Sleeping bag vs. quilt

imported
#1

I’m considering switching from bag to quilt. Pros and Cons? Weight obviously, etc.

bowlegs

#2

The only downside to a quilt is the possibility of a cold draft caused when you move around in your sleep. I’ve gotten use to retucking it as I move around in a half sleep state, but some have problems adapting and give up. I’m also a tarp/bivy person, and when using a bivy sack, it will make any drafts a non issue. As you are sleeping directly on your pad, you definitely want to wear some sort of clothing. There is no mummy hood so most of us use a balaclava to sleep in when its cold.

Advantages are weight and a smaller size in your pack. In warmer weather it works slightly better then an opened sleeping bag being used as if it was a quilt since the bottom half of a sleeping bag isn’t usually as full of down as the top half so half of your body might end up warmer then the other half.

I’ve used my quilt (Golite Ultra20) for 2 years including the PCT and will continue to do so in the future.

Miner

#3

ours is homemade…synthetic (not down)…and has ‘tabs’ at the top to reduce drafts(and for tucking), and a short zipper at the foot which also helps it to stay in place…it can be washed easier than a bag and i personally don’t feel as confined as i do in a bag…(turning over seems easier, much like being in your own bed!)…of course it works very well for two…love the weight savings!..oh yeah…i forgot to mention we sewed lightweight nylon ‘wings’ down the side of ours (no…it’s not for flying)…but it helps on drafts with practically no added weight!..we’ve used our good ol’ quilt on the AT, the PCT, the FT and the BMT…and after 6000 miles it’s still goin’ strong!..i can’t think of ANY ‘cons’!

maw-ee

#4

I can’t think of any cons either. I bought mine as a “long”, so i can mummy myself. So far i’ve been warm down into the 20s with just underwear, a hat, and my GoLIte ultra 20. Be forewarned that the GoLite straps will break. Nunatak makes better ones, but are more expensive. But GoLite was good with sending replacement straps, and once you sew them in better you’re good to go.

I’ll never go back to a bag, unless i’m doing Denali or something in winter. There’s no such thing as a -20 degree quilt. :lol

markv

#5

Maw-ee, your quilt sounds very interesting. Do you have any pics?

Quilt

#6

My 40 year old REI mummy bag has about 2 1/2 pounds of goose down in it. Could I reuse the down in a quilt or has the down permanently lost its loft? I’d love to make my own quilt. Are there plans/patterns out there?

bowlegs

#7

I would think your used down would be perfectly fine once you took it out and fluffed it up.

For making quilts:

http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Quilt-Kit/index.htm

markv

#8

I switched to a quilt several years ago and like it much better. I found the sleeping bag very confining as I am a side sleeper. The quilt is much like your bed spread at home.

Using a quilt does require you to cinch down the bottom straps to prevent cold air links - much like a bed spread/comforter at home would. I don;t find it a big issue - just something to remember.

When I am in toss-n-turn mode, I find the quilt excellent as I don’t end up strangulated by a sleeping bag. If you get hot, just pull it down as you would a comforter.

Good luck!

OregonBeerMan

#9

Definitely pro quilt over here. It’s just so much more customizable as far as warmth goes. I don’t usually have an issue with movement, but if it gets really cold, I just cocoon myself and all is well.

Dani