Colin Snow
Sleeping quilts are a great alternative to traditional sleeping bags, offering more space, less weight, and better temperature regulation. However, quilts can be prone to shifting during the night, leaving you exposed to the cold. This is where sleeping pads come in. Sleeping pads provide insulation and comfort, complementing the quilt's insulation style and helping to retain heat. While some sources suggest attaching the quilt to the sleeping pad, others argue that this negates the benefits of a quilt, such as freedom of movement and weight savings. Instead, it is recommended to use pad straps to secure the quilt in place on top of the sleeping pad, preventing shifting and minimizing heat loss. This setup allows for a comfortable and warm night's rest, especially when paired with appropriate clothing and bedding materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Quilt attachment | Some sources recommend against attaching a quilt to a sleeping pad, as it negates the benefits of a quilt, including freedom of movement and weight savings. |
| However, attachment methods such as pad straps, loops, and cords can be used to secure a quilt to a pad, preventing it from shifting and providing warmth. | |
| Sleeping pad type | Inflatable pads are commonly used with quilts, and CCF pads may also be compatible depending on thickness. |
| Sleeping position | Quilts are designed to accommodate various sleeping positions, such as side sleeping and stomach sleeping, by providing more space and eliminating unnecessary material. |
| Clothing | It is common to wear clothing while sleeping with a quilt and pad, such as a shirt and shorts, to add warmth and provide a layer between the skin and the pad. |
| Temperature | Quilts are suitable for a range of temperatures, and pairing them with a suitable sleeping pad can enhance warmth. |
| Weight | Quilts are generally lighter than traditional sleeping bags, making them attractive for backpacking and hiking. |
| Draft prevention | Proper use of a quilt involves ensuring it meets the neckline to prevent water vapor from seeping in and causing loft loss. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pad attachment systems
Many sources advise against attaching a quilt to a sleeping pad, as it negates the benefits of using a quilt instead of a sleeping bag. Quilts offer more freedom of movement and are easier to get in and out of. However, some attachment systems are available for those who want to keep their quilt secure to their sleeping pad.
El Coyote Quilts offers a pad attachment system for ultralight quilts. The XL Loop Strap is required for sleeping pads 25" and larger. The strap connects the quilt to the pad, but it does not attach the quilt directly to the pad. Instead, it goes between the user's body and the pad, tightening the quilt edges to create a tighter fit around the body.
Hammock Gear offers a Ground Pad Attachment Kit (GPAK) for its Burrow top quilt. The kit includes mat connector straps and closed loops to keep the quilt secure to the pad and regulate temperature. The adjustable strap can be cinched and sealed around the user's shoulders for extra warmth. This kit is designed for ground camping and hammock sleeping systems.
Zpacks offers Ultralight Sleeping Pad Straps to join two pads together, creating a two-person sleeping pad. The straps are made with grosgrain webbing and thin clips and are long enough to fit two 25" wide pads.
Some backpackers create their own attachment systems using cord and loops. One method is to lay the quilt out beside the pad, run two pieces of cord around the pad and through the loops on the quilt, and then tie the ends together. This minimizes the risk of pulling the quilt too tight and allows for easy entry and exit.
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Quilts vs sleeping bags
Quilts are an increasingly popular alternative to sleeping bags, especially for thru-hikers and long-haulers. They are often chosen for their light weight and versatility. Unlike sleeping bags, quilts do not have a bottom layer of fabric, so they provide only a top layer. This means quilts are smaller and lighter than sleeping bags, which is ideal for backpackers optimising their gear setup.
Quilts are also a good option for those who tend to sleep hot, as they can be easily adjusted to regulate temperature. If you're looking for a cosy blanket that still allows freedom of movement, a quilt is a great option. They are also ideal if you want to sprawl out or stick a limb out, as they are less constricting than sleeping bags.
However, quilts might not be the best option for colder conditions or higher elevations, as they don't provide the same level of enclosure as sleeping bags and can leave sleepers more exposed to drafts. Sleeping bags are ideal for trapping heat, especially in colder conditions. They are straightforward to use and require minimal adjustment, making them a good option for beginners or those who want a hassle-free outdoor adventure.
Additionally, quilts may require some practice to secure them effectively, and they might not stay in place throughout the night, especially if you toss and turn. Sleeping bags, on the other hand, are more likely to hold fast even with movement during sleep.
Finally, quilts might be more expensive than sleeping bags of equal quality due to their lower popularity and smaller economy of scale.
In summary, quilts offer adaptability, versatility, and freedom of movement, while sleeping bags provide better insulation, ease of use, and are widely available at various price points. The choice between a quilt and a sleeping bag depends on individual preferences, sleeping habits, and the environmental conditions you anticipate encountering during your outdoor adventures.
