🏕 👉 Help Support AND Shape Dose of Dirt through Patreon: www.patreon.com/DoseofDirt You can vote in polls to help decide what gear to buy, test, review, and then give away to Patreon members! All gear purchased with Patreon funds will be given away to Patreon members! (Lots of other benefits too!) ⚙Gear Links⚙ -Don’t buy this quilt: amzn.to/3UxYzfj The quilts I recommend instead: -Paria Thermodown 15F: shrsl.com/4bwl6 -Paria Thermodown 30F: shrsl.com/4ejsi Inflatable Pad Used (Paria Recharge XL): -On Amazon: (no longer available on Amazon) -On Paria Website: shrsl.com/4bwl4 Closed Cell Foam Pad I Used: amzn.to/4a2ZLwd Pillows Used -Gear Doctors Inflatable: amzn.to/4a54PAy -Teton Sports Camp pillow: amzn.to/46Ho54b Thermodrop thermometer: bit.ly/ThermoDrop Some of the links above are affiliate links. Buying things with the links doesn’t change the amount you pay, but helps support the channel since Dose of Dirt would receive a percentage of the sale. Using the links is a free and easy way to support Dose of Dirt so I can continue bringing you great content!
Kudos for stating all the temperature ratings in Celsius as well, A lot of channels from the States forget they have others watching from around the world who hate having to constantly convert fahrenheit to Celsius on their phones whilst watching.
@@evanf1443no one outside of USA gives a temperature reading of "4,3°C" or anything like that. That comes, if you convert fahrenheit to celsius and can be done vise versa: 23°C is 73,4 fahrenheit.
After watching several of your review videos I tried Paria products and I couldn’t be happier with them. I have both quilts and the 0 degree sleeping bag.. very happy with them!
That's awesome! As I was listing out the gear used in this video I realized there was a lot of Paria. 😂 But for legit warm budget bags and quilts, I haven't found a better option! I'm so glad you've had the same experience!
Man, do I wish this video existed 6 months ago. I also experienced the many drawbacks of the SD Nitro 20 this past August in the Canadian Rockies. I went to bed wearing my base layers, fleece, socks, and beanie and woke up an hour later uncontrollably shivering. I ended up being fine after putting on my puffy and literally all my other clothes, but I was definitely surprised I got so cold, so fast on a night where lows probably only reached the low 40s at most, especially when I experienced no problems with the quilt at lower elevations. I'm definitely going to have to get creative and diy some pad straps if I ever plan on taking it up in the mountains again. Great video - hopefully it will save others the same headache!
Uuggggghhhh. That is the WORST. I'm glad it all worked out alright in the end, but sorry you dropped $100-$200 on this quilt. Such a bummer. Thanks for being willing to share your experience here. Helps me know I'm not crazy for not having a bad experience with this quilt.
I have a Sierra Designs quilt that I've had for several years and I've been really happy with it. What I like so much about it that sets it apart from any other quilt is the built-in hood pocket. I've never had an issue with moisture buildup. When I use the hood I leave my mouth and nose exposed just like I would in a mummy bag.
@@DoseofDirt First, I should clarify I don't have the 20 degree quilt, I have a higher temp rated quilt. Mine claims it's rated to 42 degrees comfort and I think 33 on the low end. That said, I think I have had it down to freezing temps (I didn't track the overnight temp) and I bundled up with multiple layers and a down jacket and it still wasn't what I would call a comfortable nights sleep. I don't necessarily disagree with you assessment of the temp rating accuracy. I just really like the built-in hood and think it's really nifty feature, and the hand pockets to some extent, but that's just me. I was planning on getting the 20 degree quilt however your video has given me pause. While I do like the quirky features, my primary reason for getting the 20 degree quilt is for cold winter nights, and if that performance is questionable, then I think I'll continue exploring other options.
@@DToddK You're not alone in liking the quilt! There have been a few people in the comments here that like it, especially the slightly warmer version. Apparently the comfort rating of the 20 degree version is only a few degrees cooler than the comfort rating of the one you have already!
I think you'll like it! I'd love to know what you think when you get it. Their customer service is also EXCELLENT. I had a problem with a sleeping pad once after I'd had it for a couple weeks and they sent me a new one without any fuss. That's pretty rare these days.
@DoseofDirt I bought the recharge xl with help from your insight and I like it. A lil heavy, but it keeps me warm and comfy after letting a lil air out. I'll let ya know when I experience that quilt. Thanks
@@calvintraviserickson Nice! I'm glad to hear that! I heard from someone in another comment section today that they picked up the Paria Recharge XL and it didn't keep them warm. Seems like there may be some inconsistency there, so I'm glad yours (and mine!) has been good! Makes me wonder if they changed it recently or something.
I love mine! It's the first quilt I ever got, but it's still a regular in my rotation, especially in winter. I wish they would make a zero degree for even colder temps, but the 15 usually does the job for me where I am.
Good to see you making videos again ! I couldn’t agree more with the Paria quilt. I’ve had mine for about two years and I’ve had it down in the 20’s with absolutely no chill at all. I mean none. I was totally warm and toasty with it. I’m considering their Thermadown bag too. Thanks for putting this together and keep ‘em coming!!
NICE! Yes, the thermodown 15 quilt is the first quilt I ever bought, and it is awesome! The thermodown 0 bag is also excellent! I wish they would do a zero degree quilt!
I've got the 35F and it's been ~fine~. Not great, but not a let down, especially since I only paid about $90 for it. The hand pockets are silly lol. Ninja mask mode is how I normally use it, no big issues with condensation even though i'm a mouth breather. There's def condensation, but not like, so much it's a problem. I bought a set of sheet holders for my bed a while ago, elastic straps with clamps on them. One of them lives in the bag with the Nitro. The bag is a bit too silly, but if you can get it for a deal and treat it as 5-10F warmer than it says... I'll probably be picking up the Paria 15F as an inner bag to pair with the nitro for really cold nights.
