And why Quilts are STILL better than Sleeping Bags

[@JustinOutdoors]

Check out Garage Grown Gear quilts here: geni.us/GGG-Quilts

[@dontpanicbotanics]

I went with a quilt because I hammock camp. It'd be neat if you did some testing of hammocks Justin! One of the main reasons I go backpacking is to get to sleep in a hammock personally and quilts are far superior for that.

[@nebc_yukonyeti]

Agree, hammocks over tents when able to. It takes a little more tweaking than tents to get dialed in. But once you do it’s hard to go to ground after.

[@iceman857]

So many of the problems of not being able to sleep outside are handled for me by using a hammock.

[@JBC_cat]

my biggest pet peeve about them is they are just to expensive for what you get. They should be cheaper than a sleeping bag. They have less fill. Less material. No zippers. No hoody. Like seriously, What the heck am I paying triple for one for? The quilt makers are scammers!

[@mateobeans3787]

I actually solved the side draft issue by moving the quilt / pad straps in towards the center of the pad. Keep the clips about 8” from the outer edge and I don’t feel any drafts….

[@funnybeingme]

Same. Also when it is cold, you don't have much dead space inside the bag to worry about that can make you feel colder.

[@TheFleetcaptain210]

I am in Canada and use Enlightened Equipment quilts until it hits below -20C and then I pull out my Western Mountaineering Puma. The trick I found that helped the 'draft' issue is that I order a wide model, I am average size and height. Like Justin's recommendation, I clip the quilt with the large pad straps. I also slip my sleeping pad into a silk liner which gives me a better surface to lay on for a more comfortable sleep. However, as they say....what ever works for you!

[@lakorai2]

EE = no duty

[@rmccarthy175]

Thanks for the quilt strap tips. Excited to try that technique on my next camping trip!

[@thekevinfoster]

It’s a small thing, but honestly the setup time kinda sucks. I miss being able to just throw my bag out and it’s done.

[@wcamericanmade9828]

I never strap mine to the pad and even in winter I never really get drafts. I toss it on the mat and if it's cold I'll clip it together under my back. Works well for me

[@craigbarber3064]

I can understand the appeal of using a quilt over an old style, narrow mummy bag. Many bag companies are now making bags wider throughout the shoulder and foot box, which makes for a roomier, more comfortable sleeping system. I have been using a Western Mountaineering Alpine light 20° down bag and a WM 30° mega light bag. Both are much wider than a couple of older bags I have. I personally like the versatility of using my bag as a quilt or having the option of it zipped up and being able to sink down into my bag with top sinched closed when the temperature dip down typically just before dawn. I'm still a little hesitant of going full-on quilt . Mostly because I don't really like the feeling of sleeping directly on my sleeping pad . To each their own I suppose.

[@saintGlompf]

Great video Justin! I bought my first down quilt in February and I'm still trying to figure out how to use it properly, so thanks for tips about attaching quilt to sleeping pad - I will try those in my next backpacking trip.

[@elxakiltse8773]

my Enlightened Equipment quilt is one of the most comfortable sleep systems I've ever bought. I use it even when I'm not camping! Combined with the Scandia Decorator down travel pillow is the icing on the cake.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Well done, the pad attachment tips were great!

[@jays7318]

Some of the best tips covered by you on this video Justin! I have some tips to add: get an extra wide quilt (60" or greater) with dynamic tensioning (side elastics). It will greatly reduce drafts, UGQ sells quilts with those features. Also, if using a hammock with an underquilt, top quilt drafts are never an issue even with regular width top quilts

[@brianadventures9622]

That tip about pad straps on the bottom edge of the pad is great! Ill have to try that next time!

[@rungavagairun]

I want to point out that when Justin makes his R value ratings for winter vs summer and shoulder seasons, he's talking about Canadian winter. I use an R value of 4 pad for the coldest winter nights here in Arkansas and that keeps me perfectly warm down to the low 20s F.

[@nicolaslemay]

Here in Canada, got a 15 C sleeping bag and it’s kind on useless all year round, even in July as nights can be cold anytime. Basically gonna camp with a -9C sleeping bag, sometimes in July or August. This county is cold!

