Montbell Superstretch vs. Quilt

[Stumphges]

I’ve been using a 40F Montbell Superstretch Down Hugger back for about a decade. I chose this bag because I’m a mobile sleeper and like the way it expands with movement and to accommodate insulation layers. I’ve found that the 40F rating combines well with whatever insulation layers I’ve chosen for conditions – in other words, it’s worked as a sleeping system.

The bag needs replacing at this point and, being ten years older, I’m considering replacing with a 30F Montbell Hugger. I’ve never owned a quilt but am attracted by the lower weight of the Revelation and similar. I use a 20 inch wide Klymit Insulated Static V UL for 3 seasons.

As I’m wearing a down hoody while sleeping in cold conditions anyway, I’m not too worried about lack of hood on a quilt, but am wondering whether the weight trimmed with a quilt will be offset by the need for additional insulation to overcome drafts and generally decreased thermal efficiency. In short, I don’t know much about quilts and would appreciate any opinions about the pluses and minuses of them as compared to the stretchy Montbell bags. I probably wouldn’t consider any other type of enclosed bag, unless it had a similar expandable nature.

[Ben C]

It’s personal.  I find a quilt much warmer for the weight and drafts are not a problem.  I have a friend who claims he always feels drafts.  I think most of us find quilts more comfortable on a roominess basis, even coming from a Montbell Hugger.

[Stumphges]

Thank you, Ben.

Any other opinions?

[Iago Vazquez]

I love my Montbell Sleeping bags. With regard to quilts, I think that if you see some value to them, in this case weight savings, you should try them. Maybe you will be happy, maybe you won’t. I sort of feel that it’s to some extent a personal preference. Most importantly, discuss with a couple of manufacturers what length and width would be most appropriate for you. I realize that taking the jump can be scary from a financial standpoint, but unless you can borrow one, I’m afraid that you’ll have to take the plunge.

Personally, I was intrigued about weight savings and reduced price, so I purchased an EE Revelation 40 degree quilt a couple of years ago. I actually oversized it in both length and width so that I could layer it over my 15-20F Montbell for winter camping. Because of it being on the larger side, I’ve never felt drafts in it. Now looking to shed some weight I am looking at 20F quilts. EE Enigma is on top of my list. I love the simplicity of not dealing with a zipper and how fast I can get in and out.

Best of luck!

 

[Stumphges]

Thanks much Iago!

[Iago Vazquez]

Thinking the EE bags, Convert and Conundrum, could perhaps work for you. I have never seen one in person, but they look attractive for someone trying to shed weight. I also much prefer a center zip.

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