Thermarest Corus vs UGQ Bandit | War Of The Ultimate Quilt!

[@jaredcampbell]

Thanks for the review. I own the 20 degree long wide Vesper quilt and love it! I am 6' 5" and weight 270 lbs and I am so happy I got it. I move a lot while I sleep and I no longer get all tangled up.

[@alexjohnson668]

I have just recently bought the UGQ 20 degree Bandit quilt . I have been working so much overtime so I haven’t been able to try it out. I’m excited to try it out

[@whafrog]

Thanks for the review, I've been eyeing both of these so it's nice to get a breakdown.

[@cjrdeveaux]

Thanks for your videos. You convinced me to go Cottage over mass produced in an instant. And now I'm swaying toward UGQ. But would love to see comparison of UGQ vs Enlightened Equipment vs Hammock Gear. Thanks again for all your videos.

[@jonsanford2515]

I recently received my UGQ bandit. 20* 800 fill with draft collar and dynamic tension control was just under $250 with their 10% new customer discount. I would note that you can release the tension on the DTC if you don’t want it to snug up under you. And the drawstring footbox now has a snap to block the hole when it’s drawn shut. It looks like you have the tapered version. I went with no taper, and the foot box is a good bit roomier, but not like the Thermarest. I haven’t been able to use it on a trip yet, but it’s obviously high quality. The biggest con so far was the 8 week build time, but I think I’m going to be pretty happy with it now that I’ve gotten it.

[@evanlazar91]

This is basically what I'm going to do. I've been big on Sleeping Bags but am looking to get the Bandit as my first quilt. That lead time is going to be rough but whatever.

[@jonsanford2515]

Evan Lazar yeah, the posted lead time was 9-10 weeks, but it was shipped exactly 8 weeks from the day I ordered.

[@BackcountryExposure]

The product is worth thee lead time. And you're right about the DTC.

[@kellyharbac4633]

I have the older Thermarest Alpine Blanket 35 F with 700 fill down, which is made in China. I got it on sale at REI. I think that's one of a advanages with mass production products, if you wait long enough it will go on sale.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Been waiting patiently on my UGQ for about a month now. Can't wait!

[@davidshirley6850]

Totally agree with you assessment, also absolutely love the breakdown and comparison of products, as some one who is trying to pickout gear it helps tremendously

[@thetheflyinghawaiian]

Been using a Nemo pad and aliexpress windhard down quilt since 2015 down to about 30 degrees staying warm. I sleep pretty warm in a bivy hybrid which holds heat. Would recommend.

[@sasquishing]

Very good assessment of the differences! I went ahead and plunked down a wad of cash for the Thermarest Vesper 20. It is a bit different than the one you showed. It is ridiculously lightweight, packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle, yet toasty warm - especially if coupled with their X-therm mattress. I'm not sure there will ever be a quilt for everyone. That is one of the nice things about this type of sleep system; they are highly configurable for how you sleep. I think people will be forever tweaking details depending upon their likes.

[@pcgaminghelp]

Bandit 850 down 20F regular width and length is $375 before 10%. Thermarest Corus 32F is $143 with discounts from Camp Saver

[@barondavis5692]

UGQ w/o a doubt. The down in the UGQ is responsibly sourced. I doubt the the thermarest is. You can order a non-tapered UGQ and you’ll have plenty of foot room and it’ll be warmer.

[@crystalwhitmorewhitmore3239]

I love my ugq quilt. We purchased the zero degree with most of the bells and whistles. We’ve used it all summer in temps 30-40 degrees and was able to still not be too hot. I love the flexibility.

[@valmetj]

Which foot box option did yet get and are you happy with the choice (foot box)?

[@jshalvorsen3D]

What types of materials do you prefer on your UGQ quilt? MRS20, 10 or M10T?

[@Laubasss]

Very informative! Cheers! Not much options in the Netherlands unfortunately....

[@beeveedee9355]

Personally, as a newbie, I'm very intrigued by the Zenbivy bed concept. Even if i get another brand quilt, I'm tempted to make my own pad sheet with attached hood. Seems like a great idea. The Corus quilt seems like it is in the middle design-wise between the Zenbivy and the UGQ quilt.

[@vincenzoranieri9364]

what color was the outer shell of the UGQ quilt?

[@timothywalding3142]

If the thermarest had a little better baffle system and you could get it stuffed corectly I would buy it any day of the week. I like the layout but it kills me when I pick up a down bag, hold it up to the light and see big gaps that I know will make me cold. I just purchased a bag and had to send it back because of that very issue.

[@HuckOutdoors]

Man after watching this I really have the urge to get another quilt! Time to sell some gear to make way for one.