I'd be careful using the Nitro as a top layer. I did it once with the 35 over a SD Get Down 20 and had massive condensation problems between the layers which I'm going to blame on the Nitro because I've layered over the Get Down 20 with a different bag and had no problems at all. Fortunately, I woke up before it got through the inner layer and I threw it off, but because I was still mostly asleep I forgot to kick off the footbox. In the morning both footboxes were soaking wet, but to Sierra's credit it still hadn't soaked completely through either one and my feet were still plenty warm.
@@Im_With_Stupid yeah, I've experienced this a bit in my car when camping, the more I think about it the more I just want to buy the Paria 15 bag and 30 quilt lol
@@TheWillRogers Well, truth be told, layering is only worth it if you already have a variety of differently rated bags and quilts to work with. Even then, sometimes it backfires, like happened to me with the Nitro 35. If you don't and have to buy them, you're better off putting all the money into a single bag with the right rating for whatever you'd be layering for. This way, with all the money going to a single item you can step up in quality.
I was honestly surprised on the results of the sierra designs quilt. I've also heard so many great things about their products. Including this quilt. I'm not sure I would even rate that thing as a 50 degree quilt. It's almost scary to think of scenarios where someone would buy it. I've seen it and other sierra designs ads flood social media. Maybe I was just reading a bunch of their reviews which we all know can be manufactured. Someone who is inexperienced might actually take that quilt out on a 20 to 25 degree night without other gear thinking they will be warm could really be in a lot of trouble. That thing shouldn't even be on the market listed less than 50 degrees. They claim to test their gear, too. Anyway. Enough with that. As for Paria Outdoors. Their stuff is top notch at a price point that makes sense. I don't think I've had a bad experience with their gear. I haven't purchased much from them but the few I have purchased I either still have or have passed them on to others that needed good quality gear they could trust to get the job done. I really like their pad strap design also. Paria Outdoors is always a first recommendation from me in bags and quilts for budget friendly gear. Great review and video as always. Look forward to the next one.
I completely agree with you. I hesitated coming out so hard on this quilt, but especially since it's advertised as a 20F and has such good ratings I didn't want anyone to buy it and rely on it sub zero. And as if $200 isn't enough, it's actually listed a $270 (!!!!) on the Sierra Designs website! That's just an insane price for this quilt. I think my $60 quilt is better. As for Paria, totally agree with you there as well. I've always loved all their gear that I have. Sounds like you and I think alike!
Another very good video from you. Paria gear as a very good reputation. I had a talk with them and they are very friendly and have a very good customer service. I'll buy from them that's for sure. P.S. Did you know that you're suffering from the GJS??? Just saying... (Gear Junkie's Syndrome)
Ha! Definitely suffering from GJS! It's a chronic case! And yes, Paria has EXCELLENT customer service. I had an issue with a pad once and they sent me a new one super fast. Love their stuff!
Absolutely! Here's the three that I used: Thermodrop thermometer: bit.ly/ThermoDrop (keychain sized thermometer, you can scroll through current, high, & low) White thermometer in quilt (shows current, high, & low): www.walmart.com/ip/Acurite-White-Digital-Indoor-Thermometer-with-Compact-Display-Battery-Powered-1-x-3-75-x-6-25/188541548?athbdg=L1600&adsRedirect=true White thermometer with outside sensor (used to show temp outside and temp in tent, current, high, & low for both): www.walmart.com/ip/AcuRite-Battery-Powered-Indoor-Outdoor-Digital-Thermometer-with-Clock-White-3-5-H-x-2-3-W-x-1-2-D/45810751?athbdg=L1600&from=/search
Excellent information. I recently found your channel (+1 sub) and was initially excited to find a fellow local (Utah) hiker/backpacker; glad to see the channel is still active with new "dirty" content from Virginia. I've been researching quilts for upgrading my backpacking adventures this summer. What are your thoughts on the Zenbivy system? They just announced an ultralight version that looks really tempting...however they are often mentioned by some of the more popular channels (e.g., Dan Becker, MyLifeOutdoors, Backcountry Exposure, etc.) and not sure if I'm getting an 'honest' recommendation and more of a paid endorsement at times. I've also looked at quilts by Enlightened Equipment (revelation/enigma) and the Katabatic (flex/palisade); so many opinions and options, and based on this video I now need to add (and research) Paria into the mix :)
Hey fellow Utahn! I'll be honest, I miss the mountains! The forests here on the east coast are incredible, but dang I miss those mountains! I have always wanted to try the Zenbivy system, but haven't had a chance so can't really give an informed opinion. I will say that I definitely trust Stephen from mylifeoutdoors. He's not afraid to share bad experiences, even if it's from a sponsor's product. My favorite quilts thus far are from hammock gear because with the 30% off around black friday (and a few other times during the year) they are really affordable for such high quality. But I haven't tried a lot of others that aren't in the budget range because I just can't justify buying a new quilt all the time. 🤣 Wish I could though!
@@DoseofDirt Thanks for the response and perspective. I really enjoy Stephen's content and he definitely seems trustworthy, thanks for the vote of confidence on his opinions. I'm trying to not go too crazy on my quilt research and suffer from some serious analysis paralysis. Trying to balance cost versus features versus weight. I also can't justify getting new gear every year. Also, my family lived in New England for 12 years before moving back to Utah, I do miss hiking the forests and "hills" of the east (although, I don't miss all the ticks or the humidity). I'll be in Virginia next month visiting family and will be checking out Shenandoah N.P. to try out some new hiking gear. Cheers!
@@craig-olsen Ugh the TICKS! I honestly never gave ticks a single thought until I moved out here. I guess there are some in Utah, but I've never seen one or gotten one, and never took any precautions. Here in VA they are EVERYWHERE! I still haven't ever gotten one on trail thanks to the picaridin and permethrin combo I use, but the kids get them just playing in the yard! Enjoy SNP while you're here!
Great review. Thanks for sharing. Could you also explain why you have your pad/mat set up the way you do? The closed cell with silver on top and air on bottom. Does that crest more warmth rather than closed cell on bottom and then the air?
When heat radiates through the inflatable a portion of it is lost both going down to the CCF pad and again after it's reflected back up. Some of it is lost out the sides, too. The thicker your inflatable the more these things are a problem. Putting the CCF pad on top lets it do the same job it does on the bottom, but before any of this cooling or side loss takes place. If you have a pad with a very high R-value and an appropriately rated sleeping bag you probably won't notice any difference, but if the temperature is really pushing their limits you can get a noticeable improvement by putting the CCF pad on top. The CCF pad is also more cushiony than a lot of inflatables and just feels better.
