Katabatic Flex 22 Overview

Backside Line

We discovered the Katabatic Flex 22 to be impressively versatile, heat, and cozy. It affords a number of temperature choices, making the ordering expertise extra simple in comparison with many different quilts we examined. 

Katabatic provides additional worth with a dependable pad attachment system, a storage bag, and a stuff sack. Probably the most spectacular function is its extremely waterproof down fill. Due to the ExpeDRY handled down, the Flex maintains its loft even in damp circumstances and dries quicker, making it a powerful selection for backpackers in wetter climates.

Nonetheless, the Flex has some drawbacks in comparison with related fashions, primarily its greater worth, weight, and bulk. Additionally, the Flex’s horizontal steady baffles could make it tough to maintain the down fill in place in the event you toss and switch. That stated, hikers who have a tendency to remain nonetheless whereas sleeping in all probability gained’t discover this to be a giant downside.

To see all of the backpacking quilts we examined, see our finest backpacking quilts gear information.

How We Examined

Our gear analysts examined the Katabatic Flex 22 in late spring throughout in a single day journeys within the Cascade foothills and the coastal Pacific Northwest.

Heat

As is frequent within the business, we discovered the Katabatic Flex 22’s heat ranking to be reasonably beneficiant. Most small producers do not need their merchandise EN examined (try our finest sleeping baggage and finest backpacking quilts gear guides for more information). 

We used this quilt on spring journeys the place the temperatures had been sometimes within the 40s Fahrenheit and felt snug. One evening, the temperature dipped into the higher 30s, and we seen it was tougher to remain heat. These anticipating cooler temperatures or who sleep chilly will wish to select the 15-degree model. 

Because it options steady horizontal baffles, on chilly nights, you’ll be able to transfer the right down to the middle of the quilt, making certain it’s the place you want it most: on prime of your physique. On hotter nights, you’ll be able to shift the right down to the edges to stop overheating. This can be a bit of a professional transfer, however it may be useful in the event you’re conscious of it.

Nonetheless, the hyperDry down fill helped us keep hotter on chilly, moist nights within the Pacific Northwest. Those that hike primarily in moist climates, or who routinely have condensation points will discover this to be a boon that can assist them keep hotter than untreated down.

Consolation

The Katabatic Flex 22 is without doubt one of the most snug quilts we examined. Its spacious design and fluffy loft made it a comfortable nest to look ahead to on the finish of the day. The Flex 22 affords three size choices and two width choices. The size selections are designed for hikers as much as 5’6”, 6’, or 6’6”. Width choices can be found in each the 6’ and 6’6” lengths.

Should you’re unsure, we advocate selecting an extended and wider measurement for full protection throughout chilly nights. That is particularly useful if you want to put on additional clothes like a cumbersome puffy coat or wish to pull the quilt over your head.

The closure cords preserve the quilt securely closed sufficient to get rid of gaps when rolling round in our sleep. Nonetheless, the slender spherical cords are barely uncomfortable if used with out inserting a pad; in any other case, we had no vital complaints concerning the general consolation and efficiency of this quilt.

Weight & Packability

The Flex is heavier and bulkier than different quilts on this vary. Whereas we worth the roominess and loft, it may be tough to suit into a normal ultralight backpack. This may not be a dealbreaker for these with a extra conventional pack, but when area is proscribed in your setup, an alternative choice could also be higher.

Relying on the dimensions you choose, the Flex 22 weighs between 21-28 oz, which could be very gentle for a sleeping bag or quilt. This can be a massive win for us and an necessary issue to contemplate for any backpacking journey.

Options

The Flex 22 quilt will be opened utterly like a comforter on hotter nights or you’ll be able to zip and shut the footbox utterly when temperatures drop. You may as well use the included pad attachment straps to carry the quilt securely over your physique on chilly nights. We love this design and flexibility.

The footbox has a zipper that runs about 1/3 the size of the quilt and helps create an enclosed place on your toes on chilly nights. To totally enclose the footbox: zip up the zipper, snap the footbox enclosure, and pull the drawstring.

The Katabatic Flex 22 has one of many safer quilt pad attachment programs we’ve examined. It comes with two light-weight yellow cords that you just tie round your sleeping pad and connect to the quilt. Moreover, it comes with two stretchy elastic straps with clips that may go by means of loops on the quilt to maintain the underside opening from widening.

Ought to You Purchase The Katabatic Flex 22?

We predict the Katabatic Flex 22 quilt is a superb possibility for backpackers looking for a flexible three-season quilt. These searching for a lay flat quilt who sleep heat (or gained’t be out in beneath freezing temperatures) will likely be happy with this selection. 

Nonetheless, it’s not the lightest or least expensive backpacking quilt available on the market and gained’t be the most effective match for everybody.

What Different Backpacking Quilts Ought to You Take into account?

If the Katabatic Flex 22 isn’t for you, there are various different choices in our finest finest backpacking quilts gear information.

Western Mountaineering AstraLite Quilt Overview:  Our Editor’s decide for the Greatest Total Backpacking Quilt has the most effective warmth-to-weight ratio of any quilt we examined, weighing in at a mere 16 ounces.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Diploma Quilt Overview: This Editor’s Choose for Warmest Ultralight Backpacking quilt affords distinctive heat with out the added weight and bulk. It achieves this with 1000 fill energy down.

Loco Libre Operator Collection Ghost Pepper 20 Overview:  Our prime decide for versatile sleeping bag hybrid affords a barely roomier reduce that can accommodate extra room to maneuver with out making it arduous to warmth. Nice for these searching for an adjustable foot field.