How do you sleep with your quilt?

[Sue]

Forgive the long post but I am looking for advice so want to give some background.

I have decided that I'm a cold sleeper... I have a Sea to Summit Micro III that I bought a few years ago when I was starting to hike in Scotland and before I found this forum. I was keen to get a quilt so I could open it in warm weather. The thing is, I've hardly ever used it open. It's normally zipped up tight with the hood up to keep warm. I have 200 wt merino thermals, have a womens neoair and am currently in a Laser Comp so almost fully enclosed (although i like the vents open to reduce condensation). The Micro III is rated 4C/-2C and I would say I'm only just ok at about 4C if I've got my heavy thermals. Of course, as a woman of middling years, I do have personal heat waves and even if it's cold at night, I need to vent occasionally so short or no zip is out.

So, I'm looking at getting something warmer but relatively light in wt (the Micro III is 775g with another 300g for the thermals - I would love to get something lighter). I am trying to decide if I stick with a quilt or if I should just go for a classic bag.

I see that many of you use quilts. On the few occasions that I've used the Micro III open, I haven't enjoyed sleeping directly on the mat. I've tried carrying a silk bag liner and use it as a mat sleeve. It's more comfy but seems to defeat the simplicity and low wt of the quilt.

So, how do you use your quilt?
Do you use a sheet on your mat?
Do you just tuck it in or do you use the straps/clips to keep it close when you need to keep warm?
If clipped, is it just like sleeping in a bag?
Do you find that you need a thermal mat under you at lower temps - which means more weight ?
Which quilts should I be considering?

Thanks

 

[Teepee]

My quilt is just draped over me. TBH, I often prefer a sleeping bag used as a quilt as it's wider. This is purely from pushing an ultra wide summer quilt down the priority list of MYOG projects for years on end. I do find that the extra width stops much more draughts, is often warmer for me than a warmer quilt is. Only if it's getting to the limits of it's warmth do I put the neck strap of my quilt round my neck. As a side sleeper, that tucking in is harder to maintain than a back sleeper.

I sleep clothed..no mat cover necessary for me. It's a non-issue. Cold conditions see me wear a down hood.

I tuck the sides in. For very cold conditions, ie stupid Northern foreign cold, I prefer a sleeping bag. If it needs clipping, it's too much faff. A zip is easier.

I nearly always use some king of thermal mat in the UK, at least 2mm of reflective foam under my airmat. These get doubled, or tripled as conditions dictate. 60g per mat. I also use these as sitmats and to protect inflatable mats punctures.

Sorry, not much of a clue on the last one. I make all my own gear and have done for years, getting very out of touch. I would always make an extra wide one though, with enough room or even some uninsulated 'wings' to tuck in.

 

[Sue]

My quilt is just draped over me. TBH, I often prefer a sleeping bag used as a quilt as it's wider. This is purely from pushing an ultra wide summer quilt down the priority list of MYOG projects for years on end. I do find that the extra width stops much more draughts, is often warmer for me than a warmer quilt is. Only if it's getting to the limits of it's warmth do I put the neck strap of my quilt round my neck. As a side sleeper, that tucking in is harder to maintain than a back sleeper.

I sleep clothed..no mat cover necessary for me. It's a non-issue. Cold conditions see me wear a down hood.

I tuck the sides in. For very cold conditions, ie stupid Northern foreign cold, I prefer a sleeping bag. If it needs clipping, it's too much faff. A zip is easier.

I nearly always use some king of thermal mat in the UK, at least 2mm of reflective foam under my airmat. These get doubled, or tripled as conditions dictate. 60g per mat. I also use these as sitmats and to protect inflatable mats punctures.

Sorry, not much of a clue on the last one. I make all my own gear and have done for years, getting very out of touch. I would always make an extra wide one though, with enough room or even some uninsulated 'wings' to tuck in.

Thanks Pete,
Sleeping in clothes is an interesting idea - not sure if I'm ready for that, but I already sleep with my clothes in my bag so that they are warm in the morning so it's not a big step.
I'll look at reflective foam - do you have a link?

 

[Clare]

Hi Sue. Another cold sleeping menopausal female here and a side sleeper. I had a -6 enlightened equipment revelation. It was not wide enough, drafts came in whenever I turned. Fixing it to clips was okay but a faff. I sold it and bought a zpacks classic. It’s much wider, 145 I think, and it has a zip. Wide enough that I can comfortably move around in it while zipped and wide enough that I can move around without drafts coming in if unzipped.

-6 (20) is the least that I need, except on very hot nights when quilt mode comes into its own. Width is crucial. The zip is useful.

