TQ - Half taper or No taper?

**Passinthru** · 09-03-2014, 14:02

I am getting close to finally getting a top quilt to replace my DIY and sleeping bags.

I thought I had it all figured out but now am wondering about taper or no-taper.
It seems that half or full tapered is the standard style and no taper is an option from most makers.

I can see the slight weight advantage of a half taper.
I can see the slightly bigger footbox of the no taper.

Are there any other advantages/disadvantages to consider?

**Otter1** · 09-03-2014, 14:33

I like the half taper vs "no taper" for the reason you mention. Unless you have huge feet the half taper is fine.

You also refer to "straight". Just making sure you know that this and "no taper" are not the same. Straight taper tapers from top to bottom.

Not trying to insult your intelligence, I just was confused a bit by your reference to both and wanted to be sure you knew....

**bartlax4** · 09-03-2014, 14:36

In general, full taper is the lightest and provides adequate, albeit the least amount of coverage. Still totally sufficient in the hammock as the underquilt provides underside coverage as well as partial side coverage, so the top quilt covers the other "third". Half taper will give you a little more coverage in the hips vs the full taper, but provides a little weight savings in terms of the footbox vs the no taper. A good choice if you don't tend to sleep straight as an arrow and also helpful if you go to ground on occasion and need the side coverage down to your sleeping pad. No taper is the perfect rectangle and provides the most coverage in any situation. It really boils down to a combination of what shape covers you the best for how you sleep and how important the savings in weight is to you.