Colin Snow
Quilts are a great alternative to sleeping bags, especially for restless sleepers. They are designed to be used as a blanket with complete freedom of movement and can also be used to seal out drafts by snapping the head end behind your neck. When using a quilt with a sleeping pad, it is important to ensure that the quilt is not attached underneath the pad, as this can render the insulation useless. Instead, the quilt should be attached or gathered around you on top of the pad. This can be done by running a cord through the loops on the side of the quilt closest to the pad and tying the ends together. Alternatively, you can use a pad attachment system with loops and clips to secure the quilt to the pad and prevent heat-losing gaps. For colder temperatures, a mummy bag can be used as a quilt, and for warmer temperatures, a sheet or liner can be used on top of the pad for added comfort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to attach a quilt to a sleeping pad | Use cord to run through loops on the quilt and pad, or use clips and elastic cord to attach quilt to pad |
| Sleeping pad type | Inflatable pads are popular, but closed-cell foam pads can also be used. R-value is important for temperature regulation. |
| Sleeping directly on the pad | Some people sleep directly on the pad, while others use a sheet, liner, or clothing layer in between |
| Quilt type | Down quilts are common, but synthetic insulation quilts are also available. Quilts with foot boxes and drawstrings to tighten around the neck are popular. |
| Advantages of quilts over sleeping bags | More freedom of movement, lighter weight, and more versatile for different seasons |
| Disadvantages of quilts | Can be fiddly to attach and detach, may not provide as much warmth as a sleeping bag if not attached properly |
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What You'll Learn
Attaching a quilt to a sleeping pad
Choosing the Right Quilt and Sleeping Pad:
When choosing a quilt for sleeping pads, it is important to select a quilt that is designed to be attached to a sleeping pad. Quilts with attachment points or loops specifically designed for sleeping pads will work best. Some quilts even come with straps or cords that can be used for attachment. Additionally, consider the insulating capacity of your quilt and sleeping pad. Choosing a sleeping pad that complements the quilt's insulation style is crucial. Look for sleeping pads with an R-value that matches or exceeds the insulating capacity of your quilt.
Preparing the Quilt and Sleeping Pad:
Before attaching the quilt to the sleeping pad, lay the quilt out beside the pad, with the inside of the quilt facing up. If your quilt has adjustable straps or cords, loosen them to prepare for attachment. If your quilt does not have built-in attachment features, you can use paracord, shock cord, or other types of cords to secure the quilt to the sleeping pad. Ensure that the sleeping pad is inflated adequately to provide a comfortable base for your body.
Attaching the Quilt to the Sleeping Pad:
Now, take the cords or straps and run them through the loops or attachment points on the quilt. If your quilt does not have dedicated attachment points, you can tie the cord around the quilt at strategic locations, ensuring you don't pierce or damage the quilt material. Once the cords are in place, lay them on top of the quilt. Then, place the sleeping pad on top of the cords, positioning it where you want it relative to the quilt. Finally, tie the ends of the cords together securely, making sure the quilt is attached snugly to the sleeping pad.
Adjusting for Comfort and Temperature:
After attaching the quilt, lie down on the sleeping pad and pull the quilt over yourself. Adjust the tightness of the cords or straps to achieve your desired level of comfort and warmth. Looser attachments will allow for more freedom of movement, while tighter attachments will help seal out drafts and keep you warmer. However, be cautious not to overtighten the straps, as it can compress the insulation in the quilt, reducing its loft and warmth. Experiment with different levels of tightness to find what works best for the temperature and your sleeping style.
Detaching the Quilt:
When you no longer need the quilt attached to the sleeping pad, simply loosen and remove the cords or straps. Store them safely for future use. Detaching the quilt will restore its freedom of movement, allowing you to use it as a blanket or adjust it as needed for temperature regulation.
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Using a mummy bag as a quilt
Mummy bags are traditionally designed sleeping bags that outdoor enthusiasts are familiar with. However, backpacking quilts are becoming an increasingly popular alternative.
Backpacking quilts are essentially sleeping bags that are missing the floor section and the hood. They are designed with a foot box, are open on the side that faces the sleeping pad, and have a drawstring on top to snuggle it around your neck. Quilts are lighter, more compressible, and allow more freedom of movement than mummy bags. They are also more versatile, allowing for easy temperature regulation throughout the seasons.
To use a mummy bag as a quilt, you can follow these steps:
- Mark where you will cut the fabric of the mummy bag. Use a lot of needles to join the fabric layers where you will cut.
- Take out your sewing machine and sew along this line. You will still have some down feathers left, but much less than if you cut first and sewed later.
- Cut away the material that you sealed with your seam. You now have the basic form of your quilt, which will look like it is bleeding down feathers.
- Seal the cut edges with masking tape or throw the excess material away.
- Keep the hood to make a down hat later, or cut it away and seal the edges.
- Use a lot of needles to turn your messy seams in and sew them clean. Alternatively, use an edge band folded over the seam to seal it.
- Sew Velcro patches, snap buttons, or add string to the quilt to allow for attachments to your sleeping pad. Ensure that the attachment points are slightly off the seam to avoid gaps.
- When using the quilt, lay it out beside the pad, inside facing up. Run two pieces of cord or paracord around the pad and through the loops or attachment points on the quilt, and tie the ends together.
- When you lay down on the pad, pull the quilt over and slide your feet into the foot box.
- Ensure that the quilt meets your neckline and doesn't cover your face, as this can cause water vapor from your breath to saturate the quilt over time.
