Used an EE quilt (before they started overfilling) and froze my butt off every time. Switched to a Sierra Designs Cloud 800 and haven't had a cold night since. I like the Cloud 800 because it combines features from quilts and bags and is still light weight and compressible. Would definitely recommend anyone wanting to try a quilt (or switching back from quilts) to give it a look.
Hey Dan, Great channel and content! For me depends on season. We seem to have the same medical problem “Multi-Sleep-systemism” for winter always bag typically my Zpacs 10’ Full Zip, spring and summer my Zpacs 20’ Quilt.
@@lt6077its wider than a quilt unzipped. No need for straps. I've never had a draft issue using my sleeping bag as a quilt. Plus having a hood is great. An extra pound in weight oh well
I appreciate that you have a different approach and different ideas from everyone else. You aren’t advising based off being a gear junkie but off of what will and won’t work. So thank you for that!
Weight wasn’t a deciding factor for me. The clear advantage of a quilt is that it’s less restrictive. The clear downside is that the ordering process requires more research because many quilts are highly customizable. Another downside is you can’t jam your pillow in the top of the quilt like you can a sleeping bag, so the pillow moves around, but there are workarounds for that.
I hate the construction of my mummy bag, so I never zip it. I just tuck it under and it rarely gets drafty (the fact I rarely sleep in sub-freezing temps helps here). The hood is great right when I go to bed...heats me up much quicker and good to have in general.
Yeah that’s what I did the other day, I went for an overnight w my 20 degree mummy bag but it was only supposed to drop to 50 so def way too hot . Won’t be making that mistake again
Dan I use a 30 deg quilt, UGQ and when it gets real cold I add a 50 deg sleeping bag. The together has kept me warm in the low teens. The best of both worlds.
Quilts were a comfort game changer for me. I can actually move around and be comfortable along with temp regulation. Weight had nothing to do with the choice for me. I have an EE revelation wide long 10 degree. I’ve used it comfortably from 5F to 75F. When it’s cold I don’t have any draft problems, or if I do I bring the sides of the quilt closer with the pad straps and done. Also following their instructions for closing the bottom I never have drafts there either (another often heard complaint). I think it’s hard to go wrong with a quilt... if you can follow directions. I also love that I can get one with such a low temp rating and still use it in all but the hottest weather, try sleeping in 75 degree weather with a 10F sleeping bag, you’ll unzip it and use it like an uncomfortable misshapen quilt!
I have used a 20° down mummy from Campmor for about 25 years now (there was a brief affair with wool blankets) and just tried out a Hammock Gear 20° Burrow quilt this winter (temps in the twenties, shelter by tent). I have now filed for separation from the bag and have forgotten my transgressions with wool. As a guy that sleeps really hot, I truly enjoyed my time with the quilt and will probably switch exclusively to a quilt from here on out. That said, the cold spots that provide me some relief at night would probably keep others awake so take what I say with a grain of salt. Dig your channel, Dan. Keep up the good work!
I just got my first quilt. Went with a budget model just because I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Budget at $190. Hahah It’s a Featherstone 25 degree. I haven’t had it out on a hike yet, but I think I’ll like it. Weighting in at 23 oz it’s a lot lighter than my military sleeping bags, so that’s a huge plus. Thanks for all your videos.
Also, just watched a You Tube video with a guy (Kyle Hates Hiking) pontificating on the reason's for this channel's success. That's when you know you are arriving. Nice job Dan!!
Thinking you might be my spirit guide or something, because I got the alert for this video moments before forcing myself to make a decision on a new quilt. Just switched to a smaller pack and decided, and decided it was time to also replace my old 3lb 700 fill sleeping bag for better compression. Literally just spent the last four days going between brands to determine what to get. Absolutely perfect timing to answer so many questions.
I always tell people to get a quilt for warmer weather but anything below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, get a sleeping bag. Great video keep up the good work.
