Gear Review: Katabatic Gear Quilts

When we started looking at what sleeping bags to bring on the Appalachian Trail with us as well as for other backpacking trips, we considered both sleeping bags and sleeping quilts. Mostly I wanted to try out a quilt because I thought it would work out better for my style of sleeping. Of course once I got one, then my husband wanted one too. Since I am a cold sleeper, I opted to get the Sawatch 15F quilt while my husband who sleeps a bit warmer opted for the Palisade 30F quilt.

Primary and Secondary clips

The quilts from Katabatic Gear are similar in every way except for fill weight. Both quilts are shaped vaguely like a mummy-style sleeping bag in the footbox before opening up to a flat quilt at the top. At the top corners, there is a snap to keep the ends tucked under shoulders as well as a drawcord in the center to tighten the quilt closer to the neck. The quilts have an interesting system for attaching the quilt to the mat. The flexibility in attaching the quilt to the mat is quite unique. The quilt comes with two 2-mm yellow cords that can be tied around the mat. To each side of the quilt are two sets of two plastic cord clips, for a total of eight cord clips. The clips are located about 2 ft (180 cm) apart on the side with the first set located about 2 ft (180 cm) down from the neck opening. The primary cord clips, located along the edge seam, are flat with a notch in one side. The notch on this cord clip has two optional positions to attach to the cord. The first position is more rounded and holds the cord more loosely, while the second position (which is an extension of the first position) is narrower and locks onto the cord. The secondary cord clips, set back about 4 in. (10 cm) from the seam, are like a plastic two ended clip. The secondary clips attach to the cord loosely but help draw the quilt tighter to the mat and sleeper. The plastic cord clips, both primary and secondary, can then be clipped to the cord in various configurations to reduce dead space and keep warmth in. For clarification on the unique attachment system, please see photos and/or video.

Snaps located at the top

These quilts came with us on the Appalachian Trail as well as on several other trips. While on the Appalachian Trail, we suffered through high heat and humidity as well as lots of bugs on our first section. On our second section, we suffered through remnants of hurricane Nicole with high winds and cold temperatures as well as lots of rain. The quilt system worked well on the cool nights but on the hot nights the quilts were simply too warm for the weather we were encountering. We did find that the quilts would lose feathers each night. Each morning and evening we got into the habit of doing a feather check and pulling the feathers back into the quilt.

Adjustment strap

As the weather became colder we have been progressively locking down the quilt tighter to our pads to keep more warmth in. Initially we were wearing just light baselayers for sleeping in but as the weather has been getting cooler, we have been wearing thermal layers, down booties and even a lightweight down jacket as needed. Our latest trip, up into the Uinta Mountains, saw a drastic downshift in the nighttime temperatures. The lowest temperature we saw was about freezing with no wind and the Palisade (30 F quilt) was borderline comfortable once locked down tight. The Sawatch (15 F quilt) was very comfortable for the most part but sometimes was a little too warm. The Sawatch can certainly handle lower temperatures.

Primary clip engaged in first slot

Several cold nights along a section of AT really gave the Sawatch a run for its rating. The weather was around freezing but the wind was up. We were in one of the three-walled shelters common along the AT and were not sheltered in any way from the wind. The Sawatch performed well when the wind was down but when the wind was up, it felt like it was coming through the quilt just enough to give me a slight chill. I wasn’t freezing but I wasn’t comfortable either. Wind definitely affects the rating on the quilts. Locking down the quilt and tightening up the neck cord didn’t prevent the cold wind from cutting through the quilt itself. We will definitely be more careful on windy trips in the future.

Primary clip engaged to second slot

Given that we have used these quilts almost non-stop since we got them in late May, they have been holding up quite well in spite of the occasional feather loss. Katabatic Gear did send out new pad cords. The new cords are supposed to provide a more secure lock to the anchor than the previous cords. We did notice the anchor locks are a little more difficult to lock on and off the new cords. On the old cords, anchors seemed to pop off easier and when least expected, this doesn’t happen as much anymore with the new cords.

Secondary clip engaged

Comfort-wise, the quilts have been relatively comfortable to use. We are both 5’8” and the 6 foot length is perfect for us. The amount of room in the shoulder area is variable. When the quilt is lightly used in warmer weather, there is plenty of room. In cooler weather, space decreases as the quilt is locked down to keep warmth underneath. Neither of us have found the quilt confining except when fully locked down, then my husband finds the quilt a little snug. I find that the quilt system works quite well for my sleeping style. I love to wrap my comforter around my shoulders in bed and now I can do the same out in the back-country.

For the weight-savings, these quilts have certainly been worth the switch. They are fairly comfortable and work well to at least freezing temperatures. The versatile locking system makes them a breeze to use under different temperatures allowing for a greater range of comfort.

Manufacturer	Katabatic Gear
Weight	Palisade -17 oz (482 g) Sawatch -24 oz (680 g)
Size	Small - 5'6" (1.68 m) Regular - 6'0" (1.83 m) Long - 6'6" (1.98 m)
Material	850 Power Fill Down Inner and outer Material: Pertex Quantum
Price (MSRP)	Palisade (30 F/-1 C) $300 - 330 Sawatch (15 F/ -9 C) $340 - 370

This story was originally posted November 1, 2010.