[pct-l] Quilts vs bags

[Matt Bradley]

Paul,
     Yes, the Nunatak stuff is expensive although not too much more than a
lot of other high-end bags such as Western Mountianeering.  I know that you
have already probably ordered your Ray-Way quilt but (for the benefit of the
rest of the list) one option for down that is cruelty free is Eider Down.
It comes from Eider ducks and is hand harvested from the nests after
breeding season.  It is usually around 900 of 950 fill power which is the
best available , it is hypo-allergenic and it is significantly more
expensive than the more common Goose down.  Last time I checked Nunatak was
able to make Eider down bags but that was a while ago and it would likely
make the production and delivery time longer since everything is custom made
to order.  I highly reccommend that anyone looking for a high end sleeping
bag talk to the folks at Nunatak.  Their stuff is top quality and their
service is the same.
Peace and Love,
Matt

On 3/5/07, Paul Mitchell <paul at bluebrain.ca> wrote:
>
> Thanks Matt
>
> Wow, the nunatak stuff is expensive!
>
> Another consideration is the cruelty factor related to goose down.  I've
> got
> three goose down bags, but recently I've found out that the process by
> which
> this down is harvested subjects the geese to a lifetime of suffering, so
> I'd
> like to buy synthetic from now on, whether it's the best option or not.
>
> So, I've ordered the rayway couple quilt kit.  Now, what you say about the
> sizing is very interesting!  Thanks for the tip, I would have just made it
> to spec otherwise, but now I'll take care to experiment before cutting and
> assembling.
>
> Cheers,
> Paul
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net
> [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]On Behalf Of Matt Bradley
> Sent: Monday, March 05, 2007 8:34 AM
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] Quilts vs bags
>
>
> Paul,
>      I have been using quilts for my backpacking for years now and I have
> been very pleased.  I have an old Golite Fur quilt, a Ray-Way homemade
> quilt
> and a Nunatak Arc Alpinist.  The Nunatak is far-and-away the winner in
> performance with a 20* rating for 18 oz.  My quilt is actaully 20 oz. with
> 2
> oz of overfill and I have slept under it in temps near 20* reasonably
> comfortably.  If you go for the Ray-Way kit make sure to cut it wider than
> you think you need it.  Even following Ray's instructions mine is only
> wide
> enough to sleep on my back under and if I roll on my side it doesn't quite
> reach the ground.
>     For my anticipated 2008 PCT hike I am probably going to use some sort
> of
> two-person quilt for me and my partner but I haven't quite decided what
> the
> best option will be.  I really like the Dual Arc Alpinist but for nearly
> 600
> dollars is is a hard pill to swallow.  Let us all know what you decide to
> do
> and how it works out for you.
> Peace and love,
> Matt
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-- 
Matt Bradley
mattbradley1 at gmail.com
http://www.trailjournals.com/peaceandlove