When I was in the market to upgrade from my 4-pound sleeping bag to something lighter, I really did consider a quilt. But by the time you upgrade to a wider quilt to hopefully avoid drafts, you end up with a quilt that weighs only a couple of ounces less than the Feathered Friends Egret that I considered as competition. I tent camp and even in my 4-pound bag I loved to "mummy up" with the hood tightly around my face to keep warm. So I bucked the trend and bought the Feathered Friends bag!
By far, the best and most extravagant gift I've ever received is a WM hooded Aspen, 25° bag when I was around 15. It wasn't a birthday present, it was just my Grandparents visiting and wanting to get me a special gift. That was approximately 18 years ago and I slept comfortably at 17° 2 years ago in that same bag. It's 2 lbs 2 oz and whenever I look at a replacement, nothing is light and warm enough to warrant a replacement. I try to go out about 6 times a year so I haven't beat it up, I've stored it well, and done my best to protect it but I can't endorse any piece of equipment I've ever had as much as a high quality sleeping system.
Great post , I luckily borrowed a quilt before buying one and frankly don’t get all the hype , I’m perfectly happy with my snugpak special forces system
Dan, this is PERFECT timing. I am 'sleeping bag shopping' right now. I have a great underquilt and need to replace my old sleeping bag. I've been hammocking with my bag for many years (partly unzipped). But I am totally leaning toward a new down sleeping bag. Since thats what I've been using for years. But my old poly bag is just too bulky! I need a down bag. I'm a big guy and the mummy bags are just too constrictive! Thanks
I JUST tried a quilt for the first time. For a couple things. Still need more testing, but so far impressed. I had some concerns, but It's been working out well for me so far! I wasn't going to buy one because I didn't think the price was worth it for the weight savings (I have a Western Mountaineering bag). But my bf needed a new sleeping bag....so he decided since a double quilt was lighter than his sleeping bag, he would just do that! haha
Feathered friends Flicker UL is both a full zip bag and a quilt.. fully functional as both and the temperature rating is very accurate. I have the 20 degree and it's amazing. Favorite piece of gear
I’m a recent quilt convert and I love my UGQ quilt. I’m 6’ tall, weigh 188, and I’m a side sleeper. Here’s my sleep system: UGQ Bandit XL 20Degree Sleeping Quilt - 60” wide by 78” long, 850 down, boxed flat sewn foot box, draft collar, no taper, dynamic tension, 1oz added down in foot box, deluxe pad attachments - 1lb 11oz Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Reg/Wide Sleep Pad (4.2 R-value) - 15oz Outdoor Vitals Pillow - 2.8oz Pillowcase - 2.4oz (luxury item) Cocoon Silk Liner - 4oz I’ve used this system in warm temps down in the Grand Canyon and frankly the silk liner was good for most of the night. When I got chilly a draped the quilt over my torso. Also have used this system in temps down in the teens. Had to take off my thermals. Only needed shorts, tee shirt, and no socks. I use a headband to keep my ears warm. The draft collar pulls up over my head if I really get cold. I’ve found the key to staying warm is using a wide air pad with decent R rating and sliding the attachment clips about 2 inches in from the pad edge on top. I’ve heard some people wrap their quilt around the pad and attach on the bottom of pad. That’s wrong! The silk liner is a bit pricey but so worth it. It keeps your bag free from body oils and stink. After a trip just wash the liner. Plus the silk is comfy on the naked skin. I’ll never go back to a mummy sleeping bag! The UGQ quilt ROCKS!
thank you Dan, all good points, just like you have said: different strokes for different folks, I own both quilts and sleeping bags but would use quilts only in the summer, once temperature falls below 40F I feel much more cozy and comfortable in a close up sleeping bag with the hood on my bald head and no drafts. It's much more comfortable for me to sleep just in the thermal base layer in the cocoon sleeping bag then to have a fleece, or puffy on me with the hood or hat, so for me quilt wins in the summer, other three seasons sleeping bags
Warm weather - quilts are fine. Approaching freezing, most people find a quilt too draughty. Between 30f and 10f, many people these days go for a hybrid like the Feathered Friends Flicker, which you can use as a quilt or a mummy as temperature fluctuates.
