Registered: 09/06/04
Posts: 275
Loc: Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
I like quilts, but I've only used a down mummy bag as a quilt. So I don't have experience with "real" quilts and I have zero experience with synthetic quilts.
Regarding synthetic quilts/bags/etc. - do you stuff them or roll them?
Anybody with any experience with synthetic quilts?
Registered: 09/06/04
Posts: 275
Loc: Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
Thank you.
I was also looking at JRB quilts as they are in the same price range. All of JRB's quilts are 48" wide - the same as the average mummy bag laid open. A little wider would be preferable.
I've gotten my down bag wet, but never more than I could dry out in a sunny day. I was thinking synthetic might be kindof nice.
I am considering the MLD Spirit 45 as a warm-weather quilt. I like that it opens completely, unlike the BPL quilt. But for colder temps I wouldn't care since I would always have my feet in it.
I very, very much prefer the down quilts. They pack smaller, weigh less, and will probably last a lot longer. The synthetic does not breathe as well and I have noticed condensation inside the shell after a single night - I have to really air that thing out a lot. I suspect it's also breaking down as I used it on a 35-40F night and got cold with it - previously it was warmer than that.... It's been my loaner quilt, friends have borrowed it more than I've used it. I always use the down quilts.
_________________________
"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few." Shunryu Suzuki
Registered: 09/06/04
Posts: 275
Loc: Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
I would imagine the condensation had more to do with the shell material than the type of insulation.
I really like down, but to be honest, it will start to lose it's loft the more moisture your body passes into it. As long as the humidity is low, the down will stay pretty dry. But when it stays humid the down can't dry. I've never owned an 800 or greater down bag, so maybe it is better. But the cheaper down will get pretty flat after a few days in the soggy, humid weather.
Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:
Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!