Quilt Vs Sleeping Bag, WHY THE QUILT WINS!

[@MattyOutdoors]

Old reliable found himself on his back looking at the rafters as Matty counted the 1..2..3.. We've got a new champion, and it looks like Top Quilts are going to be hanging on to the title for a while. Have y'all made the switch? Or are you faithful to the sleeping bag?

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

So doing a price comparison between your quilt and mine. I'm 6'3" at 175 lbs. Revelation long wide with draft collar. Is what I think I would need. Drum roll please, $452 in what I believe is Canadian funds.

[@MattyOutdoors]

EE was a bit too pricey for me when I picked mine up, but they definitely make some really nice quilts! My buddy Justin just picked up a couple, and I was drooling over them a few weeks ago.

[@JustinOutdoors]

@@MattyOutdoors Same price as UGQ quilts now! EE dropped their prices!

[@Rose-co3cp]

I own a UGQ 30 degree top quilt that weighs 17 ouunces/482 grams. I love how I was able to customize it to fit my needs. I hammock camp now and that top quilt kept me nice and cozy. If you want to save money the best time to buy is Black Friday. In 2019, the first 75 got 20% off after that it went down to 15%.

[@MattyOutdoors]

I'll definitely have to keep the black friday savings in mind when i order my next quilt! What kind of hammock are you using?

[@Rose-co3cp]

@@MattyOutdoors I now have the original Black Bird from Warbonnet. It is a nice hammock with the foot box and shelf. However, I will purchase a custom Darien hammock (62" width made of 1.3 Mtn XL Hybrid) from Dream Hammock. It will be three ounces lighter then the current hammock I have.

[@bigsky2081]

I'm an old guy and I've been using a top quilt since 1987 on my 2nd thru hike. The comfort is unbeatable and the safety of getting out of your bag " instantly " is also a comfort in grizzly country. But what I really love about my quilt is the ability to zip it up really tight around me when it gets very cold. A zipper ? Yes a zipper. Every sleeping bag is a quilt, just unzip it. I have been obsessed with ultra light gear since I was 7 yrs old because I'm a small guy. (Didn't hit 5 ft. tall till 19) I just think there are better ways to save weight then ditching the bag. The weight savings amount to a pint of water or taking a pee before the hike. Thanks for the video you trouble maker!😁😁

[@MattyOutdoors]

Yeah, I was essentially using my sleeping bags as quilts before buying an actual quilt as well. I get claustrophobic when I'm sealed in a bag. But that was before my trouble making days ;)

[@JustinOutdoors]

It's great to see more explanation on the benefits of quilts! Hopefully it breaks down some of the deeply rooted misconceptions.

[@MattyOutdoors]

Fingers crossed! And if it doesn't, I've got plenty of hugs to give out

[@planning.purple]

Wanda in the tent at the beginning! 😍 Loved this video, thanks for all the good info. Will definitely be my next gear purchase! 👌🏻 (Also thanks for keeping some of the Celsius info in, as a Canadian I just can’t Fahrenheit! 🤣)

[@MattyOutdoors]

More screen time was one of her demands when we negotiated her latest contract, so I've got to feature her in all my videos now. For me, Celcius is pretty much all I know. Anytime someone talks farenheit, I usually need the google machine to clarify things.

[@awalkintherockies9475]

I’ll have to show this to my husband when he eventually wakes up. He hates his sleeping bag !

[@MattyOutdoors]

Hopefully a quilt is the right answer for him!

[@robpelton]

You make great points on the TQ. I do a use a sleeping bag for certain trips. When I’m hiking abroad and stay in tea houses and the like. I like the sleeping bag for that. The bag seals me off from any critters (ie. bedbugs). Also, a bag for ground sleeping out of a shelter. Anyhow, I don’t do these kinds of trips often. However, my good sir, TQ for a vast majority of my trips! Good stuff my guy. Cheers.

[@MattyOutdoors]

You know, I had never considered sleeping in a shelter (we really don't have those up here where I hike) but thats a solid point! Thanks as always my dude

[@wandaberry3189]

I've got one of those heavy redundant sleeping bags. When I get my kayak camping up and running, looks like its gonna be the pad and top-quilt for this gal! Thanks Matty!

