5 Reasons Quilts Are Better Than Sleeping Bags & My Deep Winter Sleep System

[@CD02]

Jay this mustache system is next level!

[@MindfulHunter]

🥸

[@harduphiker]

Agreed, came for the gear, stayed for the tache ;-)

[@harduphiker]

I still use a down bag and the same liner - I wish I could afford a quilt! They are rather pricey.

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@christopherbates8586]

Loved seeing a quilt in “action” for the first time alongside the detailed explanation of layering systems for 3/4 season set up. Thanks Jay!

[@MindfulHunter]

💪

[@DrLuigiPhd]

I am hesitant to switch to a quilt, but I did just get an Exped 5R LW and also sleep on my side. You did get me thinking about the double pillow.

[@MindfulHunter]

🙌

[@brian______]

Super informative and helpful yet again Jay. I'm going to be trying out a quilt system this year and having your experience in much harsher conditions than I anticipate being in makes me much more comfortable in that choice.

[@MindfulHunter]

Awesome. Glad I was helpful. Let me know your thoughts once you test it out.

[@sneakybow1]

​​@@MindfulHunterJay, the EE Enigma 50 degree apex quilt is pretty ridiculously light, 12oz or so for a long wide. Also look into the Alfabatik overbag from Nunatak gear. It's an alpha direct 50 degree bag. The Rapide SL from BA is the closest thing to the QCore SLX you have now.

[@jefffox9789]

Your videos and podcast are awesome! So informative and non biased! Thank you

[@MindfulHunter]

My pleasure man, appreciate the feedback!

[@johnkunis353]

I was considering purchasing a quilt, and this video convinced me to do it. I ordered the Enigma with synthetic insulation. I am planning on doing a lot of camping, backpacking, and hunting this year; we shall see how it works out!

[@MindfulHunter]

Let me know how it works out!

[@lcarlson5483]

This answered so many questions i have as someone who is looking to get into backpack hunting thank you

[@MindfulHunter]

You’re welcome! Appreciate the feedback.

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Looks excellent. Id like to know if you use an base pad under the inflatable for protection? I also am in agreement with just a full dimension rectangle pad and no mummy cut pad.

[@MindfulHunter]

Nope. Unless I’m in a floorless shelter then I use a piece of tyvek or a dyneema groundsheet

[@backcountrycanuck2029]

Do you ever have issues with the quilt touching the ground and picking up moisture?

[@MindfulHunter]

Nope. I’m either in a floored shelter or use a ground sheet.

[@N0_Murphy]

You changed my mind on a sleeping bag. I’m gonna start looking at quilts now. Might even change my shelter. I like to be warm when I sleep so I figured a sleeping bag and stove would best best. Sounds like I was very wrong. Thanks for these reviews!

[@MindfulHunter]

My pleasure! There are definitely hunts I run stoves on but not all winter hunts that’s for sure.

[@bobellamy7120]

I got a quilt for my hammock setup and like it more then a sleeping bag. After the learning curve of using it on an air pad. Thanks for the tips, I look forward to all your reviews.

[@MindfulHunter]

Can definitely be a little finicky but worth it.

[@johnjay1147]

My body type is very similar to you. And I’ve had the same issues with mummy bags. Thanks for tipping the scale, I’m buying the same quilt as you.

[@MindfulHunter]

My pleasure. Let me know how it’s works out.

[@jasonfox8020]

I live in Alabama. I frequently go places where they have beds but I have to take something to cover up with and a pillow and towel and washcloth to stay at a camp. My current fleece blanket and “my pillow” pillow and towel/wash cloth take up a 13 gallon trash bag. What do you recommend that I would be comfy in from 30 to 80 degrees F? Love the channel and thanks in advance

[@MindfulHunter]

Ha! Was just about to reply and then figured out were currently having this discussion on mindful reviews! Thanks for joining!

[@lloydfield9442]

when i was 12, I was in air cadets in Prince George. We had to do a weekend -25 winter camping trip in Jasper. I believe the army winter sleeping bags they used had goose down. We were warned to not wear clothing while sleeping or we would sweat and freeze to death good times

[@lloydfield9442]

-35c**** not -25 lol

[@MindfulHunter]

I totally remember being told as a child that you couldn’t sleep in your clothes in your sleeping bag because it would make you colder. I have no idea where that originally came from. Lol.

[@vancejohnson1778]

Bad ass system man! Dig the reviews, like seeing the different systems u are using have been intrigued by the idea of going to a quilt and away from the sleeping bag i have been running, even being shorter i still find them very constricting

[@MindfulHunter]

Thanks man. Let me know if you try one out.

[@GostoFan]

Also, I just ordered a 30 degree Enlightened Equipment Synthetic during their sale they just had. I went with the 30 degree Reg/wide in-stock version because a) it was on sale and b) according to their chart the 30 degree compressed to 8.5L while the 20 degree synthetic was 12.5L. Im hoping the Wide is wide enough. Im planning on using the quilt for Sept archery elk. I went synthetic because I hate wet and clammy stuff and wanted something that would dry fast and insulate if it got damp

[@MindfulHunter]

Sounds like a good setup, let me know how it works out for you.

[@seanrogers3245]

Great video & information 👍 Thank you very much! - Sean -

[@MindfulHunter]

💪

[@markjohnston423]

Thank you for another great video! The tips for using a quilt in colder temps was especially helpful, and knowing that they might solve the twisted mummy bag struggle. That’s not something that I’ve heard talked about much.

[@MindfulHunter]

Glad it was helpful.

[@working_to_hunt]

Great demonstration! Any advice for stomach sleeper with arms over head using a quilt?

