No more quirks! 7 reasons why I decided to switch to quilted sleeping bags for spring, summer, and fall, and two recommended models
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
When it comes to sleeping bags suitable for mountaineering, the mummy-style sleeping bag, cut to fit the body and covering the head, remains a solid choice, but in recent years simple, lightweight, and compact quilted sleeping bags have emerged and are gradually gaining popularity, especially in the world of ultralight hiking
This new sleeping bag has been refined to the bare minimum of functionality, making it an incredibly convenient product when used in the right situation. However, until recently, it was perceived as gear that only caters to certain users, as the pursuit of lightness meant sacrificing comfort and limiting the seasons in which it could be used
However, after researching the recent quilted sleeping bag market, acquiring a few more, and trying them out for a bit, I was surprised by their unexpected comfort and versatility, and it became clear that this perception was a thing of the past
So this time, we'll be focusing on quilted sleeping bags, which are becoming increasingly easy to use, and introducing their advantages and disadvantages, as well as recommended models
table of contents
table of contents
- What is a quilted sleeping bag? - How is it different from a mummy-style sleeping bag?
- 7 reasons why quilted sleeping bags are useful
- Things to consider when choosing a quilted sleeping bag
- Introducing recommended quilted sleeping bags
- Summary: With the increasing variety of options available, quilted sleeping bags are a great option to keep an eye on
What is a quilted sleeping bag? - How is it different from a mummy-style sleeping bag?
The biggest difference between quilted sleeping bags and traditional mummy-style sleeping bags is their shape. While mummy-style sleeping bags maintain their body-enveloping form even when the zipper is fully open, quilted sleeping bags are essentially a simple futon, with no hood to cover the head or zipper to close the sleeping bag. Sleeping in a quilt is essentially like sleeping on a regular duvet. Why is this resurgence in popularity, rather than the mummy-style sleeping bag, which is the ideal shape reached through a long history of mountaineering?
The background to this is closely related to the minimalist idea of ultralight hiking, which gave birth to the modern quilted type, of "cutting out unnecessary parts (functions) and going for simpler things," and the equipment situation due to modern technological advances
First of all, the padding, which plays a vital role in a sleeping bag's insulation, is completely useless if it cannot trap air. This means that the padding between the ground and the sleeping bag, which is usually crushed by its own weight, is essentially "extraneous." Furthermore, today's sleeping pads are far warmer and more comfortable than ever before, making it possible to block out the cold air from the ground. With this in mind, quilted sleeping bags have boldly omitted the back section of the sleeping bag (some models even have a closed foot area to prevent excessive heat loss). The open section is secured to the pad with elastic cords or drawcords, preventing cold air from entering through the omitted back
It was also noted that many hikers today carry high-performance insulation and down jackets with hoods as cold weather gear. For ultralight hiking, which wasn't originally designed for extreme environments like the Alps or Himalayas in the dead of winter, the idea was that even if it got cold, wearing a hood would keep the head and the body warm. Thus, the hood was omitted (though some manufacturers offer detachable hoods as options)
After carefully reviewing the details and finding only the essential parts, we arrived at the quilt shape
7 reasons why quilted sleeping bags are useful
1. Lightweight
As explained earlier, the primary advantage of quilted sleeping bags, which eliminate unnecessary parts such as the back and hood, is that they are likely to be lighter than mummy-style sleeping bags with the same temperature limit. It's not always a straightforward comparison, but if we compare them from SEA TO SUMMIT's 2016 catalog, for example, the basic mummy-style model Latitude Lt I (750FP, minimum limit -4°C) weighs 880g, while the quilted model Amber Eb II (750FP, minimum limit -4°C) weighs just 560g, a whopping 35% lighter.
