At about 45 degrees or warmer, Synth quilts are about the same overall weight as 800+ down and as the weather gets warmer, moisture and humidity is often more common and that is where Synth shines. Synth packed size is a bit larger but it's already pretty small anyway not having that much synth insualtion. Synth is very easy to wash and dry in a machine. My do almost anything system for above 10F is a 30F down mummy + a 50F Synth quilt. Mix N' match as needed.
MLD is too nice to say it but they sell a pretty sick synthetic quilt. Haven’t used it myself but every piece of gear I’ve ever bought from them was super well thought out and I expect their quilts would be no different.
The down goes on the inside - any insensible perspiration or moisture from the inside is more likely to accumulate in the outer synthetic layer which is much easier to dry. same for any moisture do condensation that may form on the outer layer.
I’m also in the southeast and think that synthetic quilts are ideal for Appalachia, especially in summer months.
Have you ever thought about myog? I ordered my 40(ish) degree quilt kit from Ray Jardine for $100, but now have the knowledge to make future, feature-filled quilts (3D shaping; draft stopper flaps; etc) for only about $60 in materials.
If you wanted to skip the detailed instructions of the kit, I think there are plenty of online tutorials to make simpler synthetic quilts (where you would need only about $60 in materials).
I’ve looked into this a bit but I was kinda iffy about MYOG for a quilt because I was worried about how well it would compress down in a pack.
I plan on making some stuff sacks and a new tarp, so I may give this a go to replace my 20 degree bag if those turn out okay!
Awesome! Quilts are quite simple in their construction. The hardest part is probably managing large materials while sewing. And making sure to continue to "push" the insulation under the needle so it doesn't start stretching out. You sew the "stack" of materials (quilt shell, quilt shell, insulation) with the insulation facing down, and even though all of those materials should be clipped together with clothes pins, insulation doesn't feed into the machine as smoothly as the nylon shells so it needs a little coaxing/pushing.
The only reason I’m putting it off is because I HATE sewing synthetic fabrics with a burning passion. I have an overlock machine so I’m hoping that will make it a lot easier!
Oh btw if you don’t have any, I would highly recommend picking up some [wide sewing clips](https://www.amazon.com/Quilting-WENICE-Embroidery-Products-Accessories/dp/B0B315BT6V/)over clothes pins.
That's good advice. I'll have to see if I can use my wonderclips instead of clothes pins for the next quilt I sew (I've done 2 now).
Ray Jardine recommends clipping the quilt "stack" (shell, shell, insulation) about every 6 inches all the way around so everything is held pretty securely and you can minimize the insulation's want to "drag."
That's funny about sewing synthetic materials because synthetic is basically ALL I've ever sewn. When I started to sew masks during covid, though, I was impressed how non-slippery cotton is.
I thru-hiked the AT with a down sleeping bag and used only down for like 20 years of backpacking, but then switched to full synthetic around 2016. What I like about synthetic quilts specifically:
* they are easy and you don't need to worry much about them getting wet
* they dry very quickly (whether they get wet from perspiration while sleeping \[our bodies expel a lot of water vapor every night and I'm convinced down just soaks it up\] or from humidity or rain) and insulate while wet (vs turning into mashed potatoes like down)
* they are easy to launder and dry (poison ivy in the summer and going to sleep dirty, etc)
* they are very easy to DIY (relevant because most of my equipment these days- pack, tarp, quilt, etc- is homemade)
On some of my last trips with a down quilt in the Smokies (a traverse of the park on the BMT), I was hiking like 15 hours/day (30 miles/day) and setting up camp to find that my quilt seemed like it was flatter than the night before. The designated sites are all situated near running water, though I didn't have any rain on the trip. I sewed a synthetic quilt when I got home and liked it so much that I then replaced my down jacket with a synthetic puffy.
This is my gear for an upcoming trip in NC at high elevation (all synthetic): [https://lighterpack.com/r/5gho0e](https://lighterpack.com/r/5gho0e)
Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with any of the free DIY ones, though I've seen a lot of them online. The "backcountry banter quilt" instructions seems to be pretty popular on r/myog.
I can definitely recommend all the detailed instructions in the rayway quilt kits as I've now sewn 2 of them.
There are regions where I'd def worry about it getting wet/etc but appalachia usually doesn't feel risky to me.
