Quilt/Bag for 2?

Not really what you’re looking for, I’m sure, but you can make a quilt really easily at home, with stuff from thruhiker, or seattle fabrics. I like having a sheet of nylon on the bottom as well (not just a quilt), since it helps stop one person from grabbing the whole quilt in the middle of the night. Even with that extra layer of nylon, our summer bag is still under 2.5 lbs.

-Erin
http://www.groundtruthtrekking.org/WildCoast.php

this was posted not too long ago in the "make your own gear" topic.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/6404/index.html

If you're staying in warmer climates then Ray Jardine has a quilt kit using synthetic insulation that goes down to 40 degrees (can be increased to 20 by adding insulation). My fiance and I made one ourselves last year with a zip in it so we carry half each – weighs 2lbs for the whole thing.

Another option would be two sleeping bags that zip together. We both have WM Summerlite bags (1lb 3oz each) and can zip them together along one seam to make a quilt to two seams to make a fully enclosed double bag. A little pricey but very versatile.

Jardine sells lots of different weights of insulation; I think there are at least 3 options. He will even sell you the kit to duplicate the quilt that he used walking to the South Pole this year.

When comparing weights, remember that this is one of the only places where you can get a *synthetic* 2-person quilt.

Thomas,

If you have not already looked you should check out Jacks R Better.

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/

They make two models that can form an enclosed sleeping bag for one or can be opened up for two people to use as a quilt. I do not own any of their products but all the feedback I have heard from people on this site has been positive.

Thomas, Depending on the size of yourself and your companion, consider carrying one large bag. I did this once and it worked great. Here are a couple choices for applicable bags:

1. Feathered Friends suggests using their Wide series for two campers: "For those who want to use one bag for two people". These bags have a 64" circumfrence at the shoulders.
http://www.featheredfriends.com/productlist.aspx?SubCatId=3&CatId=1&selection=3

2. Montbell SuperStretch bags (either down or synthetic) fit one 6'4" occupant, or two smaller people. Shoulder circumfrence is 75" max(that's not a misprint); rest of bag stretches accordingly.
My #7-Long down bag fits me and my GF (120kg total) easily, and weighs 510 grams. That's like each person carrying a 9.5 ounce sleeping bag, but more fun.
https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_itiran.asp?cat=1101
Note, the "Alpine" option on the odd numbered bags reduces the width for a lighter bag; I suggest the the non-alpine ones.

3. Snugpak synthetic bags have a full length baffle you can extend to get several more inches of length. No stretch system though.
http://www.snugpak.com/20_outdoors/21_05_micro.htm

On a tangent.. if you sell the thermarests you mentioned and get 2 full length Montbell UL pad sets and you will save another 5.7 ounces and gain the attachable, inflatable pillows. The ULs are same thickness, and solid foam, not die cut like the thermarests.

Both my wife comfortably sleep in a Jack's R Better Mt. Rogers quilt. We've found that it's good until the high 20's then we use it as an over quilt over our mummy bags, this keeps us fine into colder weather, haven't figured out how low yet.

The Jack's R Better is cheaper than the Nunatek Blanket and I believe it's larger. The primary matter of concern with sleeping 2 in a quilt is draft control. You need to ensure that the quilt will stay where it needs to when you or your partner are rolling around in your sleep. If you call Jack he has some solutions that he can work out for you for a slight price increase.

They also have another down quilt that has less loft. If you're camping and sleeping in the southeast this may be of interest to you as well.
We are very happy with our quilt and would recommend it to anyone.

Thomas,
I agree with Brett. Buy one large rectangular bag.

A cheap option to see if you like couples sleeping is the Campmor 20 degree, 550 loft, rectangular bag long. It has a 34" or 68" total width, an avg. total wt. of 2 lbs. 10 oz, a 7 x 14 stuff size, and is 86" long.

Michael, thats a GREAT suggestion about the Campmor rectangular bag. I like it even better than my suggestion. Its like each person having a down bag rated to 20'F, weighing 1lb5oz, and costing $70. And to justify the cost a little, it unzips to a huge rectangle for years of use lounging around the house.

The analysis looks even better for the $179 two person 0'F bag, averaging 2lbs per person. You would have to spend $800 for two Western Mountaineering Kodiak bags to get close to a 4lb 0'F system for two.

My girlfriend and I used the Wm Megalite on our PCT thruhike–came out to .75lbs per person at 30 degrees warmth. Worked great as it is designed for bigger folks. If you made a tonsil for it (like Nunatak offers on their doubles quilt) it would be hard to beat.