Sleep System
After much deliberation and research Monica and I are close to ordering and setting up our sleep system for the trip. Monica is a cold sleeper, but I am a fairly warm sleeper.
Quilts:
Initially Mon was hesitant to the idea of using a quilt rather than a sleeping bag. But after seeing how quilts can be secured either to your body, or to sleeping mat, she became more interested. Also, the weight benefits of not having a big zip, a hood, or extra insulation under your body (which isn't very effective) allows Mon to get a warmer quilt for the same weight as a traditional sleeping bag. I like quilts and was always going to get a quilt.
Insulation:
We have decided on synthetic insulation for our quilts. The main reason for this is their performance when damp or wet. I know that there is treated down, and have looked into it but have been told even from the horses mouth that the treatment only lasts so long and the down treatments ends up being ineffective after time anyway. After some research I am fairly convinced that Climashield Apex is the best synthetic insulation, as it is strong, durable and warm. it also doesn't require baffling. So we were after Climashield Apex Quilts. There are a couple of suppliers to choose from globally.
Decision:
We have decided on the Enlightened Equipment (EE) Enigma Quilts because of their minimal design. They have no zip, an enclosed foot box, snap locks and a draw cord for around your neck and proven pad straps. EE state their ratings are on par with the EN/ISO ratings for the "limit temp". "Limit temperature is defined as the lowest temperature at which a person in a curled-up body position is not feeling cold. Hot sleepers, or folks who plan to layer, can look to this number. All EE temperature ratings can be considered to be limit temperatures. This is warm for some, and cold for others, which is why it’s important to know yourself." (from EE site)
- enigma.JPG (14.62 KiB) Viewed 44941 times
Considering the reported temps of down to 2deg, and that Mon is a cold sleeper, she has decided that she is best off with a -6 rated Enlightened Equipment Enigma Climashield Apex Quilt. This will weigh around 760 grams and cost around $300 for the slim, regular length version. Monica believes that adding 160grams for the -6 over the -1 will be a good choice.
I will be getting the -1 rated enigma in a slim, long version at 640 grams.
We will also be getting the EE Hoodlums (a balaclava type insulated hat). They will cost $90 each and weigh around 55 grams. The Hoodlums allow the quilt to be cinched tight around the neck area to seal it off nicely - working as a sleeping bag hood. The benefit is that it can also be used in camp or while hiking.
- hoodlum.PNG (38.13 KiB) Viewed 44941 times
Sleeping Pads:
After much deliberation again, we have decided on Closed Cell Foam (CCF) mattresses. I have always used CCF and have never wanted more comfort. Monica was considering an expensive air mattress (thermarest neo air or the like). However, after trying my Thermarest Z-lite she found that it was comfortable enough and warm enough.
We will be modifying the Thermarest z-lites though. We will be cutting my existing z-lite in half - which will be long enough for both of us to use it as a torso length mat. We will then be adding a detachable thinner, heat reflective mat for our legs. We will attach the two with metal snap fasteners. This means that the bulk of the z-lite will be halved (straps to the outside of our packs). And the thin lower leg portion of the mat can be stored in our packs. I have used the thin reflective mat (cut down to size) for several night now and found it to be very warm but not very comfortable.
The full length thin mat weighs 65 grams
the full length z-lite weighs 400 grams.
Total weight of having half z-lite and half thin mat = about 240 grams per pad. (including snap fasteners)
(The Neoair x-lite weighs 340 grams for full length I believe)
- z lite.JPG (40.96 KiB) Viewed 44941 times
- thin mat.JPG (62.76 KiB) Viewed 44941 times
So, synthetic quilts from EE, modified CCF pads, good balaclava type hats = should be good to go.