Thanks for this excellent response! The only thing I'll add is that I've tried it both ways with this same pad/quilt combination, and it is more comfortable and warmer with the CCF on top. I hadn't had a chance to think through why that might be, but this explanation makes so much sense! Thanks for taking the time to share your insight and experience!
It is quite packable since it's all down (duck down). I pack it at the bottom of my pack and use a compacter bag as a compression bag to really get the size down. 36 should be ok depending on what other gear you're taking.
I've tried it both ways and this feels warmer and more comfortable. Probably comes down to personal preference. It would be super interesting if a company would do an EN/ISO rating on both setups to see which is warmer scientifically speaking.
You were cold in a Quilt that is made for hammock camping. You also were 10 degrees under its comfort rating. A winter quilt should be a 20°F COMFORT RATED minimum. Stop being a ground dweller and man up into a hammock. Sure there's a learning curve, but you'll never go back to a tent after using a hammock. Well unless you're camping above tree line or in a dessert. You took a Quilt well below its comfort rating and were uncomfortable. Nothing surprising here. Do you ever wonder how much better off you would be if you bought a few quality items rather than a bunch of budget gear? With all the money you spend on budget items, you could have a few high quality items. You bought two cheapo quilts when you could have bought one Quality quilt from hammock gear, Katabatic or another cottage company quilt.
There is absolutely no marketing material on the Sierra Designs website that suggests the Nitro quilt is for hammocks only. in fact, the video below the Nitro 20 on their web page specifically shows a person putting the quilt into a tent. Not a hammock. It is true that he pushed the temperature limits of that quilt. The Nitro 20 has an EN Comfort Rating of 32F. 21F is the quilt's EN Lower Limit rating. He may also have benefited from tossing the quilt in the dryer on "low" or "air fluff" for a short time to fluff up the down if it looked like it had been some cold spots.
I'm not a confrontational guy, but will respond to your confrontational comment. 1. The promotional materials for this quilt advertise it for ground sleepers as well. I don't remember ever even seeing it used in a hammock in the information I looked at both before and after I purchased the quilt, but I could have missed it. 2. Not everyone wants to sleep in a hammock or backpacks in a place where they are able to. There's no one right way to backpack. For example, I sometimes take my dogs and/or kids backpacking with me and tents are a better option there. I have also backpacked in a lot of places where a hammock wasn't an option. Now that I'm on the east coast, it is definitely an option but not something I've had the chance to get into yet. When I do it will have nothing to do with "manning up". 3. I took the quilt 9F degrees below the comfort rating, and was 100% honest about that in the video. I stated several times that I took it below the comfort rating. The forecasted temp was only 5 degrees below the comfort rating. Typically with an EN/ISO rated bag, that works for me. I put trust in the EN/ISO rating that I should not have because it actually doesn't exist for quilts. 3. The seller of this quilt advertises it to be a 20F quilt. I know a lot of sellers do this, but I think it's dishonest. A lot of people will pick it up thinking they will be toasty warm down to 20F, which they definitely will not be. If they want to advertise it as a 20F quilt then it feels like it should be fair game to test it to those temps and share my experience. 4. Not everyone can afford to drop thousands of gear on backpacking equipment. Of course we'd all love to, but that's just not the reality for some people. My experience is that many people start out with more affordable gear, realize they love it, and then slowly upgrade as they are able to. But if they hadn't been able to find reasonably good affordable gear to begin with then they never would have gotten into it. A fat bank account shouldn't be a requirement for backpacking. 5. Have you considered that perhaps my channel isn't about finding the best gear money can buy for me, but instead trying out highly rated affordable gear and sharing my thoughts about it to hopefully help others get into backpacking or enjoy their backpacking experience more without breaking the bank? I have some expensive gear that I have purchased for specific situations. I love those gear items. I'm grateful I've been able to do that and have recommended those gear items for those situations. But willingness to buy a $600 tent and $400 pack and $500 sleep system shouldn't be a requirement for backpacking. . I'm glad you love backpacking. Stop gatekeeping it for others who do it differently than you do.
@@DoseofDirt I understand that might be the philosophy of your channel and I am sure it's a needed and appreciated philosophy. I just don't know if I would personally get an item and then crap all over it because I was uncomfortable after pushing it past its philosophy of use. I researched heavily and purchased the quality stuff(lots of overtime at work). I followed the buy once cry once philosophy.
I found a sierra designs down jacket at sierra trading post last year and i would gladly have paid full price after using it. Its too bad this quilt was not that awesome. I am a big dude and have been itching to buy the paria anyway.
I received a Nitro 20 quilt for Christmas. I was able to get out at the end of January for a quick overnight backpacking trip with our Scout troop. The temperature was 34 degrees F at 5:30 PM and dropped to 29 degrees F overnight. I stayed really warm the entire night. I was wearing my base layer, a stocking cap, and wool socks. I did utilize the hood feature and had no issues with condensation. I do agree that if there were pad straps, it would be even warmer. Thank you for your review and the information about the Paria products.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Based on the wide variety of experiences with this quilt, it seems like at the very least they have a really bad consistency problem. You'll see in the comments that a few have liked it and others have commented that their experiences has been the same as mine.
Kids n I have been using Paria 15 bags for 2 years October-April in 20- 45f degree weather. Have had them dozens of nights in tent and hammock. Not a single complaint.
NICE! Love to hear that! The Paria 15 is SO GOOD! I really wish they would do a 0 degree version. Also, well done taking the kids backpacking. I love it when my kids come with me. Always a good time!
Thanks for this! I have products from both SD and Paria. I like my SD tent, but I also love my Paria tent and quilt. Had thought about picking the Nitro up, but your review has changed my mind...
It looks like there are a few people here in the comments that like it. For me it's still a no-go without the straps and the lack of warmth at promised temps. I could maybe see paying $100 for it, but $200 or $269 (the list price on the website!) is just WAY too much in my mind.