[@travisbard4670]

I have to watch budget. I carry a z-pad and an inflatable pad. The combo gives fantastic insulation and an extra comfor layer for pressure spots. I also have a pillow with a pad strap and a soft cover. I just invested in a hammock gear quilt 20 degree. I LOVE it. I was toasty warm in 29 degrees early this spring and had no drafts at all.

[@sophieisabelle3762]

I have a kelty cloud and it solves a lot of the sleeping bag issues as it attaches to the pad and doesn’t have any insulation on the back, doesn’t have a zip etc, but it has a hood snd no drafts so also solves some of the quilt issues.

[@jeffpeters5347]

I've soured on the quilted baffling type of sleeping pads. I had to patch my Etherlight XT about 9 times in different locations on the pad. But they were all in the same area of where the dimpled circles met the lofted area. Got to the point where I was sleeping on the ground every night. Now I'm trying the Thermarest Topo Luxe. So far so good.

[@shawnr6117]

Some sleeping bags come with a pad attachment system, like the Big Agnes anvil horn.

[@AkinaLOL]

I have never experienced an insulated sleeping pad and I am a very cold sleeper. I have always doubted bivies because of this, "I freeze my ass off already in my sleeping bag, how can this possibly work?" but I have read more, watched more videos and you, Justin just explained it so well. I am now open to maybe trying it, but first of all I am getting a new sleeping pad. And a fat pillow!

[@lohyewcheong]

Thank you! I didn’t know that I needed to place the clips at the edge of my pad.

[@Swearengen1980]

I have zero issues with any drafts with my Zenbivy system and I'm a side sleeper.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks Justin, as always you're the best

[@davidshirley6850]

I love my uugq quilt I got it extra wide and use like a blanket,,, when down below 45 I pair with alpaca gear liner and don't worry about drafts

[@rungavagairun]

The ability to open the bottom completely on those UGQ quilts with the zipper option makes them much more versatile with regard to temperature range.

[@sheamcgowan1351]

Why does no one talk about big Agnes pad sleeve bags?? Best combo of both

[@KellyWhitehouse]

Big Agnes Lost Ranger FTW. Works with hammocks and ground pads.

[@briteshikes5099]

Well done Justin! I think one talking point you missed on for quilts is the sizing of ones quilt and what type of sleeper they are. I would say if an active sleeper, side sleeper, or have broad shoulder to get a wide quilt as it will help eliminate those common side drafts

[@JustinOutdoors]

Getting a wide enough quilt is definitely important!

[@ASquires-wc8ii]

I like a mummy bag to close up the area around my head and neck.

[@jonathankobbe6073]

Good video. For me i would never get a 3 season quilt without a draft tube on the side. It doesnt add much weight and helps with peace of mind with drafts, ive never experienced drafts personally and i am very happy with that. Another option is to get a wider quilt, especially if you use a wide sleeping pad. A wide quilt might be slightly less warm theoretically but it also helps with drafts and compression of the down because theres more space, so then it would likely be much warmer if those are problems.

[@MrRoodalarm]

Why do yoi prefer the EE Eniga over the Katabatic quilt? Everywhere on foras I see people prefering the Katabatic quilts.

[@kevinguthrie5495]

On a canoe trip the forecast was for way lower night temperatures than my sleeping bag would handle. Instead of buying something warmer I got a cheapo $20 rectangular sleeping bag from Wally World and took both. I put my sleeping pad and my regular bag inside the Wally and slept warm. I suspect the pad spreads out your weight enough that the outer bag doesn't completely compress and still has some R value below you. The air in the pad stayed warm. Too heavy for backpacking but works great in a pinch for car or canoe camping.

[@isabelledrolet4297]

One thing helping in reducing side drafts is choosing the proper width for your quilt. Make sure that between your shoulder width and your pad with, there'll be enough "give" to cover you and allow some movement without lifting off the pad all the time.

[@TheMccluref]

I normally use a quilt inside a bivy if it's really cold. I normally wear a puffy if too warm for a bivy

[@gman963]

Zen Bivy is my favorite quilt for the features. But I still like the Sierra Designs zipperless sleeping bag a bit more. I just don't sleep great and like being able to flip the blanket on and off throughout the night without having to unclip.

