Quilt width for a side sleeper

Stephen,

This info was copied and pasted from Tim Marshall's ELIGHTEND EQUIPMENT website.

"SLIM is a straight taper which is well suited to hammock users (both as top or underquilt), back sleepers, and users who have a slim or athletic build. 48"head tapering to 38"foot.

WIDE is a half taper and is best suited to larger users who sleep either in a hammock or on a ground pad, side sleepers, and users that toss and turn in the night. 56" head half tapered to 42" foot".

Here is the URL link address that will get you there.

http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/sizing.html

FWIW based on your self description I'd hazard a guess and say 52" as is described in the REG sizing information above.

Party On,

Newton

Thanks John, it looks like it would be a wide I would need.

Everyone's probably got a different definition of what is acceptable. My quilt is a variable taper, 54" at the widest, and I personally wouldn't want to fuss with something narrower when it's cold out. As it is, I can tuck it under me on both sides and can roll side to side without letting in too much draft.

edit- 56" would be even better. You won't regret a quilt that's a little too wide, but you'll definitely regret a narrow one.

Thanks Ike,

Sounds like 56" wide is the way to go.

Since I am now an experienced quilt user (6 nights) I feel qualified to answer this ;-)

I have a Enlightened Equipment WIDE. At 56" it is very wide. About as wide as a standard sleeping bag, that means it will tuck completely under you and touch.

I would say, the pad width is at least as important as the quilt width, more so than when using a bag. If you have a nice and wide pad, you can skimp a bit on quilt width, and vice versa.

Usage will matter too. Are you using it under a tarp or other windy shelter? Then you will want more width for draft control, if you use it in warmer weather, in a bivy or in a double wall tent you can get away with less width.

How thick of insulating clothing are you planning on wearing? Add that thickness to your girth.

Hi Tjaard,

I also have slept 6 nights in a quilt with varying success, I now know I can use one down to 32f.

Nearly all my trips are in a solid inter tent except for high summer.

I am toying with the idea if getting a synthetic so can also be layered over a down bag.

Have a great weekend,

Stephen

For side sleeping a half-taper design is significantly more superior, especially if you move around. You can go with a narrower quilt than you would if you had a straight-taper design.

Than Brian, I will keep that in mind.