My man....I will be in Colorado by winter, another gem from Paria, I'm gonna try and see if i can visit with Paria once I'm in Colorado....that was a stellar review.!!!!!!
Dang, that would be awesome to check out their facility in Denver. I think I may be in CO this summer, so maybe I should see if I can check it out as well. If you're able to, I'd love to hear about it!
Man, I would love that! I definitely recommend their gear enough! 😂 Would be great if you could all get some savings! Maybe it would be worth me asking.
I sewed two straps onto my Nitro, which made it slightly more usable. It's still such a weird design, and I feel like a lot of down is wasted in the large section at the top with the flappy hand pockets and the head hole. If that had been eliminated for a more traditional quilt design, they could have added that down fill to the rest of the quilt body to make it warmer. Sometimes you look at a product design and go, "What were they thinking?" It's probably okay as a hammock camping quilt but I've yet to actually test it out in that usage.
I own the SD Nitro 20 and I’ve tried it in 27 deg weather in a no-tarp bivy and I was fine. I think the way bivys are enclosed help keep the quilt in a wrapped configuration. In a tent the quilt kinda goes all over the place (I don’t use straps), so yea that kinda sucks. Thanks for the video!
I'm glad your experience was better than mine! It's interesting to see that in the comments there are some who like this quilt and others who had my same experience. Maybe their main problem (other than lack of straps for me) is consistency.
I have that same sierra designs quilt. I only have 4 nights with it in a hammock in mid fall. For my intended purposes it works for me and I am happy my my purchase so far. I'll have to do more testing! A great excuse for a much needed camping trip 😂
Thanks for sharing your experience with it! Honestly, I can see how it could work in a hammock and not in cold weather. I'm a ground dweller, which is why I really need those pad straps. Always great to have another excuse to go camping! 😂 I'm curious, did yours have the same issues with down migration and cold spots?
@@DoseofDirt I did not experience cold spots but I have to admit, I am a very cold sleeper so I layered up big time lol. I have not experienced the mitigation either, but like I said, I only used it for a long hunting weekend in late October in the Maryland mountains. Glad to see you posting again man! One of my favorite TH-cam channels. You have helped me on my backpacking journey. I love the budget mind set for us common folk! 🤘
I have the 35f version of this quilt and I really like it, but it's something I only use down to around the mid/upper 40s and on a wide pad because the design of it just isn't going to hold a lot of heat, especially on a skinny pad, although you could probably help it along with some tarp clips and shock cord or elastic banding to keep it wrapped around you better. If one is handy with a sewing machine or wanted to invest in taking it to an alteration shop they could have this feature sewn on permanently. That expense would only be worth it if they already have the quilt, though. One thing I don't like about it, and it might not have anything to do with the quilt itself, is that I like to layer my sleeping gear and the first (and only) time I tried it with this quilt I had some insane moisture build up between the layers that I don't experience with other bags/quilts as a top layer over the same inner layer. My assumption is there's something going on with the material that's preventing that moisture from passing through, but I don't know what it would be because it works just fine on it's own. Regarding the Amazon rating, when variants of products are all sold on the same store page, the review ratings for all variants get lumped together. I imagine the 35f quilt is a lot better and more popular than the 20f and the review score is probably mostly based on that one.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the 35F! I could see the 35F being more attractive since the comfort rating is probably 45-50F. At those temps, I don't think the straps are nearly as critical. That is really strange that you had such a problem with moisture buildup when you used it as a top layer for your sleep system. It makes me want to try to replicate that in a test.
The comfort rating on the 35 is actually 37 and the limit is 27. You know, I've never actually paid much attention to the differences between the two versions until just now and I see that the comfort raging on the 20 is 32, 12 degrees higher, and the limit is 21. That's a very broad spread for something they named the Nitro 20, much broader than the 35, and the comfort rating isn't even close to 20, whereas it's very close on the 35. The 20 appears to have only 5 ounces of additional fill over the 35 (1lb, 4oz vs 1lb, 9oz item weight) and that'd certainly account for why the advertised comfort rating of the 20 is barely lower than that of the 35. The insulation is nearly identical. This really is something Sierra Designs needs to address.
@@Im_With_Stupid Wow, that is SUPER interesting. The 35f has a comfort rating of 37 (just 2 degrees above the advertised number, which I think is fair), but the Nitro 20 comfort rating is 32 (12 degrees higher than the advertised rating). That DEFINITELY feels fishy. It sounds like they are essentially the same quilt (just 7 degrees difference) but they charge a lot more for the Nitro 20... This also makes sense that you'd be happier with the 35f than I was with the Nitro 20, because it performs more as expected! Thanks for sharing the info!
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You can vote in polls to help decide what gear to buy, test, review, and then give away to Patreon members! All gear purchased with Patreon funds will be given away to Patreon members! (Lots of other benefits too!)
⚙Gear Links⚙
-Don’t buy this quilt: amzn.to/3UxYzfj
The quilts I recommend instead:
-Paria Thermodown 15F: shrsl.com/4bwl6
-Paria Thermodown 30F: shrsl.com/4ejsi
Inflatable Pad Used (Paria Recharge XL):
-On Amazon: (no longer available on Amazon)
-On Paria Website: shrsl.com/4bwl4
Closed Cell Foam Pad I Used: amzn.to/4a2ZLwd
Pillows Used
-Gear Doctors Inflatable: amzn.to/4a54PAy
-Teton Sports Camp pillow: amzn.to/46Ho54b
Thermodrop thermometer: bit.ly/ThermoDrop
Some of the links above are affiliate links. Buying things with the links doesn’t change the amount you pay, but helps support the channel since Dose of Dirt would receive a percentage of the sale. Using the links is a free and easy way to support Dose of Dirt so I can continue bringing you great content!
Kudos for stating all the temperature ratings in Celsius as well, A lot of channels from the States forget they have others watching from around the world who hate having to constantly convert fahrenheit to Celsius on their phones whilst watching.
I'm glad it was helpful! I'll make sure to keep doing it! I honestly just wish US would start using Celsius like the rest of the world! 😆
@@DoseofDirtpersonally I like not having to use so many decimal places, I think the rest of the world should use Fahrenheit more.
