SCRUB HIKER
12-28-2011, 21:03
I'm intrigued by the idea of a Ray Jardine-style quilt kit, as outlined on his website (http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Quilt-Kit/index.htm). I've only ever used sleeping bags before, but I can see the logic behind quilts. I'm a somewhat warm sleeper and I plan on using this (or whatever I get) on my 300-mile Mid-Atlantic cleanup section of the AT in late April/May, and hopefully a PCT thru-hike bid in 2013. Things that appeal to me:
- Price and weight: hard to beat a <30oz, <30-degree, <$100 synthetic sleep system.
- Synthetic: personal preference. I've always slept easier not worrying about down getting wet (i.e. I'm not looking to be persuaded to try down at this moment).
- Sewing. I have rudimentary skills and access to a few different sewing machines. My girlfriend is an expert and can help me out where needed.
Things that I'm questioning:
- Packability: Ray won't say on the website how they compress. Do you have to keep these packed very loosely to keep them effective? I hiked part of the AT this year with a massive (9"x18" stuffed) old NF synthetic bag that barely fit in my GoLite Pinnacle (and I'm going to be using a smaller pack in the future). I don't want a repeat of that experience.
- Is there a catch? The price/weight/warmth combination seems too good to be true.
What I want to know is: has anyone had trouble with the kits not containing everything you need or having unclear instructions? Have you gotten quality long-term usage out of a Ray Way quilt or something similar, and have there been any serious cons to using quilts that aren't mentioned on his or other quilt sites? Any help is appreciated.
- Scrub
- Price and weight: hard to beat a <30oz, <30-degree, <$100 synthetic sleep system.
- Synthetic: personal preference. I've always slept easier not worrying about down getting wet (i.e. I'm not looking to be persuaded to try down at this moment).
- Sewing. I have rudimentary skills and access to a few different sewing machines. My girlfriend is an expert and can help me out where needed.
Things that I'm questioning:
- Packability: Ray won't say on the website how they compress. Do you have to keep these packed very loosely to keep them effective? I hiked part of the AT this year with a massive (9"x18" stuffed) old NF synthetic bag that barely fit in my GoLite Pinnacle (and I'm going to be using a smaller pack in the future). I don't want a repeat of that experience.
- Is there a catch? The price/weight/warmth combination seems too good to be true.
What I want to know is: has anyone had trouble with the kits not containing everything you need or having unclear instructions? Have you gotten quality long-term usage out of a Ray Way quilt or something similar, and have there been any serious cons to using quilts that aren't mentioned on his or other quilt sites? Any help is appreciated.
- Scrub