The other thing to stop drafts is the width of the mat. I prefer a wide mat otherwise the quilt droops off the side and cold updrafts sneak in. All of which sounds like an argument for a bag not a quilt. But I like the quilt.

So, enlightened equipment conundrum (zipped) in wide. Or zpacks classic. Maybe look at the fortata from As Tucas for a European supplier. They will add a zip if you request it (I think).

How’s the backpack quest coming along?

 

[Clare]

I sleep in uniqlo heat tech long johns. Very thin and comfy and 96g.

 

[Clare]

Women’s Neoair should be okay for warmth in the summer but if chilly then take silvered radiator foam.

 

[Sue]

Hi Sue. Another cold sleeping menopausal female here and a side sleeper. I had a -6 enlightened equipment revelation. It was not wide enough, drafts came in whenever I turned. Fixing it to clips was okay but a faff. I sold it and bought a zpacks classic. It’s much wider, 145 I think, and it has a zip. Wide enough that I can comfortably move around in it while zipped and wide enough that I can move around without drafts coming in if unzipped.

-6 (20) is the least that I need, except on very hot nights when quilt mode comes into its own. Width is crucial. The zip is useful.

The other thing to stop drafts is the width of the mat. I prefer a wide mat otherwise the quilt droops off the side and cold updrafts sneak in. All of which sounds like an argument for a bag not a quilt. But I like the quilt.

So, enlightened equipment conundrum (zipped) in wide. Or zpacks classic. Maybe look at the fortata from As Tucas for a European supplier. They will add a zip if you request it (I think).

How’s the backpack quest coming along?

Thanks Clare,
Sounds like we have similar sleeping temps and styles. I am also a side sleeper but thankfully don't move much so am happy in a bag. I've been looking at the Enlightened quilts and the Zpacks quilts and bags - they do look nice. I have been looking at the 20F and even considering the 5F/10F. Thanks for the tip on the Heattechs, I'll check them out for when I have a warmer quilt/bag.

As for the backpack, I took the plunge on a used small Arc Blast on eBay which I should get this week. I'll use it this summer and if it's too big, I'll still be interested in your Arc Scout... if you're willing to part with it.

 

[edh]

I'm sleeping colder as I get older.

I'm using (because I bought them and not as they are 'best') Zpacks bags...I like them as they have a long zip (under you but you don't feel it) and no hood so can easily be opened up.

Chez moi I sleep naked but have got used to wearing a thin T (Rohan) and leggings (Rab) when backpacking so don't feel the mat when I open up the bag zip; I wear an insulated cap to cope with the lack of a hood...or, as the bag I specified is long I can pull it up to cover my head as is necessary.

My partner and I did use a double mattress for a while when backpacking....easy enough to get a silk liner that will go over a mat like a sheet, so if you don't want to sleep clothed, you have options.

 

[edh]

Oh, and, if you side sleep as do I; a few clothes stuffed in a bag and placed between your knees really helps with spine alignment and sleep quality; well for me anyway.

 

[Clare]

Ha! I knew it! You outbid me. I wanted to buy that one and then sell the scout to you. We could swap maybe. Perhaps pm me to discuss once it has arrived.

 

[Sue]

I'm sleeping colder as I get older.

I'm using (because I bought them and not as they are 'best') Zpacks bags...I like them as they have a long zip (under you but you don't feel it) and no hood so can easily be opened up.

Chez moi I sleep naked but have got used to wearing a thin T (Rohan) and leggings (Rab) when backpacking so don't feel the mat when I open up the bag zip; I wear an insulated cap to cope with the lack of a hood...or, as the bag I specified is long I can pull it up to cover my head as is necessary.

My partner and I did use a double mattress for a while when backpacking....easy enough to get a silk liner that will go over a mat like a sheet, so if you don't want to sleep clothed, you have options.

Thanks Ed,
Which ZPacks bag are you using? Since I sleep on my side with my legs bent, I might have room to pull a short bag over my head - I'm only 5'2". I have a down beanie - do you use one of the Zpack hoods or just use a hat?
I'll look into thin thermals.

 

[Sue]

Ha! I knew it! You outbid me. I wanted to buy that one and then sell the scout to you. We could swap maybe. Perhaps pm me to discuss once it has arrived.

Dag-nabbit ! We could have got it cheaper !
Perhaps a "Ladies who trek" meet somewhere and we can decide who gets which one.

 

[Sue]

Oh, and, if you side sleep as do I; a few clothes stuffed in a bag and placed between your knees really helps with spine alignment and sleep quality; well for me anyway.

Wow, interesting! Do you do the same at home ? or just on an air mat ?
I'll give it a try!