[@MattyOutdoors]

The top quilts are definitely a game changer! I wasn't sure at first how they'd be on ground, and thought it was just a gimmick, but they work very well

[@chosenmusicartist]

I like both for different purposes but I have a sea to summit ascent 3 zero degree and it has full zip on one side and other zips down to waist and the foot box and unzip open so I can actually use my sleeping bag as a quilt which I have when using in hammock. Quilt with usually always win when weight is involved

[@MattyOutdoors]

ive exclusively switched to quilts, even for winter

[@thehikingshibas6069]

I love this! Thanks Matty! It’s funny how Dan started this war with an ill informed video. I was almost in tears when i saw his video to ditch the quilt. Still kind of laughing. Now to your video. It is spot on regarding the benefits of a quilt over a bag. I love that you pointed out the issue with the comfort vs. survival ratings in the sleeping bag world. I was so mad to learn that one the hard way and when moving over to the Quilt world, i made sure that the rating on my 10 Degree Solo Quilt was a comfort rating and not a survival rating before pulling the trigger. Thanks for this well informed Video Matty! I prefer a hammock camling but carry both systems and when i go to ground i get the added bonus of having an extra blanket in the form of my open “0 degree” revolt underquilt 👍🏼

[@hughmongus211]

Dan's a weekend warrior at best. He should stick to selling insurance and used cars.

[@jonrandall4005]

And how many quilts has been gifted? 💁‍♂️

[@thehikingshibas6069]

Hugh Mongus omg that’s it! I do feel like I’m buying a car when i watching his videos.

[@hughmongus211]

@@thehikingshibas6069 He hikes in the mid-west. He's never experienced extremely cold temperatures, or deep snow, grizzlies, or lack of cell phone coverage.

[@whiteflower5603]

Agreed! Almost all his latest videos are like a paid commercial for UGQ or someone...he used to be okay, now Dan Becker is just a sell-out.

[@Martyupnorth]

Great video. I've watched a few of these lately. I challenge the weight benefit comparison. The two sleeping systems are just too different to do a one-on-one comparison using data from websites. I'd like someone to actually do an honest comparison of the two systems necessary to sleep in -20C for instance. Show what's needed in both cases for a comfortable sleep. I still think a sleeping bag is unbeatable in extreme cold (-30C or lower). They're also better in emergencies, such as when your partner forgets the tent. I've slept in my sleeping bag directly under the stars, in the rain, without a matress on a few ocasions. The debate is not over. Nice T-Shirt by the way.

[@vader2757]

I agree at -7 deg I want something fully around me I'm not into sleeping in a down jacket..I can get up and sit down and enjoy a coffee like I do at home... the weight doesn't bother me I prefer comfort I can carry the extra pound... and end of the day its everybody's own preference.

[@MattyOutdoors]

I think Justin did a pretty good job recently, showing his layered quilt system to get him down to -19.1 when we went out a few weeks ago. That defintiely convinced me quilts will work in cold temps on the ground. I figured you'd like the shirt! I love the blend of it, super comfortable shirt. I'll probably be ordering a few from Carly in the future.

[@darylhicks7008]

I love the UGQ Bandit Quilt. My new one will be here on Tuesday. lol I just noticed your shirt. I have the exact same one I got last xmas season from Marty.

[@MattyOutdoors]

Top quilts are a game changer

[@sundaymorninghikes6275]

Just found your channel, good stuff, man! Simply poking my foot out for temp regulation is a game changer - quilt for the win! Everything else (weight, true temp rating, customization, etc.) is icing on the cake. I love my TQ so much (EE Enigma) I use it at home for naps on the couch! Bonus points for when it has a campfire smell! I had the pleasure of visiting Banff two weeks ago - absolutely stunning area! I couldn't hike (foot injury), but I'll definitely be back to do so. Kananaskis was awesome and not people-y!

[@MattyOutdoors]

you must have lucked out hitting kananaskis and finding it not overly populated.. I avoid kananaskis at all cost, due to how many people are usually there.. Its such a massive tourism hot spot

[@sundaymorninghikes6275]

@@MattyOutdoors Oh wow! We might have a different definition of overly-populated (I live close to NYC), but my wife and I were pretty much the only ones as we drove around whatever road that is by Engadine Lodge - we didn't $$$$tay there (also passed a grizzly munching on dandelions). We stopped at a few different lakes and if we weren't the only people there, we were two of less than 10 (only at one lake, I forgot the name). And it was a BEAUTIFUL day! .There were a few places with several cars parked at trail heads. Maybe that's what you're referring to? Lake Louise? Now THAT was absolutely horrible with tourists! You're very fortunate to live in that part of the country (but the winters??? oof!)

[@midwestoutdoors3286]

Love my Hammock Gear top quilt!

[@MattyOutdoors]

Hammock Gear makes some great products! Do you have rhe premium or econ?

[@midwestoutdoors3286]

I have the Econ 30 degree

[@MattyOutdoors]

@@midwestoutdoors3286 Nice! I was close to pulling the trigger on one of them. May try one of their 0 degree in the future for winter

[@williamking2249]

Awesome video 👍 lots of info .Thanks for posting this

[@MattyOutdoors]

Glad you found it informative!