[@fire7side]

I can get most of the advantages of a quilt by unzipping it. When it's cold, I can still zip it up around my face and there are no drafts. Plus, I'm not some weeny that brings a pillow with me. Stuff something soft in my sleeping bag container. One thing I do is carry a zfold foam pad and an air pad. I don't want to be laying on the ground 50 miles from my car. The zfold makes a chair if I sit cross legged. My sleeping bag is duck down and cost 40 dollars from Walmart quite a while ago. I've had it down to 30 degrees.

[@jhaas68865]

I see quilts and understand why hammock campers love them as both my boys are loving that with hammock pads. I just see a quilt as an unzipped sleeping bag. I have my Nemo bag that for warmer camps becomes a blanket but the ability to zip and seal it up for heat to include my head beats a partial sleeping bag.

[@craig3401]

Quilts don't suck there's a time and place for them and most people get the wrong width to save a few grams

[@davidcooper8390]

Good tips Justin. That new Orange Ghost Whisperer jacket is rad.

[@dansworld9635]

Quilt all the way. Katabatic Flex is my go to for sure.

[@thekevinfoster]

Hey Justin, do you recommend getting a second circular strap from enlightened equipment? My enigma came with one circular and on that just a straight line that goes between the pad and me. It didn’t seem like the best idea to me, but it’s what they sent.

[@funnybeingme]

Yes. Buy an extra set of strap. A long time ago I asked Enlightened Equipment why they don't send it with two loop straps and it is because another company has a patent on it.

[@Kevinstrickland33]

For my rooftop tent , i love my quilt

[@paddle_hike]

I used to prefer sleeping bags ...Draught issues until I got the OV Stormloft quilt and the issues went away.

[@jbvertexx]

Quilts take some time to develop the skill to use effectively. I used to prefer a more elaborate pad attachment system, but honestly now I prefer the simplicity of the Zpacks quilt single shock-cord attachment. Out of habit, when I turn at night, a simple tuck behind me after the turn re-seals the quilt on my back-side. I don't really agree with having the quilt tightened to the side of the pad. I prefer having it tucked slightly beneath me in a more natural cocoon style wrap. For any beginner quilt users, I highly recommend the 20-degree (F) UGQ Bandit with all the extra options. In particular, the Dynamic Tension Control add-on will really help the quilt wrap around you. Also, when in doubt, size up, especially with width. From there, as you get used to working with a quilt, you can simplify and tailor to your particular needs. Quilts can also be modular as illustrated in other videos on this channel for cold weather and in the long run provide more versatility than sleeping bags.

[@charlesperry1051]

I think I will stick to sleeping bags. I will check out your pillow recommendations. I am a side sleeper and naturally switch from side to side even at home.

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

Some of us in different parts of the world have never experienced negative degree temps. I have experienced high temps in SoCal deserts and mountains.

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

I use sleeping bags but sleep under them like quilts. My feet are in the foot box and they are not zipped up. 🦑

[@BrokenBackMountains]

I'm a side sleeper so don't fancy a quilt. If I turn, I get a cold spot even with pad straps. I fancy getting a bag with a pad sleeve, something like the Sierra designs cloud 800. That way I can turn but not roll off. Heavier than a quilt or an ultrlight bag but cheaper. Rab have brought out a similar hybrid, the mythic ultra 120 but I don't like the comfort limit. In winter ,I have a winter bag.

[@craftonadventures]

I never thought about spacing the pad straps out

[@macs2015]

So, does a zenbivy system make sense as the best of both worlds?

[@hunterbias3437]

Zenbivy is $$$. You couldn’t convince me to have another sleep system.

[@-COBRA]

"quilts suck" "and here is the link to our sponsor, where you can buy one" 🙃

[@mikestinson622]

Yup

[@sot8343]

Quilts sound like a compromise for people who can't just lay down and fall asleep. Yeah, if you need to toss around, a sleeping bag would suck.

[@ryan4birol]

What are your thoughts around hybrid quilts, something like a Feathered Friends Flicker UL?

[@gman963]

I like the Sierra Designs zipperless sleeping bag quite a lot.

