Inexpensive and Lightweight Sleeping System

This interesting inexpensive and lightweight sleeping system comes from Reg Lake. He is using inexpensive, quilted throws from Costco. When Costco has them in stock, they run about $20. The entire system, which includes an old-school Therm-a-rest Prolite Sleeping Pad, a ground tarp and one Costco throw weighs 3 pounds and 9 ounces. Instead of packing everything separately, Reg rolls the entire kit up (see below) and packs it away in a dry bag.

To make the system more useful, Reg added snaps across the bottom of the quilted throws and then an additional snap near his shin. This forms a pocket for his feet and helps him stay warmer. He uses a $20 KAMsnap tool to add the snaps.

He also uses a REI Co-op lightweight towel as a sheet to sleep on. This snaps to the ground tarp, loose enough to slip the Therm-a-rest between towel and ground tarp. That makes this the bottom sheet he lays on with one or two layers of the throw on top. If he needs more warmth I can add the second throw which adds 15.9 oz.

Reg writes:

My logic is smaller tents are warmest but backing into a bivy-like tent in the rain sucks. Ground tarps work best inside a tent so they don’t channel water and still protect the floor. [Ed Note: Same as Cliff Jacobson] Sleeping bags are single function so go light on the bag and take multi-functional clothing layers for additional warmth. My kit would include socks, top and bottom light-weight, capilene base layers minimum.

If you’ve wanted to to lighten your sleeping bag or try a quilt, this looks like a good way to experiment. I like my Enlightened Equipment Revelation 850DT 20° quilt. It’s worth a try.