BANDIT

CHAMBER DESIGN

The chamber layout which we first used in 2013 provides for two things. First it provides better drape across the torso, and second it provides for better down management in the quilt overall. The vertical chambers on the torso allows the quilt to drop down on the user providing for less dead air space, the vertical chambers also prevent the down from shifting to the sides making for possible thin spots in the center. Both of those increase the efficiency of the quilt over a traditional quilt. By Isolating the foot box from the torso we are able to zone fill. The torso section of the quilt is filled to 130% overstuff, the foot box section of the quilt is filled to 140% overstuff. Knowing folks tend to get cold in their extremities first by adding an addition 10% of down to the foot box we increase its overall warmth.

SHELL CONSTRUCTION

We use our M10T or MRS20 fabrics for the outer shell of our BANDIT Quilts. MRS20 is an excellent compromise between ultralight weight, durability, and DWR finish without sacrificing breath-ability. M10T is used for our inner shells because of its superior finish and satin feel. For those seeking the lightest possible finished product, M10T is the best option for both inner and outer shells when weight is of utmost concern. For a more durable outer shell MRS20 is the perfect combination of wgt and durability.  M10T and MRS20 fabrics have been given exceptional ratings in independent testing by the International Down and Feather Laboratory (IDFL).

The down-filled chambers on the torso section of the BANDIT Quilts run vertically (top to bottom), providing exceptional drape, which means that the quilt will lie close to your body, resulting in better thermal performance. Gaps between your body and the inside of the quilt are hard for your body to heat; the efficient draping of the BANDIT eliminates almost all of this dead air. The chamber design of the BANDIT’s foot box allows for a variety of options with a snug, efficient fit.

Each down chamber is constructed using Ultralight Nano-mesh baffles between the chambers to allow for maximum loft. This also enables thermal convection between the chambers. The vertical design of the torso chambers allows for heat transfer between your core and extremities. The size of the inner chambers varies from 4-5″, resulting in less down shifting than other larger-chambered designs.

The location of each Nano-mesh baffle is integral to the function of the quilt. Using advanced design and construction, the down is concentrated in those areas that need it most. This functional approach results in a quilt with maximum warmth for minimum weight.

OVER-STUFF OPTIONS

If UGQ already uses 130% of the necessary down in its regular quilts, why would YOU consider over-stuffing with additional down? We do over-stuff to 130% (included in the base price of all our quilts), but you may want to consider additional over-stuff if you are a cold sleeper. The extra down will help buffer the lower limits of the quilt, keeping you toasty-warm even beyond the lower limit. Another reason for ordering over-stuffing is when you expect to use your quilt for an extended period of time without access to laundering. The additional down will help to retain the performance of the quilt between washings.

We offer two types of over-stuff:

OVERSTUFF  This option is evenly distributed throughout the entire quilt including the foot box buffering the down in each chamber evenly.

FOOTBOX OVERSTUFF  This option is evenly distributed in just the bottom horizontal chambers of the quilt helping boost the foot box rating a few degrees.

NECK CLOSURE

The wafer clip and draw cord neck closure lets you fine-tune draft control, you have the option to adjust the draw cord from either end or in the center on all quilts. Add the optional Neck Line Draft Collar (available at an additional cost) to provide an even more effective seal in colder weather.

FOOT BOX OPTIONS

The BANDIT Quilt offers three foot box styles: Zipper w/Draw; Boxed Flat Sewn; or Insulated.

Zipper: For maximum versatility, choose the Zipper w/Draw option, which allows you the choice of laying the quilt out fully open, creating a partially-closed foot box for ventilation, or fully closing the foot box for colder weather use. This option is available at no additional cost.

Boxed: For simplicity and additional warmth – at the sacrifice of versatility – choose the Boxed Flat Sewn option. This style does not have the zipper or draw-cord of the previous option; rather the foot box is simply sewn shut then shaped into a “Box”. This option will reduce the weight of the finished product by approximately 0.25oz, and is an add-on at additional cost.

Insulated: The Insulated Foot Box provides a full and continuous insulation envelope for your feet, making for some very HAPPY TOES!!! This style provides the ultimate in warmth for cold weather quilts. This option will increase the weight of the finished product by approximately 1.25oz, and is an add-on at additional cost.

TAPER OPTIONS

The BANDIT Quilt is available in two taper options, either a Full Taper or a No-Taper. The shape of the quilt will impact its coverage, weight, and thermal efficiency.

Full-Taper: When fully opened and lying flat, there is a gradual taper from the head end to the foot end along both sides. This style has better thermal efficiency and lighter weight, but provides less coverage and a smaller foot box than no taper quilts.

No-Taper: When fully opened and lying flat, this shape forms a rectangle, with the head and foot ends being equal. The advantage of this style is that it provides maximum coverage and maximum foot box space, but at the disadvantages of increased weight and slight loss of thermal efficiency. This option also includes additional down as need to offset for the increased quilt volume to maintain temp rating.

This option will increase the weight of the finished product by approximately 1.25oz, and is an add-on at additional cost.

