Question about Katabatic quilt lengths

I should add that I am usually on my back for the first 10/15 minutes of each night, before rolling on to my side.  My knees aren’t bent during that time.  But I will still plan to use a balaclava at those times, too.

I’m 5’6″, and have a short Katabatic quilt (said to fit up to my height), as well as a regular one. When I’m on my back, the short is just a tad shorter than I’d like, since my feet point outward downward towards the foot of the quilt, effectively increasing my height (alas, only temporarily).

When on my side, with legs bent, the short is just fine. However, I do think the wide width would have been better for side sleeping.

So my take, if you’re borderline and primarily a back sleeper, size up. Since it sounds your primarily a side sleeper, my guess is you’d get along fine with the regular length. But do consider wide width.

Thanks for the reply, Jim.  Out of curiosity, when lying on your back, and the short quilt feels too short, is that with the short quilt cinched around your neck, or higher up?  Thanks!

Around my neck. Like you, I don’t like to have my head inside a bag, which (aside from the weight savings) is what made switching to a quilt so nice.

I will say, when lying on my back, the extra length is nice, as my toes feel less cramped. On my side, though, the short is fine. I could certainly tolerate the short, even on my back, but I instead let my son use the short.

Also, think about how your feet are positioned when you lay on you back. If your toes point outward to the sides like a V, you might be fine with the regular. If, like mine do, your toes point downward (towards the foot of the quilt), the extra length helps.

If you wanted to err on the safe side, you could just order the long, and deal with the slight increase in weight and cost. Fortunately, however, Katabatic Gear will let you return an unused bag if it turns out the other length would be better for you. So, you may want to order the regular length, test it out at home (inside), and return it for a long. Or, order them both, and return the one that doesn’t fit you. You likely will need to pay return shipping.

Thanks Jim.  Good points all around!