I’m taking my Katabatic Gear Flex 15 on the PCT with me this year. Their pad attachment system (which I don’t generally need/use) is pretty slick because it uses a cord lock type of thing to keep the clips underneath you from sliding, or there are loops on the sides of the quilt so you can just slip a piece of webbing through there and clip it behind you to hold the back closed (of course, there’s a video you can watch about that). Actual 15° performance for about 2 lbs, can’t beat it. It is literally my favorite piece of gear.
I use a Rab neutrino 600. It has the foot box, it's easy to leave the zip open under your back and wear as a quilt. If it's a bit chilly to wrap the hood under your shoulder then wear the hood. If it is really cold the option is available to use as intended as a sleeping bag. Best of both worlds.
After a life time using sleeping bags Ive been trying the sea to summit quilt system. I find that I need to use a warmer pad with it so the weight saving doesn't work out. It is a lot more comfortable tho with the legs less restrictive. I will still use a sleeping bag in cold conditions.
Yes the mystical magical sleeping bag, horse poo saying it weighs more. It does cost less in general even though it offers more. Can be used as a quilt if u wish. Bag eliminates cold spots and drafts and fancy strapping systems. On a sticky warm night when I get down to just a pr of undies I'm not sticking to a clammy mattress. I could go on but I guess u see my preference ✌️
Sleeping bag. I have a Cats Meow from the 90s. Didn’t get used much as life happened and I didn’t do my big hike, Olympus and fly fish floating the Columbia. I have a Wilderness Permit for Yosemite with Half Dome cables in June and will apply for GNP Backcountry on the fifteenth. I have St. Mary campground reserved and I’ll do a walk in if needed. Grand Canyon and Olympic Range next year! Dan, I owe some of this to you. Your videos are great and I’ve used your advice to get back to where I belong. Anyway, it’s 2 lbs., Cats Meow, I can now get a 30° bag that 1lb 6oz. I have always been more comfortable in a sleeping bag. Ya, I could save 10oz but I’d rather lose some fat. I don’t need a quilt to go lighter. The olden days, 😂, are gone so the thoughts should be.
I’m team sleeping bag (for now!) because a) I love the cocooning feeling! b) it’s just what I have c) I’m a super cold sleeper so drafts scare me! But I REALLY want to test the quilts! Ps. Love this backdrop bro!
@@defeqel6537 in a sampling of exactly 1, the REI Magma 30 sleeping bag weighs .8 oz more than the REI Magma 30 quilt. That’s a whopping 4% savings! The quilt is $40 cheaper though.
Quilt for sure. I only have 1 quilt, a 30 degree from Hammock Gear. I have a trip coming up to Red River Gorge and am a little worried about the over night temps and my quilt not being warm enough. I have a sleeping bag liner that I am going to take with me. Curious to see if it adds the warmth I need and help keep the cold from getting to be through the gaps.
I kick around a lot in my sleep, I went with a Sierra Designs cloud 800 35° which is very light weight. It has a sleeve to keep it on your pad, and has no insulation on the back, while having a ventable foot box. Highly recommend it!
Bought few products last fall and cant wait to test them out. Picked up Outdoor vitals arie and winterial hammock kit underquilt/blanket down some of this will be used in wildland fire season
Good stuff!!! I'm a ground dweller use an aegismax 35° no hood sleeping bag like a quilt sometimes, it holds my sleeping pad in place and since it's not attached to the pad I can roll around and have complete coverage if needed or allow ventilation by flipping up a side...no need for a quilt. I understand ULrs and hammockers a quilt is probably best
I was a ground dweller and recently started hammock camping . Took some time to get used to . As for sleeping bag versus quilt in a hammock I'm still working on figuring out what I like best . I do appreciate your thoughts and suggestions for such a matter. Love the videos. If possible can you do low cost products that work and are reliable.
