What packs small, but keeps you warm?

**HamMach1** · 03-02-2014, 17:51

I have some Coleman 15 degree bag that has been in my life for years but I need an upgrade instead of lugging this ginormous, heavy bag around. It works well, but would take up half my bag.

I'm sure, like everything, you have to pay to play, or pay to stay warm in this case, but I am trying to stay warm on a budget here. Do top quilts pack up smaller? What else can I look for, if anything?

I know I am dreaming when I say I am looking for something that is warm, light and not going to break the bank.

**12trysomething** · 03-02-2014, 18:09

Down is the way to go. I find down filled TQ are great for warmth, weight and packability (haha packability...that's right you heard it hear first!)

Now to the $ factor....that is the dilemma. Searching, waiting for used is an option but quality down TQ don't loose much value over time. The other option, which I had to do, was wait, budget and then enjoy quality gear.

This all being said, I am talking about buying a finished product as I am thread injector challenged. Others may offer a more cost effective way to get the other 3 requirements; warm, weight & packability!

I don't know if I am helping but I sure had fun typing packability!

Good luck

**Mountnman** · 03-02-2014, 18:11

Down TQ all the way

**Syb** · 03-02-2014, 18:11

Originally Posted by HamMach1

I know I am dreaming when I say I am looking for something that is warm, light and not going to break the bank.

If you're handy with some DIY skills, it need not be as expensive as buying from any of the manufacturers you find on here. My $.02.

**HamMach1** · 03-02-2014, 18:17

I have zero DIY talen in this department lol I guess I will just wait since I have recently purchased a WB BBXLC and a Superfly, along with a pack, knives, stoves/pots... all the bells and whistles.

**Syb** · 03-02-2014, 18:19

Originally Posted by HamMach1

I have zero DIY talen in this department lol I guess I will just wait since I have recently purchased a WB BBXLC and a Superfly, along with a pack, knives, stoves/pots... all the bells and whistles.

In that case, just get out and hang. Get practiced at your setup and then save for the TQ you want. Go to a group hang where people might let you try items out for the evening.

**12trysomething** · 03-02-2014, 18:21

Originally Posted by HamMach1

since I have recently purchased a WB BBXLC and a Superfly, along with a pack, knives, stoves/pots... all the bells and whistles.

This was my exact dilemma - I spent money to buy then I wanted to go the next little bit, then the next next little bit then the next, next, next.......ugh

It is crazy!

**HamMach1** · 03-02-2014, 18:30

Do top quilts pack smaller than a sleeping bag?

On that note, do down bags pack up smaller than synthetic bags?

**Jhp45auto** · 03-02-2014, 18:37

I was in the same boat this year, I got the WBBB and also upgraded to my first down bag, Marmont Helium 15F bag. I have done 3 hangs in the 30F range, using my ground pad insulation and done fine.

Buy good gear when you can.

**outdoorsguy** · 03-02-2014, 18:43

Originally Posted by HamMach1

Do top quilts pack smaller than a sleeping bag?

Absolutely....with a TQ, there is no hood, nor is there any thing under your torso. There is some material under your legs because they do have a footbox. My AHE TQ is about 1/2 the size and 1/4 the weight of my SB.

The flip side is, without a hood, you have to wear something on your head....and while I like the lesser size and weight of the TQ vs the SB, my SB envelopes me with the hood and draft collar, making it easier to stay warm in it than in my TQ. I guess, as with everything else, sometimes you have to give up something to get something.