[@Colby168]

I think a lot of us just want a large bag that we could roll around in at a lighter weight (Maybe around 2lbs) Get rid of all the bells and whistles, maybe a quarter zip with no hood. Maybe even have a false bottom with no insulation on the bottom. I’m thinking about getting the WM Terralite. I’m just not sure if it will keep me warm in the 30’s.

[@WolfPackM98c]

WM bags are pretty well known for being very conservative with their ratings. I have the Terralite and love it. Only had it down to about freezing temps maybe a little below but haven’t been cold in it yet. It’s actually too warm for using in the Supes most of the time. I picked up the Nanolite to pair with my bag for warmer temps

[@Colby168]

@@WolfPackM98c Thanks for the input. Glad to hear it keeps you warm around freezing. My current bag is the Nemo Disco 15 which I like but it’s just over 3 lbs. I go backpacking in higher elevations as well and prefer not to wear jackets and multiple layers to bed.

[@WolfPackM98c]

@@Colby168 WM bags are also one of the few companies that rate their bags at the comfort level and usually err 5 degrees warmer than en/iso ratings. It’s possibly warmer than the Nemo 15

[@tomkometer2207]

Thanks for the Tips!

[@RidedarkFc]

I just use a t-shirt, sweater, buff or whatever to hold my pillow in place. Hasn’t failed me yet

[@ISuckatHiking]

Justin be careful recommending the REI helix it doesn't last very long we have had 2 fail half way through my thru hike of the AT the spring areas come apart creating balloon size bumps and the valves have also failed.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Interesting to hear! I haven't heard that about the Helix before. Bad valves seem to be the main issue people encounter. That's compared to do pads like the Nemo Tensor (2022 version) where there were lots of reports of leaks around the weld points (I experienced that too).

[@ISuckatHiking]

@@JustinOutdoors don't get me wrong it's comfortable but I got 60 days on it the the baffles started popping apart then it went flat.

[@jhosk]

Quilts work best for those of us who spend a lot of time in the gym.

[@gdx52]

quilts vs sleeping bags. tents vs hammocks. trail runners vs boots. hot food vs cold soak. whatever i use is the best. stop the insanity, find out what works for your hiking style and go with it.

[@tanvach]

I would love to have infinite time and money to try all combinations of gear.

[@husbyb86]

I petition a name change to Justin "Toasty Warm" Outdoors

[@philsmith2444]

People always compare a quilt to their bed at home, but do they sleep on a 20-25” wide bed with a blanket that barely reaches the mattress on each side? I have like 3 feet of blanket on either side of me, and it’s the blanket hanging almost to the floor that keeps drafts out.

[@JustinOutdoors]

With my pregnant wife bed and blanket hogging, I think you nailed my at home sleep system exactly

[@philsmith2444]

@@JustinOutdoorsI could always bring my cats backpacking, they sleep so close to me that the blanket restricts my breathing. They’re surprisingly resistant to being dislodged when I move, too, so they might work great with a quilt.

[@evanhammond7305]

JUSTIN, if you really wanna be comfortable while using a quilt get a nice hammock.

[@BackcountryTreks]

This depends entirely on the size and the company you buy your quilt from. Not all quilt manufacturers are created equal. My UGQ doesn’t budge when I turn over.

[@Krishtafa]

I live in Norway, and have never seen an actual “quilth” in my whole life. Sleeping bags is the only thing we’ve ever had over here

[@habituallinestepper8839]

Agreed so do most mummy bags

[@brycewalburn3926]

As a back sleeper, I have yet to find a sleeping pad that's truly comfortable. They just don't allow my spine to relax into a comfortable position. Even the REI Helix is only marginally more comfortable for me than the most uncomfortable sleeping pad I've ever used. I really wish I didn't have to, but I think I'm about to abandon ship to the hammock world.

[@arthurreyes2632]

What I find that helps when sleeping with a sleeping bag or quilt is to use a small fleece blanket for my upper half. And don’t underestimate the value of a good pillow.

[@RghtBrnd]

I side sleep with my Zenbivy and have never had any drafts. I MUCH prefer my ZB over sleeping bags. Too constricting.