I do this too but it’s a pain when having to get out & back in for pee breaks. However, I already have a great bag & pad. The extra $$$$ just because 2 maybe 3 times a night it’s inconvenient isn’t worth it to me. I read a viewers comment on another video that said he’s decided to mortgage his home & but all the products talked about so he could go camping. 😂
As a bicycle camper in Texas, I'm able to get away with a quilt and 3/4 sleeping pad in my hammock. My winter quilt is a Thermarest Technical Blanket. I don't think they make them anymore, but it is completely adequate for all but the harshest of weather, (did I mention that I'm in Texas?). I have a home-brew summer quilt that I use, also. I bought at cheap squared sleeping bag, discarded the synthetic insulation and replaced it with 1/4-inch quilting foam. Then I cut down the width, sewed it up and added a drawstring at the bottom to cynch it around my feet.
I'm new to backpacking, I bought a new 40 degree sleeping bag but I find it a bit confining. I decided I would fully unzip it and put it over me with my feet in the foot box, quilt style. I can see that the draft could be a problem, but since it will only be used in summer I might be ok. At least I know what my options will be for next purchase, thanks.
a non-hooded sleeping bag like my zpacks classic is pretty much a quilt + a zipper. It's pretty much boils down to which closure systems fit your needs more.
I remember going backpacking with both....and old Coleman flannel square bag...an actual quilt...all on an old American Camper external frame backpack..... 10 yrs old - ish....carrying 30-40 lbs of gear.....sucking it up....and still having a good time. Lol.
As I'm watching this I'm actually writing an e-mail to UGQ to get some help customizing a quilt just right for me. Somehow the concept haven't really made it's way to Denmark just yet, so it's a little tricky when you cant see, feel and try it before you buy it. Hopefully it all works out! Ty for your vid btw Dan!
Great advice and brave too. The Ultralight backpackers may come for you. Jen Yates, you’re not the only one using a sleeping bag as a quilt on warm nights and as a bag when it gets colder unexpectedly (e.g. UK). I too love the flexibility. Each to his/her own.
I appreciated this video. I’m an extremely cold sleeper and can’t seem to get rid of that draft at night with my Enlightened Equipment Revelation. Been thinking about swapping to a zpacks for the reasons you mentioned.
I went with a REI 10 degree 900 fill. Pretty light but bulker and heavier than my buddies Enlightened Revelation. On bike theres not much room and thought about going to a quilt, but I get drafts in a sleeping bag. lol
I purchased my first quilt in 2015. Unless I starting doing winter camping, I don't see myself going back to a restrictive bag. I don't use straps. I do, however, have a wide quilt and pad. It's easy enough to tuck the quilt in when I roll over. Also, snapping the top of the quilt together helps create a cocoon-like shape of the quilt. Stay away from "narrow" quilts unless you are a one position back sleeper.
I just switched to a hammock (I’m a hammock GIRL) and can’t seem to get warm. I have an UQ and a down quilt and COLD. I’m going to out my down quilt underneath and go back to the sleeping bag. Hoping this will be warmer.
Hello ,a quilt seems like a really good idea for side turning over type of sleeper but I reckon I would miss the hood because for me it’s keeps my inflatable pillow in place but not sure yet which one to get ,anyway cheers for great video 🤪
If you ever wanna get rid of a quilt I'll be happy to take it over! Lol! New into backpacking. I just got a wise owl hammock, tarp and sleeping pad and an eno mosquito net... I don't think i need an under quilt as I'm just gonna go camping this summer but I still need a good sleeping bag/quilt that keeps me somewhat warm.. Any suggestions? Like a low low budget one since I still need some other essentials as pocket knive, first aid kit, water filter,... Thanks for the help!
Seriously if there is any quilt that you don't use anymore I would pay you a fair price. I don't care if its used. I just don't wanna have a bad sleep on my next hike
Even with the straps drafts still will come in and I’m a cold sleeper so sleeping bag all the way I’ll take the extra weight plus o found my north face 600 fill someone was throwing away just washed it and dried it twice in the dryer like knew :)
I have a cheap sleeping bag from Decathlon that is rated on 10C(50F) that I open up like a blanket except for the very bottom to keep my feet warm. I found out this winter I really need a bag rated to 0c(32F). Weight is not an issue but size and packability is. I have a micro camper van that I sleep in and it has very little space for storage, today my sleeping bag in the stuff sack does not fit into my storage cabinets so I have to fold it like a blanket and then force it into the cabinet. Any recommendations for a bag that may fit my needs?
