The Quart System is the latest sleep system from Snugpak. Combining the Softie 3 Merlin and the TS-1 Liner and Bivvi Bag, it functions as a one or two season sleeping bag, capable of comfort in temperatures from 32°F to 23°F.
The Quart System features a waterproof housing built into the compression stuff sack. This keeps the bivvi separate after use in case it is wet, keeping the sleeping bag and liner dry. The Quart System weighs only 58oz and compresses down to a 7″ x 11″ pack size.
Tags: Snugpak
I have been using Softie bags and jackets for decades, and vouch for them 100%.
Stay away from the newer “elite” line that is made in china- most of their better kit is still made in the UK!
Not low cost, but complete value, and worth EVERY penny when it’s cold.
I have a Softie 3 Merlin, and while It’s a quality product, it just isn’t warm enough for anything other than a mild evening. I’ve spent many uncomfortable nights freezing my ass off in it, when the weather was colder than expected.
I have been using Softie products for ages too.. Largely due to the cost and most of the features. However that being said, whilst they do the job, the zip on these bags is by far, BY FAR the worst of any sleeping bag I have used… every time I use mine (softie 6) I go to sleep angry after getting the zipper jammed in the fabric. Their jackets are no different.
That being said the combination of the softie and their bivi cannot be beat for a compact sleeping package that does the job. I just wish the zip wasn’t such a fight.. every friggin time!
In line with what Terry says, the 3 is barely a sleeping bag, its so thin. The softie 6 I find is a good trade off, a little bit bigger, but more useable over a range of temperatures. Of course it too is rubbish in anything below 35.
I will combine the 3 with a bivvy bag, and poncho liner- which with the clothing layers I’m already carrying is good to around freezing or lower in an emergency. That’s when I’m out and weight genuinely counts (because I have shit tons of ammo, STANO etc).
I probably wouldn’t use this system below freezing unless you have a nordic upbringing and centuries worth of DNA from ancestors living in that environment. A softie 3 with two layers I would put at 35-45 in dry cold for comfort, below that additional clothing layers required.
Agree with previous posters, I personally love Snuggie’s stuff, but the product line developed issues in my opinion. NOT quality issues, but choice issues for the purchaser. When a consumer is overloaded with information and choices, they tend to shy away from a purchase, that happened with them in about 2009-2011, their offerings were way to complex and to just sit down and make a decision on which item to buy became a day of studying, comparing, and finally deciding… and people quickly moved away from it. Having one to four solid choices, over 15 choices will always make more sales.
Glad they released this item, I am down to one sleeping system (Softie 6) in my catalog and would like to stay with them, their gear is awesome, though the temp ratings (I say this as an avid backpacker) reflect that their test individual is an Icelandic or Norwegian Viking with chromosonal advantages in freezing weather.
Jon, OPT
Bang on observation about the volume of choices complicating the purchase process.
That’s actually somewhat likely, but the numbers can’t lie. By law.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EN_13537
They aren’t the only ones, most every bag I used is like that. As a dealer of this particular line though I let people know it’s not gonna be Dante’s Inferno at 30 degrees. The Montbell I tested during OEF was about the same.
Jon, OPT
Well personal preference for warmer ratings on bags is a good thing for you to know in that case. I find the ratings to be on par for comfort and safety.
I love my Sleeka Elite Jacket. I even cram myself into the jungle bag on occasion. I just wish they made bags in wide long for the Viking giants amongst the population.
You can buy the “expanda panel” that zips into the bags, it allows you much more shoulder room.
I agree, these are sized for hungry British Army privates, not overfed North Americans.
+1. However I find the sleeka jackets run pretty large. Where a normal jacket in large fits neatly, my sleeka in L is big enough to being put on easily over everything I already wear, including fleeces or tank suits. But I guess that’s how it’s intended to be used: A quick warm layer which you might take out again when physical activity is due.
And yes, the zips are a PITA.
I find the sleeka very warm, sometimes too warm. A slightly less thick and bulky item is the Montane prism jacket which is also offered in olive green.