Anyone use a short quilt?

I am also looking at a similar design (see MYOG forum), but baffled and made with down.

Mark, I use an Arc AT for 3 season hiking. I posted a bunch of info about my setup a while back.

You can search "Nunatak Arc AT + Skaha Plus Combo"

or here is the link:

https://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/process#forumtop

I had another thread about it too…let me see..

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/8897/index.html?skip_to_post=73481#73481

Hope that helps a bit…

Mark,

I use one you are considering for extra insulation when the temperature drops more than the forecast predicted.
Mine is the MLD with 2.5oz fill. I use it over my Rab Top Bag either diagonally to fully cover me, or in the normal orientation when I curl up. It helps with draughts too.
I haven't used it on its own yet- I don't normally hike in sufficiently warm climates, but I think it would be fine with a good insulated jacket and pad in a bivy for warm nights. I'm planning on trying it this summer.

It is very well made, and gives me a versitile sleep system I can tailor to the conditions. If I get too hot in the night, I can just slide it off- cool again- slide it over the top bag. My total sleep system comes in at 26 ounces with the Rab Top Bag and MLD 2/3rds quilt and sees me down to 0ºC no problem. If the forecast is for warmer nights, I can leave it at home and just take the top bag, instead of having to take a warmer/ heavier bag all the time. I used to have a 3 season bag that was always too warm for me- this way I'm comfortable and not sweating- ie wetting the down, making it less efficient. Also, if the top bag gets wet (never happened in many years of walking) I've got a backup.

I hope this helps,
fred

Thanks everyone for your feedback.
Steven are you still a big fan of the nunatak half bag and insulated top combo you mentioned? I also noticed that you were using the AT with the montbell halfsleeve insulated jacket and arm warmers. Do you think that that system works well for 3 season backpacking? Thanks, Mark

Looks like I've got a tug on the hook. :)

The combo is great. I love it. I only use a full sleeping bag in the winter, and I'll be swapping that out for a 0*F Raku for next year.
I got rid of the half sleeve and arm warmers due to the finicky factor involved. It was tough to keep still and have everything covered – especially if the temps dipped. I swapped them out for a MB Down Inner Parka and that worked very well for me. However, I wanted to grab something a bit warmer for the shoulder seasons so I sold the Parka and grabbed the Skaha.
Depending on the climate you are in (Southern California…does it get cold there?) you could easily get away with either of the MB combos. I would only recommend the Skaha if you are going to get some lower temps as it is seriously warm. Too warm for height of summer up here.

Now, this is what you have to think about before you buy a combo like this. The Arc AT is just a short quilt, so it is easy enough to know if a 40* quilt will be warm enough. It's the jacket that may cause the questions. Example: If you have a jacket that is warm enough to sleep in, you may be too hot wearing it any other time of the day. And if you have a jacket that you can wear around camp, then it may be too cold to sleep in for 8+ hours. I think this is what deters most people from using a combo like this.
It may be an option to grab an Arc Edge with a MB Down Parka and come in somewhere around 20 oz., which is 3 oz less then me.
By the way, I have an ounce of overfill in the Skaha but not in the Arc AT and regret it everyday. :) The Skaha is packed to the rim with down while the Arc AT is nowhere near as dense fill.
There isn't much info out there on these systems so feel free to ask any and all questions.
Steve

I have Monday, a.m. 3/30 to Thursday 4/2 trip on 35 mile section of Foothills trail in South Carolina, near NC border. Elevations hiking 1200 to 3000' elevations, weather at present looks like mid 40s for lows. Plan to use a 2.5 ounce Climashield XP quilt at 58" long, 46" wide at top, 34" bottom made by Tim Marshall( similar to MLD design). Quilt weighs 10.2 ounces. Am warm sleeper. Use XS prolite 3 pad at 8 ounces, GG torso-3.5 ounces, sleep in Patagonia 2 top and bottoms, and if needed 9 ounce BMW Cocoon pullover. Oh will use either TT Rainbow, or Black Diamond Highlite 3 single wall tent. For me w/even the Rainbow I am good in reasonable comfort to 35 degrees. I also have a 5 ounce XP 2/3 quilt Tim made me to use w/or wout the 2.5 XP, that quilt weighs 15.9 ounces.

I use a full length quilt, and have thought about the half bag/half quilt route. I am a side/restless sleeper. When i turn in my quilt, i tend to hold it about shoulder height, and turn under it. You can't do that with a short quilt, so i would get cold legs when i turn. If i go down this route, it will be with a half bag, not a half quilt.
The half quilt would probably work if you sleep on your back all night.

@Steve – How do you like the baffles in your Shaka/Arc AT combo?

Like I said, I am looking at making an elephant's foot style bag with a drawcord on the top and bottom (think of a cone with the top cut off or an MLD quilt with the long sides sewn together). For simplicity and weight's sake, I may go with sewn-through construction. Remember, I will be using a MB inner down parka (sewn-through). Any great benefit of having them at warmer temps (30-40F) that would make it worthwhile?

The Arc AT is really a 3/4 quilt instead of a 1/2 quilt. And it has a footbox. I'm a tosser and turner as well, and a warm sleeper, and I love it (in fact I ordered a second one with a bit more fill). Like you, I grab the quilt and turn under it. I also attach the lower strap under my neoair, but leave the upper strap unhooked. This really works great for me, I wouldn't use anything else for moderate to cool temps!

Take care,

Doug