Nunatak ArcAT

The answer to your question regarding whether the Arc AT is "sewn through" rather than baffled might be found in the following excerpt from the FAQ at Nunatak's site:

"Baffle spacing, which is the horizontal distance between the individual down filled chambers, is standard 5" on all bags including the Arc Line. Baffle height, on the other hand, determines the vertical size, or thickness of the insulation and is also known as loft. This measurement can vary from bag to bag."

Note that the above discussion of baffling, both height and spacing, is described as the standard on "all bags including the Arc Line" — which would seem to pretty clearly include the Arc AT.

Frankly, given the prices and construction time for their quilts, the possibility that Nunatak makes any quilts as a "sewn-through" rather than baffled never entered my mind. It would certainly be well to verify that fact, if there is any question, at the time an order is placed.

As for your other question about whether a custom order to Nunatak for an overfill of down will actually increase the loft or just stuff more down into the same baffled area, I can say based on my experience in ordering a custom Arc Alpinist from Tom that an overfill of down is (or at least can be) accompanied by an increase in baffle height that allows additional loft.

Back when I ordered an Arc Alpinist several years ago, the standard baffle height for the non-customized Arc Alpinist was 2 1/2 inches. I requested a two ounce overfill with the order, and Tom informed me the baffle height would be increased to 3" to allow for extra loft from the overfill.

I also requested two other modifications for my quilt, one of which was loft-related.

First, I had the quilt made with a differential cut for the liner and shell to help eliminate loss of loft that might occur by the liner pressing against the shell.

Second, I had the length of the quilt fitted in between the standard regular and long lengths since my height fell right at the break point for the standard sizes.

Best to keep trying to contact Tom to obtain authoritative answers, though. From my experience, I found him to be very patient, helpful, and knowledgeable. He provided great advice on considerations that I never considered, as well as giving answers to all of my questions.

While my quilt was being built, Tom even provided me an excellent Arc Alpinist demo to use on a trip I had planned for some time. Design & workmanship for the demo was great, and likewise the custom quilt that I later received.

Hope the above info helps a bit.

JRS

Ryan,
I have the ArcAT and it is baffled (not sure if you got my e-mail?). Stellar piece of gear IMO. I purachased the standard long version, so I can't be of any help on the overfill question. However, if memory serves me correctly, the extra down was about $15/ounce.

Everyone needs one of these. ;)

Hey Steven,

I didn't get your e-mail, maybe I typed my address wrong in my PM. Thanks for responding though.

I guess I thought they might have been sew-thru on the AT because it is so much cheaper than the Edge, even though it is isn't that much shorter. Good to know about the increase in loft. Thanks.

From my sent folder:

"Hey Ryan,
The AT is a great piece of gear – I highly recommend it. I would take a picture for you but my camera busted and I haven't replaced it yet.
Sizing: You are in luck, I'm about the same size as you @ 6'2.5" and about 185 lbs. The "long" AT goes to about 1 inch below my armpit. It is much longer then the MLD quilt. It is fully baffled (not sewn through) and weighs 9.75 oz on my scale. I didn't get any overfill as I wanted it as light as possible, and was purchased for my summer sleep system. It was only after experiencing how warm it was that I decided to start pushing it. I pair mine with either a light fleece in summer, or the MB Down Inner Parka (with the hood) for cooler temps.
I honestly think this can be pushed to 25F but it will be a noticable push. When I used it on a 42F night, I was absolutely fine. In my mind, I would use it with a thermal top and bottom, cocoon pants and a down jacket (not sure which one yet) to get it down that low. Without further testing, I don't feel comfortable telling you that you can do it, simply because I am not even sure if I can do it. I will say that hitting 32F/0C should not be a problem with this quilt with proper layering.
I'm short for time right now, but if you have any other questions, shoot them my way. When I was looking at getting the AT, there was only one other guy I found who had one. I believe his name was "Christopher Plesko" (active on the BPL forums) and he is into the racing and "hardcore" stuff so he might be able to give you even more detailed info and pushing the temp rating. I know he purchased the Skaha with his AT for a killer setup. I can look him up if you want. Just let me know.
Hope that helps,
Steve"

Thanks, yeah – I know Christopher. I'll have to talk to him about it.

Good to know you're my height. I'm only 155lbs or so, so it should wrap nicely around me. Do you have a problem at all putting your arms "in" the bag? i.e., lets say in summer temps (it gets hot in Utah) I don't bring an insulating top – all I have is my t-shirt. Could I sleep with my arms in it in a pinch if the temps dropped a bit low? Is there a draw cord or anything to keep the top snug around your chest? I'm a bit worried about only having that one strap underneath, unless there is a way to cinch up the top.

Oh yeah – I have the MB Down Inner and the Alpine Light, so I could pair it up with either one depending on the temp expected.

One more thing Steven… when you talked about the MLD quilt, do you actually have one? If so, and you've slept in them both, did one feel warmer to you?

I got one of these in the Pertex Quantum – short length still hits me right below the shoulders. It is baffled and had adequate coverage for a side-sleeper with no cold spots.

This was the piece of gear I have always wanted without knowing it existed. Taken it to 40 degrees with a WM Flight jacket and was toasty!!!!

The MLD 2Thirds XP Quilt is available in Reg, Large and now XL. The MLD XL is quite long- certainly as long or longer than the Lg Arc AT.

The MLD quilt is wider than the Arc AT in the Large/XL sizes too. Custom sizing is also possible.

The MLD 2Thirds is quite a bit different from the Arc AT in a lot of ways. Mainly the insulation and the targeted temps and the extra features on the MLD Quilt. The synthetic MLD Quilt is also much less expensive.

The 2.5 XP version is not as warm as the Arc AT (which may be a good thing depending…) but the quilts weigh the same. The 5oz XP option should be very close to the same warmth as the Arc, but it will weight about 5oz more.

For a slightly taller-than-normal dude, I thank you for offering extra long options for your gear!

Ryan,
To answer your questions, I don't have the MLD quilt, but know it is shorter just from reviews (and you). Obviously, Ron now offers several sizes.
As for sleeping in the AT with short sleeves, I actually originaly went with a MB Half Sleeve when I used my AT. I did this for quite a few nights, even a 6 day trip, but just found it a bit too annoying to have to force my arms down all the time. Eventually, I caved, and purchased the Down Inner Parka (but I still have the Half Sleeve). For the extra ounce or so, I can sleep with my arms above my head.
Then again, the AT wasn't built for ultimate comfort, so if you are looking to shave all weight, a short sleeve is definitely the way to go.
Steve