Ultralight Sleep System (Quilt)

[CrzyTrekker]

I am contemplating the feasibility of this sleep system for summer scouting trips and September elk hunts in Colorado.

Tarptent Protrail
Sea-to-Summit Comfort Light Insulated Mat (R4)
Enlightened Equip. Revelation Quilt (20 degree)
Sea-to-Summit Aeros Pillow, Large

Question: For you quilt users, do you sleep directly on the air mattress, or use something in between?

If you've used a similar system, I welcome your comments related to warmth, condensation, and all around comfort in the high country.

I'm swapping out some of my "tried and true" equipment items in favor of the ultralight philosophy. I've done the math and think I can comfortably bivy out between 15-20 pounds total weight, using this sleep system and a Kifaru KU3700 pack.

Thanks,
Eric

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Eric - I use a Sierra Designs backcountry quilt directly on a neoair (uninsulated) mattress with no problems in September (Montana, 6500-8000 ft), my coldest night so far has been in the high 20s, that was about the limit. Mine has a hood, and the head cover (balaclava) was key, for me at least. The tough part is moving at night - mine is wide enough it isn't too bad, but I'm always thankfully I can wrap it under me a bit.

The savings in weight and bulk in my pack make the quilt quite valuable to me.

 

[CrzyTrekker]

Wyatt, thanks, appreciate the feedback. I've previously rejected the idea of a quilt, but now wonder why . . . It's a huge weight savings, and I hadn't even thought about the savings in bulk that you mentioned.

 

[bcimport]

I fought the quilt idea for awhile and gave in for 2015. It really was a big improvement. More comfortable, plenty of warmth and a decent reduction in bulk and weight. I have slept just on top of my neo air with no problems. If I'm anticipate a condensation problem. If it's damp or the weather stinks I slide the quilt inside my ti goat bivy and sleep on top of the pad. I tried the pad inside the bivy but I was squishing the insulation and losing some efficiency. Thinking back to my Colorado days I think I would very rarely use the bivy if I was in or under a shelter.

 

[PathFinder]

I run a very similar setup clear into November, and in cold, nasty weather in February and March. I have a 20* quilt, winterlite pad, and either a light bivy or tarp depending on the weather. I bought a wide just to have a bit more to tuck up under me. I sleep directly on my pad. It's proven itself down to 20*, in snowstorms and everything else. I've never been cold or uncomfortable with this setup, and the weight and bulk savings are awesome.

 

[CrzyTrekker]

Inport & PathFinder, awesome feedback, thank you. I might look at how much extra weight to get a slightly wider quilt. Just to make sure I have enough to tuck under.

 

[durangobrad]

I have the same quilt and it works great through September in Colorado. I use a floor less shelter and a exped synmat ul 7. Sleep directly on the pad. The straps do a good job of holding the quilt tight to the pad, no need for a wide for me. If it is going to be cold I will keep my base layers on and maybe my beanie.

 

[CrzyTrekker]

Brad, thanks. Sounds like everyone sleeps directly on their sleeping pads. For some reason I thought that might be uncomfortable. Sounds like it's a good technique though. I think I'm sold on it.