Bushwalk Australia

Hello,

Hopefully I'm posting this in the right place.

I'm looking to change my sleep system to a quilt but I don't have any first hand experience with them. I'm particularly interested in looking at one of Mike's from this forums quilts and was hoping someone might have one that I could have a look at and 'try on' for size (which is my main concern being on the bigger end of bushwalkers).

I'd also be interested in having a look at other quilt brands (particularly Enlighten Equipment and Katabatics).

I'm located in Hobart but I don't mind doing a bit of drive to make sure I'm purchasing something that will work for me.

Thanks in advance,

Dan

Have both one of Mike's -7 quilts (love it) and a double Z-Packs -11 quilt (not as warm as Mike's in my opinion). Live in Hobart and happy for you to check them out. PM me.

I have one of Mikes -7 quilts and I love it. I had an EE 20F quilt and it didn't work for me.

Dan, do you know what the differences are between Mikes and the EE quilt that make you prefer Mikes?

What didn't work for you?

Do you still have the EE that I might be able to have a look at?

I have an EE 20F and love it. Have only used it down to 0 Degrees C at this stage. Have not used Mike's.

Use mine with a Thermarest Xthrem. I feel is is a combination of mat, liner and quilt that works for me.

DanR wrote:Dan, do you know what the differences are between Mikes and the EE quilt that make you prefer Mikes?

What didn't work for you?

Do you still have the EE that I might be able to have a look at?

I no longer have the EE quilt.

For me the main difference was down placement. For instance there is no point in putting the same amount of down in the far outside baffles as you would the baffles that will be covering your body. The far outside baffles will generally get tucked in under you to a certain extent and render the down in them all but useless.

Mikes also has a really nice draft tube so when its cinched up you really do feel enclosed as though your in a sleeping bag yet you still have the freedom a quilt allows. Mikes also has a nice pad at the footbox (mines an open style quilt not a fully sewn in footbox) so it blocks any draft that may come in the hole that can be left behind.

Don't get me wrong, the EE quilt was nice and as 1000's of people who own them will tell you, they are happy with them. However I tested mine to its temp rating or got close to it on a regular basis to know that its temp rating wasn't working for my liking. Everyone is different in regards to temperatures though.

I admit I haven't had Mikes right down to -7 yet but I have had it close enough to know how warm (hot) I was when I have it all cinched up and in combat mode I had to loosen it off and allow some cool air in!

But thats just my opinion of course. Mikes quilt is also really well made. Not that the EE quilts are not but Mikes are a step up IMHO.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm very interested in one of Mike's and it sounds like they're a great product with a combo of the good features of the EE and Katabatics.

Hopefully I can catch up with Mark andnhave a look at his in person too.

I tend to sleep a bit cold and was debating the -1 or -7. You both have the -7 and I think with the versatility of the quilt, while still being light weight this might be the way to go.

Definitely get the minus 7 down here Dan. I know it's rare that you'll see that low but honestly even at zero to five degrees you'll be glad you have it, especially if you sleep cold.

I was always a hot sleeper and compared to my wife I think I am, however the older I get the more I think I'm feeling the cold.

I have an older EE one with the karo baffles. You're welcome to check it out at Lindisfarne. It is a -7 bag, but it only seems to just keep me warm to around 0. I am looking for a replacement TBH. The baffles in mine don't keep the down where I want it well enough. I'm always trying to push it back up on top of me.

Cams thanks, that'd be great. I also live on the Eastern Shore.

I'm interested to see what EE's are like for comparison purposes.

DanShell wrote:Definitely get the minus 7 down here Dan. I know it's rare that you'll see that low ...

-5 inside the tent at 9pm at Waterfall Valley camp on Saturday night. Similar at Windermere the two previous nights.
Hell, it was only 3 at Ronny Creek at 1:30 this arvo!

I have the EE f20 Dan that you can have a look at, i also live and work on the eastern shore . I haven't tried it out in winter yet

Thanks Rich, that'd be great. I'll PM you and see if we can work something out. I'm mainly interesting in checking for size.