[@tanismckeddie1217]

I know you have ditched compression sacks, but if you were to stuff that quilt into one, what size would you need? An 8 litre, perhaps?

[@MattyOutdoors]

an 8L would definitely fit. but i honestly don't have any small compression sacks to test it

[@martymorissette]

I’m definitely looking forward to try a top quilt for 3 seasons but for cold winter nights... I’m not convinced yet. I am still waiting for a warrior to go out in -35C like I was 3 week ends ago in the Adirondack and report back if he managed to spend a confortable night. Because my setup sleeps really confortable even down at -30... Thanks for the info bro!

[@MattyOutdoors]

In a hammock, I'd go down to -30 with a quilt no problem, as long as its rated to that cold. If I had a pad and quilt, I'd give it a go on ground too. But, I do my best to avoid going any colder then -20 :)

[@martymorissette]

Matty Outdoors oh yes with an under quilt and a top quilt in a hammock you are good to go!!

[@MattyOutdoors]

Oh hell yes! best sleep of my life

[@jmoe32310]

I know a guy who winter camped below zero in the daks with a 20 degree Quilt. He did it in a lean to. He's still alive lol

[@2wheelsandatent]

Loving it, I never thought I would even be considering a quilt but you make some good points. I am definitely an active side sleeper so I may just give a quilt a go this year. The customize options have the sleeping artistic in me dreaming up all sorts of concoctions now lol. Thanks for posting your take on quilts, now it is time to check out hammocks lol.

[@MattyOutdoors]

Hammocks will change your life man!! I legit sleep better in a hammock then my bed at home. Unmatched comfort!!

[@2wheelsandatent]

@@MattyOutdoors That is awesome, I have heard that. I sleep better on 2 specific air pads than i do at home so I believe it is possible. Check out my Nemo tensor pad review sometime it is my current go to and is awesome for side sleepers like myself. And the Sea to summit comfort plus self inflating may be the most comfortable thing I have ever slept on since my water bed in high school =). Oh yes I wanted to ask what blankets you use for the dogs when ground camping and also suggest a video on how you trained them or at least ideas for doing so. If you like your coffee in the morning this thing is awesome it will change your experience check it out kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ-npmekgLiAr8U

[@MattyOutdoors]

Wanda uses a synthetic Costco throw blanket in shoulder season and spring, and just a light fleece blanket in the middle of summer. For her pad, I just cut a blue foam pad down to size for her. I'll likely be coming out with a basic training tips video in the spring, as Wanda and I start our prep for the 2020 summer backpacking season:)

[@2wheelsandatent]

Matty Outdoors that would be so cool, I am sure o am not the only camper who wants their best buddy (dog) out with them so a training tips video would ROCK!!!!!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah but besides saving money, shedding weight, gaining versatility, allowing for temperature regulation, giving accurate ratings, and providing customization . . . what has the quilt done for us???

[@JustinOutdoors]

Ask not what quilts can do for you but what you can do for quilts!

[@MattyOutdoors]

you've got me there... I guess its back to heavy redundant sleeping bags for this cowboy

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

Hi Matty my wife and I really enjoy your channel. A quick question on quilts it that's ok? We did a backpack in Manning park. In late August and the night time temps dropped just above freezing. Both of our quilts(Nemo tango and thermarest) were rated to -1 degree celsius. Neither kept us warm. I seem to recall you having an outdoor vitals quilt. I am quite interested in the stormloft 15 degree F. For a three season quilt. What is your opinion of the OV quilt? The comparable UGQ quilt(long wide) for me is quite expensive.

[@MattyOutdoors]

As far as I'm aware, nemo and thermarest rate their gear to the survival rating, and not the comfort rating. In my experience using outdoot vitals gear, they rate to the comfort rating. Both my OV -18C underquilt, and OV -7C sleeping bag have held up to their temp ratings (the underquilt I've used down to -20C without issue) I think they're a great option for saving some money and still getting a quality product.

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

@@MattyOutdoors thanks for the update. We really love your videos.

[@MattyOutdoors]

Glad i could help! And thank you, I always appreciate hearing comments like that:)

[@CDPOutdoors]

I'm with you, quilt is the way to go

[@MattyOutdoors]

The only way to go!

[@jmoe32310]

Just bought a ugq top Quilt. I can't wait to use it. I went longer so I can just put Quilt over my face if I need to.

[@MattyOutdoors]

UGQ quilts are top notch!

