I'm looking at two insulation options for sleeping and rest stops down to 28*F. I would like to maximize versatility and weight, so something I can wear and use for sleeping:

1. Montbell UL Down Inner Jacket (7.4oz, fill wt?, approx 3/4" loft) and Pants (7.0oz, fill wt?, approx 3/4" loft) and my Nunatak Arc Specialist Quilt (17oz, 9oz fill wt, approx 2" loft).

-- Total weight 31.5oz.
-- Total top loft 2.75"
-- Total cost: $130 jacket, $140 pants, $360 quilt = $630
-- Some extra warmth/insulation on ground side from down jacket and pants.
-- More complete coverage during rest stops/camp chores from jacket pants
-- Less cumbersome when wearing
-- More difficult to put on at rest stops.

2. Two Jacks R Better Stealth Quilts (15oz each, fill wt?, approx 1.5" loft)

-- Total weight 30oz.
-- Total top loft 3"
-- Total cost: $200 first, $175 second with discount = $375
-- Quilt1 worn in serape mode for upper body, Quilt2 wrapped around lower body like kilt 'er skirt.
-- More versatility, more top loft, less money, less overall weight.
-- More chance for damage to quilts during camp chores because of extra bulk.
-- Easily and quickly put on at rest stops.

What are your thoughts?

PS. Let's be general about whether I am a cold sleeper or not and the temperature requirements, no need for clo stuff. I'm more interested in the system components and practical usage, i.e., what do you like or not like about separate jacket pants vs. two quilts. An increase or decrease in needed insulation can easily be achieved by adding more or less fill to either system during manufacture or myog.

Edited by jhaura on 03/03/2007 16:50:16 MST.

Jhaura, if your bag(s) are down you might want to consider synthetic for your insulating layer. Just an added level of protection in case, in the unlikely event, your down bag gets wet.

Also, you probably already know this but don't count on the down jacket giving you much insulation on the "ground side" since it will compress.

Consider a some kind of down/synthetic hood if you don't already have one. Heat loss from your head will be significant if you don't have a hood on your bag/quilt.

See part 5 - three layer sleep system:
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00036.html

Edited by pappekak on 03/03/2007 17:37:04 MST.

Steve,

Hi thanks for the reply. I use a bivy and vb when needed to protect the down, plus I like down much better. I realize synth has a greater working range when moisture is a concern.

Yes, compressed down in the jacket/pants option takes away from sleeping insulation, but adds to rest stop insulation via better coverage than a quilt draped over you. I guess personal preference here will determine the choice, since both have adv and disadv.

I left out talk of head insulation to keep it simple. Both options come with optional head insulation. The quilt option has the JRB down hood and the Montbell has the down parka option (Fall 07).

Thanks for the link, I'll reread that, always good to brush up.

In my opinion, the two quilt system would be so clumsy while doing chores that it might drive you mad. What kind of trip lengths are you looking at? If short then you could probably withstand the clumsiness without being too uncomfortable, but on a longer trip it might stress you out to the point of discomfort.

Why not option three

Same montbell Jacket and pants and a No Sniveller quilt...Initially, it is 3 oz heavier but $110 less expensive....

Pay off is that once it warms enough to send the Montbell items home the weight drops to just 20 oz for the No Sniveller and it still provides easy camp/rest wear to below the full torso...


Pan