Quilt vs Sleeping Bag for Mid/Late September Archery Elk

[ELK49]

I’m working on improving my backcountry sleep system this year and looking for some real-world feedback.

I’m 6’4” and a side sleeper, and I’ve always struggled to get comfortable in the backcountry. I started with a cheap sleeping bag, then upgraded to a Nemo Disco because it’s wider and more side-sleeper friendly. It’s definitely better, but I still don’t feel like I have it dialed.

Yesterday, while sitting at the emergency vet because my puppy may have eaten a sock, I went down the rabbit hole on quilts. They seem to be right up there with fixed-blade vs mechanical broadheads as far as divided opinions go. A lot of people seem to love them, and a few people seem to absolutely hate them.

I’m specifically hunting archery elk in mid to late September in Colorado, Idaho, and Wyoming mountain country.

For those of you who have made the switch, did you stick with quilts or go back to a bag? Any recommendations on brands, temperature ratings, or things you wish you knew before trying one?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[jgilber5]

Love my quilt hunting those same seasons and regions. I have an EE enigma 30 degree. With a quilt especially make sure you pair it with a decent R rating pad. Also learned that how you cinch it down plays a massive role in warmth, and also don't forget your warm hat!

 

[5MilesBack]

I love my EE quilt. I'm 6'6", and move a lot when I sleep. My extra-long wide 0 degree quilt works great with my Xtherm pad. It's easy to use it more loose to vent if needed, or cinch it down tighter under the pad for more warmth. I use it in the summer too for those high altitude outings.

 

[kaaby]

I also have an Enlightened Equipment quilt, and I don't see myself going back. I went with the Convert so that I could still use it as a bag if I didn't like the quilt.

 

[LCguy]

I love my EE quilt. I'm 6'6", and move a lot when I sleep. My extra-long wide 0 degree quilt works great with my Xtherm pad. It's easy to use it more loose to vent if needed, or cinch it down tighter under the pad for more warmth. I use it in the summer too for those high altitude outings.

I'm the same height, which quilt did you get?

 

[5MilesBack]

I'm the same height, which quilt did you get?

The Revelation, had it several years now.

 

[vladkgb]

I use EE Enigma Long and wide and 0 degree and i'm 5'10", the main reason you'd want it larger than you need is for maximum draft protection. The 0 degree rating is also nice because if cold air gets in, you'll warm up quickly, and the versatility of quilts allows you to use it as a blanket, or stick a leg out, if it's a warm night, so you can use it for any season.

A game changer for me was to pair the quilt with the zen bivy sheet, using Z-packs stick on loops for attachment points (there's videos on how to do this). This eliminated most drafts while turning at night, and provided a nice down hood for my head. You may also want to look into getting a zen bivy system, it's cheaper than EE quilt + zen bivy sheet, but slightly heavier.

 

[noKnees]

I am a side/belly sleeper and transitioned to quilts about 25 years ago. First with homemade quilts and now I have three EE enigma quilts. I have two 30F quilts ( one sized even bigger for me and a dog) I use for 3 season use and one 20F I use further into the fall/winter. I dont really use them the way they picture it, laying there all neat like a sausuage. I had them made a size wider and longer so I can wrap up as I roll around and the 20F is tall enough I can go up and cover my head as well.

For real adk and white mountain winter I go back to my old marmot Col. but the col is big enough I can roll around in it without getting all tangled up

 

[ELK49]

The Revelation, had it several years now.

So you would recommend the 0 degree over the 10?