Quilt guys zipper or sewn?

[IdahoJoe29]

I’ve been looking at making the switch to a quilt. I’ve been looking at all the companies and it seems a few companies offer a sewn foot box and a zippered foot box. My question is which is better and why? I imagine it’s personal preference but what advantages have you guys found for each type of foot box and what do you recommend? Thanks for any info.

 

[Marbles]

Sewn. I have never wanted to be able to open the foot box. I regret getting a zippered foot box on my daughter's quilt.

My feet are never what I want to uncover if I get hot.

 

[Ajsomp]

Zippered foot box quilt gives you the option to use it like a blanket should you choose to do so. It will be heavier (though probably not by much) than a sewn version. It may also be draftier at the foot box depending on make (some add draft collars to counteract this.

Sewn - less versatility - but lighter and not much to worry about for zippers or draft.

Enlightened Equipment offers both (for example) depending on what you prioritize

 

[Drenalin]

I decided the right answer for me was two quilts, one each way.

For cold temps, I haven't had good luck keeping drafts out with a zippered footbox. So I went to 10-degree down quilt with a sewn footbox.

For warmer temps, I went with a 50-degree synthetic quilt that I usually use like a blanket. I can also layer this with my other quilt if needed for very cold temps.

 

[mthayr]

I decided the right answer for me was two quilts, one each way.

For cold temps, I haven't had good luck keeping drafts out with a zippered footbox. So I went to 10-degree down quilt with a sewn footbox.

For warmer temps, I went with a 50-degree synthetic quilt that I usually use like a blanket. I can also layer this with my other quilt if needed for very cold temps.

@IdahoJoe29 This is your answer, I do exactly the same thing, except I use a 850FP 10-degree sewn foot (Enigma) box for cold weather and a 950FP 50-degree with a zipper (Revelation) for warm.

Especially when cost is a factor, synthetic is great, but doesn't compress as well, and I like to get 3-4 day hikes into a 3000-ish ci bag. With food that means getting two of the "big three" as small and light as possible. Fall/winter doesn't matter as much since I use a bigger bag.

 

[alexnelon]

If I could have the option to do "neither" I would.

If you sleep like a corpse, sewn is better.

I roll around a lot, so I use it wide open like a blanket and just tuck the bottom corners under my pad with a little bungee strap to keep it from popping out and it's perfect.

 

[JimTom]

If I could have the option to do "neither" I would.

If you sleep like a corpse, sewn is better.

I roll around a lot, so I use it wide open like a blanket and just tuck the bottom corners under my pad with a little bungee strap to keep it from popping out and it's perfect.

Which quilt do you have? Does it have attachments points for the bungee, like an eyelet?

 

[alexnelon]

Which quilt do you have? Does it have attachments points for the bungee, like an eyelet?

I have a Hammock Gear Burrow. It has clips sewn on and the bungee is part of their ground pad attachment kit and has little clips.

Their website actually has a "don't do it like this" example picture which is basically exactly how I use it and it's awesome.

 

[JimTom]

I have a Hammock Gear Burrow. It has clips sewn on and the bungee is part of their ground pad attachment kit and has little clips.

Their website actually has a "don't do it like this" example picture which is basically exactly how I use it and it's awesome.

Nice I’ll have to check it out.

 

[Marbles]

If you sleep like a corpse, sewn is better.

Preference obviously plays into it a lot. However, I roll all over the place a because of that prefer sewn as it keeps my feet together and covered.

 

[alexnelon]

Preference obviously plays into it a lot. However, I roll all over the place a because of that prefer sewn as it keeps my feet together and covered.

For sure and it's only in the cold (like below freezing) that it matters to me. I just get really bothered by the frigid draft that rushes in every time my feet come up it's like opening the refrigerator. My feet stay warm but I lose all my core body heat every time I roll over.

 

[Ajsomp]

I have a Hammock Gear Burrow. It has clips sewn on and the bungee is part of their ground pad attachment kit and has little clips.

Their website actually has a "don't do it like this" example picture which is basically exactly how I use it and it's awesome.

Hammock Gear is underrated IMO. Same with Jacks R Better.

 

[Hussar]

Another vote for Hammock Gear. If I had to have one quilt, it's my 20 degree with a sewn footbox. The best thing I did was add a 40 degree with a zippered footbox.

So the answer as always is: get both.

 

[IdahoJoe29]

Seems like the best way to go is get one quilt for early season and one for late. lol my wife is gonna love it. The closed foot box seems like a better fit for me. I can’t remember ever having an issue with a sleeping bag foot box.


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[Marbles]

For sure and it's only in the cold (like below freezing) that it matters to me. I just get really bothered by the frigid draft that rushes in every time my feet come up it's like opening the refrigerator. My feet stay warm but I lose all my core body heat every time I roll over.

Interesting. In my Katabatic everything stays nice and tight, so no issues with drafts, even when I curl up on my side.

I hate having my arms in a sleeping bag, but feet are not a problem.

 

[IdahoJoe29]

Has anyone tried out the outdoor vitals quilt? If so how do you like it?


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[CMF]

We've had two HG 20 degree since 2019. One sewed and one zippered. The only time we've ever unzipped the footbox was when we had a cheap az amazon tent that filled with water, and we had to hang it up to dry.
I'll only order sewn from now on if I buy new, but I wouldn't pass up a deal on zippered for the right price.

A zipper also adds an opportunity for failure.

 

[Ajsomp]

I prefer models that don’t have zippers but can still close the foot box. There are a few out there.

Has anyone tried out the outdoor vitals quilt? If so how do you like it?


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I’ve considered their quilt - specifically the 30 degree. No hands on