[@michaelharrison9445]

Great comparison and information. I’m thinking of buying a UGQ Bandit however not sure what size to get, I’m 5’10” and same build as you, should I get a reg/reg or wide/long, I’ll be sleeping on a mat not hammock sleeping. What do you think?

[@LostAgainwithJim]

I’m really interested in giving a quilt a try. Just haven’t been willing to spend the money yet.

[@InimitaPaul]

I had the Vesper 32 and it was not good, third time out it ripped at the V point going into the foot box and I woke up looking like a chicken, feathers EVERYWHERE! It wasn’t particularly warm either, I had to pair it with the Pathfinder Belmont Blanket, not good for that kind of money. I just ordered the Bandit -12 and can’t wait to try it out, I requested extra reinforcement at the V. 😡 (Thermarest)

[@Nick-hs5et]

I like the more relaxed style of the Thermarest. It's be cool if they designed the footbox to have a little extra room when the pad is tucked in. I tend to sleep with my feet out anyway unless it's really cold. I agree that although the Thermarest looks decent, the price isn't right. Could replicate everything about it besides the tuck-in footbox with a custom quilt.

[@blackiesmisadventures3413]

Hi what size compression bag will the Thermarest fit into ?

[@ronaldgauche4334]

Interesting comparison Devin. Where is the Thermarest quilt manufactured? That's always a consideration for me. I have an older UGQ that's fine, but lacks some of their newer features.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Off hand I do not know origin for Thermarest, but that's easy to find with some searching. Likely Vietnam or China.

[@outdooroutpost6061]

This guy is a life savor thank you so much!!!! Subbed

[@john_kelley]

Love Bandit and my Zeppelin quilts. UGQ makes great gear! Great video, Devin. Just from a savings and value standpoint, cottage companies are the way to go.

[@BackcountryExposure]

You and I both know that cottage doesn't always = savings, but the product UGQ makes is amazing. Thanks man!

[@john_kelley]

@@BackcountryExposure I guess I consider when all things are equal, it just seems like cottage vendors just give more value for the dollar. lol

[@BackcountryExposure]

John Kelley 100% cause often it also means supporting a family business.

[@john_kelley]

@@BackcountryExposure Absolutely!

[@Wondering_Fireball]

One of the down sides of the thermarest quilt that you didn’t bring up is that you have to heat all that extra space. You also didn’t mention that UGQ does make a quilt that wide. I own one. I love my quilt because like you I can dial it in on warmer days and loosen it up on warmer nights.

[@kevinguzda1131]

What length/width did you do on your UGQ quilt?

[@Wondering_Fireball]

I have broad shoulders and am 6’ I sleep on my side but toss and turn at night. So I went with the wide long. I got the long so I can put my cloths I wear the next day at the bottom of my quilt plus electronic gear and water filter there during the colder nights to protect them.

[@kevinguzda1131]

Perry Kerr thanks Perry . I’m 6’3 220 and also toss and turn. UGQ recommends a long 84 inch length and a 60 or 65 which is the wide xl size. I’m not sure if I should do the 60 or 65 or have them custom size it maybe 62-64 inches. They said 60 should be plenty wide enough. I was just curious about your thoughts on this...

[@Wondering_Fireball]

@@kevinguzda1131, I have the 65, the little bit of extra width enables me to really cinch down the sides in cold weather the keep me warm, yet still giving me space to sleep comfortably even when I’m rolling over.

[@kevinguzda1131]

Perry Kerr thanks Perry.

[@craigelliott4338]

Almost got the thermarest recently, I ordered it, put a post on Facebook and within 5 minutes somebody inboxes me to cancel it. He said he has to re loft it a couple of times a night because the baffles are the wrong way. I ended up buying a featherstone moondance 25

[@birdbrain3400]

It sounded like you said that pad was a Nemo Tensor 25 72. But later in the video, you said it was a 20" pad. Is that pad 20" wide or 25" wide? I ask because I want to know if my 24" wide pad will fit in the toe box of the Therm-a-Rest quilt.

[@birdbrain3400]

Allow me to answer my own question. You said 20 by 72, not 25 72. I listened again.

[@survivalist9818]

What pad are you using in this video. Great comparison also. I do have a UGQ and love it.

[@gailwind4168]

I bought one after watching this video. Can't wait to get it.

[@dakotaracebrown]

What pad are you using?

[@badderthanyou]

1:33 what tent is that?

[@BackcountryExposure]

badderthanyou Kailas Dragonfly

[@melindaa.4593]

What are the complete specs from UGQ on this quilt?

