This could be my most controversial blog post ever!
Before I had to stop going to the hills I had made the jump to using a quilt instead of a sleeping bag.
My quilt of choice was the Ray Jardine quilt which I used with a Sea to Summit sleeping bag liner, and a self inflating Sea to Summit sleeping mat (can’t remember which one), plus a Sea to Summit blowup pillow. I had a bivy bag too but it never got used with the quilt.
I really liked using the quilt instead of a sleeping bag. It worked for me.
Now that’s all about to change.
I’ve moved to a more “modular” system that I hope will handle a wider range of temperatures and weather conditions. And for sure it’s not lighter!
The Ray Jardine quilt is staying. And when I initially wrote the first draft of this post I meant it. I really did. But somehow a Sea to Summit Cinder Down Quilt is in my rucksack!
The Cinder is a summer quilt. But in use with the other parts of this modular system could be used in spring or autumn I think. But don’t quote me on that!
The first part of this new sleep system is the goretex bivy bag from the US Military Modular Sleep System (MSS). I did have to hunt around for this because I didn’t want the whole MSS. So hard to find some-one selling just the bivy. But eventually I managed to find one.
Why this specific bivy?
It’s a combination of things. Firstly it’s goretex and bombproof (bloody well better be considering). Secondly it has a 3/4 length side zip. A lot of the hiking specific bivy bags do not have this zip. It’s a heavier bivy than I’ve used in the past. But more rugged, more waterproof, and better as my emergency shelter if needed that way. And yes it replaces my emergency shelter.
Next is the sleeping mat. I’ve gone with the Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad, Ultralight. I needed a new mat, the old one got damaged beyond repair whilst in storage. So needed replacing. Its R value is 1.3 iirc so not a winter mat. I’d need one with a R value of 4 plus if I’ve understood this rating system correctly. It would be a push using it in spring and autumn too. But the use of a suitable foam mat might allow its use in those two seasons. Plus at the moment I have no plans to go winter camping.
To inflate the Klymit I’ve got a gadget that never existed on the market 14 years ago, a Flextailgear Zero Pump. This is a portable air pump for blowing up sleep pads. Back in my day (that makes me sound sooo old) we had to blow these sort of pads up with our breath. That was the attraction of the self inflating mats. A couple of puffs was all that was required. Don’t underestimate how tired you are after hiking all day and then setting up camp. The effort required to blow up a sleep pad is quite a lot. This is a godsend invention.
To give the Klymit a bit of protection I have the Light AF non-slip camping mat. This is a very thin mat that should cut down the chances of the Klymit getting damaged, and stop it sliding all over the place.
For winter/freezing conditions I will add a thicker foam sleeping mat. Which is to be decided. Less pressure on sorting this out. I have one already. I like the look of the British Army Four Seasom foam mat. Bomb proof and can be picked up for about a tenner! But my egg box one should be fine for what I want. I have got a Mountain Warehouse Trek Mat which has a reflective layer which I want to try. But I still like the look of the British Army mat.
I did previously use a silk sleeping bag liner even with a sleeping bag. Obviously it gives another layer and a bit more warmth. Plus keeps your bag cleaner, so it needs less cleaning inside.
The sleeping bag liner I’m now using is a Carinthia Grizzly Sleeping Bag Liner. I’ve had to settle with a left sided zip. Ideally wanted a right sided one but wasn’t able to find one. Not even sure they do a right sided version.
I’m then adding another bit of US military kit the woobie or poncho liner as it is also known. This adds another layer to the sleep system as needed.
The final layer if needed will be a wool blanket! Just like the foam sleeping mat this will remain at home/in the car unless I’m expecting temperatures to drop. I have an “Original German Army Surplus Wool Blanket” it wasn’t expensive. The plan is to see how I get on with this, and if it works out invest in an expensive merino wool one at some point. That will be lighter and warmer.
Not a layer in the sleep system, however just as vital as the rest is the addition of the Klymit Unisex’s Drift Camping Pillow. I need a good pillow. We’ll see how this works out.
Obviously as I write this I’ve not tested this system in anger. Nor even have a clue what temperature range this system can potentially handle. Yes it is considerably heavier too. But I think its flexibility counters that.
When you think the base combination will be the following:
- Light AF non-slip camping mat + Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad + Carinthia Grizzly Sleeping Bag Liner + Klymit Unisex’s Drift Camping Pillow
Then depending on conditions/expected weather could be any of the following combinations for example:
- Base + poncho liner
- Base + quilt
- Base + quilt + poncho liner
- Base + quilt + poncho liner + wool blanket
- Base + quilt + poncho liner + wool blanket + thicker foam mat
To any of these the bivy can be used giving an extra layer, protection from the elements, etc.
I know I’ve not listed the base + wool blanket as an option or base + wool blanket + poncho liner as one either. And they are options I could use. I’m just not sure I would. Although I might at some point for scientific reasons.
Another thing I like about this system is that it can be used like its inspiration of the cowboy bedroll! So I could if I’m expecting shit weather have the sleeping mat, sleeping bag liner, quilt/poncho liner inside the bivy bag for protection and just unroll it when needed at night in camp. How practical that is I don’t know. But it’s an option.
Have you tried a similar sleep system? Or do you think I’m barking mad?