Hikers

[cg21]

I’m dead. Now all I can picture is cg21 hobbling around in one boot and a pair of boxers wrapped around the other foot

Don’t be a moron you wrap the boxers on the foot and then put the foot in the boot.

 

[KittySlayer]

Quilt I'm looking at:

https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation-stock 20F, long wide option

My quilt is a nearly identical build. When I was researching Enlightened was on my short list. Went with Warbonnet based on previous good experience with their products plus they had a camo pattern that was not that ugly digital crap. The construction and design of both companies is similar although Enlightened has a more robust website. Liked it well enough that my wife also got a quilt from Warbonnet but would not hesitate to buy from Enlightened.

For reference I got regular length and regular (55) width which works well for my 6'0" 175# body.

Their stock quilt is $290 including a draft collar (which is nice if cold).

Stock Diamondback Topquilt (Zip Footbox)

The Warbonnet Outdoors' Diamondback backpacking top quilt with a zippered footbox is built for easy transportation and cold-resistance down to 0-degrees.

www.warbonnetoutdoors.com

If you want to go custom and have the patience to wait on the lead time for production here are the specs for my quilt.
Edit: Looks like a fairly short lead time and similar pricing. I chose a 20D outer fabric for a bit more robustness.

 

[ditcherman]

My quilt is a nearly identical build. When I was researching Enlightened was on my short list. Went with Warbonnet based on previous good experience with their products plus they had a camo pattern that was not that ugly digital crap. The construction and design of both companies is similar although Enlightened has a more robust website. Liked it well enough that my wife also got a quilt from Warbonnet but would not hesitate to buy from Enlightened.

For reference I got regular length and regular (55) width which works well for my 6'0" 175# body.

Their stock quilt is $290 including a draft collar (which is nice if cold).

Stock Diamondback Topquilt (Zip Footbox)

The Warbonnet Outdoors' Diamondback backpacking top quilt with a zippered footbox is built for easy transportation and cold-resistance down to 0-degrees.

www.warbonnetoutdoors.com

View attachment 225770

If you want to go custom and have the patience to wait on the lead time for production here are the specs for my quilt.
Edit: Looks like a fairly short lead time and similar pricing. I chose a 20D outer fabric for a bit more robustness.

View attachment 225773

View attachment 225774

Are you using this instead of a sleeping bag? Or in conjunction with, in colder weather?
I’ve mostly seen quilts referenced in use with a hammock, but that is a really expensive blanket. Just wondering what the advantages are.

 

[KittySlayer]

Are you using this instead of a sleeping bag? Or in conjunction with, in colder weather?
I’ve mostly seen quilts referenced in use with a hammock, but that is a really expensive blanket. Just wondering what the advantages are.

I do not hammock but instead sleep on the ground either cowboy camping with a bivy bag or under a tarp. Currently not a winter camper and typically don't go much below freezing but this quilt will get me well into the 20's. Of course a pad with a good R value is important too as the temperature drops.

My near term goal is to thru hike the AT so acquiring and testing gear as well as learning skills with that in mind. Quilts are not for everyone so do some research.

These are the advantages I chose this for based on research, marketing, and a little bit of experience.

• Light weight. My sleep system comes in right at 3#
• Small stuff size as I don't like crap strapped all over the outside of my pack.
• Insulation under your body is just crushed and doesn't keep you warm but you need an appropriate pad.
• I am a side sleeper and flip flop around a lot and find mummy bags constricting. I can also move and spread out my sore legs.
  • This has been a game changer for my sleeping comfort.
• Wide range of temperatures as you either snuggle in tight or leave loose and kick it off if too hot.
• A liner and the bivy bag work well to eliminate drafts if particularly cold.
• Pricing is not out of line compared to similar temp/build sleeping bags, although the "really expensive blanket" is a hurdle to get over.
• It works for me and I am happy.

 

[hooky]

My quilt is a nearly identical build. When I was researching Enlightened was on my short list. Went with Warbonnet based on previous good experience with their products plus they had a camo pattern that was not that ugly digital crap. The construction and design of both companies is similar although Enlightened has a more robust website. Liked it well enough that my wife also got a quilt from Warbonnet but would not hesitate to buy from Enlightened.

