Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: jjhunter on March 15, 2015, 05:50:29 PM
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All,
I don't have a ton of backpacking experience so asking advice from the experts...
I am looking for the best 3 season,1 man tent out there. By "best" I mean lightest/most durable.
I am also looking for the best 10/15 degree bag out there. By "best", I mean lightest/highest performing.
- Looking at Western Mountaineering Versalite
- Looking at KUIU
Cost is not a factor. I want to go as light as possible while maintaining durability/performance. I plan on keeping these items for several seasons.
Thanks,
JJ
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tag
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A far as tents go I hear good things about the heleberg
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Hilleberg - one of the more durable, but not lightest. check out their labeling system for uses
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I rented a Big Agnes tent for a WY back country hunt in 2010 and it seemed nice. Looks similar to the UL2? When it comes to backpacking equipment I am kind of in the "you don't know what you don't know" position as I have no comparable...
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I don't have a reccomendations for a tent but I do for a bag.
Englightened equipment down quilt, I have the revolution. Lightest and great option. But you have to pair it with a good pad for it to work.
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Tarptent, I have the rainbow (hey, I didn't name it ) and it has been a great tent for me.
As for bags I have a marrmot helium that has also been great, but I have been wanting to try out a quilt .
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Looks like the quilt is the way to fly!
Do you use yours open or like a bag? Is the pad still required if you use it like a bag?
I like my head covered so I would probably get a long for another 1.5 oz?
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I would check out backpacking light forums
the best is shelter is going to be different from area to area...conditions to conditions
Some settings the hill burg would be awesome..other settings it's just not needed
7 times of ten a tarp is probably the best tent
For sleeping bags look at Zackpacks or kuiu
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I posted this last year in a similar subject/question. Not the 10/15 degree bag you asking about, but I would just keep my merino wool thermals on, which I've done, if I get cold.
'On year two using a Mountain Hardwear spectre 20 degree bag. I mainly chose this bag for the Dry.Q Elite fabric and Q.Shield down as I like to go without a tent or bivy on extended backcountry hunts. Small light tarp if rain/snow is forecasted.
I would buy another.
http://www.mountainhardwear.com/spectre-long-OT8518.html?cgid=equipment-sleepingBags-5to20&dwvar_OT8518_variationColor=451#start=18' (http://www.mountainhardwear.com/spectre-long-OT8518.html?cgid=equipment-sleepingBags-5to20&dwvar_OT8518_variationColor=451#start=18')
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Depends on a lot. du you want out of a tent. Do you want a floor? the floor attached to the tent body? Inner mesh liner for insects? just a rain fly? rain fly and ground cloth?
In a bag, are you expecting dry conditions, damp, very wet? fit vs weight?
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Depends on a lot. du you want out of a tent. Do you want a floor? the floor attached to the tent body? Inner mesh liner for insects? just a rain fly? rain fly and ground cloth?
In a bag, are you expecting dry conditions, damp, very wet? fit vs weight?
Recommendations for all of the above? :chuckle:
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What I'm running for a shelter
http://www.zpacks.com/shelter/duplex.shtml (http://www.zpacks.com/shelter/duplex.shtml)
What I'm running for a quilt
http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/enigma-pro/ (http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/enigma-pro/)
Add in my neo xlite,Kifaru 5 string stuff sack and I'm at 3# 14oz for a sleep system
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I want a floor attached to the body. My main concern is staying dry. If I pack in a shelter, I want the shelter to keep me protected from the elements (dry/off the ground)
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Take a loo at the link I posted . It's a hard shelter to beat
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The EE quilts are definitely the way to go. Longwalker has this stuff dialed in for sure. I like the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 but the zpacks gets great reviews. I've never seen one. I personally wouldn't buy a 1 man tent. Buy a 2 man and have room for your gear inside your tent.
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I just picked up a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2, weight is under 2 pounds, cant wait to use it.
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Take a loo at the link I posted . It's a hard shelter to beat
Do you set yours up with trekking poles?
