The Bed – Equipment Debate Part 3

Do those two ever agree?

After 39 years of sleeping next to each other every night, we are used to being in each other’s space.  But sleeping on a cold, bumpy ground in rain, wind, and dark changes things a bit.  Good news is that changing to a 3-person tent provides more space, but the sleep systems are way different.

Max – Enlightened Equipment Revelation Custom Quilt

This is Sweatheart reporting on a big change in the blankie dept.  For a decade I have used a Big Agnes three-season sleeping bag, and I have been grateful to have it when it got down to 49 degrees or below, but I recently traded in for a quilt.  I have active legs at night, and the tuck-in part at the bottom of a sleeping bag is too confining!  I found the EE 2 pound quilt, and gonna give it a shot!  Gotta say, “It’s not you, Big Agnes, it’s me!”  My tootsies don’t like being all confined!  I’m hoping sometime in March when the weather allows we can do a “shakedown” and I can find out how warm this new quilt is!  Oh, and folding sleep foam pad is OK for me.  Light and easy.

Maureen – Big Agnes Mystic UL, size short

It’s Maureen and I like the Big Agnes system where the air mattress fits in the sleeve on back of bag.  Prevents slipping and sliding.  That was non-negotiable.  Unfortunately, I spent so much time researching and second-guessing, the bag was sold out everywhere.  Found it in stock at a cool outfitter in Livermore CA – Sunrise Mountain Sports.  Heather was terrific, and the bag was sent cross-country in no time.   Already tried and tested and it’s a keeper.  Also, it’s a short bag and saves even a bit more space.  Confined toes not a problem here, but warmth is top priority.  Cushy air mattress is preferred – Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad – Women’s.  Don’t care if it springs a leak – I’ll get a new one.  My sore bones are never gonna see a folding foam pad.  Call me a lightweight, I don’t care.

Curious to know how other hiking couples deal with the sleeping situation.   Any suggestions?  And please don’t tell Maureen she should consider the foam pad…

 

 

 

 

 

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Comments 4

  • B Ham : Mar 3rd

    What an absolutely pleasant post this was, thank you both.

    I have recently been moving away from trek stories because the “thru hiking is special to me because..” or “me hiking, day 34, update, wet cold and still going” narratives have become drawn out, self-centered, boring, and a waste of time.

    This was brief and pointed, with both your personalities speaking naturally throughout the article. I appreciate it, this post bought trek.co a little more time before hitting the big Ignore button!

    Reply
    • Max : Mar 3rd

      You warm our hearts grasshopper

      Reply
  • Kris : Mar 22nd

    My wife and I hike with separate tents (me in the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 and her the Copper Spur HV UL2.) It’s a little more weight, but sleeping is important. We are both prone to wake each other up in the night with snores and such (and the squeak squeak of sleeping pads as we toss and turn.) They are both two-person tents, so we can snuggle for warmth if needed into one. At home, we share a king bed and I think we’ve gotten used to the space.

    Generally, we set up so that our vestibules nearly overlap so that we can hang out together a bit before turning in for sleep.

    I’m actually surprised that more couples don’t do the separate tent thing.

    Reply

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