[pct-l] Quilt question. Need advice

[Michael Pinkus]

Thanks for thequick responses guys, I really appreciate it. I'm using a Nunatak Arc Alpinist 20 F quilt with Epic fabric. It is an excellent peice of gear, I just need to learn how to use it properly as quilts are new to me. It has 2 cinch straps, one around the bum and the the other mid back. At the opening it has a snap and a draw cord to cinch down the neck opening. Last night I had the straps around my Z-pad which is where I think the problem was.  I don't have a bivy unfortunately and looks like I'm out of luck for one now as it's getting to close (I'm starting after KO). I was wondering, would a silk mummy liner mitigate the draft problem? I'm also going to go to a heavier polypro sleeping clothing I think. I'm most worried about staying warm in the Sierra's for the most part.

thanks again,
cheers,
Mike

Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2011 09:34:05 -0700
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Quilt question. Need advice
From: atetuna at gmail.com
To: mikepinkus at hotmail.com
CC: pct-l at backcountry.net

Drafts are the biggest enemy of a quilt.  Not only do you have to worry about the wind knocking the heat out of the insulation, but you also have to worry about it getting under the edges of the quilt.  Here's what I do to get the best out of my quilt when it's going to be a cold night:

I use a puffy cover for my head.  I use a Rayway bomber hat when the temperatures stay above the high 20's.  In colder temperatures I've switched to a down balaclava for the coldest part of the night.  A puffy layer will offer much more warmth than fleece, and the bomber hat is as light or lighter than anything.


Shake the down out of the edges and into the middle of the baffles.
Tuck the entire length of edges under my body.
If there are cinch-cords at the ends of the quilt, like for the footbox and neck, make sure they're cinched up completely.

If there are cords that secure the quilt around your body, make sure they go directly beneath you instead of under your pad.
Move as little as possible, and then very carefully so that drafts are not brought under the edges of the quilt.

Consider using a bivy with a net hood.  In my case it's mostly to reduce drafts, but it also provides a cushion of warmer air around your face, which is very appreciated when the temperature drops into the 20's.

There is some debate about whether a pad should be inside or outside the bivy.  I haven't noticed a difference, although I stay on top of the pad better when it's inside my bivy.  If your bivy isn't large enough to accommodate your pad without allowing your quilt to achieve full loft, you may be better off with your pad outside of the bivy.


On Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 9:13 AM, Michael Pinkus <mikepinkus at hotmail.com> wrote:



Hello All,

Last night I tried out 20 F quilt. It only got down to around 34 F or so and I was still pretty chilly. Are there any tricks or tips that you use that could make a difference? I was sleeping in 150 Icebreaker long bottoms and top with a beanie on. For a pad I had a Z rest.




any help would be appreciated.



cheers,

Mike



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