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Yes. I always pack in with two trekking poles anyway. I've always used tents that require trekking poles. Anything I can get duel use out of saves weight
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Looks like the quilt is the way to fly!
Do you use yours open or like a bag? Is the pad still required if you use it like a bag?
I like my head covered so I would probably get a long for another 1.5 oz?
Pads still required if you use it like a bag, i always sleep bad in a sleeping bag so I got the quilt, mine has a foot box that I keep zippered up and I have a thermarest xtherm pad. A long would cover your head or you could wear a beanie to keep your head warm.
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You can always go floorless with a bivy setup as well.
Have you thought about a pad?
There are a few quality options out there, but I can tell you I've been running the marmot helium in a bivy setup for three seasons now and been very happy!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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PM sent
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MSR Hubba NX Solo. Free standing. run it with fly and ground cloth for more light weight. add the tent body for more protection. ive used mine in as four season and also tested it in heavy snow load situations and never had to remove snow.
bags- if you pan on mostly dry or snow conditions then Feathered Friends Ibis EX 0
very wet rainy conditions- Mountain Hardwear HyperLamina Torch
No not the most light gear bug, gives versatility and comfort at a lower weight
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I run the big agnes copper spur ul1. complete pack weight is 3 lb's. it is big enough for me and my weapon inside witch was my goal. it has a double vestibule with a little zipper door out the back to access the back vestibule. I can fit my pack and boots under the front vestibule. I would highly recommend this tent, one of the lightest freestanding tents. very easy and quick to set up. I have also put it through very rough weather conditions for weeks at a time with no leaking issues or condensation issues
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Be sure to check out gear designed for alpine climbing. Although very pricey, these products are designed to withstand conditions you'll never encounter on an elk hunt, but somehow are engineered to be incredibly light weight. I was going to recommend Bibler tents, but I see they've been bought out by Black Diamond (formerly Chouinard). Black Diamond equipment is designed and tested by some of the world's most demanding alpine climbers, and this has been true for decades. I'm also a fan of Marmot bags, but as has been suggested, you'll have to make your decisions based on the conditions you expect to encounter. For example, I wouldn't purchase a down bag for a hunt west of the crest, and for solo excursions, I would want both a light-weight tent for foul weather and also a reliable bivouac sack for when the weather cooperates and I don't want to carry a tent.
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Comfort goes along way , I like a two man with a floor , the skeeters eat me alive.
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I would recommend looking at Tarptent Moment, Kuiu Super down bag (I like rei magma but its 10oz heavier), and if you are looking for a pad I really like big Agnes Q-Core (not the lightest out there but very comfortable).
Good luck. Post up what you end up picking out!
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Be sure to check out gear designed for alpine climbing. Although very pricey, these products are designed to withstand conditions you'll never encounter on an elk hunt, but somehow are engineered to be incredibly light weight. I was going to recommend Bibler tents, but I see they've been bought out by Black Diamond (formerly Chouinard). Black Diamond equipment is designed and tested by some of the world's most demanding alpine climbers, and this has been true for decades. I'm also a fan of Marmot bags, but as has been suggested, you'll have to make your decisions based on the conditions you expect to encounter. For example, I wouldn't purchase a down bag for a hunt west of the crest, and for solo excursions, I would want both a light-weight tent for foul weather and also a reliable bivouac sack for when the weather cooperates and I don't want to carry a tent.
When I started light hunting about 20 years ago the mountaineering gear was the only real option. Bibler, Black Diamond, The North Face, Mountain Hardware, Sierra Designs, and all the others still in production or not we're the go to. The hardest thing was finding colors that were not eye shattering.
There are so many options available now that it is more of a "what floats your boat" then otherwise.
I have actually started going with a hammock and tarp for many of my hunts. There have been a lot of places where I could stretch the hammock and sleep comfortable instead of finding a semi-flat rocky shelf to bivy on. Not always perfect, but easier to throw a pad on flat ground without trees then pitch a tent on a rock. Most places I am in have trees so a hammock works great. Sleeping bag, tarp, hammock, and pad run right around 6 pounds.
