Backpack Sleep Systems

[desertdwellerdyl]

So I have a few backpack hunts planned for this upcoming season. One during 2nd archery in NM & another will be archery deer hunting in Arizona in Dec/Jan. Additionally, planning on going bear hunting next spring.

With that being said I'm putting together my first sleep system and I'd like it to be as versatile as possible (3 season). I understand there's a limit to this. I don't mind layering up either when sleeping.

I've been primarily looking at Katabatic Quilts (Flex 15* & Palisade 30* primarily) for a quilt paired with either the Nemo Tensor UL All-Season or the Thermarest Neoair Xlite for a pad. I'm primarily a stomach sleeper and usualy sleep pretty cold. I'll be using a SO Guardian tent on these hunts.

Any thoughts on this set up? Additionally would be helpful if people want to put their current set up and the conditions they use it in.

Thanks!

 

[dkim]

I have a Katabatic Flex 15 and Thermarest NeoAir xTherm. The coldest temps I used it in were in the mid to low 20's. I needed a puffy also to stay warm but that's me. It's easy with a quilt when it's warmer because it's much easier to get cooler if need be. The Katabatic has flexibility for this.

I don't get how folks use this stuff in near zero temps. Maybe I need to eat more! (and get some puffy pants).

 

[taskswap]

You want layers just like you do for daytime temp control.

Base system: Best sleeping pad you can get plus a reasonable bag/quilt and pillow. I'm a fan of Enlightened's 20F quilts here.

Additional layer 1 - Normally moderate but there might be a cold snap or two overnight: I add a down hood and booties plus 2 BodyWarmers "just in case" (another 4-5oz).

Additional layer 2 - I know it's going to be frigid. I add a Gossamer Gear Thinlight for a bit more R value under my pad (and puncture resistance since the ground will almost certainly be frozen). I add a pair of Brushtail Possum gloves and a lightweight scarf to keep drafts off my neck (I toss/turn a lot). Some folks like to use a second quilt/bag on top of their primary layer but personally since I own one I just switch to my -10F mummy bag. I throw a pair of toe warmers in my down booties and I'm toasty all night.

 

[ckaz34]

I used the zenbivy 10 degree system for the first time last weekend. Temps were in the teens at night and this system was amazing. So much better than my mummy bag. My face was frozen, but everything else was warm. And I could easily change positions throughout the night

 

[MtnsWinAgain]

If you sleep cold, for a 3 season kit in the mountains, I think you’d want 15 deg and a warmer pad, like the xtherm with a 7+ R value for a few more oz. But that’s based on high country MT experience, temps down to teens-20s. I don’t know your desert temps. If you go for a quilt, don’t forget hat and neck gaiter or a balaclava. I feel like the balaclava is a little more comfortable sleeping and keeping your face warm. Shelter makes a difference too, a solo tent with a solid inner holds more heat than a tipi style floor less. Another simple thing to remember is tucking in your shirt. I’ve rolled over and exposed a little draft in the quilt.
I run a couple setups, EE 0 and 30 quilts, balaclava and beanie, tarp tent moment with solid inner, neo air pad, and a SO Redcliff. I ordered a xtherm after a few nights in the single digits to teens where I was cold in the tipi. I still like the feel of quilts for moving around sleeping, and I think the weight savings are worth it, but I agree with the comment above that temps near 0 F a mummy bag will probably sleep warmer, since adding an additional quilt kinda negates their weight savings.

 

[fatlander]

The Nemo tensor or sea to summit ether lite are much comfortable than the neo air in my experience.


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[desertdwellerdyl]

I just got the neoloft and that thing is comfy

 

[MtnsWinAgain]

The Nemo tensor or sea to summit ether lite are much comfortable than the neo air in my experience.


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Nice is that tensor all season warm enough when the temps dip?

 

[fatlander]

Nice is that tensor all season warm enough when the temps dip?

I think it should be fine. A couple of my buddies have the yellow one I think that’s the ultra light model, lower r value than the all season. They’ve hunted through September in the northern Rockies with no issues with it. I crashed on one of their pads in an air bNb during a hunting trip and it was way more comfortable than my neo air I had been on in the mountains all week. I replaced my neo with the s2s ether light and I find that just as comfortable.

FWIW, we all sleep in an insulated hammock more than not though.


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