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.