Arrowhead KAS vs Snugpack system

**rakhan** · 01-22-2016, 11:03

Ok I am looking to dive into actually using underquilts and top quilts rather than my PLUQ, pad and super bulky and heavy mss sleeping bag.

I know down is the best and will eventually invest in a quality down system, in the interim I was looking at picking up one of these synthetic systems. I have been looking at getting the KAS new river and Owyhee, or the snugpack system for my WBBB. I have seen lots of threads and reviews on each but not any comparing them. Which do you guys like better, I am looking at saving space and believe it or not weight ( yes both of these are significantly lighter and less bulky than my current setup). These will be used for backpacking as well as car camping. I do like the fact that I can get the KAS system down to 0.

Tell me what you think

Thank you

**Speedogomer** · 01-22-2016, 11:33

I have both an Arrowhead Equipment New River winter quilt, and all 3 of the Snugpak products (underquilt, top quilt, and cocoon). I've never used a top quilt from Arrowhead.

The New River is built really well. It's super warm, and looks great. You can get it in lots of colors, and the fit on my hammock is great.

The snugpak products combined are cheaper than just a New River quilt. The underquilt and top quilt are good to about freezing, add the cocoon and you're probably good to the teens.

The arrowhead equipment stuff will be nicer, warmer, and just overall better than the Snugpak stuff. It's also lighter. My New River is the long winter model. It's big. As big as the snugpak cocoon, but lighter.

The snugpak stuff has the advantage of being cheap. It's good stuff for the price, but the KAQ stuff from arrowhead is just better.

If you can afford it, go with arrowhead equipment. If you are on a strict budget, get the snugpak stuff. If your budget is in between, get an arrowhead KAQ underquilt and pick up a Snugpak Hammock Quilt (top quilt).

**Shug** · 01-22-2016, 11:36

Arrowhead KAQ for the win))))))

Shug

**rakhan** · 01-22-2016, 12:21

Thank your for the replies,

the budget isn't much of a concern between these two, it sounds like KAQ is the way to go. how is the packability as far as size goes if you put them in compression sacks? I will be going to the long versions since I am 6' 4" so I imagine that will add some bulk.

**Chrisja77** · 01-22-2016, 12:34

On the AE website he has a video about cleaning and maintenance of the quilts that show how it packs down into the stuff sack.

**Chrisja77** · 01-22-2016, 12:36

http://youtu.be/hisVqiK5voo

Found it...

**rakhan** · 01-22-2016, 14:12

Originally Posted by Chrisja77

http://youtu.be/hisVqiK5voo

Found it...

Thank you! looks like I will be going with KAS!

**Speedogomer** · 01-22-2016, 16:14

If you are going with the long winter models, they are pretty big, but will weigh significantly less than the MSS (2 of my hammock friends have them). I recommend buying some compression sacks for them so that you can pack them down better.

Lucky for you. Paul has a sale going on now, 10% off all winter KAQ quilts. Maybe it's a sign.

Unless you're doing winter camping, the 3 season models are probably better for you. I imagine Alabama stays relatively warm.