Quilts. I have a Hammock Gear 0, Outdoor Vitals 15, and a War Bonnet 30. Have you seen the Zenbivy bed? If not you should check it out. I am looking into getting one for when I have to be a ground dweller.
This is so interesting. Perhaps I totally have missed this at home and others willl laugh at me.. but I have been hiking for about 35 years and I never heard anyone in sweden talking about or using a quilt. It was actually first when I started looking at youtube that I. Oticed ma y talking about a sleeping bag or a quilt. i had to check.. and yes they are sold here too.. but never ever heard about it untill recently.. or it might be that we in sweden would call anything you sleep in a tent or hammock for a sleeping bag but you would call some of them quilt.. don’t know. But nice video nevertheless!
I recently switched to a Kelty Galactic 30. It's a retangle down sleeping bag that has a drawstring top. I can use it like a traditional sleeping bag, cinch the top if I want a mummy bag, or partially zip up the foot box if I want to use it like a quilt. It's super versatile and weighs about 2 1/2lbs.
Hi Dan I enjoyed your video. My first sleeping bag was a 20* Teton Sports which I enjoyed but as a big guy it was too constricting. Second bag was an REI Regular Wide 20 * Lumen, 5 oz heavier than Teton. I now have a 20 * EE Revelation wide and I like it very much even though I am still in the process of dialing it in. I have had it down to 25* sleeping in a shelter and was very comfortable. Have a great weekend.
I often have problems sleeping, so I wanted to most comfortable bag, at a reasonable weight. I went for a Nunatak quilt. They also have a system with shock cord on both sides. Size and cut can be customised to all needs / preferences.
I think you chose the wrong quilt sizes for your sleeping habits. They often come in wider cuts as well which is great if you move around a bit. I'd also opt for a proper liner as well to be more comfy on the pad . They also come with hoods yet the combination is still lighter than a full bag.
Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed. Best bag ever. It's like a bag/quilt hybrid - no zippers. Has vent for feet and sleeve for your pad so you don't roll off.
I have one sleeping bag that I have used for around 5 years now the Ledge Sports Scorpion +45. I got it off amazon for 40 dollars! I pack it without the stuff sack at the bottom of my bag, and it weighs around 8 oz. Its a great summer bag, and I have used it in 23 degree snow camping weather with a liner, and layers. lol I will probably snag a 20 degree bag/quilt for next winter.
I love, love, love my quilt. I always hated sleeping in a sleeping bag, I even got panic attacks in them due to claustrophobia and had to sleep in an open sleeping bag anyways. But my quilt is just awesome. I never got any drafts in because mine has side baffles. I can move in it like crazy and I always have the feeling of freedom. Quilt = love
I have a ugq quilt, but I bought it before they had the fancy new side tension system. That being said, I love the thing with my whole heart. It's my favorite piece of gear and your videos have reminded me that I need to do a review on the thing now that I've had it for a couple seasons. Thank you.
I went and bought a Enlightened Equipment quilt to go UL but i freeze. Just gone for the Montbelle down hugger 900 #1. The extra weight and stretch is worth it to me. I like to be warm and toasty so I sleep. I think it's 578 grams compared to 782 grams.
Great topic, great information to consider. I don't own a quilt yet, but will be trying out hammock camping this year and I will be thinking about what you've said, thanks!
Sleeping bag all the way. Covers any and all potential environments/situations. I use the Western Mountaineering ExtremeLite series for 3 season (45, 32, 20 deg bags; yes, that's like $1.5k in bags, but so be it. They're the best IMHO), and layer on clothing for cooler, or simply open up the zipper for warmer (also, you can simply drape it over oneself like a quilt and leave the feet free if in a tent...I always use a tent of some sort). I understand the UL peeps desire for saving few grams, but totally not my jam. To each their own. Happy camping!