@@evanf1443no one outside of USA gives a temperature reading of "4,3°C" or anything like that. That comes, if you convert fahrenheit to celsius and can be done vise versa: 23°C is 73,4 fahrenheit.
After watching several of your review videos I tried Paria products and I couldn’t be happier with them. I have both quilts and the 0 degree sleeping bag.. very happy with them!
That's awesome! As I was listing out the gear used in this video I realized there was a lot of Paria. 😂 But for legit warm budget bags and quilts, I haven't found a better option! I'm so glad you've had the same experience!
Man, do I wish this video existed 6 months ago. I also experienced the many drawbacks of the SD Nitro 20 this past August in the Canadian Rockies. I went to bed wearing my base layers, fleece, socks, and beanie and woke up an hour later uncontrollably shivering. I ended up being fine after putting on my puffy and literally all my other clothes, but I was definitely surprised I got so cold, so fast on a night where lows probably only reached the low 40s at most, especially when I experienced no problems with the quilt at lower elevations. I'm definitely going to have to get creative and diy some pad straps if I ever plan on taking it up in the mountains again.
Great video - hopefully it will save others the same headache!
Uuggggghhhh. That is the WORST. I'm glad it all worked out alright in the end, but sorry you dropped $100-$200 on this quilt. Such a bummer.
Thanks for being willing to share your experience here. Helps me know I'm not crazy for not having a bad experience with this quilt.
I have a Sierra Designs quilt that I've had for several years and I've been really happy with it. What I like so much about it that sets it apart from any other quilt is the built-in hood pocket. I've never had an issue with moisture buildup. When I use the hood I leave my mouth and nose exposed just like I would in a mummy bag.
I'm glad it has worked for you! Out of curiosity, have you taken it down to or below freezing? I'm just wondering if my experience is a fluke!
@@DoseofDirt First, I should clarify I don't have the 20 degree quilt, I have a higher temp rated quilt. Mine claims it's rated to 42 degrees comfort and I think 33 on the low end. That said, I think I have had it down to freezing temps (I didn't track the overnight temp) and I bundled up with multiple layers and a down jacket and it still wasn't what I would call a comfortable nights sleep. I don't necessarily disagree with you assessment of the temp rating accuracy. I just really like the built-in hood and think it's really nifty feature, and the hand pockets to some extent, but that's just me. I was planning on getting the 20 degree quilt however your video has given me pause. While I do like the quirky features, my primary reason for getting the 20 degree quilt is for cold winter nights, and if that performance is questionable, then I think I'll continue exploring other options.
@@DToddK You're not alone in liking the quilt! There have been a few people in the comments here that like it, especially the slightly warmer version. Apparently the comfort rating of the 20 degree version is only a few degrees cooler than the comfort rating of the one you have already!
I've used this quilt for 2'years. Love it.
Glad to hear you like it! Goes to show that different gear works for different people!
I am very new to hiking but I really appreciate this channel. Thank you for the great reviews .
That's awesome you're getting into hiking! The mountains and the forests are my favorite places. Hope they become yours as well!
My son loves his Paria O that you recommended. Great build quality for the price.
Hey hey! I'm glad to hear that! That 0 degree thermodown is awesome! Such a great bag at that price! I just wish they would do a 0 degree quilt!
Thanks for all the reviews!
of course! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Of course! Thanks for watching!
Awesome, going to buy that Pariah 15 asap. I've been looking for a budget warmer quilt for a while and this just may be it. Thanks
I think you'll like it! I'd love to know what you think when you get it. Their customer service is also EXCELLENT. I had a problem with a sleeping pad once after I'd had it for a couple weeks and they sent me a new one without any fuss. That's pretty rare these days.
@DoseofDirt I bought the recharge xl with help from your insight and I like it. A lil heavy, but it keeps me warm and comfy after letting a lil air out. I'll let ya know when I experience that quilt. Thanks
@@calvintraviserickson Nice! I'm glad to hear that! I heard from someone in another comment section today that they picked up the Paria Recharge XL and it didn't keep them warm. Seems like there may be some inconsistency there, so I'm glad yours (and mine!) has been good! Makes me wonder if they changed it recently or something.
Just found your channel and immediatly subbed. Greeting from germany ✌️
Hey! Thanks for subbing! I"ve been to Germany but haven't backpacked there (maybe some day!). The forests look amazing!
Thanks for the vid man! Im def getting that 15 degree quilt!
I love mine! It's the first quilt I ever got, but it's still a regular in my rotation, especially in winter. I wish they would make a zero degree for even colder temps, but the 15 usually does the job for me where I am.
Another great option is the featherstone moondance 25 but only if you get it on sale. just got mine for $152 and its great quilt
Ah yes! I've been wanting to try this one, but haven't gotten my hands on one yet! $152 is a great price! Thanks for sharing!
From what I can find, duck down may actually be a better choice than goose.
If that's the case then that's great news! A better choice that's cheaper is awesome!
Good to see you making videos again !
I couldn’t agree more with the Paria quilt. I’ve had mine for about two years and I’ve had it down in the 20’s with absolutely no chill at all. I mean none. I was totally warm and toasty with it. I’m considering their Thermadown bag too.
Thanks for putting this together and keep ‘em coming!!
NICE! Yes, the thermodown 15 quilt is the first quilt I ever bought, and it is awesome! The thermodown 0 bag is also excellent! I wish they would do a zero degree quilt!
I've got the 35F and it's been ~fine~. Not great, but not a let down, especially since I only paid about $90 for it. The hand pockets are silly lol. Ninja mask mode is how I normally use it, no big issues with condensation even though i'm a mouth breather. There's def condensation, but not like, so much it's a problem. I bought a set of sheet holders for my bed a while ago, elastic straps with clamps on them. One of them lives in the bag with the Nitro. The bag is a bit too silly, but if you can get it for a deal and treat it as 5-10F warmer than it says... I'll probably be picking up the Paria 15F as an inner bag to pair with the nitro for really cold nights.