Dynamic Tension Control System (DTCS)

The DTCS is a set of two adjustable elastic webbing running lengthwise along the left and right edges of the quilt in the torso. This elastic webbing is completely concealed in the edge detail of the quilt for a clean appearance and comfortable sleeping experience.

On colder nights you can tension the elastic webbing to compress the edges of the quilt and draw them under you, this has the effect of the quilt giving you a gentle hug and helping to seal out the cold night air. When used in conjunction with the pad strap system it also provides for a better seal between the quilt and your sleeping pad. When used in a hammock the DTCS will help keep the sides of the quilt tucked and drafts out. During warmer weather conditions you can completely loosen the elastics to allow you to use the quilt as a down blanket.

This option is available at an additional cost.

WGT: 0.5oz (14g)

ULTRALIGHT FABRICS

M10T is our ultralight 10-denier breathable, calendared DOWNPROOF taffeta nylon.  Our M10T was developed to be a great all-around UL fabric that offers excellent wind/water resistance, has an incredibly soft hand feel, and is highly down proof (both in lab tests and in field use) all at a great price point.  It has a finished weight of only 0.66 oz/yd2, making it one of the thinnest/lightest taffeta nylon fabrics on the market. M10T has a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish applied to the face side of the fabric, protecting you and your down from environmental moisture. M10T has received a 5 out of 5 score on the International Rotating Box Down proof Test (a score of 3 is considered average). M10T is best suited for the inner shell of a quilt and the outer shell of a quilt for those looking for the lightest possible quilt but at the sacrifice of some durability.

MRS20 is our ultralight 20-denier breathable mirco-ripstopped, calendared DOWNPROOF nylon. It has a 20-denier nylon thread woven into a micro-ripstop pattern, resulting in an exceptionally strong fabric with a finish weight of only 1.1oz/yd2. MRS20 has a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish applied to the face side of the fabric, protecting you and your down from environmental moisture. MRS20 retains a high level of breathability, allowing moisture from your body to pass through the quilt, preventing excessive condensation inside the down chamber. MRS20 has excellent color depth, giving your quilt a rich, luxurious look and feel. MRS20 has the softest feel of all our outer shell fabrics including HD1.0. MRS20 is an excellent combination of weight, durability, and value. MRS20 has received a 5 out of 5 score on the International Rotating Box Down proof Test (a score of 3 is considered average). MRS20 is the best overall outer shell fabric for weight, durability, and down proof score.

OutdoorINK® fabrics are our line of lightweight custom printed patterns on a 20d 1.1 oz breathable, double-calendared polyester micro ripstop (MRS20-P) with DWR applied. Like M10 nylon taffeta, these fabrics combine breathability, wind/water resistance, and exceptional down proofing with the softest hand feel on the market. To make OutdoorINK® fabric, we start with a custom woven, 20d 1.1 oz/yd2 fabrics high thread-count polyester base material with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. In addition to adding durability, this reduces moisture absorption compared to a nylon base. MRS20-P has received a 5 out of 5 score on the International Rotating Box Down proof Test (a score of 3 is considered average). MRS20-P is the best overall outer shell fabric for weight, durability, down proof score for those looking to have a unique printed quilt.

PRYM1® Patterns are digitally printed using the same process as OutdoorINK® on a 20d 1.1 oz breathable, double-calendared polyester micro ripstop with DWR applied. This fabric is DOWNPROOF  and suitable for use in down gear/projects. Similar to 1.1 oz ripstop nylon, but with less stretch, increased UV resistance, and a micro-ripstop grid pattern. MRS20-P has received a 5 out of 5 score on the International Rotating Box Down proof Test (a score of 3 is considered average). MRS20-P is the best overall outer shell fabric for weight, durability, down proof score for those looking to have a unique printed quilt.

HEXCAM® Patterns are digitally printed using the same process as OutdoorINK® on a 20d 1.1 oz breathable, double-calendared polyester micro ripstop with DWR applied. This fabric is DOWNPROOF  and suitable for use in down gear/projects. Similar to 1.1 oz ripstop nylon, but with less stretch, increased UV resistance, and a micro-ripstop grid pattern. MRS20-P has received a 5 out of 5 score on the International Rotating Box Down proof Test (a score of 3 is considered average). MRS20-P is the best overall outer shell fabric for weight, durability, down proof score for those looking to have a unique printed quilt.

Made To Order quilts and tarps ordered with OutdoorINK®, PRYM1®, or HEXCAM® are not returnable unless due to an error on our part or a defect with the product.