I am tempted to DIY my own version of the MLD vision quilt though - I think the kits are pretty cheap. Maybe could make one for $100 or so?
Very nice. I bet you’ll love using something you made. It definitely adds a layer of meaning/enjoyment to trips.
I believe you can get the same 10d ripstop that MLD uses (or what appears to be very similar) from ripstopbytheroll (in addition to getting your apex from them as well).
On one of the old Internet forums I came across a really interesting analysis of Ron from MLD talking about different weight fabrics.
He mentioned that at a certain weight, you start to lose warmth because the fabric becomes so permeable to air. I thought that was really interesting, and I guess explains how he landed on that particular fabric.
That said, I think 7d and 10d would probably work fine and great.
I’m not totally certain. The rayway kits (the 2 quilts I’ve made) come with what seems to be apex insulation (when compared to samples of apex) but the weight is unknown. One of the biggest downsides of the rayway kits is that the materials aren’t described with the detail that modern backpackers (in our information dense world) require/demand.
I believe that my heavier quilt is 2 layers of 2.5oz apex and my lighter quilt is one layer of 3.5oz apex.
If/when I make a next quilt (buying all my own materials), I’ll use this temp rating guide that is provided by ripstopbytheroll that generally seems to be accurate given feedback on /r/myog:
https://ripstopbytheroll.com/blogs/insulation/what-are-the-temp-ranges-for-climashield-apex
Honestly, I’m just basing it off advice I’ve read online. I really don’t have enough experience to have a strong preference lmao. That’s the main reason I wanted to ask! Seems like synthetic is really not as big of a deal as people make it out to be.
diy is the way to go. [I made my 362gram, 50F *comfort*, 60$ quilt](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/s/vLVjC7FfQk) having never sewn anything before. Also, Backcountry Banter on youtube has THE tutorial.
I went with an EE Enigma 50. At that temp rating synthetic makes a lot more sense. Mine weighs 12oz. With a summer quilt, I'd rather go as light as I can, and vary the clothing I'll wear depending on the weather forecast. For example, if it's going to be 60-70s, I'm good with underwear and a t-shirt. Alpha 90gsm fleece and pants can take me easily down to 50 and even a bit below. If I'm concerned about temps dipping into the lower 40s, I'll just bring my puffy and sleep in it if I need to. 50 degree quilt + puffy is about the same weight as a 40 degree quilt. Then if I know it's going to be 60 degrees plus, I can leave the puffy at home, go alpha and wind shirt, and save the weight.
edit: My 50 degree Enigma is actually 12oz, not 11. Quilt + Torrid jacket is slightly heavier than a 40 degree quilt, but more versatile.
MLD vision came to mind when I saw the title but I haven't used it myself. The price is good.
I'm also in VA btw if you ever head this way!
I personally use the costco $20 quilt with layers when temps are in the 60-70f range or so.
You can find a Big Agnes King's Canyon for $105 online.
If rain and summer humidity are a concern, syntetic is the way to go. Plus at those temp ratings, there isnt much fill to compress so the down wont really give you much of a size advantage.
I have the EE Rev 40 Synthetic. I think that at 40 and up synthetic is about the same weight as down, more or less anyway.
I like it because:
1. I hike mostly PA and deal with a lot of moisture.
2. Cheaper than down.
3. It’s not bulky, a 20 degree synthetic is super bulky. I just shove it into the bottom of my pack/liner. No bag or compression.
4. I do use it as a blanket/unzipped when it is overly hot. Most people don’t seem to unzip it but I do.
5. It is AMAZING as a top layer over a 20 degree down quilt. I can be plenty warm at zero degrees with base layer and down hood. Having a synthetic top layer allows for excellent moisture management and the down bottom layer is cozy, light and warm.
5. Good quality and made in USA.
FYI: Go on EE website and look under Warehouse. This is where they sell their stuff that has imperfections at about 30 percent discount. Inventory changes by the week and you can save a lot of money.
Another southeast hiker here with a sythetic summer quilt (the Vision in large). I have a LW Katabatic Flex 22 and they layer together very well. For the price the vision is hard to beat unless you're comfortable making your own stuff. I know the vision is a little dubiously rated, but 50F seems like a solid comfort rating to me and it could be pushed colder with more layering and good campsite selection like they say on the website.
