Experience of "new style" Cumulus quilts

Mole

Thru Hiker
Anyone used the newer open footbox style?

I am about to upgrade from my Golite ultra20(more like 40), which has a closed footbox. As does my old synthetic quilt.

Thinking a 350 (the golite is 270 of 850fp US)
 
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Yep. Like it. Have the 150(190). Not used below 6 degrees though, but felt good. Only about ten nights in it so far.
Had to do a bit of mucking around with the cords to get them to stay done up at the bottom and keep the little peep hole closed.
Not the greatest system (quite light and very elastic cords-perhaps they could be swapped for something heavier?) but the baffled bottom seems good and has worked, thus far in cool weather. Haven't felt air through the zip-but again not too cold use yet.
 

Mole

Thru Hiker
Cheers. Food for thought

I don't use a mat strap system, just a couple cinch cords to close quilt across my own back.
Couldn't imagine a 150 being warm enough for me at that temperature! Maybe 10 or above in low humidity...
 

Charlie83

Thru Hiker
I have 2 one from this year that hasn't been used in anger yet and one from Jan 19.

I really like the footbox on them, once cinched down it stays like that and the big inner baffle completely seals any hole

I don't really see them as quilts if the footbox can't be opened completely, more like a hybrid bag/quilt
 

Mole

Thru Hiker
I have 2 one from this year that hasn't been used in anger yet and one from Jan 19.

I really like the footbox on them, once cinched down it stays like that and the big inner baffle completely seals any hole

I don't really see them as quilts if the footbox can't be opened completely, more like a hybrid bag/quilt
Cheers. Another view of the closure.


Well l guess it's the convention as the first 'quilts' byJardine/BPL/ golite all had closed footboxes
 

Charlie83

Thru Hiker
quilt on my bed doesn't have a footbox :D

My sleeping bag has a fixed footbox, in fact I can use all my sleeping bags in the same manner as any closed footbox quilt, but I can't use any of them as a flat quilt:D
 
Cheers. Food for thought

I don't use a mat strap system, just a couple cinch cords to close quilt across my own back.
Couldn't imagine a 150 being warm enough for me at that temperature! Maybe 10 or above in low humidity...
Sorry no, I meant the elastic that holds the hole shut not the mat straps.
Had it come undone and a wee hole appear twice probably by pushing my feet against it, but sorted now. Seems fine.
 

Mole

Thru Hiker
quilt on my bed doesn't have a footbox :D

My sleeping bag has a fixed footbox, in fact I can use all my sleeping bags in the same manner as any closed footbox quilt, but I can't use any of them as a flat quilt:D
Sure. I got what you meant. Was pointing out the origins of the accepted backpacking context. My bed quilt doesn't have a cinch cord and short zip at the foot...

Though the PhD quilts which are like bed quilts look quite rubbish for keeping one warm and draught free.
 

Charlie83

Thru Hiker
Sure. I got what you meant. Was pointing out the origins of the accepted backpacking context. My bed quilt doesn't have a cinch cord and short zip at the foot...

Though the PhD quilts which are like bed quilts look quite rubbish for keeping one warm and draught free.

Being a heretic (and fully prepared for the abuse I'm about to receive) if the PHD quilts are anything like their jackets, then yes they probably are quite rubbish.

Just because a couple of folk who have walked a few miles, or want to sell something different decided to completely change the concept of a quilt and sleeping bag doesn't make it right, kinda like 3 ton van drivers parking beside Loch lomond and telling everyone they are wild camping. You know I'm right:D


Oops
Spelt heretic wrong
 
Anyone used the newer open footbox style?

I am about to upgrade from my Golite ultra20(more like 40), which has a closed footbox. As does my old synthetic quilt.

Thinking a 350 (the golite is 270 of 850fp US)
Made a decision?
I am seriously considering it too- I think add 30gms OF as well.
With the 40 gms of OF on my 150, the down doesn't seem to move easily.
Limited use of course.
 

Mole

Thru Hiker
Sorry left a couple of words out.
Meant to say-are you feeling , (thinking) you'll get a bit below zero comfortably. Ta.
With clothes and a hooded insulated jacket yes I hope to.
The last few years I definitely sleep colder than I used to. Age and doing less winter camping I guess.
 
With clothes and a hooded insulated jacket yes I hope to.
The last few years I definitely sleep colder than I used to. Age and doing less winter camping I guess.
Ta. Yes. Age. Excuse me if I swear. F.... better not. That's why I'm asking, but the success of the 150 (190) has me close to grabbing one. I reckon with an insulated jacket I could get to 4-5 with the 150. But haven't had the weather to try it. I even asked about Toray in and out. Free post ends tomorrow. Cheers.
 

TinTin

Thru Hiker
Yes. A Quilt 350. Did consider the 250 or Taiga, but think this will give me the greatest range for my use, from frosty to warmer times.

Thanks to you and Charlie83 for your input.

And @Balagan and @Dan.
Do you recon their estimate of maximum person size 185cm is about right? I'm fancying a 350, have £250 burning a hole in my pocket but am 187cm long.
 

Shewie

Chief Slackpacker
Staff member
I went for the 350 but I also sleep fairly cold these days, I use it pretty much all year round apart from winter trips. I was tempted by the 250 but glad I upped it in the end. A good compromise on weight, bulk and warmth.

I did manage to snag a tear into the inner fabric on the second outing though, never managed that before, a bit of tenacious tape has held it well since though.
 

Mole

Thru Hiker
I went for the 350 but I also sleep fairly cold these days, I use it pretty much all year round apart from winter trips. I was tempted by the 250 but glad I upped it in the end. A good compromise on weight, bulk and warmth.

.
Exactly what I was thinking. Sounds like the right move for the lower middle-aged!
 

Mole

Thru Hiker
Do you recon their estimate of maximum person size 185cm is about right? I'm fancying a 350, have £250 burning a hole in my pocket but am 187cm long.

They'll do a longer custom job.

Not sure about Cumulus as I haven't one.
A friend is 185 and has a Cumulus Panyam 450 and reckons he just fits stretched out, but always sleeps curled anyhow.

I'm 183 and though fit OK, reckon I'm at the limit on my Alpkit pipedream and Golite quilt which both state 183 (6') as maximum user. My father is 187 and the Alpkit was too small for him...
 
Do you recon their estimate of maximum person size 185cm is about right? I'm fancying a 350, have £250 burning a hole in my pocket but am 187cm long.
Mine sits on my brow lying on my back straight. I am 1.79m. Sits over my ears when on my side. Perfect. I reckon go up one. At standard length It will likely come up to your chin- but if that suits you....
 

Whiteburn

Thru Hiker
Exactly what I was thinking. Sounds like the right move for the lower middle-aged!
Everyone's different...….I'm definitely in the 'Senior' bracket but get on OK with the 250......I do wear a fleece in addition to the PJ's when overnight temp is dropping to around zero though.
 
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