GEAR
REVIEW
SEA TO SUMMIT
DOUBLE EMBER 1
QUILT
A versatile lightweight double quilt that can change opinions.
W
HEN IT COMES TO SLEEPING SNUGLY, the
the shoulders and feet—enabling a foot box to be
debate of quilts vs sleeping bags is a divisive
created—prevents heat from escaping. (Alternately,
one. Most people seem to either despise sleeping bags
in warmer conditions, you can unclip some or all of
and every feather of their existence, or they think they’re
the press studs to open out the quilt partially or fully,
the bomb.com; there don’t seem to be many people in
making it truly versatile.) The four-strap system also
the ‘meh’ camp. Admittedly, having exclusively owned
enables you to turn over without having to hold down
sleeping bags, I haven’t felt strongly one way or the
the sides of the quilt or adjust it afterwards, improv-
other; sleeping bags are just what I’ve always had. Until
ing comfort. And on the subject of warmth, while
I got my hands—well, my feet and arms and everything
the sewn-through construction—which separates
else—under the new Sea to Summit Double Ember 1
the down into small rectangular boxes—is designed
quilt. Ooph, let me tell you, I no longer sit on the fence.
to minimise weight and packed size (which, by the
Where most couples have their own sleeping bags
way, it achieves; it is remarkably compressible), in my
(or, for that matter, quilts), for the last three years or so— mainly in the interest of saving weight and space—my wife and I have been sharing a stock-standard down sleeping bag that we’ve unzipped and spread out like a doona. Besides, I’m a relatively warm sleeper, and we’ve
It’s light, compact, and deceptively warm when used cleverly.
Two thumbs up from me.”
used it predominantly for bushwalking in temperatures down to about -4°C. At these chillier temps, we’ve rug-
opinion it also ensures consistent warmth, as the down
ged up with the thermals and trackpants and down
can’t move freely and clump at one end of a baffle. To be
jackets we were carrying anyway. No biggie. Except for
honest, I’d comfortably use this quilt in the minuses and
the occasions where someone (alright, it was I) would
not be concerned about being cold.
hog the bag and leave my wife more than a little frosty.
NEED TO KNOW Product class: Two-person ultralightweight down quilt
1 is, after all, designed as an ultralight quilt, and the
decent two-person quilt that would not only keep us
850 loft means that, for its warmth, its weight is mini-
warm but would also prevent our marriage from coming
mal—our quilt weighs in at 650g. Despite being super
to a cold and bitter end.
light, it’s surprisingly spacious; even with the four-strap
The thing is, compared to single-person bushwalk-
system in use, our movement hasn’t been restricted
Season rating: 1.5
ing quilts, there aren’t that many affordable options for
whatsoever. While the quilt is marketed as having a 90%
Temp. rating: 10°C
lightweight double quilts. Recently, though, Sea to Sum-
down fill, the provided IDFL report indicates that our
Weight (as tested): 650g
mit added the Double Ember 1 to their highly regarded
quilt actually comprises 97% Responsible Down Stan-
Ember series of quilts. Although it’s designed for
dard (RDS) certified goose down. The Double Ember 1
Down Loft Rating: 850+
warmer weather (the estimated ‘Lowest Comfort Tem-
quilt also features the PFC-free, Sea to Summit Ultra-Dry
Down Fill Weight: 650g
perature’ rating is technically 10°C), we’ve regularly had
treatment, improving its water resistance. And, if you’re
it down to low single digits, and it’s been super toasty!
a Sea to Summit aficionado, the Quiltlock system makes
We’ve found that using the adjustable four-strap system
it compatible with other S2S gear.
RRP: $799 More info: seatosummit.com.au
138
But it’s not all about the warmth. The Double Ember
Understandably, the pressure was on to try and find a
WILD
(which passes under your sleeping mats and pulls the
It’s light, compact, and deceptively warm when used
quilt down at the sides, and also cleverly keeps your
cleverly. Two thumbs up from me.
mats from separating), together with the drawcords at
RYAN HANSEN