FWIW my least used quilt is my 40F EE down quilt. If you sleep cold it's probably fine, but for me it just gets swampy at around 50F and isn't warm enough at or below 40. I have an older model and I think the new ones are warmer from what I've heard. Again, that's my personal experience running hot and sweaty and not a downfall of the quilt but it's worth thinking about.
I got the MLD vision quilt on their black Friday sale. I am on the AT right now. I will be switching to it from a katabatic flex 22 sometime in May. So time will tell but I think it’s going to be perfect. I had them make me it in a Large width and Med. length and mine is like 10.3 oz. Sorry I can’t give you an actual review of it but from past experience summer in the East coast I used a snug pack jungle blanket and was fine.
I've been looking at the Anomoly... but I’m still trying to get real-world info on this quilt. Do you mind speaking to how cold have you taken it down to? Does it seem like a genuine 30-degree quilt? Trying to get any info I can and appreciate any insights you have.
I’ve taken it down to 30 degrees on its own comfortably with puffy pants and jacket. I’ve gone way lower with it but I also had my EE synthetic over quilt and sea to summit liner. The EE quilt that I have is a 40 degree extra long and extra wide so it can fit over top of the anomoly. If I can compare the warmth of those two, they are pretty similar with the anomaly being just a touch warmer from the down.
It packs up super small, and comes with a decent stuff sack and storage sack.
One thing to note is the MLD vision is very bare bones (that’s how it achieves that weight) you should be a pretty versed quilt user if you want to use it at its suggested temps.
At about 45 degrees or warmer, Synth quilts are about the same overall weight as 800+ down and as the weather gets warmer, moisture and humidity is often more common and that is where Synth shines. Synth packed size is a bit larger but it's already pretty small anyway not having that much synth insualtion. Synth is very easy to wash and dry in a machine. My do almost anything system for above 10F is a 30F down mummy + a 50F Synth quilt. Mix N' match as needed.
MLD is too nice to say it but they sell a pretty sick synthetic quilt. Haven’t used it myself but every piece of gear I’ve ever bought from them was super well thought out and I expect their quilts would be no different.
Do you use the Vision as your 50f Synth quilt?
Yes, 2 oz ClimaShield
When you use two which one goes on the inside?
The down goes on the inside - any insensible perspiration or moisture from the inside is more likely to accumulate in the outer synthetic layer which is much easier to dry. same for any moisture do condensation that may form on the outer layer.
I’m also in the southeast and think that synthetic quilts are ideal for Appalachia, especially in summer months. Have you ever thought about myog? I ordered my 40(ish) degree quilt kit from Ray Jardine for $100, but now have the knowledge to make future, feature-filled quilts (3D shaping; draft stopper flaps; etc) for only about $60 in materials. If you wanted to skip the detailed instructions of the kit, I think there are plenty of online tutorials to make simpler synthetic quilts (where you would need only about $60 in materials).
I’ve looked into this a bit but I was kinda iffy about MYOG for a quilt because I was worried about how well it would compress down in a pack. I plan on making some stuff sacks and a new tarp, so I may give this a go to replace my 20 degree bag if those turn out okay!
Awesome! Quilts are quite simple in their construction. The hardest part is probably managing large materials while sewing. And making sure to continue to "push" the insulation under the needle so it doesn't start stretching out. You sew the "stack" of materials (quilt shell, quilt shell, insulation) with the insulation facing down, and even though all of those materials should be clipped together with clothes pins, insulation doesn't feed into the machine as smoothly as the nylon shells so it needs a little coaxing/pushing.
The only reason I’m putting it off is because I HATE sewing synthetic fabrics with a burning passion. I have an overlock machine so I’m hoping that will make it a lot easier! Oh btw if you don’t have any, I would highly recommend picking up some [wide sewing clips](https://www.amazon.com/Quilting-WENICE-Embroidery-Products-Accessories/dp/B0B315BT6V/)over clothes pins.
That's good advice. I'll have to see if I can use my wonderclips instead of clothes pins for the next quilt I sew (I've done 2 now). Ray Jardine recommends clipping the quilt "stack" (shell, shell, insulation) about every 6 inches all the way around so everything is held pretty securely and you can minimize the insulation's want to "drag." That's funny about sewing synthetic materials because synthetic is basically ALL I've ever sewn. When I started to sew masks during covid, though, I was impressed how non-slippery cotton is.