For reference I got regular length and regular (55) width which works well for my 6'0" 175# body.

Their stock quilt is $290 including a draft collar (which is nice if cold).

Stock Diamondback Topquilt (Zip Footbox)

The Warbonnet Outdoors' Diamondback backpacking top quilt with a zippered footbox is built for easy transportation and cold-resistance down to 0-degrees.

www.warbonnetoutdoors.com

View attachment 225770

If you want to go custom and have the patience to wait on the lead time for production here are the specs for my quilt.
Edit: Looks like a fairly short lead time and similar pricing. I chose a 20D outer fabric for a bit more robustness.

View attachment 225773

View attachment 225774

Thanks for the feedback on this one. I hadn't really considered Warbonnet as an option. They do look very similar.

 

[KittySlayer]

Thanks for the feedback on this one. I hadn't really considered Warbonnet as an option. They do look very similar.

While not side by side I have held an Enlighted quilt that a friend owned in my hands. Very similar and I don't think you can go wrong with either company. I think it comes down to a fashion choice on what color combo you want. Don't hesitate to email the company(s) with any questions. They are both cottage companies with knowledgeable people answering email.

I would definitely go with the zip foot box as it gives you even more flexibility in use.

 

[smokingman]

So my insoles came (in a bag) but my heel is so tender right now…. I am doing my best to not make it worse. It is almost like a bruise, and the more I’m on it the worse it gets.

Sorry to hear that. Maybe stop rubbing dirt on it and just give it a couple days off? Did you get your ice bath foot thing yet?

 

[cg21]

Sorry to hear that. Maybe stop rubbing dirt on it and just give it a couple days off? Did you get your ice bath foot thing yet?

That’s what I am doing time off I have just been using a bowl epsom salt ice and water. I have a pressure foot massager I am using too trying to stay off it to speed up the healing deer season starts this weekend. And I’ve noticed I eat a lot more and feel a lot worse when I don’t go out for my morning hikes.

 

[smokingman]

That’s what I am doing time off I have just been using a bowl epsom salt ice and water. I have a pressure foot massager I am using too trying to stay off it to speed up the healing deer season starts this weekend. And I’ve noticed I eat a lot more and feel a lot worse when I don’t go out for my morning hikes.

When I had some feet issues(swelling) on the trail I would lay on the floor of a shelter,butt almost all the way against the wall,legs up on the wall for 30 minutes or so. It helped. So did new trekking poles(one of mine had broken when the feet issue arose I was down to one pole for more than a week).
You might give it a try and see if it helps.

 

[Frosty]

When I had some feet issues(swelling) on the trail I would lay on the floor of a shelter,butt almost all the way against the wall,legs up on the wall for 30 minutes or so. It helped. So did new trekking poles(one of mine had broken when the feet issue arose I was down to one pole for more than a week).
You might give it a try and see if it helps.

Definitely try the trekking poles. When I took my son out Sunday afternoon my hamstrings were killing me, I made a couple walking sticks out of some branches, I was really surprised at how much just a couple sticks helped. I’ll be buying some this weekend.

 

[KittySlayer]

When I had some feet issues(swelling) on the trail I would lay on the floor of a shelter,butt almost all the way against the wall,legs up on the wall for 30 minutes or so. It helped.

Did this bike racing too. Really helps your legs (and probably feet) recover quickly.

 

[MRockwell]

Definitely try the trekking poles. When I took my son out Sunday afternoon my hamstrings were killing me, I made a couple walking sticks out of some branches, I was really surprised at how much just a couple sticks helped. I’ll be buying some this weekend.

@PhotoNinja 's Mom got us trekking poles for Christmas several years back. We never used them. So I just went downstairs and looked to see what they were: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork. Ummm.... I ever tell you how much I like my MIL?

 

[Frosty]

@PhotoNinja 's Mom got us trekking poles for Christmas several years back. We never used them. So I just went downstairs and looked to see what they were: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork. Ummm.... I ever tell you how much I like my MIL?

I’ll bid $20

 

[Brad69]

1. No underwear if you wanna save your nuggets @nad63 will verify commandos don’t wear underwear.

2. light did I say light!

