Mountain Equipment AstraLite Down Quilt

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UOG TOP PICK – The Astralite Quilts are high performance sleep systems designed for the ultralight fanatic. Compatible with any mummy shaped sleeping pad, they boast high functionality and light weight performance, a top pick for any ultralighter

Western Mountaineering says

Fans, customers, and dealers alike have been asking us about quilts for years and finally our answer is here: the AstraLite & NanoLite. These quilts are a thru-hikers dream. Constructed with our 12 denier nylon ExtremeLite shell fabric, a 10D tafetta liner and our world famous 850+ fill down we’ve created products with stellar weight savings.

Both top quilts are designed with a set of adjustable and removable pad straps that are compatible with any backpacking sleeping pad. When no gram can go unaccounted for, the straps can also be removed. Other features include a sewn through footbox and an insulated draft yoke with elastic closure for maximum heat retention.

Because the AstraLite is hoodless, it is important to pack adequate head insulation. AstraLite users should consider bringing a hooded puffy along if temperatures are likely to dip below freezing.

This quilt is designed to be used with an insulated sleeping pad. If you sleeping pad is uninsulated or poorly insulated these products will sleep much colder than intended. Make sure to check the R value of your pad to ensure it is adequate for 3 season use.

The AstraLite comes in two lengths; the 5’8″ version is designed for people at or below 6’0″ tall and the 6’4″ version is designed for people between 6’0″ and 6’6″.

* Western Mountaineering state: ‘We independently verify own temperature ratings through our own testing, customer feedback and design knowledge. Most of the items in our catalog we have been making for years, which means we have lots of prior knowledge from everyday consumers on what ratings are accurate.’ EN stantards do not apply to quilts so Western Mountaineering have shown the lowest comfortable temperature rating when used with an insulated mat.

Our Verdict

Western Mountaineering Astralite Down Quilt is really light, super packable and a great quilt option as an alternative to traditional sleeping bags. Perfect for those lightweight, minimalist adventures.

Western Mountaineering down gear has an awesome reputation in the US and that reputation is beginning to build on this side of the pond. Very high quality materials design and construction results in the lightest bags/quilts available for a given warmth.  

An example of their attention to detail is their quoted 850+ fill power down used in all their bags: WM quote this figure even though their down generally gets higher ratings in official tests this is because they feel that the official pre-testing preparation enhances the down quality!

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Insulated draft yoke
• Flat elastic pad straps for pad attachment and quilt closure
• 850+ fill power down
• Made in USA
• 12d shell fabric/10d liner

Specifications

• Shape: Quilt
• Rating: -3°C / 26° F *
• Highest Quality minimum 850+ fill power goose down
• 12d shell fabric/10d liner

Regular

• Length: 180cm / 5’8″
• Brand states weight as: 454g (excludes stuff sack)
• Fill weight: 298g
• Loft: 11cm
• Packed size: 15 x 25cm

Long

• Length: 200cm / 6’4″
• Brand states weight as: 496g (excludes stuff sack)
• Fill weight: 319g
• Loft: 11cm
• Packed size: 15 x 25cm

More About Western Mountaineering:

• Western Mountaineering Construction
• Western Mountaineering Materials

Help and advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Lightweight Sleeping Bags
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Sleeping Bag
• Why Choose a Backpacking Quilt?
• Down Quality
• All About Down
• Hydrophobic Down
• Responsible Down Standard
• Ethical Down