Backpacking Quilts - Are They Right For You?

Stuff I Mentioned in this Video:
Sleeping Bags VS Quilts - • Sleeping Bags VS Quilts
EE Enigma Quilt - bit.ly/37b1iSs
Zpacks Solo Quilt - zpacks.com/products/20f-solo-...
Katabatic Quilt - katabaticgear.com/shop/flex-2...
UGQ Bandit Quilt - ugqoutdoor.com/top-quilts/ban...
Outdoor Vitals Budget Quilt - amzn.to/2lh9uvA
Therm-a-rest X-Lite - amzn.to/2nOaOkA
Therm-a-rest X-Therm - amzn.to/2lRQa8e
Therm-a-rest Vesper - amzn.to/2lFfxdH
Outdoor Evolution - theoutdoorevolution.com
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-----Intro By: Kat Pendergast-----
superk.at
------ Music By: Mike Boren -------
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[@DarwinOnthetrail]

What Sleep System are you currently using on the Trail? Do you Rock a Quilt or a Sleeping Bag? 👇Let Us Know Down Below!👇

[@floesh-408]

I use the Cumulus Quilt 250 and 450 (both custom orders for more width) lighterpack.com/r/2k904f

[@megapod7930]

Moving over to a quit now actually. I decided to switch over after i used my extra wide bag as a quilt this summer. I left it zipped up and draped it over top of me during a very cold night at 12,000 ft just under forester pass. It was definitely warmer that way and i felt more free to roll around. Really though, I have never had a night as cold as that one. When i woke up the ground was covered in frost and my water bottles were frozen....

[@colinmclean3560]

I use the Aegismax M3, it is long and wide enough for me and I'm a side sleeper. It is light enough and packs down real small. I use the trekology ul 80 pad with trekology V2 pillow. It works well enough for me.

[@garyantesr]

Darwin onthetrail I use quilts in my hammock and when I go to ground, I have a 20* wolf mtn( out of business) and a 50* homemade joe using black diamond throws, just purchased a REI magma30*

[@mc52]

I use the Sierra Designs Cloud 800 sleeping bag: 20 degree down. Like a mummy bag without the zipper, it has a quilt 'blanket' cover. Easy in and out. I tried the quilt but even strapping the quilt to my pad I continually awoke with a cold exposed back. Thanks for your first video or I never would have tried the quilt or looked for different options and would be stuck with a mummy bag. I do use the quilt in warmer weather it's fantastic. Thanks again for all your videos! See ya on the trail!

[@slowfox532]

Years ago, I wanted to switch to a quilt but had no money to buy one. So I took my old mummy bag, cut off the zippers and hood, did some sewing and it worked fine for me up to now. This year I want to buy me a brand new real quilt and send my old one in retirement.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

NICE! Super Crafty!

[@treebeardtheent2200]

I basically did the same thing with the cold weather portion of a military sleep system. I kept only about the last foot of the zipper and I used a windproof lighter to heat the metal snaps to remove them (the heat melted the synthetic fabric quite neatly and much better than cutting). Removing that stuff cut the weight down and made it more comfy to use quilt style.

[@yogalandawellnessyolandati7654]

I cut hoods off every bag. If it’s cold I just wear a hat, but I don’t understand how people sleep fully cinched in a mummy bag 😮

[@ART1E057]

i wanna switch to a quilt but 1:47 has me thinking twice. look how content that man is. i wanna be that content

[@srhowey]

I respectfully have to disagree for myself I only use quilts in the summer +35F/+5C at least or greater. When it's colder than that I'm always waking up with a draft somewhere and I have the exact same set up as yourself, so for 9 months of the year I'm in a generously cut, high quality (expensive) sleeping bag. Love your content!

[@ScottDamery]

I am using a light weight cot with zlite sleep pad and a quilt.....love it

[@TXGranny2]

My hubby and I got the EE quilts after watching your last video, love them! We wouldn’t use anything else. Thanks Darwin!

[@backpacker3421]

Yup. I too am a side sleeping toss n' turner, and I LOVE my quilt. Best upgrade to my kit I ever made.

[@365survivalist]

As always Darwin great video with fantastic information coupled with your real life adventures...... resulting in first hand first class help to others. Thank you😉

[@janmariolle]

Thank you, Darwin for another great video. A few years ago I switched to a Jacks are better Sierra Sniveler and there is no going back! I can use the quilt as a poncho type jacket and Velcro in a detachable hood. You can even add down sleeves which I have really enjoyed on cold nights wether I used them as sleeves or leg warmers. Quilts are now my top choice because It works great with a hammock as well.

[@tonyslimick3241]

Thank you, this answered all my questions and I love your information on all the videos

[@justwalking1167]

Thanks Darwin. Big help picking out my first quilt.

[@gorbyteeter6380]

Great video, really appreciate the info, thanks Darwin!

[@1230986666]

Well, that answered all of my questions. I knew nothing, and now I am enlightened. Thank you for this video!

[@Slowhand871]

Thanks Darwin. I took your advice and got a EE 20degree quilt and loved it on my first backpacking trip around Mt. Rainier on the Wonderland trail last week. I enjoy your videos.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Nice! I would love to do the Wonderland!

[@GPosner8]

Really appreciate your presentation skills and information you provide.

[@ronbisti4352]

My mind was blown when I learned (from you) about quilts. For years using sleeping bags camping I always thought there had to be something better!

[@Z0MB13Redfield]

Darwin one of my favorite features of a quilt is if it get to hot a can kick my feet out

[@nate-beard]

Thanks Darwin! I use the nemo tensor long/wide pad and the katabatic gear flex 22 long/wide and I actually look forward to sleeping while backpacking! I Love the ability to roll around without getting tangled.

[@ExplorationAppalachian]

Just made the jump to a Hammock Gear quilt and absolutely love it. Havent even looked at a sleeping bag since then.

[@LinneaMae68]

I switched to a quilt after watching your last video about them. I toss and turn as well. I was hesitant about spending that much on something I wasn't even sure I would like, so I made my own! If you have any sewing skills at all, I guarantee you can make your own. I have a video up showing how I did it, and a link to the video I learned it from. I love my quilt. Thanks Darwin! Ps. I use my quilt paired with the insulated klymit with R4.4. I will be making a pad cover with straps next.

[@juliefrechette7562]

Thanks Darwin for all the great info! Haven't tried a quilt yet, this is only my second year of backpacking. I have mountain hardware ratio 32 bag it's a "comfortable" mummy and I really like it...I can move and bend my knees. I have the long version. I like it so much I sometimes sleep in it on my bed at home... 😁

[@chipkormas2840]

Love my quilt so much I turned a Costco down throw into a quilt that fits my recliner. Best all world's when catching a football game.

[@jeffreydaigle5917]

I paired that puppy up with my Sierra Designs 20° quilt and was wicked comfy up in elevation in the Eastern Sierra last weekend!

[@RiverRooney]

Chip Kormas 👌

[@jimjn3852]

I have a mummy bag that I use as a quilt. The zipper is down and to the edge of the pad. This works for me.

[@barryfullick7981]

Works for me too JN, and it keeps open the option of using the bag inside a bivvy sac, more easily than a quilt might allow which could be useful if tarping in changeable weather. And if I decide to commit to going full quilt, I can remove the zipper, save a few ounces of redundant weight and have a more compact easier to pack system. Now, if I can work it so I get to keep the hood. . .

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

Using a Mummy bag as a Quilt will not give you the weight savings a Quilt does...or the pack size...my 10 degree Zpacks.com quilt packs down to a half of a loaf of bread in size...and only weighs 23 oz.... My O degree Quilt from Jack's R Better...is a 28 oz bag and packs down to just under the size of a small loaf of bread... Jack's R Better Sierra Sniffler Quilts can be Warren like a jacket. . . so you don't need to carry a puffy jacket . . . www.jacksrbetter.com/product/high-sierra-sniveller/

[@lakorai2]

I have the Marmot Yolla Bolly 15 long. Semi rectangular down bag. This bag converts to a full quilt and since it is semi rectangular bag then it is not super restrictive.

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

@@kookkamajunga A quilt was designs for hammock camping...not for ground sleeping...I have a Zpacks 10 degree Quilt with the Zipper and a Jack's R Better Sierra Sniveler O degree Quilt...I also have a O degree Sleeping bag...yes the Quilts are lighter...

