Katabatic Palisade or Arc Specialist?

Nick–I can only speak about the Palisade, but it's great. I would only spend extra money for the Specialist if you need a different fabric, a non-standard size, or other custom work. As a slim side-sleeper, either quilt should fit you fine, though. The Palisade's attachment system is great (but you don't have to use it) and it has a down collar that is nice. It really cushions your neck when you tighten the drawcord. Plus you can get it in your hands faster and it comes with a nice storage sack, stuff sack, and cord for the attachment system. Aaron is really a pleasure to deal with too. You can't go wrong with either, but my vote's for the Palisade.

I have a Nunatak Arc Alpinist and bought my GF a Katabatic Sawatch. Both are quality quilts but prefer the Katabatic. Agree with Brian if custom fit is not needed go with the Katabatic which has a much better cut and a far superior method of connecting the quilt to a pad. You can also get extra down if needed and delivery time is only like 1 week compared 6 to 8 weeks for Nunatak. What Katabatic does is, the bags and baffles are constructed leaving one side open so when an order is placed they just add the down and sew up that side. Much quicker turnaround plus you'll save a fair amount of $$$

I was trying to make this exact decision at the end of the summer. On Erik's suggestion I went with the Palisade. Incredible craftsmanship, the way it attaches to the sleeping pad made me have one of those "why didn't someone think of this sooner" moments, and it's cheaper.

No Knock to Nunatak, but I can't imagine any way you could improve on the Palisade unless you wanted it made out of a specialty fabric or have feet so big you need a custom foot-box.

I had mine made with 3 ounces of overfill and it got to me in CA same week as ordered. My only problem with it at this point is that it makes me want to order their 15* quilt as well.

I have no experience with the Nunatak bags but I'm very happy with my Katabatic. The attachment system works great and like others have said, the construction quality, price and delivery turn-around are hard to beat.

Nick
Did you consider the Jack's R Better line? if so what were the pros and cons?

+1 on the Palisade.

Excellent differential design really "shells" the body, and the craftsman ship is superb. Oh, and it Is toasty!

Edit: I've several Nunatak quilts. And still have a BCB.

I'm on the other side of the equation. I have no experience with Katabatic, though they seem very well made. I have owned a few Nunatak quilts, and have a Raku as well. Exceptionally well made. I like the ability to customize what I'm buying. Tom is pretty responsive to queries and questions. Yes, they're at the higher end of the cost scale, and at the moment you'll wait at least 8 weeks (I just asked a couple of days ago) to get what you order, but you won't be disappointed with what you get. FWIW.

I know you are looking at the Palisade but you might look at the Sawatch. Like you, I sleep a little cold and am a side sleeper. Considered both and ended up getting the Sawatch. I love it, and I am plenty warm wearing just Capilene 2 down to upper 20's (as cold as I have had in my Sawatch so far). Down near freezing I don't think I would want the Palisade unless I had a down jacket like the Patagonia Down Sweater. Depends on temps where you hike, but nothing messes with an otherwise good trip than a bad night's sleep. I would also look at the hoods from Katabatic to go with your quilt. If you get the Palisade, a hood will extend your temperature range.

I have an Arc Specialist and a Sawatch.
The Specialist is 55" wide, and i don't use the straps on it. I simply tuck it under me. The Sawatch is 51" wide, and i have to use the straps/locks to keep it tucked in.
Both fit me for their different reasons. In cold temps, i like the Sawatch cinched in tight. In milder temps, i use the Specialist as a blanket, and much looser. For milder temps, i would choose the Specialist over the Palisade for its extra width. If the Palisade was the same 55" width as the Specialist, i would go for a Palisade.
I'm a stocky side sleeper.

Hi Warren,

I don't have too much knowledge of the JRB line. I've looked at their site and the specs for some of the quilts look pretty comparable to Katabatic in terms of weight, price, availability, etc. I had heard great things about both manufacturers, but really liked the attachment system of the Katabatics.

I already had one of Katabatic's bivys, so it just made sense to me to stick with the matching quilt given the positive initial reviews from other users.

My shoulders measure 18 inches so should the katabatic be enough in the width? This being my first quilt, shoulder width an coverage is my main concern.

Thoughts?

My shoulders are 20" wide and I have no problems as a tossing and turning side sleeper. I have the Sawatch and don't use the pad attachment system. I use elastic bungie cords when the temps really dip but mostly I just tuck it around me.