OUR DOWNS: RDS 850 / RDS 950

Our BANDIT Quilts allow you to choose from two types of down: RDS Ultima 850 fill power 90/10 down; or for even lighter weight and superior performance in severe conditions, RDS Ultima 950 fill power 95/5 down. The combination of our DWR shell materials and RDS UltimaDOWN will give you the perfect balance between moisture control and breathability. All our down is third party tested and certified for fill power, down content, species, and cleanliness. Learn more about down testing and standards HERE

Our commitment to using Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified down means that the whole story of the down we source is monitored by the independent and highly respected Textile Exchange. With the rigid standards of the RDS, you can be confident that the down in your UGQ product is not only the highest quality available, but was also ethically sourced from humanely treated animals. Each phase of down sourcing is monitored and audited every year. Paired with tracing capabilities, the origins of down have never been more transparent. Learn more about the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) HERE

RDS UltimaDOWN is not a hydrophobic treated down. Although we have offered hydrophobic treated down in the past, we have weighed the benefits vs. drawbacks carefully, and have recently stopped offering WR down. The benefits, which are marginal at best in real world scenarios, are offset by lower loft, intra laundering clumping, and the need for more down to offset the lower lofting and possible clumping. Effective April 11, 2016, we will no longer use hydrophobic down in our products.

PAD ATTACHMENT SYSTEM

The BANDIT and XL BANDIT quilts are available with three possible options for use on a ground pad.

NONE PROVIDED

No connections provided, best for hammock use or very experienced quilt user to reduce drafting. This provides the lightest possible quilt but at the risk of increased drafting.

ULTRALIGHT

System includes three sets of loops along each side of the quilt and TWO (2) continuous straps using 3/32” shock cord and toggles for connection. This provides a functional connection at the lowest possible weight.

This option is available at no additional cost.

Single strap wgt: 0.5oz /14g

DELUXE

System includes three sets of wafer clips along each side of the quilt, a TWO (2) continuous 1/2” elastic strap loop with wafer clip connections, and a single 1/2″ elastic flat strap. If your quilt is wide enough to fully encircle you the wafer clips on the quilt can be fastened together to close the back of the quilt. Or the wafer clips on the quilt can be fastened to the continuous loop ½” elastic strap placed around your pad and the 1/2″ elastic flat strap placed under the user to provide an effective functional connection.

We recommend the 1/2″ continuous straps loop be attached to the upper two wafer clips on the quilt and the 1/2″ flat strap be placed on the bottom set of wafer clips on the quilt for best results.

This option is available at no additional cost.

WGT: 0.75oz/21g

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

All BANDIT Quilts include a 40d Silpoly Stuff Sack

PRODUCT CARE

Q:  How should I clean my down items?  Is it safe to wash down?

A:  Washing down items is a great way to extend the life of the product and return the down to its original loft.  Use only low-sudsing, down-safe detergents, and extend the rinse cycle to ensure that no soap remains in the down.  We recommend you place your quilt in a large heavy duty commercial style laundry bag. This will protect the quilt from any sharp edges in the washer/dryer as well as any hot dryer parts. Do not use an agitator-style washing machine,use a front loader tumble style washer,  use only cold water on the machine’s gentle cycle.  Make sure you dry your down quilt completely on low heat.  Use dryer balls to break up any clumps of down, and to fluff up the plumules.  Do not use high heat, which can damage the down and nylon fabrics.  Never store your down until no dampness remains.

Purchase ALLIED DOWN WASH

Q:  How do I know if my down product is dirty?

A:  Down quilts and garments should be cleaned when they start to accumulate too many oils from your body, hair, or from lotions/cosmetics that you use.  If your product has started to lose loft, or if the fabric is starting to look discolored, it’s time to wash it.

Q:  I just got home from a backpacking trip.  What’s the proper way to store my down quilt?

A:  The way you store your down quilt between uses will affect its lifespan.  When you get home from a trip, begin by airing out your quilt (turned inside out) for a couple of days to ensure that it’s completely dry.  Then store it in a large breathable storage sack such as the ones we sell separately; do not store your quilt in a tight stuff sack, as this will damage the loft in the long term.  Do not use waterproof storage sacks, because condensation can accumulate in them, and cause your quilt to develop mildew.  In short, store your quilt so that it is adequately lofted, with plenty of cool, dry ventilation.

Q:  I store my down quilt in a compression sack.  Is that a bad idea?

A:  Never leave your quilt in a compressed state for an extended period because that will eventually reduce its loft.  Down can be stored partially-compressed in a breathable sack; never in a non-breathable bag.  Our advice is to store your quilt in the provided large mesh sack, or in a king-size cotton pillow case, in a dry place that has a fairly consistent temperature.  Do not expose your quilt to sunlight except to dry it out, because excessive heat evaporates the natural oils in the down.

Q:  I remember when my quilt was brand new and super-fluffy.  Will that level of loft ever return?

A:  Yes, a quilt’s loft often returns to its original value with proper air circulation, warmth, and moisture.  Some of those conditions can be met simply by using your quilt.  In addition, proper care, storage, and cleaning of your down items can help return maximum loft.  Another way to maximize loft is to gently shake out the product before using it (increasing air circulation), or tumble dry the item to add warmth and air circulation.

Q:  How long can I expect my UGQ quilt to last?

A:  With proper care and cleaning, your down quilt will remain functional longer than you will!  You will definitely get your money’s worth so get out there and go camping!