2. Compact
The quilted design and elimination of the back and hood also contribute to more compact luggage. However, in terms of storage, the elimination of zippers and drawcords, which come with these features, is a bigger advantage. Everyone will notice this when packing a sleeping bag or rain gear, but zippers make it surprisingly difficult to roll up and pack. The elimination of stiff zippers makes the ease of packing much easier
3. Temperature is easy to adjust
Many people have experienced using a mummy-style sleeping bag in the summer only to find it too hot. While a thin summer sleeping bag is an option, a three-season quilted sleeping bag eliminates the need for an additional one. While mummy-style sleeping bags can be adjusted to increase airtightness and heat retention, most models struggle to do the opposite. Quilted sleeping bags, on the other hand, are simply a futon, so you can adjust them to fit snugly against your body, increase ventilation, or leave your legs exposed. Discovering this convenience and versatility, I realized that quilted sleeping bags are truly the ideal three-season sleeping bag, allowing you to stay comfortable from chilly seasons to midsummer
4. Warm enough
It is generally said that quilted sleeping bags are not suitable for cold seasons because they cannot be completely sealed due to their structure, and cold air can get in through the gaps, so I personally thought they were mainly used in warmer seasons, mainly summer. My impression was that the lineup on the market also had many models that were rated for temperatures above 0°C
In theory, this is still true, and no matter how hard you try, quilted sleeping bags will still be inferior to mummy-style sleeping bags in terms of airtightness and heat retention. However, recent quilted sleeping bags use plenty of high-quality down as padding, and many models have been produced that incorporate various measures to prevent cold air from entering. In addition, quilted sleeping bags also allow for the performance of the sleeping pad underneath and the headwear to further increase comfort. For these reasons, quilted sleeping bags can now be used effectively even in snowy seasons, if used properly
The Highland Designs TOP QUILT is designed to prevent cold air from escaping around the neck, and features snap buttons and a drawstring that allow the collar to be tightly closed for a tight seal
5. It's comfortable to sleep on
In terms of comfort, the quilted style is not much different from sleeping on a futon, but compared to the mummy style, which wraps your entire body, it is easier to move around and get in and out of the sleeping bag, allowing for a more natural and comfortable sleep. Also, despite some claims that it is difficult to turn over in bed, if the pad and sleeping bag are firmly fixed, the quilt will not shift when you turn over, and in fact, the position of the pad and quilt is stable, making it actually more comfortable
6. No hassle with zippers
The absence of a zipper means you are free from all the trouble of opening and closing the bag, such as the zipper getting stuck or the fabric getting caught in it. However, even though it is simpler, you still need to take care of the rubber bands and drawcords that secure the pad and sleeping bag
7. Reasonably priced
Despite these advantages, quilted models are generally available at a relatively affordable price compared to mummy-style sleeping bags of the same level. Using the example from the SEA TO SUMMIT 2016 catalog mentioned earlier, the basic mummy-style model Latitude Lt I (minimum temperature limit -4°C) has a list price of 54,000 yen (excluding tax), while the quilted model Amber Eb II (minimum temperature limit -4°C) is 40,000 yen. However, since there are very few Japanese-made models, it's unfortunate that it's difficult to appreciate the low price from Japan.
Things to consider when choosing a quilted sleeping bag
Although quilted sleeping bags are packed with attractive features, they are not without their drawbacks. Here are some things you should be aware of:
1. It takes time and effort to set up
Aside from cases where you want good ventilation in the summer, in order to block out the cold air from outside with a quilted sleeping bag, it is absolutely necessary to secure the pad and sleeping bag tightly together so that there are no gaps at either end of the quilt. This method of securing varies depending on the model, but it is basically a time-consuming process using straps, drawcords, or elastic cords to tie them together, which can be a bit cumbersome in places where you can't just slip your body into the sleeping bag like with a mummy-style sleeping bag (in some cases, ropes or elastic cords are sold separately). That said, once you know how to do it, it's not a particularly time-consuming process unless it's absolutely necessary, and once you get used to it, it's not a big deal
2. Waterproof care
I suddenly realized that the structure of the quilted sleeping bag, which is attached to the pad as described above, means that I cannot cover it with a conventional waterproof sleeping bag cover. However, that does not mean that the outer fabric of a quilted sleeping bag is particularly waterproof or water-repellent. I imagine that in North America, where rain is less of a concern, it is not customary to always use a backpack cover, so not much consideration is given to rain
I asked a shop that sells quilted sleeping bags about waterproofing methods, and they told me that depending on the size of the pad, there are two options: either forcefully cover the entire pad, or, if you want to put a cover on, separate it from the pad and cover it like a regular sleeping bag. Another option, which is a bit of a drastic compromise, is that synthetic-filled sleeping bags retain their heat even if they get a little wet, so you could take that into account and just endure without a cover. Either way, waterproofing care is undeniably up to each individual's ingenuity
Recommended quilted sleeping bags
So far, we have explained the advantages and disadvantages of typical quilted sleeping bags, but from here on, we will introduce some recommended models that we actually purchased and tried out this time
Enlightened Equipment Revelation
First up is a quilted sleeping bag brand that was launched in Minnesota, USA in 2006. Right from the start, this model is only available through personal import
Naturally, the reason I chose such a challenging model first is because this item is so incredibly amazing the Revelation . I've written about the various benefits of quilted sleeping bags, but honestly, if I hadn't come across this item, I might not have thought of writing this article. It's such an exceptional product.
What's so great about it? First of all, what sets this brand apart from other brands is that all of its products can be customized to fit your body type and preferences .
The most frustrating thing about choosing a sleeping bag is that you're limited to a set of specifications set by the manufacturer. Even if you find a model that you absolutely love for its quality and functionality, have you ever hesitated because it doesn't fit your temperature range, isn't the right weight, or if it were water-repellent, it would be perfect? This happens to me all the time
To choose the best model, proper sizing is crucial for heat retention efficiency and sleeping comfort. Also, the required heat retention and acceptable weight vary depending on the target season and purpose. While it's true that orders can only be placed online and shipping takes at least a month (in my case, it took two and a half months from order to shipping), even taking that into account, the benefits of being able to custom order a sleeping bag are immeasurable. This is truly amazing, regardless of whether it's a quilted style or not
The process from selecting specifications to ordering is simple and easy to understand
The ordering process begins with choosing the base series. Even within the quilted styles, you can choose between synthetic or down filling, and also whether the toes are pre-closed for increased warmth. The Rvelation series uses highly insulating down, but also has fully open toes that allow for adjustable breathability, making it the most versatile and user-friendly model.