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

@@kookkamajunga Using a Mummy bag as a Quilt will not give you the weight savings a Quilt does...or the pack size...my 10 degree Zpacks quilt packs down to a half of a loaf of bread in size...and only weighs 23 oz.... My O degree Quilt from Jack's R Better...is a 28 oz bag and packs down to just under the size of a small loaf of bread... Jack's R Better Sierra Sniffler Quilts can be Warren like a jacket. . . so you don't need to carry a puffy jacket . . . www.jacksrbetter.com/product/high-sierra-sniveller/ Jack's R Better Sierra Sniffler Quilts are the best for the money, that you can buy, and you can wear this Quilt...on very cold days, so you can save on needing to carry a puffy jacket... JACK'S R BETTER come 25% overstuffed with down, you will have to buy a stuff bag as a separate purchase, they tell me a lot of people don't use a stuff bag any more, and just put their quilt in the bottom of their pack to save on weight...I like a stuff bag and got one when I order my Quilt from Jack's R Better... Jack's R Better, are one of the first Quilt makers, these kind folks, are one of the first commercial backpacking hammock makers on the market...and know something about a Quilt... Quilts where first designed for hammockers, not ground sleepers...but the Jack's R Better...are the best Quilts money can buy...for both sleeping options. www.jacksrbetter.com/product/high-sierra-sniveller/

[@JeremiahStringer]

I have yet to use a quilt, but I’m excited to give it a try! I have been using a spoon shaped mummy bag

[@emmab7658]

Thanks Darwin! I am considering trying a quilt and your video inspired me to take a leap of faith. 😃Gretings from Sweden!

[@jakethiringer1698]

I have a pair of the Aegismax UL sleeping bags that you reviewed in a budget gear video. But both are a blanket like rectangle shape unlike the mummy style you reviewed. It allows me the flexibility to use both either as blankets or sleeping bag to fit the situation. I carry one when summer camping and both when I expect colder temps. The rectangle shape also works well on a twin bed in a cabin when I am able to bring sheets.

[@drewpydeg]

Thanks for this! Looking to do the PCT next year and am so uncomfortable in a traditional backpacking sleeping bag. You answered every question I had about a hiking quilt. Enlightened Equipment bag is on it's way!

[@lyfeizgrate]

I got a quilt from Hang Tight off of Esty and loved it over the summer!

[@Ashley-qc2sc]

My favourite, most trustworthy piece of cooking gear is the MSR Titan Kettle, a really perfect bit of kit for solo use. I love the way it's engineered with the pan "gripping" the lid, so you can pick up by the lid even when full of water.

[@RiDankulous]

I may not buy a bag or quilt but I enjoy watching your videos, Darwin. Thanks! I am in Arizona and will do day hikes. Many with spectacular views are very close to Phoenix.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks Joe!

[@amkboyd]

I switched to a quilt last week. It was amazing! I will never use a mummy bag again. The freedom of movement was great.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

WELCOME!😂

[@BradyPatterson]

Quilt now for 8 years, never looked back. Always great content Darwin and I wish more people understood why quilts are better. One thing I think important to point out was mid-video you said you pull your quilt over your head. If camping in the winter, that is a no-no. You will quickly derate your quilt's insulation if using a down quilt due to all the moisture your breath puts into the down, even the dry-tec down on my newest quilt also has this issue in the cold. I do a lot of subzero trips and I used to do this and after 2-3 days, the upper portion of my quilt I could see the clumping starting from the moisture and the quilt is much cooler to sleep in. Better to use a hood or a buff or something over your face than the quilt when it's cold out.

[@SideTrailAdventures]

Thanks for the info! I've been using the Zpacks classic sleeping bag for a few years now and really love it. I do feel like there's a quilt in my future once the budget allows. Thanks for including some "budget" options to take a look at!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

NO PROB!

[@aspinamick1238]

Another great budget option is Econ quilts from hammock gear. The econ version runs cheaper than their premium and what I've seen from EE. I have two of the econs and the quality is great!

[@jhonyermo]

I have one of them also. I agree with you about Hammock gear even though I am a ground sleeper. I do love my HG quilt. And the price was right for what I got too.

[@aspinamick1238]

@@jhonyermo I'm also a ground sleeper :) (though I've considered trying out a hammock setup). I just love the quality + price of their quilts. I have heard from many that they sell good quality hammocking gear as well, though.

