I wondered if anyone here had experience with down quilts and insulated pads instead of conventional sleeping bags?  Kind of off topic as I'm planning for a Philmont trek - and maybe a bucket list dream of through hiking the AT someday - since I don't usually count ounces - jut pounds - for canoe country.

Well as a hammocker I do use a under quilt.  I use a sleeping bag as cover only getting in it on the colder nights.

Kind of sounds like Big Agnes bags, and the double wide we use works nice.

One of the field editors in BWJ mentioned a mountaineering company that did a quilt type bag with a folded under foot box, but basically a flat open quilt. I remember it cause it was a double wide model and he was the only other person that ever mentioned they like it instead of separate solo bags.

Bill,
My wife and I have been paddling Quetico for 35+ years in July and August. About 20 years ago we switched to a queen size down quilt instead of sleeping bags. We just use it like a blanket. We also use a sleeping bag liner that my wife sewed up using cotton sheets so that we are not just laying on our thermarests. 1 quilt and 1 light weight liner is a lot less weight  and bulk than any other sleeping bag combo that we have looked at. Much cheaper also and never been cold. We do use bags in colder weather.
Good Luck.
Gene.

I've been looking at a number with the "foot box" sewn in.  While lower cost is an influence, weight is the key here.  30 to 40 degree nights seem common at Philmont in July.  I do think this has a lot of merit for the Quetico.

"I do think this has a lot of merit for the Quetico."


yep, lets the ticks crawl in easier!

there are a lot of backpacking forums where you could find a lot of info.

try BackpackingLight.com/forums/Gear and you'd find lots of quilt threads

likely also on Backpacker magazine fourms

may find reviews on OutdoorGearTest.com. Trailspace.com, and maybe OutdoorGearLab.com

you don't have to go to a quilt to get lightweight warmth -

see below a 20deg bag at 17 ounces


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I did read a lot of reviews on other sites but still like the opinions of QJ folk.  As far as ticks, I tend to rely on my tent for that.

I ended up buying a Marmot Plasma 30. Trying to decide between Synmat 7 UL m and lw.

I recently prchased a 30*f top quilt from Enlighten Equipment.   (You need to Login or Register The wide long weighs in at 23 oz., and compacts down to the size of a honey dew mellon. The stitch work appears very good. I have not had the opportunity to do a real world test, but from the reviews I'm sure it will be a good addition to my gear.  What makes it even better is it is made in the USA.