[@TheAdventureGeek]

Great comparison video. I’ve just purchased the Therm-a-Rest Corus on the back of this vid. It looks super comfy and if I throw in a few hand warmers then I’ll be good to go! Julia (from a chilly UK!)

[@LITTLEbigREG]

Hi Julia, have you had chance to use this yet? I'm in the UK and also interested in this quilt.

[@TheAdventureGeek]

@@LITTLEbigREG Yep - did a section hike on the South West Coastal Path in late October and it was excellent. I used it with an Exped DownliteMat (high R-value) and also the Exped fitted sheet. It's a super quilt and I have no regrets buying it. Hope that helps - Happy Hiking! Julia

[@LITTLEbigREG]

@@TheAdventureGeek - that's reassuring knowing that you can still use the quilt in October, did you have to use your jacket etc for extra warmth or was the quilt alright on its own?

[@TheAdventureGeek]

@@LITTLEbigREG no jacket (and I'm a cold sleeper), but I did use thermals, a woolly hat and two heatwarmer sticky things each night (which I then popped into my shoes in the morning to warm them up). x

[@RAMtrails]

Do you recommend a 20⁰ bag or quilt as a starter for Utah? I'm moving there soon

[@MauraTierney]

Great video, thank you!!! The sad thing is, that the US cottage companys are very expensive for people outside of the US (huge tax and shipping). And the ultralight market is pretty small in the EU. I am thinking about buying the Thermarest Vesper 20° for that reason.

[@christianb8228]

Not for Canadians shipping and taxes aren’t that bad fortunately

[@titanpreparedness]

Very nice comparison. Dont like how the thermarest is quite loose on its straps. Good video. Recently bought the ov quilt and its not bad but definitely mass manufactured.

[@BackcountryExposure]

With how oversized the Corus is, the straps aren't a deal breaker, but would like some adjustment on them.

[@johncampbell3338]

What kinda tent was in this video

[@shawnr6117]

Are there any more budget friendly options, the Costco one isn't being sold here

[@woodchip2782]

A few years back I had the preceding model of the Corus thinking it would be adequate for summer. I’ve hated it every time I used it. I got it because I felt constricted in a sleeping bag as I toss and turn and that i can’t find a comfortable posture with my aching old bones. One night I woke up with pee urgency and when I do I have seconds to react but the zipper was in my back and when I found it it caught real good and it took too long to open too late. What a mess.😡 It doesn’t take long to freeze when your sleeping bag is wet. That’s when I started to use blankets until I saw the Corus. So I got one. That was before other brands existed here. It was made with a narrow foot box, then. So if you tossed and turned to your side you wound up with your butt and lower back exposed to the cold. Not good at all. I went back to blankets as they cling to your body instead of slipping off like the silky Corus. Now I use a Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed. It’s heavier but fills all my needs. A pee bottle within reach is also a great idea...😅

[@BackcountryExposure]

OOOOOOH MAN! That sounds like a disaster to deal with. I've actually really enjoyed the Corus, minus some of the struggles it has in design.

[@UnlikelyHiker]

I have the Vesper 32. I hate it. Down is clumpy and sparse. I’ve been looking at UGQ instead. I have yet to hear anything negative about their quilts. Great video!

[@BackcountryExposure]

I have the Hyperion 32º and have been pretty happy with that, but it's not a quilt. I do LOVE the Bandit quilts though!

[@mutkeeg1]

Hey Devin, I know that UGQ just released its synthetic quilt Synergy this last March but has there been any information on performance yet?

[@danharrison5285]

Great video as always Devin. I ordered a quilt from Nunatak about 1 1/2 months ago. Jan (the owner) was taking some time off in the summer to backpack.....so my quilt will not arrive until mid-September. I was interested in a Katabatic quilt, but didn't want a horizontal baffle on the top section for similar reason that you described. I looked hard at the UGQ Bandit, based off the descriptions/reviews that you have given, but ultimately decided on Nunatak. Quick question about the Vesper.....is it wide, with the weird cut like the Corus, or is it more like a traditional quilt? Keep up the great reviews!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Curious to know how that quilt ends up working out. They seem nice!

[@trytheoutdoors]

Thank you. Great effort.

[@ElkArrow]

Great video. I have a custom quilt I bought about 2 years ago with a sewn footbox. I don't recall who made it. I can't stand the sewn footbox. I should have gotten an unsewn footbox.

