How to choose the properly rated quilt?

It is not as easy as it sounds. There are certain standards and methods which are pretty accurate to define the temperatures in which the sleeping bags/quilts should be used at.

However, it is important to note that these ratings are true for ideal conditions. We all, as individuals are very diverse – as are the places and conditions in which we camp –, which inherently influences our thermal comfort: how we feel at the moment, how old we are, how tired we are, what’s our gender, what and when we eat, how we hydrate, and so on. Using proper insulation below yourself (think of a sleeping pad or mattress, or an underquilt) is also inevitable to reach these ratings.

There are general rules (emphasis on general), which helps you make your decision. These are not set in stone, but more like guidelines to follow. Please, see them below.

What does comfort rating mean?

The temperature that the sleeping bag/quilt should be used at. In general, at this temperature people being more sensitive to cold (cold sleepers) will comfortably sleep through the night. Also as a general rule, women are more prone to being a cold sleeper. Despite the general rules, the comfort sleeping temperature can vary individually, as mentioned above. If you are a warm sleeper, most probably limit value will (also) work for you. If you are a cold sleeper, use the comfort value as a standard. When in doubt, always go for the comfort value.

What does limit rating mean?

The lower limit of temperature that the sleeping bag/quilt should be used at. In general, at this temperature men and people less sensitive to cold (warm sleepers) will likely sleep comfortably through the night. Also as a general rule, women are more prone to being a cold sleeper. Despite the general rules, the comfort sleeping temperature can vary individually, as mentioned above. If you are a warm sleeper, most probably limit value will (also) work for you. If you are a cold sleeper, use the comfort value as a standard. When in doubt, always go for the comfort value.

What is temperature rating?

Temperature rating is the value used for Climashield Apex insulation, meaning the value between comfort and limit values (please see above). With proper underclothing and insulation from below (underquilt/sleeping pad), it provides satisfactory insulation for most people. If you often feel cold or you definitely are a cold sleeper, you should choose a quilt with a higher insulation value.

What is DWR?

DWR is a durable water repellent layer. It is usually applied on waterproof, yet breathable
fabrics to prevent water saturation, which normally reduces the breathability of the fabric
and also causes the membrane to permeate water over time. The DWR layer is prone to
wear off after some time, thus occasional re-coating is recommended, either by washing the
product (using a compatible detergent and impregnating agent) or by spraying.

What does CUIN mean?

CUIN (cubic inches per ounce) is a unit of measurement used to indicate the fill power of
down.
It shows how many cubic inches of volume an ounce of down fills.
The higher the number, the less of it is needed to achieve a given comfort level.

How should I clean my down quilt?

Always strive for prevention! Proper storage helps a lot, therefore never store your quilt in its storage sack. Instead, store it spread out, hanging, or placed in its own decompression bag in a dry place. In the summer, frequently spread it out in the sun, rotate and shake it. This helps the down recover and dry out properly. If washing the quilt is inevitable, since airing it no longer works, you can wash it safely at a low temperature. Use a detergent suitable for down (available from outdoor shops). Follow the instructions that come with the detergent, use a tumble dryer for drying. When washing and drying, place tennis balls in the washing machine to prevent the down from sticking/clumping. TIP: As soon as you arrive at your campsite, always take your quilt out of the bag to give it some time to puff up and also to minimise the time it is packed away. If you don’t need it, don’t use a compression bag! Don’t fold it into its storage sack, crumple it instead.

How do I clean my synthetic quilt?

Just as with down quilts, make sure to store your synthetic quilts properly as well. Do not store your quilt packed in its storage sack. Store it spread out or hanging in a dry place. If washing the quilt is inevitable, since airing it no longer works, you can wash it safely at a low temperature. When washing the product, the DWR layer can be restored using suitable detergents.

What is a differential cut?

DIFFERENTIAL CUT is a sewing technique used for the shell of down-filled quilts, which helps to avoid having cold spots. The outer chamber width is larger than the inner. When you press your body against the inner layer or you push it, this way the down will not be compressed, but it will have enough room to slide away due to the larger width of the outer chamber. This is important because the insulating properties of the compressed down are drastically reduced, since there is no air inside.

 

What is a baffle chamber?

A special technique used for down-filled quilts, when the outer and inner fabrics are not sewn together at the edges of the chambers, but are connected by a baffle strip of a defined width. This technique prevents the formation of thermal bridges and helps to reduce heat loss.

What to do if a feather punches through the material of my quilt?

With down-filled products, the fabric might be punctured by a feather or a fiber torn off a quill. It is VERY important not to pull these out, as you will widen the hole where the fill might fall out again later. Push it back in and gently rub the hole together with your fingertips thus making it smaller.

What is the ETS?

An Elastic Tension System located in the side of the topquilt. A channel system can be found on each side of the quilt. A thin elastic cord runs through the inside, which can be fine-tuned with a cord lock. Using ETS you can pull the edges of your quilt closer, achieving better thermal insulation and comfort on colder nights, since, as you toss and turn on the sleeping pad, this system can entirely eliminate drafts. When used in a hammock, it keeps the quilt on your back!

When used in a hammock, it keeps the quilt on your back!

What does ripstop mean?

RIPSTOP is a reinforced woven fabric, its main function is that it does not allow any rips or tears to spread further.