When you actually open the product page, you will see a list of options like the one shown above. You can select each option one by one and complete the customization in no time
To start with, the down is of very high quality, at least 850FP (European duck or goose down). All down classes are also water-repellent. Naturally, the higher the quality, the lighter the sleeping bag will be
The brand states that the minimum recommended temperature is merely a guideline, based on its own index, but according to its website, it should be close to the minimum temperature of the EN13537 standard (for more information on EN13537, see " How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag "). Naturally, specifying a lower temperature will increase the amount of down filled and therefore the weight.
Both length and width are in feet and inches. For quilted blankets, length refers to the height minus the distance from head to neck. However, if you measure it strictly from the neck down, you may end up with no room for your feet. If it's too short, not only will your feet be less warm, but there won't be enough room to seal around your neck. In that sense, it's best to choose a length that's about the same as your height. As for width, the regular size is generally fine, but the website says that people who toss and turn a lot or who prefer to sleep on their side will be happier with a slightly wider blanket
The final option is whether to use 20D weather-resistant fabric on the top and bottom edges, a subtle but welcome addition. Those of us living in Japan should definitely select this option. In a humid environment like Japan, even a slight temperature difference can quickly cause condensation inside the tent. Since the top of your sleeping bag is usually stuck to the tent's inner wall, even on a sunny day, there's a risk of your feet getting wet. This model's inclusion of such a small but important feature really sets it apart
Heat retention performance approaching that of a mummy type and high functionality in every detail
When you set the sleeping bag on the pad, it looks almost the same as a mummy sleeping bag, and there's no noticeable gap. Despite this, it's easy to get in and out of the sleeping bag, just like a duvet, and it feels like you're sleeping on a duvet over a mattress called a sleeping pad
This is what it looks like inside out. There are only two points that secure it. The strap is made of elastic flat rubber and has buckles on both ends, making it easy to attach
The Rvelation has a snap button and drawcord around the neck, and a drawcord and short zipper at the feet, both of which are very effective at keeping out the cold. The steel gray part is made of water-resistant 20D fabric.
Made with high-quality fabric and padding that's designed to withstand moisture, and easily adjustable for both hot and cold weather, the Revelation is a lightweight, compact, and extremely comfortable companion for a variety of activities, from spring to autumn hiking and climbing to canoeing, kayaking, and motorcycle trips. Coincidentally, the yen is at its strongest in several years, so we highly recommend anyone interested give it a try. (Note that, of course, shipping fees, customs duties, consumption tax, and other charges will be added to the price, and warranties and after-sales service will be provided in English, so please act at your own risk.)
Highland Designs TOP QUILT
There are only a handful of quilted sleeping bags made in Japan, but each one is well-made. Among them is the synthetic quilted sleeping bag from the original brand of Hiker's Depot, an outdoor shop in Mitaka, a mecca for ultralight hiking enthusiasts nationwide. It has been steadily improved since 2009 and is a masterpiece of Japanese quilted models. At first glance, it appears to be a very simple design, but from the choice of materials to each individual function, it takes into consideration the humid Japanese summer environment, achieving the best balance of weight, warmth, and functionality. Its impressive level of perfection is truly impressive, as you can see the firm concept and spirit behind it
I was impressed by how light and packable it is, despite being made of synthetic fibers, and above all, how it retains heat well enough for most places in the summer. It's hard to put into words, but perhaps the thin appearance can be deceiving, as the first impression that came to mind when I got inside was that it was "surprisingly warm."
The material is airtight and highly insulating, and the structure prevents heat from escaping, making it lightweight yet highly insulating
This is the result of not only the PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation with Cross Core™ material selection, but also a high-density 15D outer fabric, fewer seams, and a series of other fine-tuning adjustments, such as a closed leg opening. And while I haven't tried it yet, the product description suggests that it can be combined with a down sleeping bag in winter for increased warmth. So, combining this sleeping bag with a three-season sleeping bag effectively makes it suitable for all four seasons. I would have preferred if the back loops had pre-installed elastic or if they had an easily removable buckle, but the benefit of being able to easily access high-quality warmth is what makes it so appealing. Its relatively affordable price makes it a more efficient and versatile choice than purchasing a summer sleeping bag
summary
It's been over 10 years since quilted sleeping bags first became established as a genre. Their era of being a novelty item popular in core scenes is over, and we're clearly seeing the arrival of an era in which we can choose the perfect model to suit a variety of needs. While the two models introduced above are my personal favorites, there are many more interesting models, primarily from authentic American garage manufacturers. Unfortunately, foreign-made sleeping bags tend to be difficult to find in Japan, making them difficult to obtain. Even so, in the mature world of sleeping bags, this category is currently seeing the most technological innovation and ingenuity. We'll be keeping a close eye on how they continue to evolve, including the situation overseas
We also recommend this article about sleeping bags
- Stay warm from the inside out with the perfect sleeping bag: How to choose and our top 8 recommendations
- How to choose a winter sleeping bag for a comfortable winter tent stay in the mountains and our top 8 recommendations
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