My bag is a Marmot 20 degree that, with warm clothes, I have used down close to 0. Not real comfortable, but I didn't have a tendancy to sleep in :)
I have also run a bivy and tarp.
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BA Qcore SL for a fantastic pad.
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I have been using a bivy and paratarp but also have the ba flycreek ul2 and would recommend either setup. These tents with a marmot helium and a neoair pad work well for me.
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Bag is narrowed down to the KUIU or an EE quilt.
Tent - I am now more confused than ever. :chuckle:
Pad - Neoair XLight
Appreciate all of the feedback!
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Does anyone know if KUIU is going to make any more tents?
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Does anyone know if KUIU is going to make any more tents?
I wouldn't worry about that.
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Bag is narrowed down to the KUIU or an EE quilt.
Tent - I am now more confused than ever. :chuckle:
Pad - Neoair XLight
Appreciate all of the feedback!
Tent...
1-Do you want the tent freestanding? As in you don't have to put stakes in the ground?
2-Tent poles vs. Trekking poles. You either leave the poles and tent set up and forego using poles while hunting or take the poles out to use and re pitch the tent when you're done.
Sound like you already know you're not interested in floorless. Most free standing double wall tents you can run just the fly if you decide you want to go ultralight and floorless.
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Tents are like boats... it all depends on what you want to do with them. I have a hammock and tarp, a big agnes two person, and a golite sl-5. If money isn't a factor, get a couple different setups. Oh and floors... they also hold water in.
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This is interesting…
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Tent-Reviews (http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Backpacking-Tent-Reviews)
And the ultralights…
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Ultralight-Tent-Reviews (http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Ultralight-Tent-Reviews)
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sleeping pad- klymit Inertia O Zone 12.2 oz
or klymit Inertia X-Lite 6.1 oz
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for tents i would say go into a store like REI and set some up and get in them..
I am picking up an MSR hubba hubba nx this year to replace my current tent.
I was looking at a lot of the big agnes tents, BUT what kept me away was how 1. the tent narrows at one end (will be mostly used with 2 people) and 2. how the walls kind of collapse in as you get down towards the foot end. I tried getting in one and it just felt CRAMPED. The MSR hubba hubba nx has very vertical walls and has a rectangular floor. at just over 3 lbs should do quite well for what I need. It also uses quite a bit more durable materials (in design at least) than the big anges tents.
but as many have said, it really depends on the climate you will be using it in, which will determine if you want to use a single wall (such as the tarp tent set ups) or a double wall (more standard such as the big agnes, MSR, rei brand tents)
hope that helps
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I was looking into getting a EE quilt myself. After reading a ton of reviews and putting my own experience with down into the mix i backed out of it. To me if something sounds to good to be true it most likely is. I can see where a quilt would be really nice, but living in Washington where we get a lot of rain i wouldn't want to risk getting the down wet. It could get wet from a tent or condensation dripping off from the inside. Either way, i know that if down gets wet, it's worthless. I am going to stick with my synthetic bag. Feel free to correct me if someone has used one for a few season's.
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I was looking into getting a EE quilt myself. After reading a ton of reviews and putting my own experience with down into the mix i backed out of it. To me if something sounds to good to be true it most likely is. I can see where a quilt would be really nice, but living in Washington where we get a lot of rain i wouldn't want to risk getting the down wet. It could get wet from a tent or condensation dripping off from the inside. Either way, i know that if down gets wet, it's worthless. I am going to stick with my synthetic bag. Feel free to correct me if someone has used one for a few season's.
I haven't had a problem with my down EE quilt. I take the necessary precautions to keep it dry, it's not very difficult. If you're still not sold on down, EE makes synthetic quilts as well.
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Tents are like boats... it all depends on what you want to do with them. I have a hammock and tarp, a big agnes two person, and a golite sl-5. If money isn't a factor, get a couple different setups. Oh and floors... they also hold water in.
