As an enthusiastic ultralight backpacker, I’m always on the lookout for ways to lighten my pack without sacrificing comfort or warmth (too much). One area where there has been a significant innovation and change in attitude of my fellow outdoor lovers over the past few years is in lightweight sleep systems. Gone are the days when the traditional mummy bag was the only option. I still feel claustrophobic thinking back to some nights all twisted and sweaty in my mummy bag. Today, we have a variety of more unconventional sleep systems that cater to different needs and preferences. Here’s an overview of these alternatives to the mummy bag (which still has it’s use though) and how you can make the most of them on your next adventure.

Mummy bag, be gone!!

Some years ago, if you wanted a lightweight sleep system, your choices were pretty limited to the conventional mummy bag, maybe you would find a hoodless one, weighing a little less. These bags, known for their snug fit and less optimal warmth-to-weight ratio, have long been the go-to for backpackers. However, they often sacrifice comfort for weight savings, but luckily there are some good alternatives.

Today, the landscape is changing. While mummy bags still dominate the “normal outdoor market”, we see more and more backpackers moving towards a quilt. These quilts are more often being made by smaller, niche manufacturers (like Enlightened Equipment). These new designs aim to provide comfort and warmth without the bulk and weight of traditional bags. Despite their slow adoption in the mass market probably mostly based on a lack of understanding and of common expcetance, these systems are gaining traction among ultralight backpackers.

Why Consider a “non conventional” Sleep Systems?

Unconventional sleep systems, such as quilts, top bags, and wearable bags, offer several advantages over traditional mummy bags:

1. Weight Savings: By eliminating unnecessary layers and focusing on essential insulation, these systems can significantly reduce pack weight. In a mummy you are basically compressing a lot of nice insulation.
2. Flexibility: Many unconventional sleep systems allow for greater movement and customization. For example, quilts can be paired with different clothing layers to dial in comfort for varying conditions.
3. Innovative Design: New ways of insulating, new and lighter materials, all these things can help create a lighter and hopefully better sleeping “system” (whether it is a bag, quilt or something else)

What alternatives are there for a traditional mummy sleeping bag.

1. Quilts: Quilts are more and more common and offer a versatile and lightweight option for backpackers. Unlike mummy bags, quilts lack a bottom layer, relying on your sleeping pad for insulation. This design reduces weight and allows for more freedom of movement. Quilts are particularly popular among side sleepers who find mummy bags too restrictive.
2. Top Bags: These are similar to quilts but include a bottom layer with no insulation, reducing weight while providing a bit more structure than a quilt. Top bags often feature straps or sleeves to secure the bag to your sleeping pad, preventing you from rolling off during the night.
3. Wearable Bags: These hybrid designs combine a sleeping bag with insulated clothing. You sometimes see this in the form of a sleeping bag for just your legs (elephants foot) in combination with an insulated down jacket. Wearable bags can have openings for your arms and legs, allowing you to wear them around camp. They can save weight by eliminating the need for separate insulated clothing, although they might not be as warm or comfortable as dedicated sleeping bags and clothing. These are not my cup of tea yet.

Get the most out of your ultralight sleeping kit

To get the most out of your unconventional sleep system, consider the following tips:

1. Insulation Control: Learn to roll inside your quilt rather than with it to avoid cold spots and drafts. This habit helps maintain consistent insulation around your body. This takes some time getting used to if you are new to a quilt, but after a few nights you will get the hang of it.
2. Draft Control: Use insulating clothing, a bivy sack, or an insulated balaclava to manage drafts and boost warmth. Combining these elements with a quilt or top bag can significantly enhance your sleep system’s performance.
3. Pad Control: So often overlooked, a good (and insulating) sleep pad is essential in combination with a quilt. Ensure your sleeping pad is adequate for the conditions (and has a sufficient R-value). For colder temperatures, consider using a thicker or higher R-value pad to prevent heat loss to the ground.
4. Mind Control: In unexpected cold conditions, staying still and meditating can help conserve heat. I am not a rockstar in that, so for me, simple tricks like using a hot water bottle (fill up your Nalgene with some hot water) or a heat pad is an easy way to warm up the bag and stay a bit more toasty. You could also do some exercises (jumping jacks) and get warm and straight into bed, but that does not always work for me. Eating high-fat foods before bed can also help you stay warm.

In conclusion

Unconventional sleep systems like quilts and top bags are a promising and often much lighter and more packable alternative to traditional mummy bags for ultralight backpackers. By understanding and optimizing these systems, you can enjoy a lighter, more flexible sleep setup that meets your needs in various conditions. Whether you’re out for a short micro-adventure in your local forest or hiking through the mountains, knowing how to use your quilt in combination with other items (to keep you warm and toasty or cooler at night) can definitely enhance your backcountry experience, providing comfort and warmth without the weight.

Happy trails and sweet dreams under the stars!

If you are an enthouasiastic backpacker looking for ways to make your gear (and especially that heavy backpack) a little lighter, the website: www.backpackinglight.com is a veritable gold mine of light weight information and advice. The site and especially the accompanying backpackinglight forum have become indispensable resources in the search for a lighter backpack (and for us an inexhaustible source to purchase new gear that is usually found back in our range ). The various gear reviews are incredibly valuable to learn more about that one piece of gear you’re unsure about. And on the forum you get quick answers to your questions, but I find poking around the recent backpackinglight threads sometimes just as interesting.

Why is Backpackinglight.com so useful?

Expert Advice from Real Users: Backpackinglight.com is filled with advice from experienced backpackers and experts in ultralight backpacking. The advice and insights are sometimes a bit focused on the U.S. market, but remain golden for anyone who wants to learn more about ultralight backpacking.

