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Cumulus Quilt v X-lite bag... update - PHD

Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 9:29 pm
by mattpage
Looking at option for an ultralight bag for fast bikepacking adventures.

Narrowed down to the following (but any competitors at similar price/quality considered)

Cumulus Quilt 250 - 250g fill, 480g total.
Cumulus X-Lite 200 zip - 200g fill, 415g total.

So... quilt vs bag minus hood. Seems like the bag, with 50g less fill is about 3-4 degrees lower rating.
Pertex Quantum or Quantum GL any real world differnce?

The mat will be something like a Neoair, used in a bivy (unsure which yet).

Re: Cumulus Quilt v X-lite bag

Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 9:44 pm
by Zippy
http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/minim-ultra- ... g-k-series

Well impressed with my minim ultra :-)

Re: Cumulus Quilt v X-lite bag

Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 10:01 pm
by mattpage
By the time I add a zip the phd is pushing the budget quite a bit. Around £100 more.
Enough to get a lightweight down vest or new mat.

Re: Cumulus Quilt v X-lite bag

Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 10:08 pm
by Bearbonesnorm
The quilt contains 50g more insulation than the bag and all the insulation is on the top and sides (rather than being crushed underneath). So, in theory the quilt should be warmer and in reality it is probably warmer but quilts can't / aren't tested, any temp rating is simply a best guess. My experience is that Cumulus under-rate their quilts.

If you're in a bivvy bag, use the quilt as intended and don't thrash around all night then you shouldn't have any draught problems with a quilt. The Cumulus quilts have a very deep footbox, it's almost like the bottom half of a sleeping bag mated to the top half of a quilt.

Not much difference between the shell fabrics.

If you're not in too much of a rush, I'd give FLVs post some serious consideration:
http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB ... =13&t=4736

Re: Cumulus Quilt v X-lite bag

Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 10:30 pm
by mattpage
I need something for the Fiesta ;)

Re: Cumulus Quilt v X-lite bag

Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 10:32 pm
by Bearbonesnorm
I need something for the Fiesta
In that case ... neither of those :wink:

Re: Cumulus Quilt v X-lite bag

Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 10:48 pm
by mattpage
Why not?
I've used my current Vango Venom 600 1-season bag down to freezing in a one-man tent without issue and I am sure that either will be a noticeable improvement.

Re: Cumulus Quilt v X-lite bag

Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 10:28 am
by Bearbonesnorm
Why not?
I suppose it's a personal thing Matt but there's no way I'd be anything like warm in Winter with that much insulation. In my mind, a Winter quilt will contain at least 400g of down and a bag 550g plus.
I've used my current Vango Venom 600 1-season bag down to freezing in a one-man tent without issue and I am sure that either will be a noticeable improvement.
The Venom 600 contains 600g of insulation and has a comfort rating of -3 :-bd

Re: Cumulus Quilt v X-lite bag

Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 3:11 pm
by mattpage
Ooops, my mistake. It is a Venom 225 that I have, ~10 years old. Very little loft these days.
600g is the total weight, or there about.

Re: Cumulus Quilt v X-lite bag

Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 11:53 am
by mattpage
Well I've ordered my bag!

After a good chat with Peter at PHD, I've ordered one of their Autumn race bags.
We talked about doing something custom, but until I know exactly what I need and what I can/can't cope with, it would be plucking ideas from the air.

The race bag should be a good base, which I can add liners if needed.
Thanks for the PHD tip. I knew they made good kit, but having someone to speak to and give pros/cons for each was great.

Re: Cumulus Quilt v X-lite bag... update - PHD

Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 2:07 pm
by Zippy
I've got the PHD "racer down" which was a custom thingy for July only or something. 265g ish for 8 degrees comfort, it's nicely made and the cut perfect for use and general useability despite not having a zip. I expect you'll be quite pleased :cool:

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/outdoor-fe ... 12936.html