Exactly! I have a bivy, (1) one man tent, (2) 2-man tents, (1) 2.5 man tent, (2) 3-man tents, a 10'x10' canvas wall tent, and a 16'x12' canvas wall tent.
I also lived in SE Alaska for 15 years and had only one friend use a down bag with success. Where I lived and hunted makes any place in WA look downright dry or only moderately damp. Being here (on the east side) I have went with down for weight and compactness. I still worry that it will get wet and I will be sleeping soggy and cold. The best thing with synthetic bags is that you can usually go to sleep wet and wake warm and dry. Again, it depends on where I plan to hunt. If I am road based I will have a comfy tent and synthetic bag, but if I head out it is down and a minimal shelter.
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I was looking into getting a EE quilt myself. After reading a ton of reviews and putting my own experience with down into the mix i backed out of it. To me if something sounds to good to be true it most likely is. I can see where a quilt would be really nice, but living in Washington where we get a lot of rain i wouldn't want to risk getting the down wet. It could get wet from a tent or condensation dripping off from the inside. Either way, i know that if down gets wet, it's worthless. I am going to stick with my synthetic bag. Feel free to correct me if someone has used one for a few season's.
You shouldn't really make comments or give advice without first hand experiance. I've slept quite warm in my down quilt after getting wet. Don't just blindly believe every thing you read on the internet. I hunt and live on The west side and I use down exclusivly. I've used EE quilts for several seasons now and taken them through some
Of the worst rainstorms I've ever been in
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Your down was soaked and you stayed warm? That's an experience I've never had. Maybe your circulation is so good you just never get cold! :dunno: I will say, if you can keep your down bag dry (which is possible through using waterproof stuff sacks, vapor-barrier bag liners and water-resistant bivouac sacks, plus a lot of caution), nothing is better than down for loft, for low weight, and for compression. Still, I get nervous taking a down bag or puffy coat to the back country with warm, rainy weather predicted.
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Yes I've both gotten my down quilt wet ( insane ran storm there was nothing g staying dry) and I've gotten in my down quit wet. I realize the internet tells me I died from that but Aparently I some how pulled through. It's certainly not the best practice to get any bag wet but down will do the job. I also have a downtek treated quilt and that thing is amazing. Water just runs off of it and loses near zero loft when moderately wet. I wouldn't go dunk it either of my quilts in the lake and ring them out before bed time but I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to do that with synthetic either.
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Here's a good example of down getting wet
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I don't have quilt experience but there are plenty of experienced backpackers that do, and I think it's safe to say they are not a gimmick and have earned there stripes.
Concerning down, I've got pretty close to 75 nights in my current down bag. Always in a floorless tent with a waterproof bivy.
I keep my entire sleep system in a dry sack while hiking.
I've been in multiple rainstorms and downfalls. Never once has getting my bag wet been an issue..
As others have said, take common sense precautions and its a total non issue.
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For an enclosed shelter used without the chance of high winds, is go with a BA Super Scout UL2. If you need durability I would choose a Hilleberg Anjan 2 GT or a Nallo 2 GT if it were me.
For a floor less shelter, it's a Kifaru Mega Tarp, annex, and medium stove (if mid to late season).
Lots of people make good bags. Just get one that has at least 850 fill treated down and you'll be alright. My Marmot Hydrogen 30 Long weighs 1lb 12oz and packs down to the size of a grapefruit. Haven't had a complaint yet.
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Here's a good example of down getting wet
:chuckle:
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I have used quite a few tents(msr, Easton, big agnes, mountain hardware)...and I have learned you don't want to sacrifice durability for lightweight, like a lot of the ultralight tents available. Im currently using a red label hilleberg nallo gt, its an all season tent, but I think the yellow label hillebergs would be right up your alley. they are 3 season, prioritize lighter weight over durability, but still work wonderfully in heavy rains. id recommend the anjan or the akto. it is definitely an investment, but you would be happy with the results.