[@rageoid]

I have an HG econ 40 degree underquilt, a 30 degree HG regular goose down underquilt, and an HG 30 degree econ top quilt, along with some other brands as well, including EE and HGQ. I prefer the goose down for the weight savings and what I perceive as better loft, translating to a little better insulation. That said, I have used my econs extensively for shorter trips and they have performed well. If you can afford the goose down, I heartily recommend it - if not, the econs are a great choice.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

🤔 Might have to check them out!

[@fredihle1468]

@@DarwinOnthetrail only used one quilt, but it's a Hammock Gear and I love it. And temp rating/weight ended up being a better bargain than EQ

[@LiboltAdventures]

This is some good information as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@Doa616]

I’m a quilt user,,, saw ur vid a while back when I barely got into backpacking and I move a lot too ,,, best sleep I ever have on trail ,,,

[@philwestmoreland9319]

I switched from a mummy bag to a UGQ quilt for the JMT that I completed 2 weeks ago. I too am a side sleeper and sometimes restless. There were a few nights that dropped below freezing and I am still sold on the quilt. It took a few days to get used to the strap system but I couldn't see going back to a mummy bag. Thanks for all the information and inspiration you provide on your channel.

[@OrvilFields]

I've been using a quilt since I made my first Ray Jardine quilt from his kits in 2006. Still have those quilts but when backpacking I use Enlightened Equipment and Zpacks quilts now. Love them!!! All the same reasons you use a quilt.

[@rickguthrie7662]

Orvil - I bought a Ray Jardine style pack (13oz) from Ebay about 2006. Still have it but am using a different pack today.

[@OrvilFields]

@@rickguthrie7662 I still have my Ray Jardine pack I made from his kit from many years ago. I haven’t used it in a while. I think mine is 14 or 15 oz.

[@rickguthrie7662]

@@OrvilFields I also took a design from Henry Shires - Tarptent - that he built and used on the PCT - prior to starting Tarptent- I bought the fabric in Seattle and had a seamstress sew it for me. Still works as a tarp with netting but can't sit up. Does not resemble Henry's amazing Tarptent's available today.

[@tonymay19671]

Ordered a UGQ quilt last night. Can’t wait!,

[@rickguthrie7662]

Tony, I am getting ready to order a UGQ or EE. How do you like your quilt? Does the center cinch strap bother you? How about the temp rating - true to form? Thanks Rick

[@tamaracheeseman183]

Just ordered my UGQ Bandit 10 degree. Can't wait.

[@joshpotter3172]

I switched to a quilt last year, I absolutely love it. I made my own and used climashield apex insulation. Was a easy project with minimal sewing skills. Ended up making one for each guy I was in elk camp with.

[@emaleeharding362]

do you make customs? :)

[@normankaesberg8049]

@@emaleeharding362 you 😅

[@noBearAdventures]

Thanks man. Your informed and valuable info is one of the reasons I switched to the Revelation. And that 1st quilt will be here Monday! It’s been a long 4 weeks waiting (actually a month quicker than the lead time they gave me... but you know what I mean. Instant gratification is a thing). But I’m stoked to get it out on trail next week.

[@SummitSeeker546]

On a future update please inform us on what you wear to sleep in, how do you keep your head & ears warm, use of a liner, etc...

[@BackcountryForward]

JUST starting to test out quilts. I know everyone seems to hate being "cocooned" but the thing I've noticed the most so far is that I think I actually really enjoy that feeling. Thanks for another great video Darwin. Keep Moving Forward!

[@BackcountryForward]

I’m a cold sleeper so I find I start cocooned and will layer up (sweater, jacket, second layer of thermals) as the night goes on if I have to.

[@mikemancos8808]

Dude nailed it,, I agree with. Almost everything D says on this one,, I learned The pad lesson and I wish my quilt was wider

[@stevemensen8325]

Definitely a quilt fan. I have broad shoulders, so I went with the wide for my enigma. As a side sleeper, I found my issue to be that the standard sleeping pad size of about 20 inches was too narrow. My arm would lay wierd, or fall of the sleeping pad causing huge pain in my shoulder. I upgraded to a 25 inch wide pad and it gives plenty of room for my arm to lay naturally and more comfortably as well.