I'd be careful using the Nitro as a top layer. I did it once with the 35 over a SD Get Down 20 and had massive condensation problems between the layers which I'm going to blame on the Nitro because I've layered over the Get Down 20 with a different bag and had no problems at all. Fortunately, I woke up before it got through the inner layer and I threw it off, but because I was still mostly asleep I forgot to kick off the footbox. In the morning both footboxes were soaking wet, but to Sierra's credit it still hadn't soaked completely through either one and my feet were still plenty warm.
@@Im_With_Stupid yeah, I've experienced this a bit in my car when camping, the more I think about it the more I just want to buy the Paria 15 bag and 30 quilt lol
@@TheWillRogers Well, truth be told, layering is only worth it if you already have a variety of differently rated bags and quilts to work with. Even then, sometimes it backfires, like happened to me with the Nitro 35. If you don't and have to buy them, you're better off putting all the money into a single bag with the right rating for whatever you'd be layering for. This way, with all the money going to a single item you can step up in quality.
I was honestly surprised on the results of the sierra designs quilt. I've also heard so many great things about their products. Including this quilt. I'm not sure I would even rate that thing as a 50 degree quilt. It's almost scary to think of scenarios where someone would buy it. I've seen it and other sierra designs ads flood social media. Maybe I was just reading a bunch of their reviews which we all know can be manufactured. Someone who is inexperienced might actually take that quilt out on a 20 to 25 degree night without other gear thinking they will be warm could really be in a lot of trouble. That thing shouldn't even be on the market listed less than 50 degrees. They claim to test their gear, too. Anyway. Enough with that.
As for Paria Outdoors. Their stuff is top notch at a price point that makes sense. I don't think I've had a bad experience with their gear. I haven't purchased much from them but the few I have purchased I either still have or have passed them on to others that needed good quality gear they could trust to get the job done. I really like their pad strap design also. Paria Outdoors is always a first recommendation from me in bags and quilts for budget friendly gear. Great review and video as always. Look forward to the next one.
I completely agree with you. I hesitated coming out so hard on this quilt, but especially since it's advertised as a 20F and has such good ratings I didn't want anyone to buy it and rely on it sub zero. And as if $200 isn't enough, it's actually listed a $270 (!!!!) on the Sierra Designs website! That's just an insane price for this quilt. I think my $60 quilt is better. As for Paria, totally agree with you there as well. I've always loved all their gear that I have. Sounds like you and I think alike!
@@DoseofDirt We do think quite a bit alike on a lot of things based on what I've seen from your videos.
Another very good video from you. Paria gear as a very good reputation. I had a talk with them and they are very friendly and have a very good customer service. I'll buy from them that's for sure.
P.S. Did you know that you're suffering from the GJS??? Just saying...
(Gear Junkie's Syndrome)
Ha! Definitely suffering from GJS! It's a chronic case!
And yes, Paria has EXCELLENT customer service. I had an issue with a pad once and they sent me a new one super fast. Love their stuff!
Thanks for the review. Can you post a link to the thermometer you use in this video?
Absolutely! Here's the three that I used:
Thermodrop thermometer: bit.ly/ThermoDrop (keychain sized thermometer, you can scroll through current, high, & low)
White thermometer in quilt (shows current, high, & low): www.walmart.com/ip/Acurite-White-Digital-Indoor-Thermometer-with-Compact-Display-Battery-Powered-1-x-3-75-x-6-25/188541548?athbdg=L1600&adsRedirect=true
White thermometer with outside sensor (used to show temp outside and temp in tent, current, high, & low for both): www.walmart.com/ip/AcuRite-Battery-Powered-Indoor-Outdoor-Digital-Thermometer-with-Clock-White-3-5-H-x-2-3-W-x-1-2-D/45810751?athbdg=L1600&from=/search
Excellent information. I recently found your channel (+1 sub) and was initially excited to find a fellow local (Utah) hiker/backpacker; glad to see the channel is still active with new "dirty" content from Virginia. I've been researching quilts for upgrading my backpacking adventures this summer. What are your thoughts on the Zenbivy system? They just announced an ultralight version that looks really tempting...however they are often mentioned by some of the more popular channels (e.g., Dan Becker, MyLifeOutdoors, Backcountry Exposure, etc.) and not sure if I'm getting an 'honest' recommendation and more of a paid endorsement at times. I've also looked at quilts by Enlightened Equipment (revelation/enigma) and the Katabatic (flex/palisade); so many opinions and options, and based on this video I now need to add (and research) Paria into the mix :)
Hey fellow Utahn! I'll be honest, I miss the mountains! The forests here on the east coast are incredible, but dang I miss those mountains!
I have always wanted to try the Zenbivy system, but haven't had a chance so can't really give an informed opinion. I will say that I definitely trust Stephen from mylifeoutdoors. He's not afraid to share bad experiences, even if it's from a sponsor's product. My favorite quilts thus far are from hammock gear because with the 30% off around black friday (and a few other times during the year) they are really affordable for such high quality. But I haven't tried a lot of others that aren't in the budget range because I just can't justify buying a new quilt all the time. 🤣 Wish I could though!
@@DoseofDirt Thanks for the response and perspective. I really enjoy Stephen's content and he definitely seems trustworthy, thanks for the vote of confidence on his opinions. I'm trying to not go too crazy on my quilt research and suffer from some serious analysis paralysis. Trying to balance cost versus features versus weight. I also can't justify getting new gear every year. Also, my family lived in New England for 12 years before moving back to Utah, I do miss hiking the forests and "hills" of the east (although, I don't miss all the ticks or the humidity). I'll be in Virginia next month visiting family and will be checking out Shenandoah N.P. to try out some new hiking gear. Cheers!
@@craig-olsen Ugh the TICKS! I honestly never gave ticks a single thought until I moved out here. I guess there are some in Utah, but I've never seen one or gotten one, and never took any precautions. Here in VA they are EVERYWHERE! I still haven't ever gotten one on trail thanks to the picaridin and permethrin combo I use, but the kids get them just playing in the yard!
Enjoy SNP while you're here!
Great review. Thanks for sharing. Could you also explain why you have your pad/mat set up the way you do? The closed cell with silver on top and air on bottom. Does that crest more warmth rather than closed cell on bottom and then the air?
