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I've got a long duration (25 day) camping trip planned for November into December in a part of the world that will be quite warm at the time (not anywhere in North America). Most of the gear is being provided when I arrive, however I need to bring my own sleeping bag. The only sleeping bag that I currently own is not going to work for this trip (its too old, too heavy/bulky, and not very comfortable). So, I'm going to need to buy a new sleeping bag which is appropriate for the trip (ultra-light, warm down to around freezing, durable).
Apparently much has changed in the world of sleeping bags, and quilts are the new hotness, as they can either be a traditional bag, or, well, a quilt, depending on the temperature conditions. This looks very appealing, as I tend to roll around a lot at night, and a fully closed bag is always constricting, plus I tend to overheat.
After a lot of research, I've narrowed down my options to the following three (in no specific order):
- Katabatic Gear Flex 30F Quilt
- Therm-a-Rest 32F Sleeping Bag
- Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
I'm hoping you fine folks can offer some input to help me decide. Even if you've never used any of the above, if you have any opinions, I'd love to hear them. If you have used any of them, so much the better.
I need to make a decision in the next 2 months or so, to allow enough time to order + ship before my trip.
thanks!
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That looks like pretty high quality ultralight gear. I'm not up on it at all but reading the scuttlebutt from through hikers on the long trails, the quilts seem to be gaining popularity. If you poke around some of their blogs you can probably find some useful info.
25 day trip should be pretty cool! Care to say where you're headed?
I'm off to DV Friday, flying via LAS.
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(2021-03-31, 07:40 AM)MojaveGeek Wrote: That looks like pretty high quality ultralight gear. I'm not up on it at all but reading the scuttlebutt from through hikers on the long trails, the quilts seem to be gaining popularity. If you poke around some of their blogs you can probably find some useful info.
25 day trip should be pretty cool! Care to say where you're headed?
I'm off to DV Friday, flying via LAS.
I'd prefer not to say too much just yet, beyond its going to be in the world's largest desert.
Looking forward to hearing about your upcoming trip!
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(2021-03-31, 08:19 AM)netllama Wrote: the world's largest desert.
I love Antarctica!
Check me out on YouTube @ BetterGeology! https://www.youtube.com/c/BetterGeology
And my out-of-date website dvexplore.blogspot.com
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(2021-03-31, 10:50 AM)GowerGulch42 Wrote: (2021-03-31, 08:19 AM)netllama Wrote: the world's largest desert.
I love Antarctica!
Ha ha, good point. I take that back, I meant the Sahara. Although I have been to Antarctica before, but no current plans to return.
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I'm impressed to see that down is making / made a comeback. It seemed for a long time that down was being replaced by the various polyester fiber fillings.
I've not bought a decent bag in 40 years. I still have my REI 3 5/8 lbs fill down bag, so it's heavy. On the other hand, I am hot in it on 10 degree nights!
The quilts seem intriguing. Might be more flexible for sure. The only other though I have is that 30 degree rated doesn't keep you warm at 30 degrees. But, a hat and long sleeve PJs go a long way to be more comfortable without the added weight of a heavier bag.
David Bricker / SYR
DV Rat. Live upstate NY, play Death Valley, retiring to Hawaii. '95 Cherokee, barely.
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I've got 4 sleeping bags in the collection right now that fill most of the gaps from ultralight backpacking to 0-degree truck camping. I'm not familiar with "quilt" bags, though the bag I use for truck camping down to single digits is a big two-person thing that is a lot more comfortable to sleep in than my 3 mummy bags as it isn't tapered in the legs / feet.
Depending on the intended usage, I personally prefer down bags as high-quality down (800+ fill) is much more effective at trapping heat when compared to synthetics of the same sleeping bag weight. My two down bags – ultralight 35-degree Western Mountaineering bag and 19-degree Patagonia bag – are what I reach for when I'm backpacking. In the truck I keep a synthetic Sierra Designs bag for emergencies, and use a big ALPS Mountaineering 20-degree double sleeping bag, as weight is of no concern.
Blah blah blah aside, if I was to head out today and look for a new bag I'd be shooting for a 800+ fill down bag rated to 20-degrees. Brands I'd consider are Western Mountaineering, Big Agnes, Marmot, NEMO, and even REI due to their return policy. Those are all brands I've been exposed to in one way or another, and have had positive experiences with. I'm unfamiliar with the three brands you're looking at, other than Therm-a-Rest's sleeping pads which I've had a love/hate relationship with for over 20 years now (and no longer use).
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With my trip coming up in November, I needed to make a decision. I ended up buying the Enlightened Equipment Revelation [ https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation-custom/ ], 950 down fill, 30F, long/wide size in white blaze shell, graphite interior:
It was delivered today, and I am quite pleased.
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Not a rec as I just ordered this one today: https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/1...g-bag-mens
I’m taking it to New Mexico for 2 weeks towards the end of September. I’ve been through a few bags in the last 5 years and can’t seem to find one I really like.
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(2021-09-01, 09:34 PM)shane Wrote: Not a rec as I just ordered this one today: https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/1...g-bag-mens
I’m taking it to New Mexico for 2 weeks towards the end of September. I’ve been through a few bags in the last 5 years and can’t seem to find one I really like.
That looks like a great bag. Definitely a lot heavier than I needed though.
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