Elephant’s Foot Quilt?

My bag of choice is the original North Face Beeline. "900" fill down, 30°, 20 ounces, no zipper. I mostly use it as an "elephant foot" bag. The jacket I carry is a Montbell Thermawrap, which works until the temperature drops enough that I pull the bag up around my shoulders. A good warm hat tops off my sleep system. I've no hair and need the insulation when the temperature drops below the mid 40's.

S.D. Wicked Light in short made a good 3/4 bag. I used it just as you described, supplimented with a Moonstone Cirrus UL jacket.

of course that 45° temp rating may not work for you, then there is always the Western Tamarack. I dont know anyone who has used a Tamarack but its WM quality and thats good enough for me. I was thinking of using one of these for my hammock, and a WM flight jacket up top.

Your idea of having a quilt top with a fabric bottom is called a top bag. I know Nunatak makes elephant's foot bag but they have insulation all around. I don't know anybody who makes elephant's foot top bags. I'm not really an expert w/ top bags but I know there are definitely people who use them on this forum. It does seem like a pretty good idea considering you have to wear insulated clothing w/ an elephant's foot bag anyway (drafts wouldn't be a huge issue)

Like the Nunatak arc AT?

I like the concept but it only works if you are definitely also already bringing a jacket. Otherwise a full length quilt or bag is more weight efficient.

Half bags are great – definitely my first choice, but not for everyone…takes some getting used to. The Nunatak quilts have some straps on the back to keep them wrapped around you. A think a piece of fabric would work aswell (not sure how that would save more weight then having nothing there), but you would lose the venting option to some extent, which is one of the benfits to quilts.

My setup pictured below:

I've got one. I'm short enough that it covers my shoulders It's darn warm…

Full disclosure, I am a retailer for WM. That said, before I worked at this shop I worked at another that didn't carry WM–and although I could've gotten a decent bag at a great price, I drove here to pay retail for WM.

The Tamarack is a pretty awesome little bag. I struggled between getting that and the SummerLite. I'm 5'6", wear a 42" jacket, and I could just squeeze under the neck opening of the Tamarack… but it was tight. Elephant foot use as intended is super warm. Lots of loft. Unzips all around to use as a quilt. Also one of the best bargains out there. $190 for a 19 ounce 30 degree (quite conservative) 850 fill bag.