Adding 50 degree quilt to 20 degree bag

I’ve got a 20 degree FF Hummingbird and just went on a trip where I layered a MLD Vision quilt on top of it for warmth.  The night time temps got down to about 13 degrees.  I was toasty warm.  The quilt is for my summer trips and now I know that it will double as a cold weather add on as well!!

Some info from EE which I have found quite accurate:

https://support.enlightenedequipment.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002770588-How-to-layer-quilts-for-sub-zero-camping

Go for a synthetic 50* quilt in size Long/Wide for sure. Apex works best as an outer winter layer when dealing with moisture. Also in a quilt with such a high temp rating the warmth to weight ratio advantage of down over synthetic is negligible. And the Long/Wide assures that you have enough full coverage to go completely over your lofted 20* bag.

I have an EE Revelation Apex 50* Long/Wide (13.6 oz) and it is very well made, but I’d suggest an MLD Spirit 48 XL instead because you have the poncho head slot option. I can’t understand why anyone would want a 50* Apex quilt without the head slot. Makes sitting around camp when the temps go down so much more pleasant. Also means you don’t need to pack as much clothing weight. It’s dual use. https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/spirit-quilt-48/

EE for awhile offered a poncho head slot with their “Rev-Hole-Ation” down quilts but not with Apex, which I thought was a real lost opportunity. At least offer a head slot with the 40 and 50 degree Apex anyway.

I added a poncho head slot to my EE Revelation Apex 50* and I’m so glad I did.

I can push a alpinelite with winter down parka/army surplus puffy pants and a poncho liner on top down close to zero no problem. I use this in the smokies in Jan/Feb.

The surplus poncho liners are heavier and probably not quite as warm as an apex 50 degree quilt and you need to DIY an attachment system. But their like 40$, and after using this for a bit I sold my zero WM bag.

I have a Nunatak 3D 35F, a Sastrugi 28F and a WM Alpinlite +3oz overfill.  I can use all three with my Nunatak 50F Graupel to cover every temperature condition.  I think the 50F overbag is the perfect solution for flexibility and moisture management.

I was just looking at this – Generally, the accepted formula for combining bags / quilts is as follows: [x -(70 – y)/2 = z] where quilt ratings X=15 and Y=40 yields 15-(70-40)/2=0 This was in another thread somewhere I’m having trouble locating…

edit: found it: https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/58735/

I was also planning to add another layer to my 20-deg bag (REI Magma 10) to push it to lower temps.  I was wondering why the consensus seems to be to go with a quilt rather than just a blanket — for example, the Simply Light Summit backpacking blanket:

https://simplylightdesigns.com/collections/what-s-new/products/summit-backpacking-blanket

Is it because a quilt has a footbox to help keep it in place around your bag?  Or is there another reason why a quilt might be superior to a somewhat oversized rectangular blanket?

Thanks for your input!

The only time I open the footbox if my EE Revelation is to layer over my other quilt or sleeping bag, so I am sure a blanket would work.

Additionally, I have ordered a ton of items from Jared at SLD, both stock and custom, and he’s always been a pleasure to work with. Great communication and price.

That’s good to know, especially the positive experience with SLD.  He seems like the best option for what I need.  I just need to figure out what size will work best for the top blanket.  84″ x 58″ is a common size for traditional camping blankets, but that may be larger than necessary for my purpose.