Sleeping Mat to suit Quilt

[DannyS]

I'm in the process of buying a quilt style sleeping bag and want to upgrade my sleeping mat at the same time, I will choose between the Neo air Xlite or the Neo air Xtherm. I've never used a quilt style bag before and I'm not sure if I should purchase the warmer Xtherm because of the quilt?
What temps would an Xlite be suitable down to?
Cheers.

[KANANGRABOYD]

Danny,
What kind of quilt are you getting?- Brand/fill power/loft etc etc.
Xlite should be good to around 0c - but are you in a tent or tarp etc - more info please!
If it were up to me, and $ doesn't factor I'd go with the Xtherm - always better to have a bit warmer than too cold right!

[DannyS]

Danny,
What kind of quilt are you getting?- Brand/fill power/loft etc etc.
Xlite should be good to around 0c - but are you in a tent or tarp etc - more info please!
If it were up to me, and $ doesn't factor I'd go with the Xtherm - always better to have a bit warmer than too cold right!

It's looking like one of the Katabatic or Zpacks bags, just waiting on a response tomorrow and then I'll know for certain, but leaning toward the Katabatic? Temp range will be -5C to -9C. Probably the 900 down(although not certain if the hydrophobic 850 option is worthwhile or not), with around 2.5" to 3.25" loft.
Shelter is a Duomid.
I'm a side sleeper and I sleep cold.
Cheers

[KANANGRABOYD]

Danny,
What kind of quilt are you getting?- Brand/fill power/loft etc etc.
Xlite should be good to around 0c - but are you in a tent or tarp etc - more info please!
If it were up to me, and $ doesn't factor I'd go with the Xtherm - always better to have a bit warmer than too cold right!

It's looking like one of the Katabatic or Zpacks bags, just waiting on a response tomorrow and then I'll know for certain, but leaning toward the Katabatic? Temp range will be -5C to -9C. Probably the 900 down(although not certain if the hydrophobic 850 option is worthwhile or not), with around 2.5" to 3.25" loft.
Shelter is a Duomid.
I'm a side sleeper and I sleep cold.
Cheers

What about Enlightened Equipment? - I have a Revelation and it is superb. Nothing wrong with the Katabatic, but if you are choosing between that and Z-Packs I'd go with the Z-Packs - Joe is awesome.

[DannyS]

Ok I'll look into the EE, I hadn't considered them? I was a little uncertain about Zpacks, not because of their quality(I hear it's excellent) but the bags have less down over a wider area and yet give the same temp rating. Only because of this was I a little concerned?

[Stibb]

I also wanted an xtherm with my quilt but instead opted for an Exped UL 7 downmat (long and WIDE ). As I move around a lot I wanted the width and was concerned the "standard" mats just weren't wide enough. Yes it is a little bit heavier (wish they had shorter versions of the wide) but it is oh so comfy and warm enough for everything you could throw at it. And wide enough! You wont wake up with your arms frozen to the ground next to the mat...

If you insist on the two you mentioned, I would go for xtherm! Can't have a too warm mat!

[icefest]

I went through the same agonizing process. In the end I went with the xTherm, not due to the warmth but for the puncture resistance. I bought the L version as I am 186cm.

30d vs 70d for only 110g extra.

That said, only use it in winter.
In summer I use a blue foam mat that weighs half as much, but is less warm than the xlite.

[simonm]

What about Enlightened Equipment? - I have a Revelation and it is superb. Nothing wrong with the Katabatic, but if you are choosing between that and Z-Packs I'd go with the Z-Packs - Joe is awesome.

The service from Tim at Enlightened Equipment is exceptional. The quilt (RevX) I received had a minor issue with the draw cord at the top due to one of his sewers doing something very creative but stupid, which I was unable to rectify. Tim paid for shipment back to him so he could fix the problem, he was keen to do this from the start but I said I would give fixing it a crack first. He then offered to pay for the time i spent in fixing it. Now that is what i call good service, and I would not hesitate in buying other products from him.

I am really looking forward to getting that quilt back as it is a thing of beauty.

[Onestepmore]

I agree. Neoair Xtherm (daughter has one) or Exped ULdownmat7 (I have one)
I don't think you'd be unhappy with either of these for a 4 season mat
We've got a Zpacks 20 deg F bag (son's), I have a 20 deg F 'burrow' Hammock Gear quilt, considering an Enlightened Equipment quilt for hubby as we've just got a 2nd hammock, so it'll be dual purpose.

NeoAir Xlite if not doing cold winter stuff (I don't have a problem with the crackles etc that others have reported), lighter, lower R value tho

[forest]

You are going to purchase a cold weather quilt so one would presume you would match the mattress.
In light of that either a Xtherm or UL Downmat would be the 2 to pick between.
I like my UL Downmat and the baffle design but in saying that the Xtherm is lightby a decent amount in UL terms.

[DannyS]

Thanks for that, decided to go with the Xtherm. A little extra warmth for not too much weight