When heat radiates through the inflatable a portion of it is lost both going down to the CCF pad and again after it's reflected back up. Some of it is lost out the sides, too. The thicker your inflatable the more these things are a problem. Putting the CCF pad on top lets it do the same job it does on the bottom, but before any of this cooling or side loss takes place. If you have a pad with a very high R-value and an appropriately rated sleeping bag you probably won't notice any difference, but if the temperature is really pushing their limits you can get a noticeable improvement by putting the CCF pad on top. The CCF pad is also more cushiony than a lot of inflatables and just feels better.
@@Im_With_Stupid thanks. Great explanation.
Thanks for this excellent response! The only thing I'll add is that I've tried it both ways with this same pad/quilt combination, and it is more comfortable and warmer with the CCF on top. I hadn't had a chance to think through why that might be, but this explanation makes so much sense! Thanks for taking the time to share your insight and experience!
How packable is this quilt? You think I could I pack it into the bottom of my 36L pack for an overnight trip?
It is quite packable since it's all down (duck down). I pack it at the bottom of my pack and use a compacter bag as a compression bag to really get the size down. 36 should be ok depending on what other gear you're taking.
Why is your foam May on top? That doesn’t let your air pad to properly warm you up
It has been recommended since past couple years. First one I saw who recommended it was Alinsdau.
I've tried it both ways and this feels warmer and more comfortable. Probably comes down to personal preference. It would be super interesting if a company would do an EN/ISO rating on both setups to see which is warmer scientifically speaking.
What backpack would you recommend for those with a budget of $100? Or should I try and find one second hand somewhere.
Teton Sports price to quality and features are probably the best bet...hope this helps
The nitro is over $400 in Canada, seems like a rip off to me.
FOUR HUNDRED?!?! Wow. That's just unbelievable.
Its 237 euro rn lol
You were cold in a Quilt that is made for hammock camping. You also were 10 degrees under its comfort rating. A winter quilt should be a 20°F COMFORT RATED minimum.
Stop being a ground dweller and man up into a hammock. Sure there's a learning curve, but you'll never go back to a tent after using a hammock. Well unless you're camping above tree line or in a dessert.
You took a Quilt well below its comfort rating and were uncomfortable. Nothing surprising here. Do you ever wonder how much better off you would be if you bought a few quality items rather than a bunch of budget gear? With all the money you spend on budget items, you could have a few high quality items. You bought two cheapo quilts when you could have bought one Quality quilt from hammock gear, Katabatic or another cottage company quilt.
There is absolutely no marketing material on the Sierra Designs website that suggests the Nitro quilt is for hammocks only. in fact, the video below the Nitro 20 on their web page specifically shows a person putting the quilt into a tent. Not a hammock.
It is true that he pushed the temperature limits of that quilt. The Nitro 20 has an EN Comfort Rating of 32F. 21F is the quilt's EN Lower Limit rating. He may also have benefited from tossing the quilt in the dryer on "low" or "air fluff" for a short time to fluff up the down if it looked like it had been some cold spots.
@@jjmcwill2007 I assumed without pad attachment points it was designed for hammocks
I'm not a confrontational guy, but will respond to your confrontational comment.
1. The promotional materials for this quilt advertise it for ground sleepers as well. I don't remember ever even seeing it used in a hammock in the information I looked at both before and after I purchased the quilt, but I could have missed it.
2. Not everyone wants to sleep in a hammock or backpacks in a place where they are able to. There's no one right way to backpack. For example, I sometimes take my dogs and/or kids backpacking with me and tents are a better option there. I have also backpacked in a lot of places where a hammock wasn't an option. Now that I'm on the east coast, it is definitely an option but not something I've had the chance to get into yet. When I do it will have nothing to do with "manning up".
3. I took the quilt 9F degrees below the comfort rating, and was 100% honest about that in the video. I stated several times that I took it below the comfort rating. The forecasted temp was only 5 degrees below the comfort rating. Typically with an EN/ISO rated bag, that works for me. I put trust in the EN/ISO rating that I should not have because it actually doesn't exist for quilts.
3. The seller of this quilt advertises it to be a 20F quilt. I know a lot of sellers do this, but I think it's dishonest. A lot of people will pick it up thinking they will be toasty warm down to 20F, which they definitely will not be. If they want to advertise it as a 20F quilt then it feels like it should be fair game to test it to those temps and share my experience.
4. Not everyone can afford to drop thousands of gear on backpacking equipment. Of course we'd all love to, but that's just not the reality for some people. My experience is that many people start out with more affordable gear, realize they love it, and then slowly upgrade as they are able to. But if they hadn't been able to find reasonably good affordable gear to begin with then they never would have gotten into it. A fat bank account shouldn't be a requirement for backpacking.
5. Have you considered that perhaps my channel isn't about finding the best gear money can buy for me, but instead trying out highly rated affordable gear and sharing my thoughts about it to hopefully help others get into backpacking or enjoy their backpacking experience more without breaking the bank? I have some expensive gear that I have purchased for specific situations. I love those gear items. I'm grateful I've been able to do that and have recommended those gear items for those situations. But willingness to buy a $600 tent and $400 pack and $500 sleep system shouldn't be a requirement for backpacking.
.
I'm glad you love backpacking. Stop gatekeeping it for others who do it differently than you do.
@@jjmcwill2007 excellent tip for fluffing up a quilt or bag! Thank you!
@@DoseofDirt I understand that might be the philosophy of your channel and I am sure it's a needed and appreciated philosophy. I just don't know if I would personally get an item and then crap all over it because I was uncomfortable after pushing it past its philosophy of use.
I researched heavily and purchased the quality stuff(lots of overtime at work). I followed the buy once cry once philosophy.
“Music” is distracting
Thanks for the feedback!
I found a sierra designs down jacket at sierra trading post last year and i would gladly have paid full price after using it. Its too bad this quilt was not that awesome. I am a big dude and have been itching to buy the paria anyway.