[@jackiamato138]

Zenbivy for the WIN 😊

[@tomlovesdiy]

Always appreciate your gear videos. Mummy bags and quilts ALL suck. They are too narrow, especially in the leg and foot. A little extra width and they would better stay put when you rmove from back to side and vice versa. Watching your video, it was clear that your legs and feet were too tightly wrapped. When I make my bags and quilts, they are 66" around at the torso and about 20" across the foot box. When I briefly move to my side (I'm a back sleeper), the DIY bag stays properly oriented. But even if it doesn't, the insulation on the underside is Climashield and SOL reflective blanket. It doesn't stay compressed like down. So I recommend that noone buy a mummy style bag or quilt. The better choice is "semi-rectanglular" regardless of your sleep position. Thanks, Tom Loves DIY.

[@nilesdelta8636]

I use my sleeping bag fully open as a quilt then if it’s chilly I wrap myself in a fleece or a sleeping bag liner cuts the drafts .

[@GabagoolFool]

I have hammock gear premium quilts and i wont go back to bags.

[@whosjulez1157]

So modify the quilt until it basically becomes a sleeping bag? Got it

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

With about 60% of the weight as a sleeping bag. Does he really need to spoon-feed this to you?

[@WolfPackM98c]

@@SophisticatedDogCat It’s not only 60% of the weight, though. It’s basically the weight of the zipper since cutting out a section of nylon and down doesn’t save much weight, especially if you need a wide quilt to avoid drafting out. It’s also a given that more dead space = more down needed to achieve the same temp ratings. And bags have been around the market longer so the materials will usually be a higher par than what small cottage companies have access to. All in all, when you compare apples to apples the weight savings are minor if not a complete wash.

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

@@WolfPackM98c Tell me you don’t thru-hike without telling me you don’t thru-hike. I have a quilt I paid $230 for (custom) that weighs almost half of what a sleeping bag with the same specs and quality would. Also like $200 cheaper, lol.

[@WolfPackM98c]

@@SophisticatedDogCat No, it doesn’t. Lol

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

@@WolfPackM98c Yes, it does. You can’t possibly argue with me on this. A sleeping bag with 800-power filled down will always be more weight than the equivalent quilt with the same specs. Sure, if you’re comparing a 50°F sleeping bag compared to a 20°F quilt then yeah, they may be similar weight. As far as price goes, if we’re comparing a Walmart sleeping bag to a cottage company quilt then of course the Walmart sleeping bag will be less expensive.

[@Aidan-Lynch]

i’m confused, a whole segment of you’re video was displaying how to effectively minimize drafts and make a quilt usable, and then your big reveal reason for why they suck is because of drafts

[@back-up2049]

I need a quilt, only because I always get stuck in a sleeping bag. Even with stuckless zippers....

[@GrizzlyGaz]

I never use the pad straps TBF

[@IanTheOutdoorGuy]

I normally just unzip my Sleeping Bag side and end and turn it into a quilt. Win win and cheaper. It is not these coffin coccon looking sleeping bags just a rectangle shape

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

But you’re carrying so much unnecessary weight.

[@user-qg2zd1nv1r]

Hi Justin, could you do a sleeping bag episode please.

[@playnationtoday]

Purple pants

[@lucyhauser9366]

I was so excited to watch this video -_-

[@DrofJustice]

A sleeping bag is just a tent version of a great hammock quilt system. You really can’t get the comfort of a hammock while sleeping on the hard, cold ground, but you can try with special pads, pillows, straps, and sleeping bags.

[@bryanmclean6898]

“Lightest quilt on the market” If you ignore the Timmermade Serpentes maybe. Which you will because Dan doesn’t rely on giving handouts to influencers for marketing.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I've tried to buy timmermade products multiple times but there is no order capacity available. Even when I check the day of the refresh. I don't really consider products you can't buy "on the market".

[@NordenzurZukunft]

The amount of people not watching the video but taking the time to comment lol

[@JustinOutdoors]

This has been a pretty brutal video for comments.

I've paused the video just to leave this comment 😂

[@glenndavis3676]

The straps are by far the worst idea i have ever seen, should look at adding a sleeve system to the quilt in order to keep it attach to the sleeping pad, many makers of sleeping bags are now using sleeves, would like to see a few reviews on the the different sleeve systems available and which ones work best.