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although you said youd rather buy once, id recommend getting some budget gear and use it. find out what you like and dont, then upgrade to exactly what you like.
something like an rei halfdome and montbell or ee bag. learn if you sleep cold or warm. decide if maybe you do want to try floorless. or you dont mind packing extra weight for a little more space.
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While I don't have nearly the amount of backcountry hunting experience (yet) as others here, I've spent a fair amount of time mountaineering and spending weeks in the woods at a time. My approach this year will be similar to that if I were only backpacking or spending time at a high camp before a summit run. Of course there will be differences (ammo, weapon, camera gear, game bags, etc) but I hope most of my clothing, shelter & food packing approach will follow that hiking/alpine climbing.
There are some great threads on here (as others mentioned) on packing light. A good exercise you might consider is to assemble your pack list and weigh everything - I mean everything. Then read through some of the helpful threads on Hunt WA and also alpine or light pack lists. Micro decisions like cutting your toothbrush in a 1/3 and the containers which we might just include in a camping trip add up. Once you refine your packing list weigh again and you'll see how much effort you just saved yourself.
It's also worth thinking through different scenarios to help inform your packing order and how you might get to specific gear quickly. Imagine getting into your camp site at 9pm after being rained/snowed on all day, cold fingers and tired but also needing to get to specific gear efficiently; mostly heat/fire, dry cloths, shelter & first aid kid, etc. For me, the accessibility to core items is nearly as important as managing pack weight.
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My interest in quilts has really increased. I've been a mummy guy forever but really hate how confined I feel. I hate foam pads! If they aren't bulky, that means they are thin, and thin foam pads suck! Don't try and argue that fact with me because it won't work! I've tried em all :chuckle:! I like thick air pads but air pads can sleep cold during late hunts.
So my question is, how much do quilts suck in cold weather? September is always a fairly tame time of year, sure you can get some bad weather but it usually doesn't last and you have a chance to thaw out. How would a 0* quilt work paired with a Big Agnes air core in Colorado, in November, when the temps are into the teens and single digits at night?
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My interest in quilts has really increased. I've been a mummy guy forever but really hate how confined I feel. I hate foam pads! If they aren't bulky, that means they are thin, and thin foam pads suck! Don't try and argue that fact with me because it won't work! I've tried em all :chuckle:! I like thick air pads but air pads can sleep cold during late hunts.
So my question is, how much do quilts suck in cold weather? September is always a fairly tame time of year, sure you can get some bad weather but it usually doesn't last and you have a chance to thaw out. How would a 0* quilt work paired with a Big Agnes air core in Colorado, in November, when the temps are into the teens and single digits at night?
Dude you just need one of rt's dead man mattresses ! atleast a good bag you can zip into those quilts though cool look as though your head would get cold.. that's something us baldys have to worry about .
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My interest in quilts has really increased. I've been a mummy guy forever but really hate how confined I feel. I hate foam pads! If they aren't bulky, that means they are thin, and thin foam pads suck! Don't try and argue that fact with me because it won't work! I've tried em all :chuckle:! I like thick air pads but air pads can sleep cold during late hunts.
So my question is, how much do quilts suck in cold weather? September is always a fairly tame time of year, sure you can get some bad weather but it usually doesn't last and you have a chance to thaw out. How would a 0* quilt work paired with a Big Agnes air core in Colorado, in November, when the temps are into the teens and single digits at night?
Dude you just need one of rt's dead man mattresses ! atleast a good bag you can zip into those quilts though cool look as though your head would get cold.. that's something us baldys have to worry about .
That's what beanies are for.
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Appreciate all of the feedback.
I probably won't decide what to buy until I actually hit "send" on the order.
This thread has helped immensely! Thanks!
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My interest in quilts has really increased. I've been a mummy guy forever but really hate how confined I feel. I hate foam pads! If they aren't bulky, that means they are thin, and thin foam pads suck! Don't try and argue that fact with me because it won't work! I've tried em all :chuckle:! I like thick air pads but air pads can sleep cold during late hunts.
