An Ultralight Extravagance

By LazyPacker Ranked #679 - 25 to 5 Degree Down Bags April 22, 2008

Since this quilt is new to me I haven't had the chance to push it to its limits yet. But, it has been used down to the low 30's and is toasty, at 20 degrees it might be pushing this quilt for me as I'm a cold sleeper and love lots more insulation then I really need, wearing extra cloths works for me. The nylon taffeta used on the inside feels soooo much like silk it's like sleeping at a 4 star hotel in the middle of the wilds, and the views are so much better. I have yet to sweat out the down or have the bag exposed to more than a slight drizzle but so far the quilt has stayed dry and the very little dampness from normal sleep dries up within minutes of flipping the bag inside out in the morning. This quilt also cuts about a pound and a half from my comparable sleeping bag and packs much smaller, about the size of a 2 liter bottle without the neck. I have used a spray bottle on the Pertex Endurance parts and the water beads up and rolls off easily so I'd trust this quilt in a tarp in most weather except possibly torrential downpours where I'd be using a bivy sack anyways. The loft is between 2.5" and 3" so it's 20 degree rating is pretty close to spot on depending on your personal biological heat engine.

So far I have no dislikes about this quilt. It works with many different sizes and shapes of sleeping pads and the eyelets for the sleeping pad straps work brilliantly- when I turn in my sleep the eyelets slide along the straps so no airways open up to chill me awake. I've even taken to using it at home as it is far more indulgent then my normal quilt. Only one wish though, it would be nice if it had a cinch closed foot box to help heat regulation a bit more and allow for more uses around the campsite. All in all this is now my favorite sleeping bag/quilt and absolutely brilliant when used in a hammock or on the ground. This quilt will get a five star rating if it's still doing its job well in a few years but for now it's a close to a five as I've yet encountered. Light, packs small, toasty warm, easily adjustable, feels so good against the skin, normal dampness dries quickly so what more could you ask for? Okay it would be nice if 800 down were cheaper but at this price compared to comparable rated sleeping bags it's close to half the cost anyway, so pony up the baksheesh and sleep like a king/queen while everyone else is still cursing the weight and zippers of their traditional sleeping bags.

View Details: GoLite Ultra Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Down

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes