Going from a Bag to a Quilt

ya that is a good idea too then you can see how big you want.

one of these days we'll figure out a day to compare gear

Feathered Friends has the Flicker that features a full length zipper that allows it to be used as a quilt, a blanket, or a sleeping bag. ZPacks has a quilt with a dedicated foot box and a long zipper option. I currently own a Zpacks quilt with the zipper and love the versatility. If I was new to the market, I would look at the Feathered Friends Flicker as well. I pair my quilt with a down balaclava that I like more then a fixed hood.

Erica,

Fourteen years ago I started from a position that d*mn near everything I read about UL was nutso and could not possibly work, including quilts. But in the process of experimenting to prove myself right I accomplished just the opposite;-)

My quilt experiments involved simply draping an unzipped mummy sleeping bag over me. Several outings later I was a confirmed quilter.

Regard pulling the hood up and over and being consumed by it. … you can probably get a similar effect using a long model of most quilts unless you are an unusually tall woman but I find that insulated balaclavas work well for head warmth when using a quilt.

I migrated from a bag to a quilt when I was a hammock hanger. I realized I wanted the option to zip up and snuggle when it got really cold. I wound up buying a Zpacks 20 degree bag. Mine is the short-wide version, full length zipper, no draft tube, no hood. Works great as a quilt or as a sleeping bag. It weighs 16oz because Joe added a custom head opening so I can wear it like a coat.

Okay, going to give it a try on something homemade at first to get the sizing and to try it out. I am sure that I will not miss the acrobatic feats I have been making in my hammock for years! I will fiddle around with a homemade hood as well…..maybe something longer in the back and fluffier around the next for next support while sleeping….. Lotsa ideas!!!!!!

The best starter quilt IMO is the Ray Way kit, for people who can sew a straight-ish line.

The quilt is the same dimensions as many a down quilt, the double layer version weighs about the same as a Jacks R Better with the same rating, and part of the design is intended to allow for pulling the quilt over your head and wrapping up in it. The "draft stoppers" are a help to folks who haven't mentally adjusted to the idea of being able to tuck in the quilt (they aren't necessary, I manage fine without them with other quilts.)