Katabatic Quilt user question

I think the Katabatic attachment system is the best. It is very easy and efficient. You won't go wrong with it.

I have the Chisos quilt. 99% of the time the elastic binding on the bottom is all I need. The ONLY times I have used the attachment system would be trying to extract every last degree of warmth out of my system. Having said that, it is a very easy system to use and the biggest benefit of it for me was side sleeping where you move around a lot as I do. I was able to find and attach in darkness just based on feel. In addition, the system has a two tiered mechanism. The first slot allows freedom of movement along the string so it more easily moves with you. The second slot is tight and prevents any movement which is what you might use in the most extreme circumstances when maximizing warmth. When I have used it I only used the first slot.

I don't use the attachment system as I have found it unnecessary. I should state that I use the wide quilt and a wide pad and flop flop and toss and turn all night with no issues. If it is below freezing, I will add a couple of bungee straps across the back of the quilt but don't attach anything to the pad. I currently have a Chisos and an Alsek, both wide regulars.

I previously had a standard width Chisos and Sawatch and much prefer the wider versions for my sleeping style. For reference I am 5'9" and 170lbs with a 52" shoulder girth. A wide pad and or wide quilt makes for very comfortable sleeping. A wide pad and wide quilt is quite luxurious and I am more than happy to shave weight somewhere else.

I agree with Randy, I almost never use the string and clamps. I have found that the straps on the bottom are more than enough. I also found that the ratings for the temperature is correct for me. I have the Alsek and find it is great down below freezing.

I have two wide Katabatics: an overstuffed Sawatch and a Palisade. I am a cold sleeper and I have not gone below 20d in the Sawatch. Still, I have never used the attachment system even though I sleep on my side and roll a lot. I am very happy with both quilts.

I have the Palasades quilt and it is probably my favorite piece of gear (and I have a bunch of gear). Very well made and unbelievable loft. Like the others, I've never used the attachment system as I've found it unnecessary, even though I am a side sleeper. I too have the wide version.

So you're all just laying it on top or using the straps underneath to make it like a sleeping bag with a hole on the bottom?

I'll be the odd man out on this one. When I had a palisade I found the clip method very frustrating. The strings around your pad had to be placed the right distance apart, and at the right location for the bag, your body, and the pad to all be lined up. If the strings were placed to far apart, you would stress the bag. Too close together, the bag would be bunched up. I didn't find attaching the clips to the strings very easy to do behind my back, lying down.

I just used the typical straps that are included with the bag, and in near freezing weather they were drawn all the way tight. Still had to tuck with every toss/turn. It just wasn't for me, I got a vireo now.

Construction quality of Katabatic products is top notch.

Steve

Odd second man out. I too found the strap 'system' infuriating. I do much better with a regular quilt. YMMV.

So what pads are you all using.

Given the importance of the insulation of a suitable pad with a quilt I'm a little paranoid about a deflation even given the need for insulation underneath – though I guess that's the same with a compressed sleeping bag anyway.

I was using a Neoair, short at the time.

Steve

I have been using 4 season pads year round – currently a large xtherm which slightly edged out my previous UL7 Downmat.

One more vote for no strings attached. Unless it's going to be right around the temperature limit for the bag, I just use the straps close up the opening a bit. I tuck the quilt edges under me, and I stay warm.

I've used the string system a couple of times, and it worked fine, but it took a bit of getting used to, and I think I had to reattach the clips once or twice during the night.

Fears subsided… I just ordered the Alsek as my new all-arounder here in SoCal.

Thanks for all the community input. It was helpful.