Bandit Questions

**Adroa** · 11-21-2019, 22:07

I have spent so long trying to pick a TQ to go with and have finally settled on the Bandit. The awesome UGQ website is super informative, I was really only left with two questions.

1. What are your opinions on the dynamic tension control system? Has it made a big difference? Largely gone unnoticed? Actively a problem?

2. Where do you normally come down on Fill Power? Weight wise the difference seems relatively small so I thought I would see if there is any other difference folks have noticed.

3. Preferences on the pad attachment options? Hoping I will like the quilt enough in my hammock I will want it when I get to bring my kids camping in the future and I will be in a tent with them!

**GilligansWorld** · 11-21-2019, 22:11

Originally Posted by Adroa

I have spent so long trying to pick a TQ to go with and have finally settled on the Bandit. The awesome UGQ website is super informative, I was really only left with two questions.

1. What are your opinions on the dynamic tension control system? Has it made a big difference? Largely gone unnoticed? Actively a problem?

2. Where do you normally come down on Fill Power? Weight wise the difference seems relatively small so I thought I would see if there is any other difference folks have noticed.

3. Preferences on the pad attachment options? Hoping I will like the quilt enough in my hammock I will want it when I get to bring my kids camping in the future and I will be in a tent with them!

Haven't used the dynamic tension system but on fill power if weight isn't an issue and size isn't either, save your $$. 800 fp is just fine. UGQ are the bomb.
Paul, Missy and Crew are awesome

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**kjune** · 11-21-2019, 23:40

The difference between 800 and 950 on a zero degree quilt was only 1.5 oz. That was surprising. I’m looking pretty hard at UGQ myself — tensioning system looks useful for draft prevention. I also like it that they use untreated down. I have a 25 year old WM bag that has maintained its loft and I figure why change things.

**Adroa** · 11-22-2019, 01:37

I will save the money on the down and invest it in my next pack then, appreciate the thoughts!

**kjune** · 11-22-2019, 05:19

I’m still doing research but wouldn’t 1.5 oz be within manufacturing tolerances? As for compression other threads had mentioned fabric thickness as being just as important, and bulk is important to me. A zero degree TQ is a buy once (and cry once) item so I might just go for 950. If weight and bulk were not a concern I’d just go with a HG Econ.

**MAD777** · 11-22-2019, 09:17

I have the zero degree Bandit and love it. Used 800FP as I couldn't justify the price difference for 1.5 oz.
I did get 1 oz. overfill in the footbox and 3 oz. in the torso. If doing it over again, I would not overfill the footbox, but go 4 oz. in the torso. (the extra oz. in the footbox makes it almost rigid).
IMO, this 0/4 oz. overfill combo will take most anyone below zero.

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**Adroa** · 11-22-2019, 10:39

Which footbox style did you go with?

**MAD777** · 11-22-2019, 11:16

Originally Posted by Adroa

Which footbox style did you go with?

Full sewn with the fully insulated end piece. For these low temperatures, I didn't want any weak spot.

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**Adroa** · 11-24-2019, 02:15

Originally Posted by MAD777

Full sewn with the fully insulated end piece. For these low temperatures, I didn't want any weak spot.

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Going with a 20 degree version since the coldest I am imagining would be overnight lows of 30 degrees. Curious if people have run into draftiness with draw cords at that point or if sticking a sock or something similar retains heat well enough at that point. Also thanks cmc4free for posting those videos. Definitely nudges me towards the dynamic tension control plus Jerrod rolling off the sleeping pad to show off the back was very amusing.

**Shug** · 11-24-2019, 10:55

Originally Posted by Adroa

Going with a 20 degree version since the coldest I am imagining would be overnight lows of 30 degrees. Curious if people have run into draftiness with draw cords at that point or if sticking a sock or something similar retains heat well enough at that point. Also thanks cmc4free for posting those videos. Definitely nudges me towards the dynamic tension control plus Jerrod rolling off the sleeping pad to show off the back was very amusing.

I wrap and tie mine off on the end and have never had a draft. You can see it at 12:25 in (just skip ahead to that part) in the video below.
Shug