Backpacking Light UL 180 Quilt

John,
I also have issues with mummy bags. If you only camp in the warmer months, check out the UL 60 or PRO 90. I bought the UL180 quilt in the last sale. If you've never used a quilt, it may be awkward at first, but with insulation under you for support and/or warmth as your individual comfort requirements deem necessary, it's definitely an option. I'm 6'1" with a 32" inseam for pants (to give you an idea of leg length). The bottom "footbox" is a tube in which you put your feet/legs into, then it opens up to cover everything above that. I wear a size 15 shoe, so my feet stretch it out at times. It's probably not an issue for anyone less than a shoe size 12 or so. You can tuck the quilt in around your sides and shoulders. There's a cordlock to cinch up the quilt around the neck, to keep the cold air out and warm air in. If you are a restless sleeper, you will find out quickly that moving requires readjustment and will let in a draft until you readjust. I've converted to quilt use (and insulating clothing) for down into the low/mid 30s. Below that, I'll be using my recently purchased 15F bag.
If you're willing to spend a few more bucks, check out MLD's XP quilt. The footbox provides more space than the BPL model and has options for event material on top for more waterproof qualities on the top. The UL180 will shed water due to its water resistance, but it is not waterproof. Neither are waterproof on the bottom liner, but are water resistant.

Thanks Christopher. My feet aren't quite as big as yours (13), but I may have similar issues with the foot box. I'll check out the MLD some more…I like the fact that it doesn't have a sewn foot box, and that it can be laid flat.

John,
You won't be disappointed with the MLD. I bought one stock and decided I wanted a custom one instead. Workmanship is top notch and as you mentioned, it has the option of laying flat. You'll spend more than the BPL model if you go that route, but you'll get more too.
Chris

Hi John,

I've got a 180 and a 60. I've had the 180 into the upper 20s with an insulated top (Patagonia MicroPuff pullover) and bottoms (REI Expedition Weight long underwear) and was pretty warm. I really enjoy both of the quilts. My only wish is that they were cut just a bit wider as I tend to move quite a bit during the night. If you're primarily a back sleeper though, this may not be an issue for you.

Ryan

Ryan,
What's the coldest you've taken the 60 to, and still be comfortable?

Chris,
Which model MLD do you have…e.g. 2.5, 5.0, or 7.5oz/sq/yd?
And what temp range have you used it comfortably in?

I was thinking of using the MLD in conjunction with my two Big Agnes Lost Dog bags zipped together, to lay the MLD flat across the top when my girlfriend and I need extra insulation. It's very nice to be able to share the sleep system for warmth (and other benefits). Does anyone have experience with something like this?

John

I'm interested also for the cold temp for the 60 quilt too.

I've only slept under the 60 a couple of nights so far, but have noticed that I start to get cold about at around the upper 40s. (When wearing a long sleeve Smartwool lightweight top and bottoms.) I took it on an overnight this past weekend and paired it with the UL 60 pullover and balaclava. That night the temp dropped to about 40 degrees and I wasn't cold at all! Besides the pullover and balaclava, I was wearing the same long sleeve Smartwool lightweight top and bottoms as well as a pair of nylon hiking pants. Pretty comfy setup that I look forward to experimenting more with this summer.