[@MindfulHunter]

Good question. I’m sure there’s gotta be a comfortable setup but I’m not much help.

[@MindfulHunter]

@TheDracoRPG 🫡

[@poserstookmyalias]

I have this issue with quilts, my arm and hand gets super cold at night. But in sleeping bags that have the hood, the hood is usually too tight for my arm so it's uncomfortable. I found zen bivy has a sheet with a built in hood which is down and wide enough for me to fit my arm into, i slip it over my pad, and run my EE quilt like normal and slide my arm into the hood. Works much better.

[@brokenheart_hunter]

Hey mate, thanks for all the information. Any thoughts on doing a review on hammock systems or is that not your thing?

[@MindfulHunter]

My pleasure man. I can't make any promises but I'll put it on the list!

[@davidlopez1112]

I just ordered my custom 950 down Enigma 20 degree last week!

[@MindfulHunter]

Nice! Let me know how it works out!

[@GostoFan]

Another question… I see you are using the Reactor liner, and it looks to be the regular one. They make a Reactor Extreme which looks to be a little thicker ( they say 9 more degrees than the regular Reactor….but it’s like 6.5 oz heavier). Any reason to go with the Extreme or just stay with the regular one? I’m trying to maybe add 5-10 degrees or so to my 30 degree Apex quilt.

[@MindfulHunter]

The extra weight just wasnt worth it. I went down to -25c and -10f with the regular one and puffy layers no problem and was plenty toasty.

[@Rickityrektson]

Great video! Thank you for the top notch info. Interested in the quilt. However, i’m 6’ and weigh 175-180. Would you recommend a regular or long? What did you get for your hight as well? You probably mentioned it in the video, but I just couldn’t find it. Always afraid of getting something maxed out to 6’ and not having enough length to cover me fully while providing extra wiggle room. Thanks for all your hard work boss man!

[@MindfulHunter]

I’m 6’1” 230lbs and run the wide long. I think long regular would be perfect for your build. I like a little extra length just in case. Let’s you tuck in a bit better when cold and have room for extra clothes in the foot box if necessary.

[@Rickityrektson]

@@MindfulHunter Thanks for the feedback! Also, was there any particular reason you didn’t add the draft collar? I live in south Alaska and the wind is… common. However i’m usually always in a tent. Never tried a floor-less trekking tent before but am aware that’s usually how you go about with your shelter if I’m not mistaken. Any thoughts? Thank you for all you’re info for the past years. Love who you are as a person and that you really dig deep into the details and points that matter. Bottomline, you are informative. Appreciate your hard work and keep the grind going bro. 😤 Thank you for your service as well! 🇺🇸

[@Adam_Bileckyj]

6'3" 245 (not as lean as you). I have the 30x78" Q-core deluxe and 25x78 ether light. That ether light is second to none when it comes to comfort, its truly unbelievable in that department. I like the additional width of the q-core though as I am an active sleeper. I want to move to a quilt, should I just grab the same one you have in the biggest size they offer? Do you think it would work with two different size pads?

[@MindfulHunter]

I think that quilt would work for sure. There’s a ton of adjustability on the straps and that second pad is only 5” wider. Let me know what you end up going with.

[@tomasfarr3446]

Hi Jay, I looked up that STS Ether Light XT. It has an R value of 3.2 That a bit low? My coldest temp for me to consider would be around -4°C

[@MindfulHunter]

I don’t use the same pad all year. If you’re going to spend significant time in negative temps I’d get a warmer pad.

[@sethberg2065]

Been looking for a new bag, but i think i am going to start looking into a quilt instead after this.

[@MindfulHunter]

Let me know your thoughts if you end up running a quilt.

[@GostoFan]

I just received my 30 degree Revelation Apex. The quilt is really high quality and I really like it. My only concern is the longevity/durability of the synthetic insulation… I didn’t realize synthetic insulation doesn’t get a lot of love for long term durability compared to down. Do you have any thoughts or experience with this?

[@MindfulHunter]

It’s a good question. I’ve been running mine for 3 years with no issues yet.

[@DR4Christ]

At what Temp are you definitely using the Reactor and when is it not even going on the hunt with you? Do you use it when wet?

[@MindfulHunter]

I was in -10c, 15f without it no problem. However if you have it you can ditch some puffy layers which does result in a more comfortable sleep sometimes. Personal preserve I’d say. It’s not absolutely necessary until you get below -20c, -5f I’d say with this quilt. And yes I use it when I’m soaking wet. Works phenomenally well.

[@13hawks32claws]

Sounds like a good switch for me. I’m a side sleeping, mummy bag hater. 💪🏼

[@MindfulHunter]

Yessir!

[@GostoFan]

What width quilt do you order? Wide or Extra Wide?

[@MindfulHunter]

I went with wide and I have plenty of room.

[@NWPURSUIT]

🔥

[@MindfulHunter]

💪

[@greasemonkey4god]

👊🏼

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@garyo4456]

So why don’t manufactures create a sleeping pad with a quilt top that zips or snaps to the underside of the pad!?? Come on Western Mountaineering or Feather Friends….take it to the next level and put an end to the quilt vs bag debate!!

[@MindfulHunter]

That’s a great question. Normally they’re different companies but you’d think we’d see a collab or something.

[@garyo4456]

@@MindfulHunter - The company that hits that…will own the nitch!

[@dirtsurf1]

Big agnes kind of does I think. They make bags with no insulation on the back that have a sleeve for a pad.

[@sneakybow1]

​@garyo4456 you're describing a ZenBivy, the ones that Big Agnes changed just enough to where there's wasn't a direct copy of.