- Practice with different pad attachment methods and tightness to find what works best for you.
By converting your mummy bag into a quilt, you can gain the benefits of increased versatility, lightweight warmth, and freedom of movement while sleeping outdoors.
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Sleeping directly on the pad
Sleeping directly on a pad with a quilt can be a great option for some people, especially those who move around a lot in their sleep. This is because attaching a quilt to a sleeping pad can restrict movement and make it challenging to respond to nature's call during the night. Quilts are designed to be used as blankets with complete freedom of movement, and attaching them to a sleeping pad negates this benefit.
Some people who sleep directly on their pads while using a quilt choose to wear clothing or use a liner or sheet to avoid direct skin contact with the pad. For example, some people wear shirts and shorts to bed, while others use a silk liner or a sheet made from light wool on one side and light suplex nylon on the other. Some people also choose to use a mummy bag as a quilt, which can provide more warmth and comfort than a quilt alone.
When sleeping directly on a pad with a quilt, it is important to ensure that the quilt meets your neckline and does not cover your face. Pulling the quilt over your face can result in water vapour from your breath seeping into the quilt, which can cause the quilt to become saturated and lose its loft over time. It is also important to choose a sleeping pad that is appropriate for the conditions and will complement the quilt's insulation style. For example, an expedition-rated sleeping pad may be necessary in very cold temperatures, and inflatable pads are often preferred for their increased comfort and warmth.
Additionally, some quilts have attachment points or cords that allow you to cinch the bag around the sleeping pad to create a snug fit. This can help to reduce drafts and keep you warm, but it is important to ensure that the quilt is not too tight, as this can compress the insulation and reduce its warmth. Overall, sleeping directly on a pad with a quilt can be a comfortable and versatile option, especially for those who value freedom of movement during sleep.
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Using a sheet or cover
When using a quilt with a sleeping pad, some people prefer to sleep directly on the pad, while others prefer to use a sheet or cover for added comfort and protection. Here are some insights on using a sheet or cover:
Silk Liners:
Some quilt users prefer to use a silk liner between their body and the sleeping pad. Silk liners provide a smooth and soft surface to sleep on, and they can feel pleasant against the skin. They are also lightweight and pack down small, making them convenient for backpacking and camping trips.
Lightweight Fabrics:
Some people opt for lightweight fabrics, such as polyester or nylon, to create a "fitted sheet" type cover for their sleeping pad. These fabrics are chosen for their quick-drying properties, making them practical for outdoor adventures. This type of cover can also serve multiple purposes, such as doubling as a light towel or offering additional protection to the sleeping pad from punctures.
Cotton or Wool:
While not as common due to bulkiness, some people use light cotton or wool covers for their sleeping pads. These natural fibres can provide a comfortable and breathable barrier between the sleeper and the pad. Cotton or wool covers are often used when car camping or canoe camping, where weight and pack size are less of a concern.
Sleeping Clothes:
It's worth noting that some people choose to wear dedicated sleeping clothes, such as gym shorts, synthetic t-shirts, or merino wool base layers, to avoid direct contact with the sleeping pad. This approach eliminates the need for a separate sheet or cover, reducing weight and bulk in the backpack.
DIY Pad Covers:
For those looking to save money or create a custom solution, making a DIY sleeping pad cover is an option. This can be as simple as sewing an old bed sheet into a sleeve that fits around the pad. Others have used soft Tyvek, military-grade Taslan nylon, or fleece for their DIY pad covers. These covers can add comfort and protection to the sleeping pad.
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Weight savings
Switching from a sleeping bag to a quilt can provide significant weight savings. Quilts are minimalist, ultralight alternatives to traditional mummy sleeping bags. They are designed without a back, hood, or full-length zipper. The absence of a back and hood means quilts have less volume and therefore compress more efficiently than sleeping bags, saving valuable pack space.
Quilts are also lighter because they lack insulation on the bottom, which doesn't provide any warmth when compressed. This reduction in weight and volume helps keep pack weight down and improves the fit in your backpack.
When paired with a sleeping pad, quilts can provide warmth equivalent to that of a sleeping bag. However, attaching a quilt to a sleeping pad can add weight back into your system. The best way to minimise this is to lay the quilt out beside the pad, with the inside facing up. Run two pieces of cord around the pad and through the loops on the side of the quilt closest to the pad, and tie the ends together. This method minimises the risk of pulling it too tight and enables easy entry and exit.
To further reduce weight, consider using a thin CCF mat instead of a sleeping pad. Black webbing straps can be used independently of a sleeping pad to adjust the quilt to your preferred width.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to attach a quilt to a sleeping pad with D-rings. One way is to use a cord to run through the loops on the side of the quilt closest to the pad and tie the two ends of the cord together. Another way is to use a plastic piece with two holes and a slot to clip the elastic cord into one of the holes, securing the quilt to the sleeping pad. You can also attach the quilt to the pad using the D-rings and a cord.
Attaching a quilt to a sleeping pad can help to seal out drafts and keep you warm by preventing heat-losing gaps from opening between the quilt and pad. It can also provide more space where you need it and eliminate material, insulation, and weight where you don't, such as between the body and sleeping pad where it can get squashed.
Yes, attaching a quilt to a sleeping pad can make it more difficult to move around and respond to nature's call during the nighttime. It can also be time-consuming to set up and pack away, and it may reduce the warmth of the quilt by pulling the fabric too tight.
