Are there any folks that have just one quilt that they extend into winter with layers? I have a great primaloft jacket that keeps me pretty well warm in low temps. I was wondering if good socks and tights, along with the jacket, would allow me to take a summer quilt down to freezing. It usually dosen't get much lower than that here in the south around sea level.

Tried out my Katabatic Chisos w/ 2oz overfill to about 20* recently. I was wearing my Rab Microlight Alpine jacket, synthetic tee, midweight long johns, two pairs of SmartWool socks. I was a little less than comfortable and my feet never warmed up. Also had altitude sickness. I was sleeping in the back of my Jeep though with the windows slightly open. The setup was a little awkward and had a few drafts since I was was using the tuck method. Looking to add down booties and pants eventually.

If I was going to be in my Moment, would've switched to a longsleeve merino shirt, add a balaclava, and cinch the cord attachment system tight.

Few people seem to talk about the pad when asking about quilts. I would say this is critical in how well you can push your quilt down. A summer pad + summer quilt probably will do poorly with any reasonable amount of clothing.

If only freezing, you can easily push a chisos or a palisade to freezing with a synmat UL and down clothing, espiecally a down hat.

Edited by Chuckie_Cheese on 01/19/2012 12:39:32 MST.

I have been doing that for years when camping in winter with summer bags. It works. However while you should wear all of your clothes to bed, carrying extra clothing for sleeping will be a bit heavier than carrying a warmer bag.

You could combine the summer quilt with another summer bag for winter use. I use a Summerlite and then put a Nunatak Ghost on top. Adds some weight over just one winter bag but for occasional use it works fine. Also, if one gets wet you still have another or if you get a warmer night you could just use the bag. I use the summerlite for shoulder season, quilt for summer and both for winter.

I was using a cheapie 1/2" foam pad in the back of the Jeep. If I was on the ground, I would've use the foam pad with an Exped Synmat UL7. I originally bought the UL7 due to finding inflatables more comfortable, but the more I use it, I find myself waking up more sore than using a foam pad. Does this happen to anyone else?

The reason I prefer adding clothes to the sleep system is because I already have a down jacket, beanie, etc. packed for camp clothes. Minus whale use it to supplement the quilt. Also helps with the cold shock in the morning getting out of your bag if you're already dressed.

Edited by TRAUMAhead on 01/19/2012 14:21:18 MST.

JG,
How far down (in general) are you able to comfortably use your Ghost? I am looking into one. What are the stats on yours as well?

-Jesse

I'm also looking to take my quilt for colder weather, maybe down to 20 degree.
Or use my down clothing to take the sleeping bag down to 0 easily (I have enough space inside).
I currently have only the quilt and a WM versalite (thats worth mentioning).
I also in the middle of choosing a new vest / parka, so I don't know what I would bring.



Down weight fill
balaclava 1.4 0.8
mitts 1.5oz 1
booties 3.35 2.2
pants 8.4 4.5
total 14.65 8.5

quilt 16.25 8.25 rated at 40 but with that amount of down it is very conservative.


other
wool baselayers

VBL ?

I'd be using a kooka bay synthetic mat R5.9, 19.5oz (roughly from memory).

I did forget to mention the other important factors. I am using a doublewall solo tent because around here bugs and condensation are an issue during peak camping times. Also, I'm currently using a full length big agnes insulated pad. So I feel like I have a solid enough base to not worry about insulation there. I've also spent enough time on motorcycles and bicycles to know my legs can take care of themselves pretty well even in really cold conditions. But my feet can be problematic. I'm a big guy, so it can take a while for my extremities to warm up. I'm thinking I should add down booties to the list as well.

In the past, I've gone back and forth on the quilt idea because I love the hoods on mummy bags so much. Anyone else here have this apprehension before going with a quilt? I'm also what I consider a half side sleeper. I usually fall asleep on my back, but mornings I'll find myself going on my side. Is this a no go for quilts?

I'm a side sleeping tosser. I'll probably switch sides at least 5 times through the night. The Chisos is pretty narrow, and with the tuck method I have to do a bit of shuffling to get the quilt retucked after I roll over. Using the cord clip system would remove this problem. If I was to use my summer quilt regularly in the winter, I'd definitely opt for a wider quilt (Chisos is 52". Wouldn't be surprised if the overfill made it narrower).