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Clothing to wear with a quilt
When using a quilt with a sleeping pad, it is generally recommended not to attach the quilt to the pad. This is because attaching the quilt negates the benefits of a quilt, such as freedom of movement and the ability to easily adjust for warmth. Instead, it is suggested to lay the quilt beside the pad and use cords to tie the quilt and pad together, allowing easy entry and exit.
Now, when it comes to clothing to wear with a quilt, it depends on the weather conditions and your personal preference for comfort. Here are some suggestions for clothing to wear when using a quilt with a sleeping pad:
- Warmer Weather: In warmer weather, you may opt for lightweight and breathable clothing. This could include a light silk long-sleeve top and bottoms, sock liners, or light wool long underwear. If it's very warm, you may choose to wear only shorts or go shirtless.
- Colder Weather: During colder months, you might want to layer up. Consider wearing insulating pants and a jacket, or even all the layers you would typically wear during the day in camp. A silk liner or a light wool base layer can also add warmth to your sleeping setup.
- Versatile Option: A shirt and shorts combination seems to be a popular choice among quilt users, as it provides coverage while being adaptable to various temperatures. You can add or remove layers as needed.
- Quilt Apparel: If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own quilted clothing! Some ideas include quilted sweatshirts, skirts, or purses. This can be a fun way to personalize your wardrobe while utilizing any unused quilt blocks you may have.
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Straps and buckles
Some people prefer not to use straps and buckles to attach their quilt to their sleeping pad. Instead, they simply wrap the quilt around themselves, or tuck the quilt under their body. However, using straps and buckles can be beneficial in certain situations.
Pad straps are simple devices that are designed to secure your sleeping quilt to your sleeping pad. They typically consist of two straps that attach via buckles to your quilt, keeping it anchored to your sleeping pad. This prevents the quilt from shifting around and leaving you exposed to the cold, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous in extreme conditions.
There are different types of straps available, such as the Simple Strap and the Pad Attach Strap, which can be interchanged front and rear. The Simple Strap passes under the user's body, while the Pad Attach Strap anchors the quilt to the sleeping pad via two sliding points. UL Straps are another option, consisting of two shock cords that run under the user's body to tighten the quilt when it gets cold.
When using straps and buckles, it is important to adjust the tension to ensure a snug and secure fit. You can also experiment with different configurations, such as having only one side clipped down, to find the most comfortable setup for your sleeping style. Additionally, you can purchase replacement straps and buckles from companies like Enlightened Equipment if you prefer a different system or lose the original set.
Overall, the use of straps and buckles with a quilt and sleeping pad can provide a more comfortable and secure sleeping experience, especially in cold and extreme conditions.
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Loft and warmth
Loft refers to the thickness or height of a single layer of a quilt when it is lying flat and uncompressed. The higher the loft, the warmer the quilt. For example, a 40° quilt has a target loft of around 1.5 inches, while a 0° quilt requires approximately 3.5 inches of loft.
Loft is an important factor in retaining warmth. The higher the loft, the more warmth is trapped, and the warmer you stay. The warmth retained by a quilt comes from the lofty down or synthetic insulation, which regulates the body heat produced by the sleeper. This is in contrast to a sleeping bag, where the insulation on the bottom is compressed, and therefore does not contribute to retaining warmth.
The loft of a quilt can be affected by the straps used to attach it to a sleeping pad. If the straps are too tight, the inner and outer shell fabric will be pulled together, preventing the down from fully lofting. This can reduce the warmth of the quilt by 10 to 20 degrees. It can also cause discomfort if the quilt is tightly wrapped around a protruding body part, such as a shoulder.
To avoid these issues, some sources recommend not attaching the quilt to the sleeping pad at all. Instead, the quilt can be tucked in at key points along the body and adjusted as needed. This allows for unrestricted movement and effortless accessibility, especially when answering nature's call during the night. However, attaching the quilt to the pad can provide a sense of security and help lock out drafts on cold nights.
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Frequently asked questions
Attaching a quilt to a sleeping pad negates some of the primary benefits that a quilt offers compared to a traditional sleeping bag. Quilts are designed to offer complete freedom of movement and attaching them to a sleeping pad can make it challenging to respond to nature’s call during the night.
One alternative is to use pad straps, which are simple devices designed to secure your sleeping quilt to your sleeping pad. Another option is to lay the quilt out beside the pad, inside facing up, and run two pieces of cord around the pad and through the loops on the side of the quilt closest to the pad, tying the ends together.
It is recommended to ensure that the quilt meets your neckline and doesn't pull over your face, as this can result in water vapor from your breath seeping into the quilt. Additionally, choose a sleeping pad that is appropriate for the conditions and complements the quilt's insulation style.
Quilts are more prone to shifting around during the night, which can expose you to the cold. It is important to consider the weight of your setup, as adding a pad strapping system can increase the overall weight. Additionally, attaching a quilt to a sleeping pad may not be suitable for those who move around a lot in their sleep.
