Thermarest Down Blankets

[Nick]

Anyone ever tried the Thermarest (or other brands) Down Blankets for backpacking? I picked up a Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32 last year which I've really liked, but I pretty much only use it for a blanket so I'm thinking I might like an actual blanket better.

This is the one I was checking out:
http://www.backcountry.com/therm-a-rest-alpine-35-sleeping-bag-35-degree-down-cas0645

Looks freaking cozy... Thoughts?

 

[HomerJ]

That Thermarest looks great!

I picked up a Jacks 'R 'Better quilt during their Christmas sale! I finally got to try it out last week and was very happy with it. It dipped down to near freezing, but I stayed warm for the most part (one night I got cold and crawled in my sleeping bag I was laying on top of). I could have tucked the edges in under my pad and been fine, but it was easier to climb in my sleeping bag. I also could have put on socks and a cotton tshirt too and been nice and warm. I slept really well since it was more like sleeping in my bed. The best part is that it weighs only 24 oz. (long version) and packs down to about 1/2 the size of my 20 degree mummy bag (synthetic)!!!

 

[leatherman]

I have a Golite 20 degree down blanket that I absolutely love. I don't like the restriction of mummy bags but the blanket gives me the ability to toss it back if I get too warm or wrap it close if I'm cold, and I can still move my legs and bend my knees to get comfortable. And this thing packs super small and light. For me this was one of the best pieces of gear I've ever purchased.

 

[gloo]

I made my own down quilt last year and overall its been great. My biggest issue has been drafting but I modified it a few weeks ago and added some extra fabric along the sides to stuff under my pad or spread out better and it really helped. its 20oz with 2 1/2 to 3 inches of loft (not perfectly even heh). I've slept in teens in it an have been fine, and I would bet that I also let it get into single digits in the Uinta's back in October but I'm not positive there. If you're up for it its a really fun project, took me about 30 hours to do I believe

 

[Nick]

I made my own down quilt last year and overall its been great. My biggest issue has been drafting but I modified it a few weeks ago and added some extra fabric along the sides to stuff under my pad or spread out better and it really helped. its 20oz with 2 1/2 to 3 inches of loft (not perfectly even heh). I've slept in teens in it an have been fine, and I would bet that I also let it get into single digits in the Uinta's back in October but I'm not positive there. If you're up for it its a really fun project, took me about 30 hours to do I believe

I remember you posting about that I think. Looks awesome but I am so far from being able to create such a thing. Here's the review you posted on it before:
http://backcountrypost.com/forum/threads/hommade-down-quilt.846/

I have a Golite 20 degree down blanket that I absolutely love. I don't like the restriction of mummy bags but the blanket gives me the ability to toss it back if I get too warm or wrap it close if I'm cold, and I can still move my legs and bend my knees to get comfortable. And this thing packs super small and light. For me this was one of the best pieces of gear I've ever purchased.

Looks like they only do a 30 degree now but might be worth checking out. Is this pretty similar to what you have?

http://www.golite.com/Unisex-Z30-Quilt-Long-P46994.aspx

 

[leatherman]

Is this pretty similar to what you have?

Yes, that's exactly like it. In fact, I think mine has the same down fill. I wonder if they revised their comfort rating? Also wanted to add that I don't really use the straps that come with it to go underneath the sleeping pad - I prefer to just gather it closer if I get a cold spot.

 

[Nick]

Hmmm... that sounds really nice. Really want to try one, really don't want to spend $250 on one. Hmmm...

 

[leatherman]

I'm sure you know this, but GoLite has a store in Lehi I think, you could call and see if they have one to check out.

really don't want to spend $250 on one. Hmmm...

Yeah, I got mine for like $150.

 

[Jimmy Olsen]

I have a down quilt...but it's for my hammock.

I thought about using it for tent camping but mine really isn't wide enough. I'm a side sleeper and it creates an air gap or lifts when I roll. In the hammock it works awesome and if I had to do it over I'd get a wider one for the times I'd use it camping.

For cold weather tent camping I'd still go for a bag, though.