Quilts

When it comes to lightweight camping I have always fancied a quilt. The theory is that when you sleep in a sleeping bag (down or synthetic) the bottom of the bag is crushed under your body and provides very little insulation. That's why you have a thermarest or similar, to insulate you from the cold ground. So why bother? Get a sleeping bag that has insulation on the top and sides, and nothing on the bottom.

But while I have theoretically fancied one, I have never actually explored the options... until this morning.


Over breakfast I saw a post from blogpackinglight which led me to the As Tucas website. I had never come across As Tucas before, but they are a small specialist producer based in the Pyrenees. (To quote their website: As Tucas (Spanish pronunciation: [as ˈtukas]) was founded in 2013 to provide outstanding clothing and gear. The same clothing and gear that we have been making for ourselves during years, and that we thoroughly test in the Spanish Pyrenees.  Our brand name means The summits in the Aragonese language, where we were born.)

As Tucas make this quilt, which looks rather good.  Total weight 450g. (By comparison, my Robens Downlite 500 3 season bag weighs 1220g, although I know that's not a level comparison. However, my thinnest lightest sleeping bag (a Snugpak Traveller) weighs in at 750g.) 

Bottom View

These cost €150 (£127 at today's exchange rate), which isn't too bad! When I plan my run round the Welsh coastal path.....