[@markpanarese2452]

Great video Darwin! I have made the switch for this falls backpacking trip. I will be using the Nemo Tensor insulated wide regular for my ground pad. They don’t pitch R value that I know of but it is a step above the uninsulated version and below there alpine version of UL pads. I got it on sale at REI. I also like how you pointed out companies like UGQ have “off the Rack” or Fastrack quilts. I went with a fastrack UGQ 30 degree bandit 55x 72. The price for this was around $200. My Trip is in early October so looking forward to see how this new system works. Keep up the great work.

[@danpi7688]

Thanks Darwin🙏🏻. That’s helps me excellent 🤙

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

🤙👍🤘

[@marjiecleveland]

I’m also a back & forth side sleeper, so never liked mummy bags. I know a quilt will be best for me and am saving to get a good quality one. Thanks for the update!

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

Bought a used $40 sewing machine on Craigslist, bought Climashield Apex insulation, breathable fabric from Dutchware Gear. 1/2 the cost. Sew easy :) Next on my list is a SilNylon tarp, w no-see-um mesh at edges and ends, and tub floor. Wooohooo!

[@youztuber5000]

I'm a hammocker and use a beautiful custom outdoorink 10 degree 850 fill down UGQ underquilt...and a raggedy old synthetic 20 degree mummy bag I got on sale at big 5 a couple years ago for $20 that is so torn to bits it looks and acts more like a quilt...that weighs 4 lbs. But it works okay at the moment. I'm saving up for a UGQ top quilt right now so I will be able to survive the winter snow.

[@richardezzard9635]

Great video again Darwin,, I've been using the As Tucas Sestrals Apex 200 uilt for a few months now,, really like it and its the large wide one too. I'm looking forward to this winter and seeing how in performs in our British climate,, 👍 👍

[@fastlane62]

Just finished making my new synthetic quilt! Hoping to test it out before it gets too cold!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

SWEET! DIY Gear Rules!

[@hikingwithjoe1789]

I recently switched over to the Sierra Designs Cloud 20, which is a zipperless mummy bag (so kind of a bag-quilt hybrid). It's lighter than a traditional mummy bag but not quite as light as a quilt, but the benefit for me is that I can roll around at night and use the top flap as a blanket in the same way the quilt works. I've used it for 4 nights at temps in the upper 20s/lower 30s and so far, I'm really impressed.

[@Sklallamstrong]

You did a great video before about quilts and mentioned UGQ, my wife looked them up and got a 30 degree quilt from them. We love it. I take it camping, she even takes it on road trips when she goes home to visit the folks. It's won us over and now I want another one. I sleep on a Thermarest Basecamp or sometimes the Thermarest Luxurymap pad which are a little heavier and bulkier than ultralight pads but they sure comfy. Hike on.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Their Quality is Phenomenal!

[@lancejames8392]

Hi Darwin, great video as usual. I’ve been using quilts from Nunatak, UK hammocks, Elightened Equipment and Zpack for the past five years. Always lighter in weight and cheaper than an equivalent sleeping bag IMHO.

[@jeffreydaigle5917]

Thanks for the tips bro! Just did a little loop going over the Lamarck Col down into Evolution Valley on the PCT/JMT with a couple of Bros and got some new gear with inspiration from your suggestions. Was wicked comfy! Keep on Trekin'!

[@hhohn7]

I'm going to switch to a quilt. I just ordered an EE Revelation. Sometimes my legs get hot and I'm looking forward to being able to unzip the footbox and kick the covers aside. Thanks very much Darwin!

[@d00dEEE]

I've been using quilts for about 5 years now, my warm weather one is a old Thermarest 35 and when the temps drop, I use an EE Enigma 20. I never use the straps, just toss it on the pad (X-Therm) and fall asleep. I recently borrowed my wife's 5-degree mummy bag for an adventure in the snow, and boy did I regret that, should have used the EE. The mummy was horrible, every time I rolled over or tried to sleep on my stomach the bag wound up and tried to strangle me. I too will never go back to bags.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

That earlier video was one of the reasons I decided to switch to a quilt. Maybe a little over 2 years ago. Love my Katabatic Alsek for 3 season. Cosco quilt for summer. Quilt 90 percent of the time. I do go back to a mummy for any COLD winter stuff.

