minus 16 Celsius. I sleep pretty warm as a rule but can’t see myself ditching my sleeping bag any time soon. Interested in the quilt concept though.

I have a bunch of sleeping bags and ... a quilt which I really like. a 30f (-1c) long wide Enlightened Equipment Enigma. Much more comfy for a side sleeper, and plenty warm for shoulder season trips. Considering a 40f one for summer!

Kiwi ultralight quilt from Nelson. Primo.

I use my sleeping bags like a quilt; I generally have the zip open most of the time. What I prefer about the bag, is I can zip it up if it gets real cold.
How do you quilt users sleep when it’s real cold?

I have a Western Mountaineering Astralite (weighs 562g) packs into a XS/S Sea to Summit EVAC Compression Sack- rated to -3C and would say once you learn to use one it can get a touch lower, need to have a good quality sleeping pad underneath you though- XTherm or EXPED DURA 6R are my recommendations. Rate it over a sleeping bag for the seasons I use it- means you can take a smaller pack which is always nice.

As for craigc- I usually always take other puffy gear- ALWAYS take a jacket and 8/10 times I'm taking down pants just to take the chill off and I got them on a killer deal- so push comes to shove I chuck those on and I'm happy as Larry. If I know weather is gonna be dicey the full bag gets chucked in the wagon and becomes a game time decision.

Originally Posted by craigc

I use my sleeping bags like a quilt; I generally have the zip open most of the time. What I prefer about the bag, is I can zip it up if it gets real cold.
How do you quilt users sleep when it’s real cold?

Clip them up.
Most of the time just at the collar then use draw cord to snug it up.
Some quilts can be done up like a bag.
You can use the straps to clip quilt onto pad so you don't get drafts.
I normally only clip one side makes it easy to get out of.
And to be honest I don't use them much.
They do not have a hood which is good for those of us that toss and turn.
But if cold you need a beanie, down balaclava or similar but the beanie is normally all you need.
Most manufacturer's have a video showing you how to use them they are all pretty much the same have a look at Enlightened Equipment, all on youtube.
A bonus is if you suffer from cramp real easy to get out of.