 

[Teepee]

This is just an example...... lots of sizes about, lots of different prices, but the material is the same. You could cut this one down , maybe get a few out of it.
Weight for weight, it's the warmest CCF I've ever used and I've used a lot. I've been using this stuff for nearly 10 years now, wouldn't be without it.

https://www.outdoorlook.co.uk/highl..._y3IArHB15_Uu1dx2TJTtt3aJdFddBpwaAvzXEALw_wcB

 

[Enzo]

Looks like Sue got that arc blast lol
Def think too narrow quilts are an issue. I converted my -6 myog quilt into a zip less bag and have a -3 ish quilt I use 3 season.
I too just sleep in what I hiked in unless I'm soaked/muddy.
X lites I find ok on bare skin. I have very plastic like pads which are a sweaty mess to sleep on.
Would that we were all like @Dave V and a napkin would take us to -10!

 

[edh]

ZPacks 10 and 20.
I have the hood but tend to use my hat as is more flexible.
I use similar at home yes, it makes a difference for me. Probably exacerbated in a tent...
Then again I'm not the most patient, nor fond of tent time

 

[Sue]

ZPacks 10 and 20.
I have the hood but tend to use my hat as is more flexible.
I use similar at home yes, it makes a difference for me. Probably exacerbated in a tent...
Then again I'm not the most patient, nor fond of tent time

Full zip or Classic? I can't see that there's that much difference, to be honest.

 

[The Cumbrian]

I use a 3mm silverised ccf mat that cost a fiver from Tesco as a lounging about mat, and to back up my mat if needed.

 

[edh]

Classic, but yeah

 

[Sue]

Looks like Sue got that arc blast lol
Def think too narrow quilts are an issue. I converted my -6 myog quilt into a zip less bag and have a -3 ish quilt I use 3 season.
I too just sleep in what I hiked in unless I'm soaked/muddy.
X lites I find ok on bare skin. I have very plastic like pads which are a sweaty mess to sleep on.
Would that we were all like @Dave V and a napkin would take us to -10!

I can see the point of layering for the cooler seasons. Have also seen a discussion on using synthetic for the top layer to avoid dampness in the down.
So many things to consider !

 

[Dave V]

Looks like Sue got that arc blast lol
Def think too narrow quilts are an issue. I converted my -6 myog quilt into a zip less bag and have a -3 ish quilt I use 3 season.
I too just sleep in what I hiked in unless I'm soaked/muddy.
X lites I find ok on bare skin. I have very plastic like pads which are a sweaty mess to sleep on.
Would that we were all like @Dave V and a napkin would take us to -10!

Hah I'm sure it will catch up with me at some point.

Unless it's around freezing I just lay the quilt over me like a blanket. I tried the pad attachments that came with my Cumulus and didn't like it, it felt restrictive as I move around a fair bit.

Freezing and below I will wear socks or down booties as my feet are the only thing that really feels the cold. Clothing as needed at the time and just tighten the quilt up until I'm comfy.

As far as clothing goes, I go to bed with as little clothing as I feel comfortable in at the time. I can then add layers if needed and don't wake up sweaty and sticky.

 

[Sue]

Hah I'm sure it will catch up with me at some point.

Unless it's around freezing I just lay the quilt over me like a blanket. I tried the pad attachments that came with my Cumulus and didn't like it, it felt restrictive as I move around a fair bit.

Freezing and below I will wear socks or down booties as my feet are the only thing that really feels the cold. Clothing as needed at the time and just tighten the quilt up until I'm comfy.

As far as clothing goes, I go to bed with as little clothing as I feel comfortable in at the time. I can then add layers if needed and don't wake up sweaty and sticky.

Now I see what @Enzo meant!
Thanks.

 

[Enzo]

I made this almost waterproof almost breathable apex 67 insulated over bag to go over my down quilts. It's huge so I can keep all my gear dry and warm in it. Works well.

 

[Sue]

I made this almost waterproof almost breathable apex 67 insulated over bag to go over my down quilts. It's huge so I can keep all my gear dry and warm in it. Works well.

Another good idea. Thanks!

 

[Bob-W]

So, how do you use your quilt?

Pretty much as the manufacturer (Cumulus) intended.

Do you use a sheet on your mat?

No. But quilt ratings are like those of bags and assume that the user is wearing a thin base layer so that gets round the clammy feeling of skin against the mat.

Do you just tuck it in or do you use the straps/clips to keep it close when you need to keep warm?

Just let it drape over me.

If clipped, is it just like sleeping in a bag?

Not applicable

Do you find that you need a thermal mat under you at lower temps - which means more weight ?

I use an Exped Winterlite but it's my year round mat so no real extra weight.

Which quilts should I be considering?

I've a Cumulus 150 and my wife's a 350. This last week even the 150 was too warm.