Quilt System

DrBeetleKill · 2025-04-06T14:26:42-0600

I am looking at changing from a sleeping bag to a quilt this year. I have read lots of postings online about a do it all system that utilizes quilt layering/stacking. Right now I am leaning towards running a 20degree down along with a 50degree synthetic. According to EE's ratings chart, I should be covered down to 10degrees. I can start adding additional layers to go lower if needed. I have the large Neoair Xtherm pad. I plan on using the 50 for camping in the spring/summer in Tx and I will take the 20 with me for summer mountain backpacking trips. Early hunting season I will take the 20 and then add the 50 for when it hits October. This is my initial plan. Below are some questions I am seeking feedback/experience recommendations on.

1. I am thinking of the 20/50 combination right now. I see this as a total weight coming in around 34-35ozs. I am considering the El Coyote and EE Enigma 850 as my down option. I am planning on going with the EE Apex for synthetic. The Katabatic Sawatch 15 and the Alsek 22 are also in consideration. Would you recommend a setup other than the 20/50 or will that pretty much cover 95% of the scenarios?

2. I have put together a spec summary of different options to compare weight, fill weight, dimensions, and price. My concern with going the El Coyote route is that the quilt has wider dimensions than the Apex shoulder width and footbox. I guess this is something you would just lay the outer quilt on top and not worry about any kind of tucking in on the sides. Any thoughts on if this would create issues with straps or cold drafts?

3. Using a similar setup, what is your experience in weather less than 10degrees with a similar setup? I run a SO Cimarron in this weather.

I appreciate the guidance and suggestions.

Seeknelk · 2025-04-06T14:29:22-0600

Zen bivy for me. Had an EE, I liked it but the ZB is so much better for me. I have a 10 degree and now really wanna add a 40 degree.

Seeknelk · 2025-04-06T14:34:39-0600

The EE 10 degree I had was fine to about actual 10 degrees in my trucks topper...but any little draft is a knife stabbing ya compared to warmer seasons. No more drafts with the ZB in comparison. But having a 10 now, if I added a 40 I think I'd be totally set. I also use the Xtherm pad.
Oh but my quilts are down, not sure if apex will rate with same accuracy.

DrBeetleKill · 2025-04-06T14:42:36-0600

Seeknelk said:
Zen bivy for me. Had an EE, I liked it but the ZB is so much better for me. I have a 10 degree and now really wanna add a 40 degree.

Thanks. Which Zen bivy are you running?

Seeknelk · 2025-04-06T15:48:42-0600

It's the 10 degree light. Then they came out with the ultralight set up. Hardly saves any weight tho if I recall correctly. My daughter tried it after a week with the EE and had a hard time getting my bed back. The hood keeping the pillow located and drafts out is very nice. Extra warmth if needed, basically. I honestly have not tested it beyond about 25 degrees but so far it's always been more than enough. I'm sure others have way more testing than me. But their system does work extremely well for sure. I can say that.

robertmpalmquist · 2025-04-06T18:15:17-0600

I’ve got the 22* katabatic and run the xtherm when it gets cold outside. High hunting in Washington. Been more than warm enough in just a regular 3 season tent down well into the 20s. I would not hesitate to take this well lower and wear clothes to sleep in.

DrBeetleKill · 2025-04-06T19:25:40-0600

Seeknelk said:
It's the 10 degree light. Then they came out with the ultralight set up. Hardly saves any weight tho if I recall correctly. My daughter tried it after a week with the EE and had a hard time getting my bed back. The hood keeping the pillow located and drafts out is very nice. Extra warmth if needed, basically. I honestly have not tested it beyond about 25 degrees but so far it's always been more than enough. I'm sure others have way more testing than me. But their system does work extremely well for sure. I can say that.

Thanks! I will check it out.

Seeknelk said:
It's the 10 degree light. Then they came out with the ultralight set up. Hardly saves any weight tho if I recall correctly. My daughter tried it after a week with the EE and had a hard time getting my bed back. The hood keeping the pillow located and drafts out is very nice. Extra warmth if needed, basically. I honestly have not tested it beyond about 25 degrees but so far it's always been more than enough. I'm sure others have way more testing than me. But their system does work extremely well for sure. I can say that.

Thanks! I will check it out.

DrBeetleKill · 2025-04-06T19:28:33-0600

robertmpalmquist said:
I’ve got the 22* katabatic and run the xtherm when it gets cold outside. High hunting in Washington. Been more than warm enough in just a regular 3 season tent down well into the 20s. I would not hesitate to take this well lower and wear clothes to sleep in.