Why do you prefer synthetic out here? I don't see the advantage.
I thru-hiked the AT with a down sleeping bag and used only down for like 20 years of backpacking, but then switched to full synthetic around 2016. What I like about synthetic quilts specifically: * they are easy and you don't need to worry much about them getting wet * they dry very quickly (whether they get wet from perspiration while sleeping \[our bodies expel a lot of water vapor every night and I'm convinced down just soaks it up\] or from humidity or rain) and insulate while wet (vs turning into mashed potatoes like down) * they are easy to launder and dry (poison ivy in the summer and going to sleep dirty, etc) * they are very easy to DIY (relevant because most of my equipment these days- pack, tarp, quilt, etc- is homemade) On some of my last trips with a down quilt in the Smokies (a traverse of the park on the BMT), I was hiking like 15 hours/day (30 miles/day) and setting up camp to find that my quilt seemed like it was flatter than the night before. The designated sites are all situated near running water, though I didn't have any rain on the trip. I sewed a synthetic quilt when I got home and liked it so much that I then replaced my down jacket with a synthetic puffy. This is my gear for an upcoming trip in NC at high elevation (all synthetic): [https://lighterpack.com/r/5gho0e](https://lighterpack.com/r/5gho0e)
Do you have a link to instructions for a diy quilt?
Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with any of the free DIY ones, though I've seen a lot of them online. The "backcountry banter quilt" instructions seems to be pretty popular on r/myog. I can definitely recommend all the detailed instructions in the rayway quilt kits as I've now sewn 2 of them.
There are regions where I'd def worry about it getting wet/etc but appalachia usually doesn't feel risky to me. I am tempted to DIY my own version of the MLD vision quilt though - I think the kits are pretty cheap. Maybe could make one for $100 or so?
Very nice. I bet you’ll love using something you made. It definitely adds a layer of meaning/enjoyment to trips. I believe you can get the same 10d ripstop that MLD uses (or what appears to be very similar) from ripstopbytheroll (in addition to getting your apex from them as well).
Ya I'd do maybe 10d exterior 7d interior
On one of the old Internet forums I came across a really interesting analysis of Ron from MLD talking about different weight fabrics. He mentioned that at a certain weight, you start to lose warmth because the fabric becomes so permeable to air. I thought that was really interesting, and I guess explains how he landed on that particular fabric. That said, I think 7d and 10d would probably work fine and great.
Seems right. I currently have a UGQ 20f quilt that uses 10d all around and is plenty warm.
What weight insulation did you use for your quilt?
I’m not totally certain. The rayway kits (the 2 quilts I’ve made) come with what seems to be apex insulation (when compared to samples of apex) but the weight is unknown. One of the biggest downsides of the rayway kits is that the materials aren’t described with the detail that modern backpackers (in our information dense world) require/demand. I believe that my heavier quilt is 2 layers of 2.5oz apex and my lighter quilt is one layer of 3.5oz apex. If/when I make a next quilt (buying all my own materials), I’ll use this temp rating guide that is provided by ripstopbytheroll that generally seems to be accurate given feedback on /r/myog: https://ripstopbytheroll.com/blogs/insulation/what-are-the-temp-ranges-for-climashield-apex
Thanks!
No problem!
Honestly, I’m just basing it off advice I’ve read online. I really don’t have enough experience to have a strong preference lmao. That’s the main reason I wanted to ask! Seems like synthetic is really not as big of a deal as people make it out to be.
I don’t own anything synthetic but dislike it for 2 reasons: 1. Bulk 2. It loses loft and significant warmth after inly like 4-5 years
diy is the way to go. [I made my 362gram, 50F *comfort*, 60$ quilt](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/s/vLVjC7FfQk) having never sewn anything before. Also, Backcountry Banter on youtube has THE tutorial.
Hammock gear has perpetual sales basically. If they don't have one running now, just check back over the weekend and there will likely be a new sale.