[@tonymizzaro5739]

Your making me start to question my upcoming purchase. I agree with your points. I always look for more of a barrel sleeping bag rather than a mummy. I side sleep and roll lots. Does the website help you choose the shoulder girth size? I tried some mummies at MEC and only liked the wide girth bags. Thanks for bringing up some great points. Really enjoy your videos.

[@MattyOutdoors]

Yeah, the websites definitely help out and give plenty of width options, so you should be able to get a wide enough quilt. And I'm sure with a few emails, you could get most vendors to make any specific width to suit your needs :)

[@tonymizzaro5739]

I will certainly try that. Thanks for your help!!

[@MattyOutdoors]

@@tonymizzaro5739 anytime!

[@stanlocke1009]

Hey Matty - Just wondering if you did a cost / quality comparison UGQ vs. LSOH ? Have read that UGQ is great quality but really long delivery time makes me nervous having my hard earned Loonies stuck on the u.s. side of the boarder. P.S. Hiked Big Horn river last weekend - Crazy beautiful around Nordegg in winter

[@MattyOutdoors]

The Big Horn area is one of my favourite places ever! I'll actually be headed back there in a few weeks :) As for the UGQ to LSoH comparison, they are extremely comparable. Personally, I'll 100% back the gear from both companies, as they're both an integral part of my hammock insulation:) My summer Underquilt is from LSoH, and quite a few of my friends use topquilts from James. Extremely high quality from both companies! The wait times from UGQ can definitely be a bit of a deterrent, I totally get that! It was a long wait for sure, but well worth it! If I remember, I'll try and do a mini comparison between my UGQ quilt, and a LSoH quilt on my next trip, as I'm pretty sure one of my buddies will be bringing his out :)

[@jonrandall4005]

How bad is the tax on shipping to Canada? My son lives in Whistler and I’m due to visit in September. I would love to order a UGQ custom quilt, I live in the UK. Thanks for the review if was very informative by the way.

[@MattyOutdoors]

I don't recall the taxes being too bad, and the shipping at the time (2years ago) was about 40 bucks. It was very comparable to buying from a Canadian retailer, and UGQ has the most options I've been able to find for customizing the quilts

[@BackcountryForward]

Dude, great vid! It's funny hearing hot sleepers talk about having to temperature regulate by exposing limbs etc. I have only ever had to do that once or twice, and that was when I was hauling my -18C sleeping bag around in the summer. #beingacoldsleepersucks I'm REALLY interested in putting that temperature rating to the test! Let's see how it fairs with a cold sleeper! Keep moving forward man. Ps. if my Jordan and Israel Trip gets canceled we should grab Hap's this week or next! xoxo

[@MattyOutdoors]

With the temp rating difference, I'd be really interested in checking out your -18 bag, to see if its actually a -18. I know my buddy Joel has a -18C bag thats closer to a 0C bag then anything. The quilts are definitely pretty bang on for their ratings, its usually night and day when comparing the loft of "equally" rated sleeping bags. And you know I'm always down for Haps! I'll be sure to eat slower, so you're not eating alone when you roll in an hour late ;)

[@BackcountryForward]

Matty Outdoors SHOTS FIRES! Psshkew pssshkew I’m down! 😂 The -18 is definitely not a -18 for me at least. I’d say it’s good to -9 (depending on the circumstances). But temperature ratings are so hard for me to judge. Because I’m not sure if it’s just me or if the bag actually isn’t warm enough.

[@MattyOutdoors]

Ya, I'd definitely be interested to check the bag out and see what the loft is like.

[@JustinOutdoors]

@@BackcountryForward If it's the MEC Centaurus -18, then it has a comfort rating of -9!

[@BackcountryForward]

Justin Outdoors it’s the Teton LEEF 0F. According to the manufacturer it’s rated more so to comfort than their trailhead or tracker bags.

[@supernoobsmith5718]

Tossing and turning, the quilt will get away from you, making you wake up freezing. This is my fear. Hats fall off. That's a fear. Scarves are not the same as a fully enclosed head and shoulders. I just don't understand. What actual temperatures and how often is this done on the ground? A hammock camper telling me a quilt is good for the ground seems kind of off. With a quilt under you like in a hammock there is no chance of you rolling off your ground protection. I just can't see it, more data needed.

[@MattyOutdoors]

I sleep on ground as well. Actually ended up on ground more then hammocking last summer, and never had issues with my quilt sliding off me. With the pad straps in place, the quilt is fixed to the pad, so unless you roll off the pad, its not going to slide off of you. As for the temps I encountered, all the tenting trips I did last summer were above alpine, so most overnight temps were at or below freezing.

[@kingerz]

Quilts are a fad.

[@MattyOutdoors]

You mispelled "superior form of insulation for a backpacking sleep system" but no judgment 🤣