Sleeping Bag. I have a Freedom Trail Sleeping Pod - it’s extra wide so I don’t feel restricted. I always have my camp blanket with me if it gets too cold for just the Pod, and thermals + layers help in cold weather.
I always hated sleeping bags (Even when I was a kid). I move around all night and would always get tanged up. The first time I used a quilt I loved it. Much more freedom of movement. I agree if it's very cold there is a technique to using it however that was a minor price to pay considering I could sleep without having to fight the sleeping bag all night.
Hey Dan, I haven’t ever heard anyone discuss using the reinforces space blankets as a regular practice. Seems like an efficient and very conservative was to stay warm in the colder weather. I always carry one. Closed foam and noisy air matts have been talked to death regarding R factor. What do you think about using them to enhance bag insulation often and is there a “good practice” technique ?
I've always slept in a sleeping bag. Always used it as a blanket and cursed that hood. This year I learned that there is one like this. Quilt! Now I just have to find the right one.
i don't sleep on the ground anymore, so quilts. indoors and out, every night. i've never slept outside at a temperature colder than -15F, but i do ok with the gear i have.
In colder weather, I use the usmc sleep system bags, but I am a side/stomach sleeper so I want to try a nemo riff15 (which will cut the weight by half!!!) and in spring, I take my dd hammock quilt. Cheers from France m. Becker
decent size square sleeping bag can be both. idea would be a system of two square sleeping bags that can be added up for colder seasons. This is what I will for my car camping
I open my 3 season bag and lay it over me. I use the hood by allowing it to sit over my face if needed.. I have the toe box and adequate width from the bag design.
I've never used my pad straps, not once. I just went with a wide quilt and find clipping the lower section together and cinching the drawstring around my neck is all that is needed. Forgot to clip the lower section together this weekend and I noticed for sure once the temps dipped into the teens.
Have you taken a look at one of the ZenBivy Light Beds? It's a quilt, but it has a sheet/hood thing to simulate a sleeping bag when needed. Just curious what your thoughts were on it. I have one and love it.
You need to check out the Zenbivy Bed. Its a quilt and an EN-rated sleeping bag. It solves the quilt problems you describe without straps. It uses a fitted sheet that does not restrict you, and does seal out drafts. It has head insulation/pillow management. If you don’t need a full sleeping bag; its a quilt too.
I've become a quilt guy over the years mainly for reasons of weight and space (bike packing) but you're dead right, getting a good night's sleep is fundamental to having a good time in the backcountry and you do make some good points in favour of sleeping bags. I've never actually bothered with the quilt straps but just wrap myself up in the quilt or use the loops to tie the sides together to make it effectively into a sleeping bag.
Most of my backpacking is over 10k and the extra 8oz of a sleeping bag over a quilt is necessary. If it’s hot well that’s what the zipper is for. Ain’t no zipper on a quilt so if it’s cold I have no choice and no sleep but hey I saved 8oz!
The other big reason that some people favor quilts is that they are less confining. I had to ditch my Kelty sleeping bags because I could barely move inside them with my wide shoulders, although I don't consider myself all that big of a guy. I didn't want a quilt, however, because I don't like my back exposed - although I do have a 6.9R sleeping pad. I found the perfect solution with the Therm-a-Rest Questar bag, which allows plenty of wiggle room for a mummy bag. Got a great deal on it, too!
I just got a Kuiu 15degree sleeping bag that was around $600 and it was warm but I still prefer my 10degree EE revelation quilt, bag was confining and felt too tight after using a quilt for a few years.
I use my Trimm Balance sleeping bag as a quilt and it is annoying because of the hood. I wish I could find a quilt with that material, it would be awesome.
You can pry my Katabatic gear flex quilt from my cold dead fingers... except it would take a lot in that thing to make me cold and dead. They also have a differential cut with elastic and it is amazing for draft protection. I totally get the debate about sleeping bags, but I absolutely love how versatile my quilt is and how I don’t feel suffocated when I side sleep. At the end of the day it is a decision backpackers will need to make and there’s no wrong sleep solution, just find what you prefer. Borrow a friend’s to try out for a weekend getaway before you commit.