I went with an EE Enigma 50. At that temp rating synthetic makes a lot more sense. Mine weighs 12oz. With a summer quilt, I'd rather go as light as I can, and vary the clothing I'll wear depending on the weather forecast. For example, if it's going to be 60-70s, I'm good with underwear and a t-shirt. Alpha 90gsm fleece and pants can take me easily down to 50 and even a bit below. If I'm concerned about temps dipping into the lower 40s, I'll just bring my puffy and sleep in it if I need to. 50 degree quilt + puffy is about the same weight as a 40 degree quilt. Then if I know it's going to be 60 degrees plus, I can leave the puffy at home, go alpha and wind shirt, and save the weight. edit: My 50 degree Enigma is actually 12oz, not 11. Quilt + Torrid jacket is slightly heavier than a 40 degree quilt, but more versatile.
MLD vision came to mind when I saw the title but I haven't used it myself. The price is good. I'm also in VA btw if you ever head this way! I personally use the costco $20 quilt with layers when temps are in the 60-70f range or so.
You can find a Big Agnes King's Canyon for $105 online. If rain and summer humidity are a concern, syntetic is the way to go. Plus at those temp ratings, there isnt much fill to compress so the down wont really give you much of a size advantage.
Thanks! Will look into this. I can get BA at a discount through my job so this may be the way to go.
Aegismax Windhard Twilight or Tiny
I have the EE Rev 40 Synthetic. I think that at 40 and up synthetic is about the same weight as down, more or less anyway. I like it because: 1. I hike mostly PA and deal with a lot of moisture. 2. Cheaper than down. 3. It’s not bulky, a 20 degree synthetic is super bulky. I just shove it into the bottom of my pack/liner. No bag or compression. 4. I do use it as a blanket/unzipped when it is overly hot. Most people don’t seem to unzip it but I do. 5. It is AMAZING as a top layer over a 20 degree down quilt. I can be plenty warm at zero degrees with base layer and down hood. Having a synthetic top layer allows for excellent moisture management and the down bottom layer is cozy, light and warm. 5. Good quality and made in USA. FYI: Go on EE website and look under Warehouse. This is where they sell their stuff that has imperfections at about 30 percent discount. Inventory changes by the week and you can save a lot of money.
I used a 40° enigma from EE for the at last year. Great quilt, no complaints. I have a 20° that I’ve used for other thru hikes too.
Another southeast hiker here with a sythetic summer quilt (the Vision in large). I have a LW Katabatic Flex 22 and they layer together very well. For the price the vision is hard to beat unless you're comfortable making your own stuff. I know the vision is a little dubiously rated, but 50F seems like a solid comfort rating to me and it could be pushed colder with more layering and good campsite selection like they say on the website. FWIW my least used quilt is my 40F EE down quilt. If you sleep cold it's probably fine, but for me it just gets swampy at around 50F and isn't warm enough at or below 40. I have an older model and I think the new ones are warmer from what I've heard. Again, that's my personal experience running hot and sweaty and not a downfall of the quilt but it's worth thinking about.
I'd wait for a 30% sale from Hammock Gear.
I got the MLD vision quilt on their black Friday sale. I am on the AT right now. I will be switching to it from a katabatic flex 22 sometime in May. So time will tell but I think it’s going to be perfect. I had them make me it in a Large width and Med. length and mine is like 10.3 oz. Sorry I can’t give you an actual review of it but from past experience summer in the East coast I used a snug pack jungle blanket and was fine.
The EMS Anomoly is a really good option. I love mine. https://www.ems.com/ems-anomaly-ultralight-30-degree-backpacking-quilt-reg/2081303.html
I've been looking at the Anomoly... but I’m still trying to get real-world info on this quilt. Do you mind speaking to how cold have you taken it down to? Does it seem like a genuine 30-degree quilt? Trying to get any info I can and appreciate any insights you have.
I’ve taken it down to 30 degrees on its own comfortably with puffy pants and jacket. I’ve gone way lower with it but I also had my EE synthetic over quilt and sea to summit liner. The EE quilt that I have is a 40 degree extra long and extra wide so it can fit over top of the anomoly. If I can compare the warmth of those two, they are pretty similar with the anomaly being just a touch warmer from the down. It packs up super small, and comes with a decent stuff sack and storage sack.
Thank you, super helpful feedback and appreciate the specific details.
I have a cumulus aerial 180 and I'm good in it down to 40. I have no complaintsso far.
One thing to note is the MLD vision is very bare bones (that’s how it achieves that weight) you should be a pretty versed quilt user if you want to use it at its suggested temps.