We tested prototype versions of the Ultra Quilt this past fall and early winter, with one going to experienced quilt user Ryan Jordan, and one to me, Steve Nelson, a first-time quilt user. We used the quilts in Montana, Wyoming, California and New York, in a range of configurations and shelters.
The Ultra provides generally-expected features like webbing straps for lashing it to a pad (the straps are removable) and a cinch cord at the neck, but adds the fresh touch of the WPB (waterproof-breathable) panels at head and foot.
We found that the quilt performed well across the board - the temperature rating may be a bit optimistic, but the range of the bag was easily extended using insulating layers of clothing, and the WPB panels did indeed provide an extra margin of protection against wetting out the down (though not in all conditions - more on that below).
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Introduction
- What's Good
- Specifications: Manufacturer, Year/Model, Dimensions, Shell, Filling, Other Features, Accessories, Rating, MSRP, Weights
- Performance
- Field Testing
- Assessment
- What's Unique
- Recommendations for Improvement
# WORDS: 1800
# PHOTOS: 6
# TABLES: 1
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Discussion
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So what do you guys do to prevent heat loss from your head when using a hoodless quilt?
Obviously the head is a huge source of heat loss but I'd hate to negate part of the weight savings (vs. a traditional bag) by bringing a long some heavy fleece hat. In conditions under 30F it seems that you'd want to do something. Maybe I could somehow use a down sweater…hmm….it would be nice to satisfy this function with existing gear rather than adding more gear.
Hey Dan, I think your options are a hooded jacket (parka), a beanie, a balaclava, or you can get a down head covering from JRB or nunatuk.
I've use this fr one night and I really like the unrestrictive nature of it.
However, down has already started coming out, surely this isnt right? Eventually they'll be nothing left!!!!
I have contacted go-lite and wait to hear what they say.
I wouldnt worry too much about the down escaping, unless its a large amount. You are always going to get the occasional 'feather' that pops out.
I agree with Mark, but maybe I can add a bit. The 'feather' bits that come out are able to do so because they have a hard pointy bit on them. True down does not have this, and should be over 90% of the fill anyhow.
So losing the feathers may mean the quality of the remaining down is actually increasing!
Cheers
But equally, such 'feathers' should not be there in the first place!
Go lite so often doesn't feel 'quality' to me. Osprey packs feel far nicer, for example.
Phd sleeping bags feel more quality too.
Do you feel it is fair to compare Golite bags to PHD bags?
This quilt was £160 compared to £220 for a similar temp rating from phd… so perhaps not.
But my view is that its always better to spend that little bit extra if it gives you a lot more…
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