So my question is, how much do quilts suck in cold weather? September is always a fairly tame time of year, sure you can get some bad weather but it usually doesn't last and you have a chance to thaw out. How would a 0* quilt work paired with a Big Agnes air core in Colorado, in November, when the temps are into the teens and single digits at night?
Dude you just need one of rt's dead man mattresses ! atleast a good bag you can zip into those quilts though cool look as though your head would get cold.. that's something us baldys have to worry about .
That's what beanies are for.
I already wear one of those :chuckle: I'm more concerned about my skinny ass freezing to death because my back is laying on a 10 degree air pad :chuckle:
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My interest in quilts has really increased. I've been a mummy guy forever but really hate how confined I feel. I hate foam pads! If they aren't bulky, that means they are thin, and thin foam pads suck! Don't try and argue that fact with me because it won't work! I've tried em all :chuckle:! I like thick air pads but air pads can sleep cold during late hunts.
So my question is, how much do quilts suck in cold weather? September is always a fairly tame time of year, sure you can get some bad weather but it usually doesn't last and you have a chance to thaw out. How would a 0* quilt work paired with a Big Agnes air core in Colorado, in November, when the temps are into the teens and single digits at night?
Dude you just need one of rt's dead man mattresses ! atleast a good bag you can zip into those quilts though cool look as though your head would get cold.. that's something us baldys have to worry about .
That's what beanies are for.
I already wear one of those :chuckle: I'm more concerned about my skinny ass freezing to death because my back is laying on a 10 degree air pad :chuckle:
Start eating DQ Blizzards and Big Macs. You'll be insulated by November.
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My interest in quilts has really increased. I've been a mummy guy forever but really hate how confined I feel. I hate foam pads! If they aren't bulky, that means they are thin, and thin foam pads suck! Don't try and argue that fact with me because it won't work! I've tried em all :chuckle:! I like thick air pads but air pads can sleep cold during late hunts.
So my question is, how much do quilts suck in cold weather? September is always a fairly tame time of year, sure you can get some bad weather but it usually doesn't last and you have a chance to thaw out. How would a 0* quilt work paired with a Big Agnes air core in Colorado, in November, when the temps are into the teens and single digits at night?
Dude you just need one of rt's dead man mattresses ! atleast a good bag you can zip into those quilts though cool look as though your head would get cold.. that's something us baldys have to worry about .
That's what beanies are for.
I already wear one of those :chuckle: I'm more concerned about my skinny ass freezing to death because my back is laying on a 10 degree air pad :chuckle:
Start eating DQ Blizzards and Big Macs. You'll be insulated by November.
:chuckle: I'm one of those run, lift, run some more, eat whatever I want and don't gain an ounce kind of guys :chuckle:
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I think I am just gonna get a 0* and if it ends up not being warm enough then I will have a nice, light, September, early october quilt. At 25oz, thats still a darn light early season bag.
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I haven't read the whole thread but maybe ask some recent hot shot fire crew member as to what sleepimg bags they uses i seen them sleeping well in rain, wind and hail without a priblem. I just disnt ask at the time.
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Did someone say DQ blizzard ?
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:yeah: :drool: I wish they still carried nerds... :bash:
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:yeah: :drool: I wish they still carried nerds... :bash:
:yeah: screw the blizzard! Who is up for a chocolate shake from whistlin jacks!?!?!?!?! :EAT: :EAT:
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Make the run karl !
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I think I am just gonna get a 0* and if it ends up not being warm enough then I will have a nice, light, September, early october quilt. At 25oz, thats still a darn light early season bag.
If you are looking at the Enlightened Equipment quilts, check there garage sale section. Just checked and they have a regular width, regular length 0 degree back for a little less than normal cost.
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I think I am just gonna get a 0* and if it ends up not being warm enough then I will have a nice, light, September, early october quilt. At 25oz, thats still a darn light early season bag.
