I’m a 6’2” active sleeper and a bit claustrophobic so when I bought my first bag a few years ago the primary consideration was that the bag is roomy. I can’t imagine anything warmer or more comfortable than my Big Agnes but it’s 3 ½ pounds and I am looking for something lighter.
When I say active I really mean acrobatic, throughout the night I’ll cycle through my back, stomach, side, fetal position, you name it. I can’t stand to lie in my wife’s mummy bag for more than a couple of minutes – I just need more room. But how to get more room and still reduce the weight?
I think that a quilt paired with a lightweight bivy sack may be a good combination. The bivy would retain some extra warmth around the quilt when I’m thrashing. It would provide extra protection from the weather which would allow me to eventually go with a smaller/lighter tarp.
Quilts
I’d like to get a nicer down quilt but rather than spend $400 on an Arc Alpinist I think I’ll sew my own Ray Way quilt with the draft stopper edges. If memory serves that kit is under $100 and should be almost 2 pounds lighter. Are there any other quilts that I should take a look at that are good for starting out?
Bivies
On the bivy side my concern is size – most of them seem to be pretty heavily tapered for mummy users. Which UL bivy sacks are the largest? I read a couple reviews that said the Equinox bivy is fairly large. I suppose I could make one but if there are other options I’d at least like to consider them.
Obviously any comments or suggestions by other active sleepers would be greatly appreciated.
