MYOG (Modify Your Own Gear): 15* Quilt

[t.darrah]

I have been working to switch all my sleep systems to quilts. I have purchased both a nunatak arc Ghost and MLD Spirit quilt for warmer weather trips but still needed a lower rated quilt for use in the 15* – 20* range.

I had hoped to sell a NWT WM Apache GWS and use the funds toward a nunatak arc Alpinist but found little to no interest. I decided to work with Tim M. to convert the Apache to a 15* quilt and here is the end result.

I had Tim remove the WM Apaches hood,zipper and draft stops.

I had Tim provide a 14" footbox using three snaps and provide two mid point straps/cords.

The end result weighs 1 lb 10 oz on my scale with which I'm very pleased.

Tim did a very nice job and was great to deal with.

[Casey Bowden]

Thom,

What's the weight savings? Why not just use the bag unzipped when you want a quilt?

[CW]

Accoding to specs it saved around 12 ounces.

[t.darrah]

Casey/Chris,
I felt the weight savings were worth the modification, others may not. With making the conversion from bag to quilt I went from 38oz to 26oz for, as Chris stated, a savings of 12 oz, or nearly a third of the bags original weight.

A nunatak 20* arc Alpinist in epic (closest to the GWS shell) is speced at 23oz and has 2.5" baffles. My Apache quilt, at 26oz, is equal in quality of workmanship and materials and warmer having 3" baffles and more fill.

[Steven Evans]

Thom,
Looks awesome, and 26 oz is a sweet weight. Tim rocks…

[John Paul Reid]

Can we see a before pic? Was it a mummy before? Looks like a good job I've been contemplating doing this to an older bag of mine. As for the zipper question above, I find the zipper annoying when it's against my legs and it often comes unzipped further than I'd like so to just do away with seems like a good choice.

[John Paul Reid]

Sorry I just read where it said you'd removed the hood

[t.darrah]

I do not have before pictures but you can see the Apache GWS on the WM site. When looking at a before picture (on the WM site) it is not difficult to see how the weight savings are achieved. Removal of the hood, zipper, zipper guards and the draft stops all add up.

The Apache was a perfect bag for a conversion with it having a narrow, trim fitting, cut. I know Tim has converted a Marmot Helium (older black version) for a BPL member, based upon my suggestion, and this member was also very pleased with the result.

Warning: This type of conversion is not for everyone but for those wanting to switch to a quilt and that already own a nice quality bag I believe this is a viable option worth consideration.

[Author]

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