[@miketheglassguy7568]

Zenbivy is where it’s at. Won’t change my mind

[@JustinOutdoors]

Great option too :)

[@miketheglassguy7568]

@@JustinOutdoors I appreciate your points of view and taking the time to do these. Thank you sir! 🤘

[@AwkwardPenguin82]

I see what you did there.

[@hutthover9350]

Justin try out hammock camping

[@IPv6Freely]

I will never ever go back to using a sleeping bag.

[@rodoutdoors]

What's up with all these crappy comments. Jeez watch the video or do your own research.

[@_Chris390]

Enough negative-titled clickbait. It’s exhausting.

[@JustinOutdoors]

How would you title the video?

[@scottyplug]

Stephiepoo !

[@jasonlommen4769]

Quilts are lame AF, unless it’s at least 45’, no Bueno. Just get a good quality sleeping bag andcall it a day , if you can’t carry that much weight, I think you need to spend more time in the gym.

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

I’ll never buy a quilt.

[@Merlmabase]

I see we're getting stock-footage-curious Don't do it bud

[@mhuxaffarik4393]

Stink test experiment: please test...wash your hiking clothes (t-shirts, pants, socks underwear, hats scarfs etc whatever you shall be wearing, including shoes). Once done re soke everything in a large sink, bath etc in warm water which contains a good amount of baking soda for at least 30 min. Rinse. Spin in a washing machine, and leave to dry or use tumble dryer until dry. Before you go hiking put your feet in a small tub of water containing baking powder... And also put some baking powder under your arm pits etc. after some time say 10 min..dry your self etc...the idea is that baking powder is a natural germ killer and deodoriser. If there is no bacteria present on your clothes and self you should not stink.. at least not to quickly.. then go on your hike... Please test for how much longer you stay stink free.. thanks a fan from the tiny island of Malta

[@gearsmithy]

zenbivy FTW

[@davidjaniszewski6653]

Clickbait haha we already know what you think Justin

[@Gfthce3426]

Thanks Quilts ? Nope

[@outsiderswalks5460]

weight savings of a quilt vs a sleeping bag is not really there - its maybe 5% - so it definitely shouldnt be a reason for choosing a quilt - all comes down to sleeping position and style and personal comfort and preference (and some degree use case - for very cold you need a bag)

[@JustinOutdoors]

The Enlightened Equipment Conundrum bag I have weighs about 25% (~200g) more than the Enigma quilt (both are 0F and have the same features). That's probably as close to a good comparison as you can get. The Conundrum has the zipper, a zipper draft tube, and some extra material to make it feel like the same size as the Enigma. For a lot of people the weight difference isn't a big deal but it does add up.

[@outsiderswalks5460]

@@JustinOutdoorsmost i compare (like cumulus, WM or similar) you get a difference of about some 4-6oz for 0f - this is without padstraps (typically some 1-1,5oz) and no hood for the quilt (add a balaclava Down hood at about 3-4oz) so it comes pretty close when all is added Up :) dont get me wrong - i have used quilt for almost all hiking the last 10+ years - but saving weight is not why

[@outsiderswalks5460]

@@JustinOutdoors so for example - Hyberg makes a 250 gram down weight quilt and bag in the same material- regular size bag is 536grams and regular size quilt with strap is 479 - difference is 57 grams or a bit more than 10% (and about the same, or quilt setup heavier with a down hood add on for comparable whole body insulation setup)

[@howweroll7]

First off… quilts do not suck. 🤦‍♂️

[@nilesdelta8636]

It’s a pinch of salt btw not a grain of salt that one really gets me . There is a saying grain of truth .

[@edwin8808]

Then DanBecker and the others recommending quilts were wrong!

[@tommybewick]

Probably should not offend a lot of people that use quilts if you're trying to have a professional backpack channel and appeal to the average backpacker?! You're turning off half your viewers. 99% of backpackers don't climb Everest, and don't need sleeping bags! Look at your audience before you make stupid blanket statements. Pun intended. Unsubed.

[@JustinOutdoors]

The fact that 99.99% of backpackers don't climb Everest is the point...