LLG Operator 50F vs Recon 60F Pack Size

[bigbenny]

Hi Everybody,

I'm trying to decide between a 50F Operator Series quilt set or a 60F Recon series quilt set. If I had the money and closet space I'd buy both

My biggest problem is pack size, so that's the most important attribute to me.

Can anyone share photos or details to compare the pack size of the Top Quilts and Under Quilts?
I want to know how much smaller does a 60F Recon series Ghost Pepper top quilt pack than a 50F Operator series?
And how much smaller does a 60F Recon series Habanero underquilt pack than a 50F Operator series?

I'm deciding between getting the Recon 60F for extra space savings vs the 50F set for wider temperature range.
I currently have a WB 0F Wooki underquilt and a 20F Operator Series Ghost Pepper. These are way overkill for the Aussie summer.

Aussie Summer
The minimum temperature in most of Australia in summer is 12-15'C (53-59'F) or higher. But its often higher, like 18'C (64'F).
This is probably when I'll do the most camping and here I think the 60'F Recon could be worth it for the pack-savings.
I live in Sydney NSW, which is the bottom right state below Queensland and above Melbourne (the smaller island is Tasmania).
A lot of my camping is weekend trips in the Sydney region, but I would like to travel more, and I'm planning some trips.



Aussie Spring and Autumn
The minimum temperature in most of Australia in spring and autumn is about 9-12'C (48-53'F) or higher.
Here I'm thinking the 50'F Operator series set makes more sense than a 60'F Recon.



Aussie Winter
For completeness sake here is winter, the minimum temperature is generally 3-6'C (37-43'F) or higher where I'd use my 20'F TQ /0'F UQ instead.
Later I plan to get a 40'F quilt set as my 0'F UQ is still overkill.


Thanks everybody.

P.S. Here's attachments of the same images in case the images above don't work.
Summer 2018120120190228.gif Spring 2019090120191130.gif Autumn 2019030120190531.gif Winter 2019060120190831.gif

[cmc4free]

I can't compare to the Recon series, but the stuff sack in the middle contains both the Operator Series UQ & TQ. The TQ is 75" long, standard width. You can see how the packed size of both in one sack compares to a 1L bottle. It could compress a little smaller - it's just filling the volume of the stuff sack.

Combined weight in one sack is 18.8oz although the TQ has lighter 7d fabric inside and outside, which isn't currently listed as an option.

[bigbenny]

That’s a great comparison shot, thank you.

So the stuff sack on the left is something else?

Do you think the 7D vs 10D would make any significant difference in pack volume?

Thanks!

[bigbenny]

Hi ya'll, I couldn't wait any longer and based on the advice here and other posts, plus from emails with George, I pulled the trigger on a set of Operator 50F top and under quilts. I was tempted to go the 60F Recons as then later I could get a 40F set of quilts that would be equidistant to a 20F set (if/when I get a 20F UQ).

George said the Recons don't pack down much smaller than the Operators.

I'd still be interested to see a comparison photo of the Operator 50F vs the Recon 60F TQ and UQs if someone has both versions.

When these arrive I'll have a 0F Wooki UQ, a 20F Operator TQ, and this 50F Operator TQ/UQ set. I'm looking forward to having these much more compact (and lighter) options.

[cmc4free]

That’s a great comparison shot, thank you.

So the stuff sack on the left is something else?

Do you think the 7D vs 10D would make any significant difference in pack volume?

Thanks!

The sack on the left is a 40° set of Hammock Gear premium Phoenix and Enlightened Equipment Enigma. Both 950FP and again the UQ is 10d fabric while the TQ is 7d.

[bigbenny]

Thanks, good to see the size comparisons.

[cmoulder]

The sack on the left is a 40° set of Hammock Gear premium Phoenix and Enlightened Equipment Enigma. Both 950FP and again the UQ is 10d fabric while the TQ is 7d.

Thanks, good to see the size comparisons.

Hi Bigbenny,

I don't know how critical pack space and weight are for you, but my experience is that two premium (10D or 7D shell, high FP down) 40°F/4.5°C quilts (TQ +partial UQ) compress easily enough in a roll-top stuff sack to fit into the bottom of a 36 liter pack with gobs of room to spare. Quilts with this rating will obviously extend the temperature range and yet will not be too warm on the hottest nights by simply pulling them out of the way, and they still—in all but a few rare cases... say adventure racing, FKT etc—are not going to bust your budget for weight/space. I've done 3-4 night trips with quilts like this in a 36 liter pack and I'm just some bloke.

BUT, maybe you are a specialist doing big miles or edgy adventures with a 22 liter pack, in which case those specialist, minimalist quilts are just the ticket. I've not owned any of those but I have seen someone else's Operator quilts and they really appear to be top notch.

[cmc4free]

Hi Bigbenny,

I don't know how critical pack space and weight are for you, but my experience is that two premium (10D or 7D shell, high FP down) 40°F/4.5°C quilts (TQ +partial UQ) compress easily enough in a roll-top stuff sack to fit into the bottom of a 36 liter pack with gobs of room to spare. Quilts with this rating will obviously extend the temperature range and yet will not be too warm on the hottest nights by simply pulling them out of the way, and they still—in all but a few rare cases... say adventure racing, FKT etc—are not going to bust your budget for weight/space. I've done 3-4 night trips with quilts like this in a 36 liter pack and I'm just some bloke.

BUT, maybe you are a specialist doing big miles or edgy adventures with a 22 liter pack, in which case those specialist, minimalist quilts are just the ticket. I've not owned any of those but I have seen someone else's Operator quilts and they really appear to be top notch.

I agree. Despite the size/weight difference, if I had to choose between the 40° HG/EE set and the 50° LLG Operator set, I would choose the 40° set. FWIW, the HG/EE 40° set weighs 25.3oz in one stuff sack, compared to 18.8oz for the Operators.

[bigbenny]

I’m just a noob. I have a 45L cheap pack and the 0F wooki and 20F operator TQ are taking about 18L.

I can fit all my gear and food etc but it’s a right fit. Since the 0/20F is overkill I’m trying to solve that problem.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cmc4free]

I’m just a noob. I have a 45L cheap pack and the 0F wooki and 20F operator TQ are taking about 18L.

I can fit all my gear and food etc but it’s a right fit. Since the 0/20F is overkill I’m trying to solve that problem.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's all good. You won't be disappointed with the Operators. If you find the lack of secondary suspension on the UQ to be a problem, post again and we can provide some tips.

There's a good part of the year for me in the central US (aka "the Midwest") where the 50° set is plenty, and the very light weight and minimal pack volume is handy. That's when I can get away with using my sub 12oz 36L frameless pack comfortably.