If you are looking at the Enlightened Equipment quilts, check there garage sale section. Just checked and they have a regular width, regular length 0 degree back for a little less than normal cost.
thanks for the heads up :tup:
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Ok, I know it has been asked, but I don't know that I ever saw an answer.
For those that are into the Enlightened Equipment and similar down Quilts: can you explain what you give up in comparison to the similar quality down mummy bags, such as the: Marmot 0 degree or Mountain Hardwear Phantom Down 0 degree down mummy bags.
I am specifically looking at 10,000 feet in Elevation in Montana, colorado, Utah at the end of October & Early November, where you plan for 0 degrees, but could easily drop to -15
I see the gains are weight savings by about 1 lb or more over the down mummy bags, but I saw that none of them were rated below 20 degrees. So, is there a product to handle these low temps or down i need to stick with the mummy bags?
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EE has 0 degree options and you can add over fill down. Just give Tim a call and hell likly make whatever you want. As far as what you give up in relation. In my opinion nothing other than a hood, I can't stand the hoods on mummy bags so for me I give up nothing. I've taken my 20 I to single digits on a xlite pad on top of snow with zero issues , but everybody's different
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My interest in quilts has really increased. I've been a mummy guy forever but really hate how confined I feel. I hate foam pads! If they aren't bulky, that means they are thin, and thin foam pads suck! Don't try and argue that fact with me because it won't work! I've tried em all :chuckle:! I like thick air pads but air pads can sleep cold during late hunts.
So my question is, how much do quilts suck in cold weather? September is always a fairly tame time of year, sure you can get some bad weather but it usually doesn't last and you have a chance to thaw out. How would a 0* quilt work paired with a Big Agnes air core in Colorado, in November, when the temps are into the teens and single digits at night?
I use a quilt and the Q core for early rifle hunts in Montana. From my experience, add about 10-20 degrees to the rated temperature for comfort. I usually sleep in my clothes if it gets a bit colder.
Another option is to use the mummy like a quilt. I have a down gore tex bag that I take if it gets colder.
When I hunt, I am often dehydrated, underfed and overworked and sleep colder. When hiking, I am almost always in better shape and tend to sleep warmer.
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I feel that I haven't given anything up switching from a mummy bag to a quilt. I gained comfort, warmth, and weight savings. I almost always use a bivy, mostly to help keep my quilt clean and dry, and to help stop any drafts I may cause tossing and turning. Most importantly, I use a good, warm, comfortable pad. For the last few years I've been using a Big Agnes Insulated Air Core, but I recently switched to an Exped Downmat UL7. I have only used it a few times, but so far, I love it.
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I feel that I haven't given anything up switching from a mummy bag to a quilt. I gained comfort, warmth, and weight savings. I almost always use a bivy, mostly to help keep my quilt clean and dry, and to help stop any drafts I may cause tossing and turning. Most importantly, I use a good, warm, comfortable pad. For the last few years I've been using a Big Agnes Insulated Air Core, but I recently switched to an Exped Downmat UL7. I have only used it a few times, but so far, I love it.
What is the weight for the quilt and bivy that you are using?
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I feel that I haven't given anything up switching from a mummy bag to a quilt. I gained comfort, warmth, and weight savings. I almost always use a bivy, mostly to help keep my quilt clean and dry, and to help stop any drafts I may cause tossing and turning. Most importantly, I use a good, warm, comfortable pad. For the last few years I've been using a Big Agnes Insulated Air Core, but I recently switched to an Exped Downmat UL7. I have only used it a few times, but so far, I love it.
What is the weight for the quilt and bivy that you are using?
My 10° quilt is 22.7 oz, and my bivy, I believe, is 9oz.
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Feathered Friends 900fill either one of the UL 20's or 10' for a bag. Get a vapor barrier.
For a tent what are the worst conditions you expect?
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Feathered Friends 900fill either one of the UL 20's or 10' for a bag, get a vapor barrier just in case.
For a tent what are the worst conditions you expect?
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I purchased the easton kilo 3p while back for my buddy an I. Its roomy an did good on ventilation.