[@jorisvanlaar]

Could you maybe elaborate as to why you don't like the sewn footbox? I am in the market for a UGQ quilt, but haven't decided whether to opt for the drawstring footbox or the sewn footbox. I tend to have cold feet in the night, so the sewn footbox seems logical. But I intend to mostly use it in warmer weather and like the flexibility to open the quilt up. Any advice would be much appreciated! Cheers from Amsterdam

[@ElkArrow]

@@jorisvanlaar Two reasons, basically. First, the footbox is fairly high up on the quilt, meaning that it is sewn up almost to the knees. That leads into the second reason. I can't sleep in it with my boots on. I'd rather have the option of keeping it open and loose, or closed and tight. I think a Quilt with a footbox that closes with a drawstring gives me that option. And that reminds me of a third reason. I think a sewn footbox is much more difficult to get out of. If you have to get up frequently during the night, like I do, it gets to be a pain getting in and out of the quilt. Hope this helps

[@jorisvanlaar]

@@ElkArrow it does and thank you for replying!

[@Wilderness-brothers604]

Derma race has dry down it’s a different down it takes away moisture pushes away instead of like exorbitant so it’s a better future don’t think you remember that one

[@jeremymolnar2114]

The thermarest reminds me of the hyperquilt exped make minus the hood.

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

I truly appreciate how thorough your reviews are, I'm trying to dial in my gear for an UL pack thanks Devin!!(=✌💚

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thank you!

[@StickyFlyCompany]

All these great quilts being custom made in America. There is no reason to buy Chinese or Vietnam, slave labor products that cost pennies to make but cost you the same as an American made one in the store. That should always be a consideration. Bags, packs, tents, etc.

[@BackcountryExposure]

It's great to support family owned businesses too!

[@arcana1973]

You mean assembled in America. All the components are made overseas

[@DaveIrish66]

Thanks Devin. Ive been leery of the quilt style from a "getting cold/drafts "stand point. Whats your experience compared to a Bag? Love the weight savings aspect tho!!! Enjoy your channel bud👍

[@The53732]

You just gotta use your quilt right. I love that for the price of one bag I can get a piece of gear i can use in the winter and summer. Just learn how to use a quilt and they're so comfy

[@stevenbroxham8600]

You should of compared the Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32. A lot lighter with the same warmth

[@BackcountryExposure]

If I feel the need to pick one up I will do that.

[@stevenbroxham8600]

Backcountry Exposure I have the Vesper 45 and 32. I think it would be a good comparison to the UGQ because of the slimmer shape. Good video tho👌 do you have any experience with the enlightened equipment enigma?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Steven Broxham the Enigma is another quilt I’d like to try. I’ve slept one night in a revelation though.

[@robnoodle1]

Just got the Therm a rest vesper 20degree 900 fill comfort zone 32degrees Very comfortable / roomy BUT, haven’t had the chance to put it to the test of endurance What are your thoughts on this heavy investment?

[@BackcountryExposure]

I haven’t had a chance to use the Vesper, but I do have the Hyperion sleeping bag and love it, but it’s kinda tight. That said it’s high quality and I think worth the investment.

[@erikviking817]

Corus duckdown loosing loft and has cold spots!! Bandit is my choice!!!

[@mr.blessing2155]

The Thermarest just seems sad and kinda thrown together by someone who saw a KZbin Video once about quilts and never uses them.

[@BackcountryExposure]

ha ha ha! I believe more thought went into it than that, but... ha ha ha

[@robnoodle1]

😂

[@PatrickPerez-o1b]

Lee Robert Thompson Steven Walker David

[@AntoinetteSusie-r3m]

Harris Daniel Young Eric Lopez Laura

[@petecoppola5428]

Yeah, you lost me when you said campsaver. CAMPSAVER SUCKS!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Pete Coppola cool man. 👍🏻

[@wesleydietsch1859]

UGA ... all the way

[@JohnnyYates-b5r]

Walker Margaret White Mary Thomas Jason

[@hughtanner208]

why my money went to UGQ

[@outbackwack368]

I'm a side sleeper that tosses and turns. I need WIDE. UGQ doesn't seem to meet that need... Thanks!

[@BackcountryExposure]

They do have an XL Bandit that I believe goes as wide as 65”!

[@kevinguzda1131]

They can customize it , says so right on their website. I’m getting a 60 or 64 inch myself..

[@Skrap289]

Anyone else here a faint buzzing sound the entire video? Even paused the video numerous times to make sure it wasn’t something else. Other then that great video

[@BackcountryExposure]

odd, I went back on a few different devices and can't hear it.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I don't hear it.

[@joekelly9369]

Totally overrated ..and younger inexperienced campers are better in a sleeping bag . Survival situation wise and its the younger campers most likely to get into these situations .. you guys are preachin bad news , and should preach the dangers of losing most body heat through your head to younger campers .who may be daft enough to follow these trends

[@BackcountryExposure]

um... okay...