Sleeping Bags vs Quilts

**CajunHiker** · 12-07-2010, 09:33

There's also a few (okay, maybe just me) that use a Big Agnes bag and an pad. I camp with the scouts and have to have a ground setup option.

**RootCause** · 12-07-2010, 10:04

Originally Posted by Fronkey776

Ya, I was thinking the same thing. How well do sleeping pads work? Are they enough for 3 seasonal hiking or should I just go and get an under quilt?

Sleeping pads are definitely useable for 3-season camping in MN! I've done pads down to 28* across Minnesota and Wisconsin very comfortably. Use of a segmented pad extender (SPE) make them even more comfortable, check the archives here for info.

People will often switch to underquilts for convenience- they are easier to use than a pad, in my opinion. If you've got the $$, and are a committed hanger, then UQs are sort of the next evolutionary step.

-Greg

**jtbradyl** · 12-07-2010, 10:31

I have a Marmot Lithium bag for cold weather and use it as a quilt. I zip up the bottom just enough to form a foot box. I had it before I bought a hammock and after trying it out found it worked great. In fact one night my feet were hanging outside the hammock but were still warm. As an added bonus the hood draped nicely over my head and added more warmth. Just make sure you aren't trapping your breath otherwise moisture becomes a problem. If you have a sleeping bag that opens full length it should be fine when used as a quilt.

**Shug** · 12-07-2010, 10:38

I started with my bags but went to quilts in the hammock.
Either work just fine.
I did some videos just for new hammockers.......... they may help.
Hammocking For The Noob and Whatnot

Shug

**lori** · 12-07-2010, 10:46

I moved to quilts before I moved to hammocks. Typical temp range for me is 20-40F. I love my quilts - I hated sleeping bags, hated the mummy bag, hated the hood, and won't be going back to them anytime soon. I still use the quilt on the ground when I end up there - the main benefit for me is not having to fuss with a zipper and not waking up with a claustrophobic panic attack every night. That and the quilt is so much warmer and lighter than a comparably priced sleeping bag...

**KerMegan** · 12-07-2010, 10:50

Feathered Friends "Wren' and "rock wren" are well regarded as quilts, due to the 3/4 zipper configuration..just put them on upside down..
I personally find that a light down Sleeping bag (name currently escapes me) plumps up nicely above me, and comes far enough around the sides to block heat escaping. so far I have pads for underneath, and a DIY insultex UQ that I am still tweaking the suspension.
KM (who has been napping in the 'cold' recently- cold in DFW being anything below 50 or so..some wind, no tarp..getting the feel of the system, bit by bit)

**Fronkey** · 12-07-2010, 10:51

Originally Posted by lori

I moved to quilts before I moved to hammocks. Typical temp range for me is 20-40F. I love my quilts - I hated sleeping bags, hated the mummy bag, hated the hood, and won't be going back to them anytime soon. I still use the quilt on the ground when I end up there - the main benefit for me is not having to fuss with a zipper and not waking up with a claustrophobic panic attack every night. That and the quilt is so much warmer and lighter than a comparably priced sleeping bag...

@Shug
I have seen all your videos and it was because of them I not only found this site, but, wanted to be a hammocker. Thanks for making them and hope to see you on Superior Trail sometime.

@Lori
Ya, I got the impression that Quilts may be a little more practical while backpacking.I like that they are lighter and easier to handle.

Now, I just need to figure out what quilt I am going to get. lol
Thanks a lot

-Trevor

**mountaingoat** · 12-07-2010, 10:57

I also moved to quilts before going to hammocks. Bottom insulation of a bag gets compressed on the ground as well. I like wearing a hooded jacket in my quilt instead of a mummy hood that your face gets buried in when you turn. That said, I do like a way of really snugging up the quilt under you to avoid drafts.

**Alamosa** · 12-07-2010, 11:50

I have always used a bag with the zipper opened to create a foot box. It works very well, but I am concerned that the zipper hardware will eventually end up causing some damage to the hammock. I am making a quilt for that reason.

**eflat7** · 12-07-2010, 12:55

I use a down sleeping bag with a safety pin about halfway down the zipper to keep it from moving. Im a big guy and like coverage. Probably couldn't get the same from a TQ.