[@burgoo64]

Ugq 30 degree quilt. Have for 3 years and love it..

[@HuckOutdoors]

Love my Cedar Ridge Quilts!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Need to check theirs out! I've heard great things!

[@Stewbphoto]

Quilt for a few years now .. love it! But I am a hammock guy and I always get a great night sleep 😴

[@onefootatatime263]

Each night can vary Thanks for your video Cheers

[@animal_cookie]

Ooh I love this. I pretty much do this with my sleeping bag as is because if I feel tangled/trapped in the middle of the night, I'll launch into a panic attack. I'll definitely be looking into these

[@lightsnsiren79]

Thanks for a great explanation.

[@danclark3292]

As I mentioned in my note to the last video, I ordered the enigma in a custom configuration a few weeks ago (and you told me to stay tuned). Glad I did order before this video - I get the sense the lead times on the custom orders could be going up now based on your recommendation... BTW, love your videos, they inspire and inform.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

NICE! You'll Love it! Hike On, Darwin

[@logicsoundinc]

In my last update at EE, custom down-filled lead times are hovering around the 4-5 week mark!

[@danclark3292]

Jim Trouten That’s about what it was when I ordered on Oct 9th. As follow up, they just shipped The quilt yesterday so it came in under the short end of their estimate.

[@logicsoundinc]

Dan Clark sweet! I’m glad we were able to get it to you more quickly! The production room has been buzzing!

[@fuckoffgoogle8199]

Thanks mate, good info!

[@seamus-xi7hz]

Thanks for the useful information...Cheers.

[@cgriggsiv]

Awesome little video you got their Darwin I am rocking a underquilt and a over quilt from hang tight shop and they are both 20° I also have a Aegismax 30 degree down sleeping bag which also works as a over quilt

[@john_kelley]

Love the creepy smile on the pan up the quilt! LOL

[@EdwardGomillion]

We are still experimenting with both. Great video and we’ll let you know.

[@Campology]

Nicely done... again!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks! Hike On, Darwin

[@jonwlindberg]

Went to a quilt this summer and love it but it's even a better deal than that Amazon deal you posted and guess what? It's from EE. If you check their Apex Enigma synthetics the Long, Wide goes for around $190 and weighs super light. Love it. Bought 2. Shipped off the shelf. If I can find a light weight 3P tent that handles my wife and I and our 2 dogs that doesn't break the bank I will be in hog heaven. BTW, here's another pack on the cheap: Outdoor Products Arrowhead, 47 liter, 2 lbs at Walmart for $23. Lifetime warranty. Have had good result with this pack and have not gone to DCF because when this one wears out I'm probably just buying another one. 5 trips and no problems yet but I don't over stuff my packs like some people. You should put that on your frugal gear list. Thanks, DOT, keep the good stuff coming!!

[@adamhinojosa6295]

15 degree top quilt from outdoor vitals. Big agnes slx q core delux 3.2 R. Still got chilly on a early spring trip.

[@scottkenyon3194]

Great video. Thanks!

[@timothymitchell7250]

I have a 20 degree quilt from Jacks R Better and love it. For stopping drafts, I just make sure the cord is drawn at the top and let the rest hang. For some really cold nights, i have added a Sea to Summit liner bag with the quilt over it. Worked well. Also have used a foam pad with an inflatable in the winter, as I have a cheap inflatable pad.

[@anthonyduris2713]