Comprehensive Articles and Reviews: you’ll find really in-depth articles (sometimes backed up with data and facts as well) and honest product reviews. This information can certainly help you make informed choices about which gear suits you best.

Active Community: The forum of Backpackinglight.com is really very active and up to date. You can find basically everything and you get quick answers to your questions, furthermore a lot of advice is shared (about gear, but also about itineraries (though mostly in the USA)).

Membership, moet ik hiervoor betalen?

Not all content is available, there are some articles that are behind a paywall. Pretty annoying, but if you are serious about finding content. Especially if you are planning a thru-hike in the US and want to know more about it, it might be worthwhile to get a paid membership on the website. I don’t know the exact price, but I still think it’s worth it. You then have access to a number of online courses, webinars and additional articles.

Backpackinglight handbook

An incredibly useful reference work (that could use another update) is Backpackinglight handbook. You get it when you subscribe to the backpackinglight newsletter, but you can also find it here: backpackinglight handbook

As ultralight enthusiasts we all know the value of our precious down-filled jackets, sleeping bags and quilts. They offer unmatched insulation with an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, down is the cornerstone of ultralight backpacking, hiking, and outdoor adventures. Its packability and breathability make it ideal for everything from sleeping bags and quilts to jackets and booties.

However, if we want to keep enjoying our puffy down gear, we also have the responsibility of maintaining our fluffy quilts, bags and jackets. By cleaning it you will prolong its life and performance. We have written up a few tips on how to care for your ultralight down items.

Cleaning Frequency

Your down gear’s cleaning schedule totally depends on how intense you use your hear and how much you expose it to dirt and oils. Spot cleaning can address minor spills, but a thorough wash is necessary when the gear loses loft, breathability, or starts to smell (nobody likes smelly gear). For example you can keep your quilt a bit cleaner when you use a liner (but that also brings extra weight, so leave that at home most of the time)

Washing Ultralight Down Gear: a few tips

Hand Washing

Our preferred method for washing is by hand. It is especially suitable for delicate down items with very fine down (800+ quid) and thin fabrics (10D and under). Use a bathtub or large basin with lukewarm water (don’t make it too hot, feel with your elbow) and a down-specific detergent/soap (there are several good brands we like, Grangers for example). Gently massage and rinse until clean, avoiding wringing. Push the water out and let the item air dry with no heat. I often lay it in the shower on a flat drying rack. You can also use a dryer on a cold program. toss in a couple of tennis balls (yes, with your quilt or bag in the dryer) to break up clumps.
Let’s break it into a few easy to follow steps:

• Before you start, check if you don’t have anything left in your pockets, close zippers and get ropes and stuff tucked away.
• Use a bathtub or a big bucket (we have used a large cement mixing bucket from the DIY shop) and fill with Luke warm water.
• Add a down-specific soap. Don’t put too much soap in it.
• Put your gear in, pressing it gently to ensure it’s fully soaked. Take it easy and gentle, don’t go rough to protect the delicate down clusters.
• Let it soak in the soap and water for at least 15 minutes (longer if it is really gross), thus allowing the detergent to work its magic on dirt and stains.
• After this drain the soapy water and push it gently out of your down item, avoiding any twisting or wringing to prevent damage.
• Re-fill the tub or basin with fresh water and gently massage the down item to rinse away any remaining soap residue. Let it sit for an extra 5 minutes before draining.
• Repeat the rinsing process until the water runs clear, this can take a couple of turns
• Take the gear out of the water and be careful not to let the down clump together at the bottom. Push the water out gently.
• To pre-dry, gently press or roll your down gear in a clean towel (or sandwich it between two dry towels) to remove excess water.
• Leave to drip on a flat serface if still very wet or transfer your wet down gear to a dryer, along with a couple of tennis balls to help fluff it up (yes, that works perfectly). Set the dryer to a ‘no heat’ or ‘low heat’ setting.
• Check periodically to ensure the drying progress, extending the time if necessary until your item is completely dry. Remember, even if it feels dry on the outside, moisture could still be trapped inside.
• Depending on the size and wetness of your item, drying may take several hours.
• Once dry, remove your down gear from the dryer and gently break up any clumps by hand. You may need to pat down any areas that are still uneven to help them regain their shape.
• Leave to air dry for a couple of days (that is at least something we do, to ensure it is fully dried)
• Always store in a big bag in a dry place.

Machine Washing

If you happen to have a good front-loading washing machine with a special program. In that case machine washing can be efficient and effective. Use a cold water program, a gentle cycle (no centrifuging), and again a down-specific detergent. Let it drip dry flat to remove the excess water first and after a while transfer to a dryer on a no-heat setting with tennis balls to fluff the down.

Pros and Cons

Hand Washing:

• Gentle on delicate items
• using your hands can prevent lumping the down
• You can focus to clean specific areas
• Cons: Time-consuming, requires manual effort

Machine Washing:

• Time-efficient, easier soap removal
• Shorter drying times due to the spin cycle
• Cons: Potential warranty issues, not suitable for all machines

Conclusion

Maintaining your ultralight down gear through proper washing and care ensures it continues to provide the exceptional warmth and comfort essential for your outdoor adventures. Whether you choose hand or machine washing, the effort will extend the life and performance of your valuable gear, keeping you ready for whatever the trail brings (and it smells a lot nicer ;-).

Remember, taking care of your gear means it will take care of you, enhancing your outdoor experiences and ensuring your adventures are as lightweight and comfortable as possible. And always read the manufacturer’s label to see the washing instructions and be careful not to void warranty. Happy trails.