I received a Nitro 20 quilt for Christmas. I was able to get out at the end of January for a quick overnight backpacking trip with our Scout troop. The temperature was 34 degrees F at 5:30 PM and dropped to 29 degrees F overnight. I stayed really warm the entire night. I was wearing my base layer, a stocking cap, and wool socks. I did utilize the hood feature and had no issues with condensation. I do agree that if there were pad straps, it would be even warmer. Thank you for your review and the information about the Paria products.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Based on the wide variety of experiences with this quilt, it seems like at the very least they have a really bad consistency problem. You'll see in the comments that a few have liked it and others have commented that their experiences has been the same as mine.
Kids n I have been using Paria 15 bags for 2 years October-April in 20- 45f degree weather. Have had them dozens of nights in tent and hammock. Not a single complaint.
NICE! Love to hear that! The Paria 15 is SO GOOD! I really wish they would do a 0 degree version. Also, well done taking the kids backpacking. I love it when my kids come with me. Always a good time!
Thanks for this! I have products from both SD and Paria. I like my SD tent, but I also love my Paria tent and quilt. Had thought about picking the Nitro up, but your review has changed my mind...
It looks like there are a few people here in the comments that like it. For me it's still a no-go without the straps and the lack of warmth at promised temps. I could maybe see paying $100 for it, but $200 or $269 (the list price on the website!) is just WAY too much in my mind.
My man....I will be in Colorado by winter, another gem from Paria, I'm gonna try and see if i can visit with Paria once I'm in Colorado....that was a stellar review.!!!!!!
Dang, that would be awesome to check out their facility in Denver. I think I may be in CO this summer, so maybe I should see if I can check it out as well. If you're able to, I'd love to hear about it!
Get Out Gear makes a nice down blanket
Yes! It's light and great for summer. I have one, but only use it during July and August when it is HOT.
After a lot of research and watching numerous videos I just bought this quilt. Thanks for the review. I’m looking forward to trying this out!
I'm afraid to ask, but which quilt did you buy?
Nice work. Would be nice if Paria gave you a discount code
Man, I would love that! I definitely recommend their gear enough! 😂 Would be great if you could all get some savings! Maybe it would be worth me asking.
Oh good your back !
I'm back!
I sewed two straps onto my Nitro, which made it slightly more usable. It's still such a weird design, and I feel like a lot of down is wasted in the large section at the top with the flappy hand pockets and the head hole. If that had been eliminated for a more traditional quilt design, they could have added that down fill to the rest of the quilt body to make it warmer. Sometimes you look at a product design and go, "What were they thinking?" It's probably okay as a hammock camping quilt but I've yet to actually test it out in that usage.
As always a great, thorough review!
Thanks, Jerry!
I own the SD Nitro 20 and I’ve tried it in 27 deg weather in a no-tarp bivy and I was fine. I think the way bivys are enclosed help keep the quilt in a wrapped configuration. In a tent the quilt kinda goes all over the place (I don’t use straps), so yea that kinda sucks. Thanks for the video!
I'm glad your experience was better than mine! It's interesting to see that in the comments there are some who like this quilt and others who had my same experience. Maybe their main problem (other than lack of straps for me) is consistency.
I have that same sierra designs quilt. I only have 4 nights with it in a hammock in mid fall. For my intended purposes it works for me and I am happy my my purchase so far. I'll have to do more testing! A great excuse for a much needed camping trip 😂
Thanks for sharing your experience with it! Honestly, I can see how it could work in a hammock and not in cold weather. I'm a ground dweller, which is why I really need those pad straps. Always great to have another excuse to go camping! 😂 I'm curious, did yours have the same issues with down migration and cold spots?
@@DoseofDirt I did not experience cold spots but I have to admit, I am a very cold sleeper so I layered up big time lol. I have not experienced the mitigation either, but like I said, I only used it for a long hunting weekend in late October in the Maryland mountains. Glad to see you posting again man! One of my favorite TH-cam channels. You have helped me on my backpacking journey. I love the budget mind set for us common folk! 🤘
I have the 35f version of this quilt and I really like it, but it's something I only use down to around the mid/upper 40s and on a wide pad because the design of it just isn't going to hold a lot of heat, especially on a skinny pad, although you could probably help it along with some tarp clips and shock cord or elastic banding to keep it wrapped around you better. If one is handy with a sewing machine or wanted to invest in taking it to an alteration shop they could have this feature sewn on permanently. That expense would only be worth it if they already have the quilt, though.
One thing I don't like about it, and it might not have anything to do with the quilt itself, is that I like to layer my sleeping gear and the first (and only) time I tried it with this quilt I had some insane moisture build up between the layers that I don't experience with other bags/quilts as a top layer over the same inner layer. My assumption is there's something going on with the material that's preventing that moisture from passing through, but I don't know what it would be because it works just fine on it's own.
Regarding the Amazon rating, when variants of products are all sold on the same store page, the review ratings for all variants get lumped together. I imagine the 35f quilt is a lot better and more popular than the 20f and the review score is probably mostly based on that one.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the 35F! I could see the 35F being more attractive since the comfort rating is probably 45-50F. At those temps, I don't think the straps are nearly as critical. That is really strange that you had such a problem with moisture buildup when you used it as a top layer for your sleep system. It makes me want to try to replicate that in a test.
The comfort rating on the 35 is actually 37 and the limit is 27. You know, I've never actually paid much attention to the differences between the two versions until just now and I see that the comfort raging on the 20 is 32, 12 degrees higher, and the limit is 21. That's a very broad spread for something they named the Nitro 20, much broader than the 35, and the comfort rating isn't even close to 20, whereas it's very close on the 35. The 20 appears to have only 5 ounces of additional fill over the 35 (1lb, 4oz vs 1lb, 9oz item weight) and that'd certainly account for why the advertised comfort rating of the 20 is barely lower than that of the 35. The insulation is nearly identical.
This really is something Sierra Designs needs to address.
@@Im_With_Stupid Wow, that is SUPER interesting. The 35f has a comfort rating of 37 (just 2 degrees above the advertised number, which I think is fair), but the Nitro 20 comfort rating is 32 (12 degrees higher than the advertised rating). That DEFINITELY feels fishy. It sounds like they are essentially the same quilt (just 7 degrees difference) but they charge a lot more for the Nitro 20... This also makes sense that you'd be happier with the 35f than I was with the Nitro 20, because it performs more as expected! Thanks for sharing the info!