How to choose the right backpacking quilt.
1. Closed Footbox vs Zipper Footbox
First of, let's pick our model. Vilse currently offers two different base models + the Performance Line which we will get back to later.
A closed footbox quilt has the foot section sewn shut. This creates a warm, cozy pocket (footbox) for your feet and improves overall thermal efficiency per carried gram. It weighs generally around 50 g less than the zipper version.
This style is great if you:
sleep in colder conditions and move around a lot
care about every gram saved.
are afraid of having cold feet when sleeping
A zipper footbox quilt adds flexibility as it can open completely flat and work like a blanket when the weather is warmer. You can also let the footbox cinch cord be open to add ventilation through the quilt.
The zipper is perfect for:
More flexibility with a wider range of temperatures
More use cases like wrapping yourself in a blanket when cooking food (just don't get too close to fire or warm pots as the fabric will melt) or walking around camp in the cold evening.
Sleepers who don't like to feel constrained at all by a closed sleeping system.
Our summer bag is a closed footbox design specially made to save weight, with a comfort rating of +7°C. It comes in a few set sizes, always featuring a wide, comfy fit for your upper body with an optimized slim footbox.
Vilse Performance -3°C
This closed footbox design is fully optimized for weight saving performance with a slim mummy-fit footbox and a few other tricks to make sure every carried gram is effective for optimizing warmth.
2. Choose the Right Temperature Rating
If quilts had a personality trait, temperature rating would be it.
This number tells you roughly how cold it can get before you start regretting your life choices.
Keep in mind that Comfort temperature is based on the lowest temperature at which an average woman can sleep comfortably. When comparing products from different manufacturers, make sure you are comparing the same rating. Some brands may refer to the male Limit rating or the Extreme rating instead, which can make the numbers look more impressive than they actually are.
Consider the following,
how cold your trips usually get
whether you sleep warm or cold
what additional clothing you typically bring
A good rule of thumb is to choose a quilt rated a little colder than the temperatures you expect. That way you have some margin if the weather turns or the wind picks up.
To give you a few pointers based on our scandinavian roots,
The Nordic mountains in summertime: +4°C to -1°C is a good range depending on whether you sleep warm or cold. If you want to extend it to work in early autumn, consider a warmer bag as the temperature can drop fast.
3-season bag/alpine: -1°C to -6°C depending on where you like to go camping and current weather conditions.
Nordic summer low-land: Solsting summer bag or +4 will feel more than enough.
Nordic winter: -6°C to -12°C depending on where you live. We do not currently provide a bag built for really cold winter conditions, but with layering techniques you can quickly get very warm ratings.
3. Choosing the Right Quilt Length
First of, take a look at our Sizing Guide and keep it at hand when we go deeper. We make our quilts exactly the length you set in our customization tool. When designing a custom bag we usually recommend basing it on two different sizing ideas.
Regular fit: The quilt will cover your full length to the top of your head. This is great if you want the option to hide your head in the quilt if it gets cold. It also adds a bit more safety from drafts if you turn around a lot, längden har inte så mycket med det att göra är mer bredden. To get a regular fit, just use your own length.
Performance fit: While having some extra room is always nice, some want the most efficient weight saving. Remove 10-15 cm of your own length and the quilt will cover you up to your neck.
Stomach sleeper: If you sleep on your stomach it's normal to be pointing your toes out a bit which can make the quilt feel too tight. Therefore, it can be a good idea to add 5 extra cm to the overall length after deciding if you want to go with the regular or performance fit.
When choosing a stock quilt, you can still consider all of the above to get an idea of what length to go for.
4. Quilt Width and Sleeping Style
First, select your quilt width based on your body size and shape, and second, consider your sleeping habits. Some individuals sleep very still, while others toss and turn as if they're wrestling invisible raccoons. If you tend to move frequently during the night, a wider quilt provides more space for rolling and stretching.
The primary disadvantages of a wider bag are its increased weight, and if it's excessively wide for your body, your thermal efficiency will decrease due to the additional air space that needs to be filled.
5. Footbox Size
A good starting point is that everyone will fit in a slim footbox, so choosing between a regular and wide footbox mainly comes down to comfort and sleeping style.
If you move around a lot in your sleep and find that your feet or legs bump into the sides, or if you simply enjoy some extra room, a wider footbox is often worth it. A slimmer footbox can also provide slightly better warmth efficiency, as there is less air inside the footbox for your body to warm up.
If you are considering a wider footbox mainly because you sleep with your legs pulled up, you may not need to size up. Our standard line bags widen quickly and reach their full width already around the waist, giving you plenty of room to pull your legs up comfortably.
6. Pad Straps:
Selecting pad straps is the simplest task. Simply measure the width of your sleeping pad. If it exceeds 54 cm, choose the wide straps, and vice versa. If you intend to use various sleeping bags, you can order additional straps under accessories.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a backpacking quilt doesn’t have to be complicated.
Focus on the essentials:
temperature rating
quilt size
footbox style
sleeping style
Get those right, and you’ll end up with a sleep system that’s light, warm and comfortable.
Picking a Vilse quilt already means your on the right track.
But if you are unsure, don't hesitate to contact us at info@vilseequipment.com
Comments