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