3. Prepared for the worse situation you can survive with your skills.

BTW
Had a Commander CPT -03 that was criticized for conducting killing live chickens and a goat.
This was for prep for SERE 101 he is a General now.

 

[smokingman]

I’ll bid $20

Raises his cooking pot $40
...do I hear $50....


*those are some VERY nice poles. Not sure how they stack up against my current Leki cork lights,but I know they are high quality and LIGHT. I had a pair of carbon fiber poles at one point but shattered one catching it in a rock. They were not the black diamond ones though(those are a bit over $200 a pair).

 

[MRockwell]

Raises his cooking pot $40
...do I hear $50....


*those are some VERY nice poles. Not sure how they stack up against my current Leki cork lights,but I know they are high quality and LIGHT. I had a pair of carbon fiber poles at one point but shattered one catching it in a rock. They were not the black diamond ones though(those are a bit over $200 a pair).

We both honestly had no clue on how much they cost(until now). When we got them, we looked at each other and gave the silent "WTF we gonna do with these" look. If I remember correctly, we got those right after our second Harney Peak hike...so I think that was what put the idea in her Mom's head to get them. After watching some videos on utube, and reading some on hiking, I'm glad we kept them around.

 

[smokingman]

We both honestly had no clue on how much they cost(until now). When we got them, we looked at each other and gave the silent "WTF we gonna do with these" look. If I remember correctly, we got those right after our second Harney Peak hike...so I think that was what put the idea in her Mom's head to get them. After watching some videos on utube, and reading some on hiking, I'm glad we kept them around.

Poles do a few things for you. They shift impact and load from your knees to your shoulders and arms(around 25%). They help keep you upright with an additional balance point. Studies have actually show they improve your poster so well your lung capacity and blood oxygenation increases almost 10% vs without poles. In mud,snow,or a water crossing the will greatly assist with keeping you upright. They will increase your upper body strength and help balance your muscles for when you are not hiking(people that hike long distances without poles are sarcastically call Trex's and you can actually see the difference it makes after some serious miles).

It is easier to encourage a rattle snake to get off the trail than bare hands or a stick would be (personal experience).

I know my poles have saved me from many falls,especially hiking in the rain and mud. I also know I would have never made it off MT Washington without them. I was one of those who thought poles were for idiots. Then I started longer distance hiking. I started using them and never looked back.

Not all poles are equal. Yours are among the best. You can even replace your tips(a requirement of mine for buying poles as they wear out) and you can replace any part of the pole that breaks at places like REI. Leki and Black Diamond have replaceable tips and parts,though there may be a few other brands,but you will not find parts easily available for them. REI has people trained in replacing parts and tips at most stores(call and ask if they are in before going though),other outfitters may or may not so I advise calling and asking.

I can get 300-500 miles on a pair of tips depending on the terrain(the more rocks the faster they wear). If you are serious about hiking long term I would stick with those two brands based on my personal experience. Things that are gimmicks like shocks I would avoid(great on a down hill but suck the life out of you when climbing,again hard learned personal experience). I prefer aluminum poles as they tend to last longer and are less fragile than carbon ones,but both have worked for me.

If you want I can store your poles and take them out occasionally to get some fresh air so they stay happy and feel loved? Poor things, having to live in a basement is not ideal for them. They showing any signs of depression(it is easy to tell they contract to a small size and just lay there)?

 

[cg21]

In a bit of a funk after this injury. Need to get back out there been a little over a week now feeling apprehensive and lazy all at once. Youth hunting weekend also kicked my butt with no sleep and I guess I was dragging kids deer around that counts for something lol 80# button buck over a mile dragging and then an average 6pt 1/4 mile lol

 

[smokingman]

In a bit of a funk after this injury. Need to get back out there been a little over a week now feeling apprehensive and lazy all at once. Youth hunting weekend also kicked my butt with no sleep and I guess I was dragging kids deer around that counts for something lol 80# button buck over a mile dragging and then an average 6pt 1/4 mile lol

Have the inserts helped at all? Just curious as to how they have been working if you have been using them?

 

[cg21]

Have the inserts helped at all? Just curious as to how they have been working if you have been using them?

I am unsure if I am “healed” or if they are helping a ton. Heal is still tender on hardwood floors and feels great in the boot so it is helping for sure. And feels way better now that I got the big boy inserts