Help me build a sleep system

Joined
Mar 30, 2012
Messages
305
Location
Utah
Knowing full well for the last 4-5 years that my sleep system is by far the most in need of upgrading, I've chose to spend money elsewhere. New packs, new bows, new optics, new camo, etc. etc., all while using a marmot limelight tent which I love the comfort and ease of use but it's gotta weigh over 4 pounds! A thermarest z-lite which I don't mind the weight and I think it has a decent R-value. I love that I don't have to worry about puncturing it but it provides minimal comfort/padding. Next is my bag... I've been packing a slumberjack synthetic bag that weighs close to 5 pounds and compresses down to the size of a 5 gallon bucket lol. On the bright side I've never been cold.
Well this weekend I impulsively ordered an EE 20* long/wide quilt. (Non treated down). Sooo... What's next? I'm assuming a better pad would be necessary to make the quilt function properly? those 4" thick ones sound comfy. What is the best out there? Neo air, q core, exped?
I will likely be using the tent I have for another season before I can afford a floorless shelter. I don't need a bivy until I go floorless right?
Also what is the best stuff sack/ compression sack for my quilt? Kifaru? What size?
Sorry for all the questions, thanks for any help!
 
I would look at an exped synmat 7 pad or an xtherm. Kifaru's 5 string compression sack is light and pretty awesome. Not sure what kind of conditions you hunt in, but you could look at a Jimmy Tarps Granite Mountain as a floor less shelter - you will need a trekking pole to set it up. I use the black diamond carbon cork poles. Jimmy started making the Granite Mtn with a vestibule, for under $200. A piece of tyvek for a ground tarp and you're good to go!
 
If money were no object I'd probably get a neoair x-therm as a sleeping pad, but I'd still probably use a z-rest underneath it a lot of the time. I find the z-rest does a lot of jobs around camp (chair, kneeling pad, ground cloth) while an inflatable is usually a sleeping pad only.

If you don't have to compress the quilt much to fit it in your pack I wouldn't. I use S2S ultrasil drysacks for most things, rolltop lets you squeeze most of the air out and keeps it dry but leaving it fluffy will prolong the life of the quilt. I only use compression sacks nowadays if I have to meet airline dimensions ;)

Bivvy is largely optional with a floorless shelter. I wouldn't buy one till you've gone floorless for awhile and only if you have a bad experience. Having a little dew or condensation on your bag in the morning really isn't the end of the world, especially if you have a stove.
 
Thanks. I wondered about the negative effects of compressing the heck out of the quilt. The cimmeron w/stove package is appealing even if not in the current budget. As soon as I figure out what pad I want and get it I might need to start figuring out how to make that shelter happen.
 
I have never noted any deleterious effects with packing down garments/bags pretty tight, but always store them in an air permeable loose bag when not on a trip. I have had really good luck with the Sea to Summit evac dry sack the past year or so. I got a larger size (?20L) than I would with non-rolltop stuff sacks, so that I am able to easily fit in and compress my EE quilt, Xtherm pad, puffy hood, fleece pillow case/stuff sack, and extra socks all together...and it then all fits in the bottom of my T2 pack easily. I had a good amount of water sitting in the bottom of my pack once this year after hiking most of the night in the rain in the North Cascades of Washington, and my entire sleep system was still bone dry.

It is not really feasible to use a thin nylon rain/pack cover when going off trail in thick brush here, so the Sea to Summit sack gives a person some extra assurance. Also though before next year, I plan to waterproof my T2 some I think by adding zipper garages to the back pockets and enlarging the standard lid so that it covers the water tube opening and side pockets better (basically a Pacific NW version Kifaru Timberline Pack).

http://www.campsaver.com/evac-dry-sack
 
I love my wide Xtherm Max Wide with a RidgeRest SOLite under it and EE long wide quilt! Super comfortable and warm. I have the Kifaru 5 string small for my 0* EE and it fits great and compresses nicely. As far as a tent, I have the Sawtooth with stove and a SO 'Lil Bug Out BTB shelter. Both are great. I like the modularity of the LBO and sleeping 3 or more, but I can stand in the Sawtooth if its just 2 of us. Everything has some kind of trade-off, you just have to figure out whats most important for you.
 
I think I am going to try the xtherm. I will probably sleep in clothes mostly to keep the quilt clean but also add warmth when needed. Which is better, merino or puffy? Merino for early season and puffy over merino should I ever find myself hunting late season?
 
Merino is what I sleep in for early season. Throw on the puffy when it gets to that awkward stage of being too cold for just th quilt, but not cold enough for my -20 bag. Regardless though, the puffy is always in my kit because I hate to be needlessly cold.
 
Back
Top