Tigoat Sierra Sniveller or Jacks R better

I have the UL Sierra Sniveller from TiGoat. The UL version uses better down and lighter fabric. It's otherwise the same as a regular Sierra Sniveller, but 2oz lighter and more expensive. All you really need to know is that it lofts to 2.5" which should keep you warm to around 25 degrees.

The Hudson River and No Sniveller are both comparable (one is wearable, the other is not), but they're not as wide and better for a hammock.

I've got the JRB Sierra Sniveller, will be using it for my PCT thru this year. Save the money & go with the JRB, team it with a lightweight bivy, and supplement it with layers of clothes if really needed. See you on the trail!

Dug
http://thf2.wordpress.com

Just make sure to factor your sleep style into your decision, not all quilts are the same in regards to how well it will function for *YOU*.

3-sizes fits all doesn't always work.

I am a ground sleeper and I tent to move around alot while sleeping. I usually end up side sleeping

If you're a side sleeper, width is very important. Don't go too narrow or you'll get drafts. The big question though is what temperatures do you expect to see. The Sierra Sniveller will get you to 30 and maybe 25 with layers on underneath. If you expect anything colder you might want to look at the Cyanocitta which is made by Javan for TiGoat or you could talk to Javan about a custom quilt.

I am looking for a bag that will be for Pacific crest trail conditions.. The Cyanocitta bag looks pretty nice, but it is $90 more than the Tigoat UL Sierra Sniveller Special and $170 from the JRB Hudson River. Of these quilts listed… What would be best for the PCT or should I get a custom quilt like Nunatak or talk to Javan? I am looking for something that will take me down to 20F if need be( recommended for the PCT), but will be comfortable in the heat for the found on the thru-hike… All that to say that I am a side sleeper. This is my first quilt and I like to buy things that will last. Thanks for the help everyone
-Joshua-

The more that I look at the quilts, I really like the Cyanocitta Bag, but it is now out of stock at Tigoat, not to mention that I didn't see any sizes as I have had recomended to me at least a 55" width? Anyways, please comment.

If I were you I'd get someone like Javan to make you a custom quilt. I'm a big-time side sleeper/thrasher, and I use a modified Backcountry Blanket (Nunatak) which has a shoulder girth of 61" I think….works very well for me. The ability to COMPLETELY open up your quilt to use it loosely as a blanket would be very handy during the warmer stretches of your hike.

One bit of advice would be to stay away from velcro side flaps- they catch on socks!

First off,

I think down is measured in cubic centimeters, what they do is take one once of down fill a cylinder and measure how much it fill up, so 800 fill down will measure so many centimeters per once and 900 will measure that many more. So you get more loft (warmth) for the same weight. Someone correct me where I am wrong.

I have a nunatak ARC specialist. I love it. I took the time to think of exactly what I need and had it custom sized to fit my body and needs better. Mine came in at 14.8 oz, and when I pair it with a down jacket I can take mine down to the teens. Nunatak is expensive and it takes a while to get your product. But if you know what you want, and your going to take advantage of the customization then you cant beat it. Sorry if I answered questions others already addressed.

josh –
i use a JRB hudson river and have been thinking of going to the ti-goat special.
I am 5'9" about 165 and i find that i have enough room in the hudson at 48" I am also a side sleeper and mover so that is why i like the quilt so much. one thing i really like about the JRB quilts is that they can open up flat for use in warmer weather. I have had my hudson down to 30 and was quite warm with only a baselayer tshirt on. I am a warm sleeper but i would think the hudson paired with some clothing and a down hood would get me to 20 without any problems. i think that the tigoat version would be nice as it is a little wider at the top, but not necessary. If you consider wanting to wear the quilt, i'd def go with the tigoat version. but if not $209 is a good deal IMO.
I've never used a nunatak quilt or one of javan's, so take it for what its worth-

Eric,

Down loft is measured in cubic inches, not cubic centimeters.

Just as an example as to the difference:

1000 cubic centimeters = 1 liter.

1000 cubic inches = 4.33 gallons.

– Ben Smith

Joshua,

The Cyanocita will be in stock, limited quantity, in 3 weeks. I suggest ordering immediately or talk to TiGoat about pre-ordering if you decide you want one.

The width is narrower than what I would recommend for a traditional quilt, but due to the back draft-flap closure, tucking is unnecessary, so you can get by with a narrower width. The stock Cyano's are about 50" wide at the top but this doesn't translate the way it would with other quilts, since the flap holds the quilt around you like a traditional bag. Believe me, I would have made it wider if it was necessary, but one of the advantages of the design is that it makes it possible to save weight, keeping it on par with a more traditional quilt style.

Length is approx 71-72", sewn footbox so you can't compare the length numbers to the draw-cord type footboxed quilt, since it doesn't loose length from the cinching.

Joshua,
I bought a Hudson River over 3 years ago and have hiked the majority of the PCT with it, getting in over 2100 miles this last summer. It was a cold year. I love being able to open it up all the way and adjust the diameter of the the foot box opening on warm nights.
I am a back/side sleeper and found the quilt more than adequate in width. I'm 6'2" and average about 180 lbs. I found that the quilt worked best with Ti Goat Ptarmigan bivy, although it works well in a Squall Classic either solo or with a partner. I use a 1/4" torso length pad.
I washed the quilt twice this summer and it has regained its loft well.
Happy Hiking, and maybe I'll see you this summer.
Go Class of 2011!

I am a happy owner of a Javan Dempsey quilt. This is the first piece of gear that I have had custom made, and it fits me perfectly. The craftsmanship is impeccable and Javan has been a pleasure to work with, through the entire process. I also have a Nunatak Arc Specialist, which I use down to maybe 40 degrees, definitely nothing lower than that; even with the straps and the quilt being plenty wide for me, I do end up with a bit of a draft. I like Javan's design for colder temperatures. Both quilts are outstanding pieces of gear.

Joshua,

I have hiked the PCT in sections to Tahoe, but have spent much of the past three decades hiking in California, focusing on the Sierra Nevada. Plan to see below freezing temps at times even in summer. If I were to take only one of my quilts for a thru hike of the PCT it would be my Nunatak Arc Alpinist. But just as I own it already and the rating is right. (20 F) I also have one of Javan's quilts and it quickly became my number one sleep system last summer. He has some great ideas and makes a heck of a quilt.

Plan for cold, you can always kick it half off.