Compression and length - advice please.

[AmberG]

You convinced me - will rethink the down option. Thank you for the advice!

FWIW, he’s definitely the guy to listen to. In any case, I sure wouldn’t be afraid of down. With our humidity, the only time I could see it being a problem, while I’ve been on a trail, is if it was raining constantly for multiple days. I’ve never been on a hike when I haven’t had the opportunity to pop things in the sun before everything got too damp to keep me warm.

[FLTurtle]

Long time backpacker, the hammocking bug has bitten me!

Three questions: 1) I am 5’ 6” and 175 pounds, should I buy a top quilt that measures 66”? 2) looking hard at total Simply Light Designs purchase - Trail Lair and the synthetic 20 degree underquilt/tarp protector plus a synthetic top quilt of 30 degrees, will that combination fill my Olm 2.0 backpack to the brim or will they compress sufficiently? 3) Would I be better off with a down top quilt? Your advice appreciated, Butch.

Are you thru hiking, or just a weekender?

[OldDude]

Some shorter thru hikes and sections of the AT. Benton Mackae, for example.

[FLTurtle]

Get the down quilts then, for the compressibility. Even the HG Econ quilts (thicker/heavier fabrics and duck down) will compress smaller than synthetic. That Ohm 2.0 (34L main body) should be enough for quilts in the temp ranges you're looking at. Your food bag and clothes would be the big variables for the remaining space.

If you're concerned about humidity and moisture...almost all down and fabrics are DWR treated (however, I think the HG 950FP goose down is not) so make sure you do your research.

Shug uses the Ohm, so be sure to look at his videos discussing pack loading and pack comparisons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_szK47Lwu3g

[OldDude]

Thank you!

[Snooze_89]

Yeah the bug has addictive qualities .

[Snooze_89]

I would say get a quilt that is at least as long as you are tall that way you have some extra warmth when you need it, otherwise you might short yourself comfort.