Thanks Darwin, like all your vids - very helpful, useful info, even years later! I appreciate your real world perspective. I'm hoping to get some realistic practical guidance sizing a quilt as I transition from mummy bags to lighter weight, more range and versatility. I’ve been hiking the Whites the last 10+ years, starting with long weekends and moving up to week+longer hikes. I started out cheap with a 4lb Slumberjack 20F, moving to the lighter 2.25lb Marmot Nanowave 35F after realizing how much versatility there was in layers, good padding and cinching up a mummy bag. Got to the point where my son and I were able to achieve the coveted Boy Scout Black Bead sleeping out under the stars at Carter Notch on a frozen lake at -5F in our Slumberjack 20F's. Both of us stayed warm and toasty all night! I've also been able to sleep warm + comfortable at 15F in the Mahoosuc Notch shelter in the Nanowave 35F. I'm looking to get my base weight to 15lb or less so I can hike the AT and be reasonably positioned for the CDT and PCT. Having less weight for winter hikes will be nice too! I am confident most 20 or 30F quilts will work for me on the AT. I'm trying to decide tho how to best position myself for the CDT, PCT and winter hikes in the Whites. To date I have gone cheap on bag+pad. Now I'm ready to invest long term, long hike. Given what I've read here and elsewhere, I am a goldilocks sleeper - not too cold, not too hot, knowing how to layer,pad+cinch for comfort. My question is: can I attain similar results with a quilt if I go longer+wider to match the length+shoulder of my Nano 35? curling+cinching up so that I can get to -5F or even 0F with a 20F quilt? I'm considering an EE Revelation 20 Long+Wide, figuring I'll likely be better off using 2-3 oz to increase the quilt size in order to mummify rather than going the hoodlum way. Given my experience and what I’ve read here+elsewhere, I’m focusing on reducing draft rather than just increasing insulation. I am also upgrading my old reliable 1.5lb ThermaRest Short Self-Inflate Backpacker pad which is 1.5" and 3+R. It's served me well+warm all the way down to -20 to -30F nights on the Presidentials using the backpack as a pad under my calves+feet as I’ve always done. I'm considering upgrading it with TR NeoAir XLite Short with R4.4 at 8oz. Do you think my calves+feet will be cooler or the same with the quilt over my pack? I'm assuming I'll want draft tubes for the zip no? Ideally, I’d like to trade up my 3 season 3.75lb Nano bag+pad setup to a 2lb 3-4ish season quilt+pad setup that I will likely not need to change for the PCT or CDT. I realize I will have to tho for -10F and cooler nights in the Whites! Any guidance is much appreciated.

[@jamesshields1969]

Great video Darwin, I have made the change to a quilt over a year ago- based on your earlier review of your change over.... I'm not sure I'll look back or change back to a full bag either. I have chose to go with teh Paria Outoors 15deg quilt and it is wonderful, for me. If I change anything at all it will be to get myself a more expensive quilt with my own custom additions. Until then, I'll use my current quilt until it just cant go on another trip. Thank you again.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

NICE! Keep on Quilting!

[@johneason6540]

Nice refresher! You do present a lot of gear information, sometime you can forget things

[@chevpowr]

went backpacking for the first time and had an awful night sleep! I had a nice sleeping bag but continually rolled off the pad and slid around all night. I had to sleep on the ground haha! Thanks for showing us the proper way for a moving sleeper like me! Hike on!!!

[@indieinndigest]

I use the Aegismax ul 30 degree quilt you recommended in your budget video with a therm-a-rest zlite foam pad. I'm usually on the hotter side, I like being able to let a draft in to cool me down and a quilt allows that. Works for me and didn't break the bank to get it. Thanks!

[@rageoid]

Great review on a pertinent topic. I prefer a sleeping bag when tent camping under 38 degrees F - I have a 20 degree EE convertible down bag and an EE 20 degree sewn toe- box quilt. For tents I use the full size Neoair Xlite pad, the gold one, which has a decent R-value. In the tent I grow weary of messing with the quilt pad straps when I need to get up in the night and I always seem a little colder in the quilt, in direct comparison with the bag of the same brand and rating. I much prefer a quilt in warmer temps down to about that 38 degree floor. In hammock camping the draft problem is minimized and I enjoy my quilts very much. Wondering if I'm alone on this.

[@brianwaldron342]

I’ve changed to a quilt, but when it’s really cold I still use a very light down liner. I find it gives me the best of both worlds and in warm conditions I just use the down liner. These two things give me three options when I’m out walking.

[@knotfinley]

I started by zipping my mummy bag up only about foot and leaving the top unzipped to immitate a quilt. Decided I liked it then bought a quilt and will never go back. Side and stomach sleeper also toss and turn. Quilt works great for me. The pad is just as important as the quilt. I first heard about it from Ray-Way Jardine. Back then weren't to many quilts around, much better now.

[@autumngerfen5746]

I just picked up an Outdoor Vitals quilt last week finally. I only just started backpacking this year and wanted something I could use in colder weather that didn't add a ton to my pack weight. I made the decision based on your last video on this topic and was just slowly saving up until I could afford it.

