Hi all,
I'm looking to save weight, and most importantly, space, in my off-road touring setup. 1.3kg is too much, especially in summer.

Now, I carry an Exped downmat (non-negotiable <g>), so I'm thinking I really only need a fairly thin down layer over the top - I don't need any more down between me and the ground. Something like this looks good, but it requires a "compatible" sleeping mat, and it's expensive.

I'm not doing any racing or anything, so I'm not willing to spend massively. Let's call it $100, $150 tops. It could be synthetic, too. Something under 700g would be great.

alpkit pipedream 400

What you're looking for is a quilt. 1.3 kilograms is on the heavy side of light for sure.

How does 400 grams sound?

Try: https://www.montbell.us/products/disp...5&p_id=2321806

Unzip to use as a top quilt. It weighs less than 1/2 kilo @14 oz. Baffled [not sewn through] for greater warmth.

ps: How did the Stephenson vbl shirt work?

>1.3 kilograms is on the heavy side of light for sure.

Oh, I was unclear - 1.3kg is my current down sleeping bag, a Mont Zodiac 700. It's great in winter, but overkill much of the time.

>How does 400 grams sound?

It sounds great - but so pricey! That seems to be the problem - anyone wanting anything in this ballpark is willing to spend lots to get it. I'd happily take a 700g version of the same thing, if I could spend $100 instead of $315.

>Mont-bell spiral down hugger thermal sheet

That's looking pretty good - but still pricey (shipping to Australia always adds a lot, too)

>ps: How did the Stephenson vbl shirt work?

I'm undecided. I tried it a few times. It works, but it doesn't find its way into my packing list. It just doesn't end up being versatile enough to justify its bulk. I get a similar result from a thermal top and a rain jacket, which can both be worn while cycling, rather than just while sitting/lying around. Also, it looks, um, ridiculous. It's impossible to wear it on any trip with other people and not start a conversation. And the "collar" seems wholly unnecessary.

Two thoughts: Craft yourself a flannel sheet into a bag, or have someone do it for you. If the night is too cool for just that, layer up with your clothes. I'd do that with running pants, a thermal pullover, and warm socks. Stuff I'd have with me anyway if I expected a mix of cool/warm nights, if I were packing a very light bag.

You can cut volume significantly, and a little weight, with a regular or 3/4 length Thermarest Neoair. Use the money you save on the bag to buy the pad.

Jacks R Better quilt. Very light weight and they have a few different options as far as warmth. Fantastic guys to deal with and talk with too. They know their stuff.

https://www.jacksrbetter.com/index.htm

I use mine with a Zor pad from Nemo. It weighs 15 oz.

May be difficult to find something that is <700g and ~$100 unless you buy used (e.g., ebay.com) or returned (geartrade.com) item. The <700g is a premium lightweight requirement and that normally means down and lightweight fabric. Here is one example that might work from Golite for $125:

https://www.geartrade.com/item/199975

I don't know whether geartrade will ship to Australia (I assume you are in Australia given you sidebar information) , but I have bought a number returned items sold by Backcountry and all have been in excellent shape (as described in the ads by backcountry).

The Golite 1 season quilt (581g) may also be worth considering:

https://www.golite.com/UltraLite-1-Se...ular-P857.aspx

I bought the Golite 3 season quilt which weighs 689g for $165 from Golite with one of their 40% discounts coupons. You may be able to find a similar deal for the 1 season quilt.


I bought a Golite

GearTrade looks very interesting - doesn't look like they want to ship to Australia, but there might be ways. Also came across a Rab Quantum Top bag there: https://www.geartrade.com/item/212542

>Jacks R Better quilt. Very light weight and they have a few different options as far as warmth.

Yep - they look good, but also expensive.

That Montbell "thermal sheet" is starting to look more appealing: expensiveish ($190), but sooooo light (<400g), and quite versatile in ways that some of the other superlight bags aren't (it has a full zipper).

Jacksrbetter is great to deal with. I used their quilt for my Hennessy hammock backpacking and it works great.

What temperature range are you camping down to? If it's just a summer quilt you're looking for, you could probably find something made of Insultex. I'm about to buy an insultex top quilt from a guy on hammockforums.net which weights 8 ounces plus changes, and good to the 40s-ish. It's a DIY model and I don't know if there are any for sale commercially, but you could always check out hammockforums.net and see if you can find one floating around. (Also, of course, you should check out hammock camping - you'll be glad you did if you live in a place with trees)

I use the Therm-a-Rest Tech Blanket in warm Southeast US weather. 603 grams for $60.

A little cheaper price point:
https://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/kickassquilts.htm

I use the Hudson River quilt with the wings. They can be tucked in to stop draughts. Works really well and packs down small

How are you at sewing?

I would buy something like this:https://www.altrec.com/sierra-designs...ping-bag-85172

Then hack it into a quilt.You could have a nice quilt at the weight you want for $100.00 and a couple hours work.