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I run a big Agnes fly creek ul2 and also the ul3, can't say a bad thing about them!
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I was looking into getting a EE quilt myself. After reading a ton of reviews and putting my own experience with down into the mix i backed out of it. To me if something sounds to good to be true it most likely is. I can see where a quilt would be really nice, but living in Washington where we get a lot of rain i wouldn't want to risk getting the down wet. It could get wet from a tent or condensation dripping off from the inside. Either way, i know that if down gets wet, it's worthless. I am going to stick with my synthetic bag. Feel free to correct me if someone has used one for a few season's.
You shouldn't really make comments or give advice without first hand experiance. I've slept quite warm in my down quilt after getting wet. Don't just blindly believe every thing you read on the internet. I hunt and live on The west side and I use down exclusivly. I've used EE quilts for several seasons now and taken them through some
Of the worst rainstorms I've ever been in
I hope your right. I just bought a EE revelation quilt 10 degree. Going to give her a try.
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I run a big Agnes fly creek ul2 and also the ul3, can't say a bad thing about them!
Fly Creek vs Copper Spur....both are great tents.
Fly Creek has a front entry and less than vertical walls, which cost you space inside.
Copper Spur has more vertical walls and side entry which a lot of people prefer.
2 side doors on the Copper Spur also which is nice.
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Don't worry about if a tent is freestanding. Because of wind considerations, you should be staking a tent down anyway, and regardless, you will have stakes with you. With non-freestanding tents you will get more area for less weight. One tent you might want to take a look at is the Sierra Designs Tensegrity 1. It is a very different design than the normal double wall tent. There are two versions: the FL is 2 lbs 6 oz packaged weight and the Elite is 2 lbs 1 oz packaged weight (packaged weight includes poles, stakes, guy lines, etc). They carry the FL at REI. I am ordering the Elite and have no first hand experience with it yet, but it looks intriguing and I am tired of vestibules. Sierra Designs has some very good videos on their website regarding their take on equipment design, as well wind tunnel tests that you can watch.
Regarding down sleeping bags, don't be afraid of them. I have used down bags for at least the last twenty years in rainy climates and would never go back to synthetic. These days there are many bags that use down with water repellant treatments like Dri-Down, so it is even less of a problem. Here is a good video from Sierra Designs on sleeping bags where Michael Glavin talks about the myths concerning down.http://www.sierradesigns.com/blog/brandlive-video-recap (http://www.sierradesigns.com/blog/brandlive-video-recap)
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I just pulled the trigger on my system:
KUIU Ultra Star 1P w/ footprint
Enlightened Equipment Enigma Pro 850 DownTek (Wide/Long)
Thermarest NeoAir Xlite (Long)
LEKI Micro Vario Carbon Trekking poles
I'll give them a few test runs this summer before I hit the WY high country in September.
Thanks for all of the advice. I am pumped about the EE quilt!
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I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on the same quilt and will be very interested to hear what you think about yours when you get it. I think I'll wait until you do a review before I order :chuckle:
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I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on the same quilt and will be very interested to hear what you think about yours when you get it. I think I'll wait until you do a review before I order :chuckle:
I don't know if I am the guy to post a review, I've got nothing to compare it to? :chuckle:
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Eh! I usually wing it anyways! :chuckle:
Just tell me it doesn't suck and I'll probably just order :chuckle:
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You'll like that quilt, it's the same one I run except in a extra long.
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I have the same quilt, size and all. It's getting sent back for a Revalation pro. :twocents:
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Yes the revaluation is pretty awesome. I have one of each and may actually buy another rev in a higher temp rating too. If I had to choose one it would be the revaluation but the enigma is a warmer quilt for the real cold stuff
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Let us know how you like that kuiu tent jj. Got a chance to take the zpacks out in Idaho for the first trip of the year. That thing is amazing.
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BLRman
Don't wait too long to order your EE quilt. They are 7 weeks from order to shipping, unless you buy from their in stock supply, which is mostly returns and there are none "in stock" as I write this.