[@HockeyDad6631]

I converted to an Outdoor Vitals quilt about 18 months ago and after using it in all seasons, I'm definitely a quilt convert for anything above about 25F (give or take). In super cold weather I still use a bag.

[@denislejeune9218]

Never knew about quilts. Interesting.

[@guitarhiker4449]

Good stuff man! You killed me with that clip of you smiling in the sleeping bag lol.. Sounds like you have got some good use outta that quilt! I'm still converting and im using a hybrid at the moment its the sea to summit micro 2 goose dry down 36 degree for 3 seasons and im using the thermarest military prolite 4 sleeping pad it has a 3.2 R value they do well paired together. I like the draw string foot box with the micro and im only 5'8" but i purchased the long version and it gives me that little extra room to move around while im sleeping. I will be getting a UGQ bandit quilt to try out soon though! Hike on!

[@IPANoah]

I use the Outdoor Vitals 30 degree quilt Darwin mentions. Very happy with it paired the OV insulated mummy pad. Haven't taken it down below 35 yet, but if you sleep in some insulating layers I'm sure the set-up would work well for most people down below 30.

[@ElToro36]

Much gratitude for your thoughtful and practical guidance on sleep systems, Mr. Darwin. You address common misperceptions with actual experience and solid visual explanations. One question about the sleeping pad: do you find yourself covering the upper section (where your head and shoulders rest) with a t-shirt, towel or other fabric to protect the pad? From a maintenance standpoint, it seems safer and easier to wash a shirt or towel than the pad.

[@nalonabrato8900]

I’m in the middle: I have an EE 20 degree Conundrum hybrid. I love it! I move around a lot in my sleep. I can’t even estimate how many times I woke up with my face trapped in the hood of a mummy bag thinking some creature was swallowing my head. Talk about panic! 🤣 BTW, my sleeping pad changes with the weather; I’m a cold sleeper. Most often I use a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite. I’m a feather pillow lover, so I use an overstuffed GooseFeet Gear down pillow. It actually weighs less than my Sea to Summit Aeros that I dubbed my “slip n’ slide”.

[@TheQuartermaster55]

I have an outdoor vitals 15° quilt and a klymit static v UL sleeping pad, and it has a 4.2 r value. It's nice and wide, and with the 15° quilt I can definitely make it deeper into fall. I'm a warm sleeper, and also picked up a thermarest u relight so I can still use the quilt in the summer without over heating. I move a lot in my sleep, I dont come off the pad, and my quilt always pretty much stays where it needs to be.

[@mirtooutside2657]

I’ve never done cold weather camping. I live down in Deep South Texas and in the spring and summer I put my sleeping pad inside a Walmart sleeping bag liner and just sleep on top of it with no sleeping bag or quilt.

[@sixties00]

1:46 Looks like you found that guy like that in the woods and said "ooh perfect for my quilts video" :)

[@paulmacdonald728]

Still in a mummy bag. Nights get cold in the white mountains lol looking to grab a quilt tho for my AT attempt next spring. I'm starting in February so I'll drag the mummy with me for the first part of it but will switch out to the quilt when weather allows. Thank you for your videos!!

[@floesh-408]

There are two basic standards for the determination of fill power: American and European. The following is worth paying attention to when comparing available products, because it often causes some confusion. American 850 cuin corresponds to European 800 cuin. At Cumulus they use European standards.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Great Info!

[@HM-gk3rq]

I used my husband’s Katabatic flex quilt for the first time and enjoyed using it. People always say they are expensive but I found although there isn’t any customization it really isn’t more expensive than when I have configured quilts on other websites. It’s super comfy and warm.

[@HM-gk3rq]

With a 25 inch nemo tensor insulated pad. Super comfy

[@martinmccarron9908]

Hi I’m a new subscriber I use an exped 9 pad plus a vesper 6 quilt but the difference is that I slip a rectangular fleece liner which fits perfectly at the open end I just use micro tarp grips and it’s absolutely perfect for me as I’m a fidgety sleeper

[@Yellow.Dog.]

Thanks Darwin!!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Yeah Buddy!

[@RiverRooney]

Bill Yellowdog Welding 👍