Are you running any kind of synthetic as an outer layer? How has moisture management been?

Subliminal1 · 2025-04-06T19:35:38-0600

As some others have said wear clothes. I have EE 20 and Nemo 50. I use the EE down to single digit with xtherm, liner, and clothes.

I have never thought of layering the 2 bags... but liner works well

Ryan Avery · 2025-04-06T19:43:24-0600

Quilts suck.... unless its a ZenBivy. It's the best of both worlds, especially if you're a side sleeper.

robertmpalmquist · 2025-04-06T21:57:30-0600

DrBeetleKill said:
Are you running any kind of synthetic as an outer layer? How has moisture management been?

I don’t run any outer layer. Moisture has been fine. If I vent my tent and pick a decent spot for camp I’m all good. And if it’s sunny I leave vestibules open and the heat dries anything in there.
I also move around like crazy at night and don’t worry about drafts or getting cold. Sleeping bags are constricting and horrible.

Time2fish · 2025-04-07T00:30:46-0600

I’ve had my EE 20’ in single digits many times. Just wear your warm layers to sleep in. I don’t think I would ever consider carrying 2 quilts on a trip, when I have puffy pants and jacket in the pack.

DrBeetleKill · 2025-04-07T06:14:10-0600

Ryan Avery said:
Quilts suck.... unless it’s a ZenBivy. It's the best of both worlds, especially if you're a side sleeper.

Ha! Always been the traditional bag guy but can’t stand the restrictions and lack of venting. Man, it seems like there is quite the ZenBivy following. Never heard of them until a couple of days ago. Definitely exploring their options now and seems like a great product. Do you run the 10 or 25? Lite or ultra lite? Thanks

DrBeetleKill · 2025-04-07T06:16:05-0600

robertmpalmquist said:
I don’t run any outer layer. Moisture has been fine. If I vent my tent and pick a decent spot for camp I’m all good. And if it’s sunny I leave vestibules open and the heat dries anything in there.
I also move around like crazy at night and don’t worry about drafts or getting cold. Sleeping bags are constricting and horrible.

Thanks. Seems like this one is top notch.

DrBeetleKill · 2025-04-07T06:19:05-0600

Time2fish said:
I’ve had my EE 20’ in single digits many times. Just wear your warm layers to sleep in. I don’t think I would ever consider carrying 2 quilts on a trip, when I have puffy pants and jacket in the pack.

Are you running the down or synthetic quilt?

Drenalin · 2025-04-07T12:57:26-0600

Of the quilt options you listed, I like the EE Enigma over the Katabatic Flex or El Coyote quilts I had. The one I have now is extra wide so I have (1) plenty of room to get the sides pulled in to stop drafts, and (2) there's enough space to bring supplemental insulation inside the quilt with me if needed. I didn't do well with one quilt stacked on top of another (couldn't keep the top one in place through the night).

If you haven't yet, consider what you'll wear around your neck and head. I've done fine with a heavy fleece neck gaiter and beanie, but am waiting on an EE Torrid hood to show up for this coming winter.

atmat · 2025-04-07T13:00:12-0600

Another Zenbivy vote. It’s the best.

DrBeetleKill · 2025-04-07T16:23:50-0600

Drenalin said:
Of the quilt options you listed, I like the EE Enigma over the Katabatic Flex or El Coyote quilts I had. The one I have now is extra wide so I have (1) plenty of room to get the sides pulled in to stop drafts, and (2) there's enough space to bring supplemental insulation inside the quilt with me if needed. I didn't do well with one quilt stacked on top of another (couldn't keep the top one in place through the night).

If you haven't yet, consider what you'll wear around your neck and head. I've done fine with a heavy fleece neck gaiter and beanie, but am waiting on an EE Torrid hood to show up for this coming winter.

Thanks! Do you mind sharing what you like about the EE over the other options? I have looked into the hood and boots. AS far as stacking goes, did you try the cold weather double straps?

DrBeetleKill · 2025-04-07T16:26:06-0600

atmat said:
Another Zenbivy vote. It’s the best.

Do you run the full system ( insulated sheet, quilt, and pillow)? I am not sure about the pillow or if I would want an insulated sheet bc of the additional weight. What is your total setup running? I assume you are in the 10degree.

DrBeetleKill · 2025-04-07T16:27:09-0600

Subliminal1 said:
As some others have said wear clothes. I have EE 20 and Nemo 50. I use the EE down to single digit with xtherm, liner, and clothes.

I have never thought of layering the 2 bags... but liner works well

What liner are you running?

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