Good experience with Sierra Design Backcountry Quilt (TQ) in cold weather

[Philip Werner]

Thought I'd share a great experience I had with the Sierra Design Backcountry Quilt in cold weather (35 degrees), the three season model, that is down-filled with that funky hood.

Attachment 116955

We've had a real cold snap this month in New Hampshire's White Mountains with nighttime temps getting close to freezing, night after night. Knowing it was going to be cold, I decided to bring the SD Backcountry Quilt on a 4 night trip as a Top Quilt in my WBBB. The Backcountry Quilt is rated to 28 degrees (EN13537) and I hoped it would be sufficient.

Wow, this quilt rocks in a hammock!

The SD Backcountry quilt is cut long and extra wide, something I originally criticized this bag for when I reviewed it for ground use. Those attributes are really great for hammock use however where the quilt's oversized measurements increase warmth since they get squeezed and stacked between a hammocks side walls. The extra length and hood are super comfortable in cold weather and I have a feeling that I could easily take it down a full 10 degrees more without any problems.

Size: Fits to 6′ 4″ / 193 cm
Length: 78″ / 198 cm
Shoulder Width: 56″ / 142 cm
Hip: 45″ / 114 cm
Foot: 40″ / 102 cm
Fill Weight 11 ounces / 0.31 kg
Trail Weight: 1 pound 8 ounces / 0.68kg
Insulation: 800 Fill Duck DriDown
Shell Material: 20D Nylon Ripstop
Liner Material: 20 D Nylon Tafetta
Packed Size: 7″ x 14″ / 18 cm x 36 cm
MSRP: $260

I hadn't expected that the SD Backcountry Quilt would work out so nicely in cold weather. The 1/2 hood makes a really interesting addition to a quilt and one that I think has legs for cold weather quilt design. I've talked to the design folks at SD, but I'm certain they never envisioned targeting the hammock market with the Backcountry Quilt. Too bad because it's a pretty good application of the hooded design, IMHO.

[Aviator01]

Thanks for the review. Looks like a great option.

[Flash Grundelore]

Philip... this is why we need you here on HF.
Great, quick review

[alifeoutdoors]

This is good to hear, thanks. I have that exact bag for when the wife and I go out (she's a ground dweller) and often wondered if I added this to my 20 degree TQ to supplement for winter camping if it would work out. Sounds like it works in the hammock fairly well.

[ccolclou]

I thought so hard about this when I started seeing it about a year ago. I couldn't justify the price for the temperature rating, especially when compared to the cottage manufacturers we have, and I ended up with an awesome used quilt from UGQ. I've often thought about asking one of the cottage vendors to do a custom quilt incorporating the Sierra Designs 1/2 hood, though- I've never forgotten that feature, and really seems to make so much sense! I don't want to step on any toes (or patents), though.

[slugbait]

Welcome to Hammock Forums, Philip- I enjoy your blog.

[LuvmyBonnet]

Good to hear about your positive experience. I had purchased a couple items from Sierra Designs for Snowboarding. Unfortunately I found the items to come apart at the seams very quickly.

[Philip Werner]

It's really a strange quilt for ground use, so you can imagine my surprise when it worked so well in a hammock.

My friends all call me the "test kitchen of backpacking" because I try the oddest combinations!