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Found out this year, after avoiding down stuff for three decades, that I'm not actually allergic to it...
Bought a lightweight summer bag, but now summer is definitely over, would like to either supplement it with a down quilt over the top, or just get a 3 season lightweight quilt. No intention of taking on the Iditarod, so 3 season is fine. I have a silk liner as part of my kit, and am happy layering up with merino tights/hats etc.
Can anyone recommend a quilt, or tell me why I should/shouldn't be using one?
Front/side sleeper generally. Would be over a Exped Synmat. Can't afford PHD stuff!
I have a Cumulus 250. It's fine for around 6 months (say summer and a few shoulder months). That's using a Synmat too. I don't use a liner but I'm usually wearing one or two layers. If bivvying, I rely on the bivvy bag helping to keep out the wayward draughts. I don't fasten the quilt to the mat though, which would likely fix that issue anyway. It seems obvious, but it doesn't cover the head so I find a hat to be pretty much essential. Although I also have a full winter sleeping bag, last winter I just used the quilt and a MH Phantom 32 (zero rated) in combination. This seemed to be as warm as my winter bag but was still a lot less bulky to pack.
FWIW, I'm a side/backsleeper and not very mobile. I can wake up after a few hours to find I've not budged an inch.
Be aware that a lot of the cheaper duvets are quite short. The PhD one is proper length.
I'm a shortarse so shouldn't be an issue. 🙂
If it's to make a bag warmer, I'm not sure a quilt would be as effective as a silk liner and bivvy bag.
If it's to wrap yourself up in ranger-blanket style, I'd prefer synthetic to down as it deals with water and drafts better. I'm wary of down unless it's very dry.
It's for use inside a tent, and weight is definitely a consideration. Was hoping for something around the 5-600 gram mark which was comfort rated to lowish single digits (centigrade).
My current down bag is a Cumulus xlite 200, which is definitely a 1+ season job.
Can you get One Planet?
I'm a convert. Decent air mat & silk liner is perfect down here in Tasmania most of the year. I haven't doubled up with the summer bag to see how that goes yet.
An alternative is a down jacket you wear in your sleeping bag. I've 650gm and 850gm down jackets which combined with an appropriate sleping bag provide warmth at night with a garment that keeps you really warm in the day. In terms of bulk and overall pack weight it's the best option I've found.
Do you really need a down duvet?
I have one of these and find it really good.
https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-specialist-synthetic-vegan-down-duvet-10-5-tog/p5557827
The ducks and geese will thank you.
Do you really need a down duvet?
Did you really read beyond the title?
🤣🤣
Try opening your sleeping bag and using it as quilt, that'll tell you if it works for you. A proper quilt will fasten round your sleep mat though, so will ne better.
I use the Alpkit cloud cover one.
Seems good to me and think they're about £80 just now in their sale. £100 if not.