Near perfect compromise for 3+ seasons

By rev Ranked #169 - 25 to 5 Degree Down Bags December 3, 2010

This is a great all around quilt for backpackers. Loft is great, 5" or more (double layered) throughout the entire quilt. I've not had the change to try it any lower yet, but I've been comfortable in this quilt down to 25F in a base layer. It's a bit too warm for hot summers, but I've been comfy in the 60s thanks to the ventilation and open sides.

I'm not especially tall- 5'11"- and ended up getting the Long so that I could cover my entire body up if needed. With the Long I can snap the neck closed fully cinch up the neck loop and have my entire body covered up from head to toe. I haven't had to do this yet, but it seemed like a capability paying 2 oz for. I'm a very big guy (42" waist, 52" chest) and the quilt fits great, plenty of room. Worked well with the pads I tried- Thermarest Prolite, Thermarest NeoAir, and POE Ether Compact 6.

IMHO, the only real competitors to this quilt, in my mind, are high end bags like the Helium, WM UltraLite and quilts from small companies like Enlightened, Katabatic, Nunatak. Most of them cost another $100 more or add a few ounces. Even so, the GoLite offers some features not seen in the other quilts- recycled fabrics, and a durable waterproof breathable fabric (WPB ala Gore-Tex) around the neck and feet. Whether or not those are features matter are up to the potential buyer and intended use, but I like the WPB zones for camping under tarps and single wall tents.

The only thing I dislike is the pad attachment system. First, I'd love to have more webbing loops for securing the quilt. Four or six pairs would be ideal and add minimal weight. Second, the included buckle for the light webbing gives very easily. The last thing you want when rolling over at 20F is to pull up one side and open the quilt up for drafts. The buckles also give when I'm trying to tighten up the webbing when bedding down on a cold night. This isn't a huge deal, and was remedied with some Kelty Triptease and a few LineLoc tensioners.

View Details: GoLite UltraLite Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Down

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes