Arc UL 20°F - 15°F
New product
Order window: November thru May only!
The Arc UL quilts are designed for optimal efficiency in the environments met by long distance hikers.
Custom features including sizing and weight saving options.
Order window: November thru May only!
A few things to keep in mind:
- We measure the actual width from the finished quilt's inside, without stretching.
- The measurement is a minimum.
- The differential cut makes the inside narrower than the outside..
- Adequate quilt width is the number one defense against cold inducing drafts. Our recommendations will get you a quilt generally wider than other brands with similar specs.
Appropriate use
These quilts are designed to provide sleeping comfort in the western US mountains from April to October.
The 20° rated Arc UL is the standard go-to, do anything quilt. Our most popular choice for long-distance hikers ready to keep going into fall.
With the 15°F quilt cold sleepers get a boost in loft.
Fill and Loft
The 900 fp down loft is a between 2.80” and 3.25”. Fill volumes for either level are detailed in the charts.
Sizing
The length is in 4" increments. The chart numbers interprets where the quilt top is when on your back. In open mode reaching just the chin level is the absolute shortest anyone should go, and then only on quilts for the warmer seasons. Reaching the user's forehead is the best compromise of low weight - efficient coverage. As always size up if in doubt. Bags and quilts cut too short one tends to compress the foot area insulation to the detriment of cold toes.
Adequate width in the shoulder to hip region is crucial for sleep comfort and draft control. A ball park figure to achieve optimal performance is your shoulder circumference plus 10". The Arc UL does not taper until below hip level.
Newcomers to backcountry quilts can also experiment with a blanket before committing to a width.
Foot End Design
The traditional Arc design is a permanently closed section finished with a round bottom piece sewn in place. A design common with high-end mummy bags.
Shell Material Choices
More details on the Fabric Page, found in the top menu under Materials.
Ultralight: 10d ultralight breathable shell.
This ultralight fabric creates a comfortable sleep environment at the lowest weight. While providing very little protection from moisture, he superior breathability allows it to dry quickly in the sun. Ideal for user seeking the lowest weight.
Classic: 15d lightweight breathable shell.
Technically the same properties as the 10d above, but a significant increase in durability and tear strength. Expect a weight increase of up to 1.5 ounces, depending on size.
Moisture protection for select areas: 7d ultralight waterproof/breathable shell.
With 7d wp/b covering the outer foot section and top draft collar you can protect the down where it typically wets out the most, while leaving the large mid section fully breathable. For use in the modern single wall tent where rampant condensation often collides with the lower end of sleeping bags. Also, the draft collar is protected from moist exhalations. A very versatile setup.
The 7d wp/b is coated fabric, yet has a very light denier count, and as such adds under 5% to the total weight over the 10d option.
Look closely at the configuration table below, in order to select precisely what suits your use.
Liner Material Choices
Long term wear on quilt fabrics is most pronounced on the inside liner material. To anticipate this the Arc UL can be upgraded to our soft, durable 20d Taffeta black liner, specifically developed for sleeping bags. Expect 1.5 ounces of weight gain.
Overbag
This optional synthetic Apex insulated bag is a booster option for extending the use of your quilt well into the colder season, while providing superior moisture management.
Depending on the user the overbag can add 15°F or more to the rating of your base quilt, while completely eliminating drafts. The latter is probably the most crucial element for a winter specific quilt based sleep system; and very hard to maintain with a quilt/quilt setup.
The dampness inevitably forming on the outer surface will mostly affect the quick drying synthetic while the down mass stays drier. This applies to body moisture pushed outward; and dew, frost and shelter induced condensation from the environment. For longer trips in inclement conditions this becomes a crucial aspect of staying warm.
This overbag is zipper-less with a closed mummy style foot box, and features a custom cut to match your quilt sizing specs and curvature thus avoiding excessive compression of the lofted down. A draw cord at the top seals in the warmth. It uses 2.5 oz weight Apex.
The fabric used is a highly breathable 10d nylon, with smooth taffeta inside and ripstop out. All black. Average weight is 18oz, with small variances depending on the base quilt.
Additional applications includes emergency and summer stand alone use.
What's in the box?
The quilt, a set of quilt straps, a silnylon stuffsack and a large breathable storage sack.
We also have additional articles with helpful pointers on selection and design:
Go to the bottom of this page for the full Arc UL Configuration Menu.
Arc UL 20°F in the stock dark grey 10d shell with upgraded black waterproof/breathable 7d foot and collar.
Arc UL 15°F in the stock Moroccan blue 10d shell with upgraded black waterproof/breathable 7d foot and collar.
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Excellent craftsmanship
Can't really say anything else then this is an excellent product. Bought mine 30f a while ago and just got to use it. Even when the temp crept down to the mid too low 20s I was decently warm (with a puffy jacket and base layer). And that from a 30f quilt.
All in all you can really tell the quality of the work gone in to the quilt. My only concern the cord that is used in the edge tension control as well as to cinch around the neck. For me it feels abit thin and I'm uncertain about the longevity, however as of now it works perfectly
Great product by a great company
Not only is the Arc UL I recieved a beautifully made and well thought out quilt, but Nunatak is an awesome company that was a pleasure to work with. The quilt was both built and shipped sooner than projected, and the weight was lighter than advertised. The expectation Nunatak set was handily exceeded in their execution. If that wasn't already more than I could ask for, I emailed with a question the day my order arrived and in less than an hour I was called by Jan to discuss. It was clear over the phone that Nunatak is passionate about the quality of their products and customer experience. I'll be a repeat customer.
- 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Arc UL 20*
This quilt is amazing! So comfortable, amazing workmanship. The tension thing is awesome and works so well! My only gripe is when I made the order, I asked what it would weigh with my specific customization, and was told it would be about 22 oz and its 26.9 oz. I was hoping to get my quilt close to 20 oz so now I may end up buying a 30* version with less features to try and get it close to 20oz. Over all great work on this 5 star quilt.
Beautiful Quilt
My Arc 20 just arrived. Packaged well. Lofted quickly. Colors, stitching, and overall quality is top notch. Absolutely beautiful. Fits perfectly. A great experience on your website building to my specifications. Enjoyed the status updates and delivered well within your listed lead time. Cannot wait to use this on my next trip. A quick shout out to Mittencamper who's video informed me about this bag and company.
The Comforter!
I purchased this quilt, specced to 15 degrees with ultra wide dimensions (78" long x 66" wide) and a great big footbox too (45"). Super roomy for me or plenty to share with a significant other who doesn't have their own nice backpacking gear. I used it on an Arizona Trail thru hike in the Spring of 2017 with nighttime temperatures down to 15 degrees F, and will use it again next year for a CDT thru hike that will entail all kinds of snow and freezing temps. It's enormous, and excessive, and I love it. I call it the Comforter.
Even as excessive as I asked for it to be built via the awesome customization offered by Jan and Nunatak... this 993 gram (35 oz) Comforter (essentially a couple's thru hiking bag), only weighs 2 more ounces than a WM Alpinelite 20 degree in long (33 oz). It's a little bulkier in my bag, yes, but that bulk equals pure warmth, not unnecessary zippers. It's my great big security blanket against the cold windy mountains and snow, and I feel fine. Many thanks for an excellent piece of gear.
- 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
Arc UL
Review from March 2016, reprinted with author's permission:
I have now used my quilt for 7 nights in South West Tasmania. It was excellent. Conditions were not that cold (4 deg C) but it was super warm and comfortable. Lumpy down from shipping dissipated. I even felt sorry for my friend who had a regular bag. So - I am very happy with my purchase.
- 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
New quilt day!
This review from 04/27/2016 is an excerpt from an email we received, and published here with the author's permission. Nunatak Admin.
I received the quilt yesterday. First things first - I LOVE THE QUILT. There are very few possessions I own that I would never part with under any conditions - this quilt is already 1 of them. 1. The craftsmanship is superb - better than the Specialist I have. As good as western mountaineering or Katabatic. 2. You are properly filling your shells - I feel the shells were underfilled during Tom's ownership. No need for overfill whatsoever. 3. the 2" differential cut is perfect ( I wondered if 4" would be better). This is the most comfortable quilt/bag I've ever experienced. 4. I love the color (I was not expecting to like it) - your photos online are very accurate representation. 5. You delivered in 4 weeks! 6. The drawstring in the middle of the neck baffle is SUPERB - supreme comfort. 7. Footbox is generously filled and baffled. 8. You delivered right on the weight I was expecting - exactly 1lb 10oz (I had to extrapolate from your published numbers) 9. You sent along stickers and a "Birth Certificate" for the quilt. 10. I love the 20 degree so much I may sell my specialist instead of modifying it and purchase a vector from you for summer nights. Ian
- 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
New 2 Season Arc Quilt
From an email we received:
I purchased my quilt summer 2016 and have used for ~ 20 nights since. It is considerably warmer than the three season (UK) bag it replaced while also being ~ 30% lighter - a testament to the excellent design and materials. The flexibility and comfort of the quilt it not undersold and I intend to take it trekking in Greece this spring where I will be sleeping at elevations between sea level and 2500 metres. No signs of wear and tear so far. Good service and delivered well ahead of original estimate. No reservations about ordering from Nunatek again.
Kind regards,
Jon Ball
- 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Arc 15F
I ordered a Vector Arc 15 degree bag/quilt. Jan helped me modify the Vector so it opens completely as a quilt and the foot box closes completely with a cord acting as an arc. I added the weather resistant Epic shell with 900 plus fill down and added down insulation. Jan recommended a few inches be added to the Arc. I've used this bag indoors and outdoors every night for the last 6 months. It is perfect as a quilt inside and is wonderful inside a Gortex bivy outside. If you wear a down hooded jacket inside this Vector you will be comfortable in winter conditions. I love it and keep it with me wherever I travel in Oregon. It could be a life saver for me and my wife if we ever ran into a situation where we were stuck in winter conditions. Jan is always helpful whenever I have any questions. Customer service is awesome.
32 deg Quilt
After a long day on the trail I see myself dreaming of climbing into my quilt with its ultralight (15.8oz), ultrasoft feel, snugging around my shoulders. I have been cosy and warm in all conditions down to -1C so far and it is my number one sleeping option. Thank you Jan for your advice in helping me choose the right one for me.
This Quilt will set you FREE
I purchased my Arc UL quilt about a year ago and have nothing but high praise for it. I've used the bag for 55 days of hiking in Alaska, 40 days in the Grand Canyon, and a week of hithhiking/trainhopping in between. The quilt has been soaked, dragged, stuffed and generally abused constantly, and does not show a single sign of wear. It is insanely warm (20 degree), unbelievably warm, and ridiculously compact. Nunatak could charge twice as much for these wonders and it would be worth every penny. Do yourself a favor, buy one and never worry about a cold night again. Thank you for the worlds lightest mobile home Nunatak!
Quilt & Jacket
Review from 05/05/2016:
Jan, The quilt and jacket arrived safely at my door step. Never have I received so large a box weighing so little, and with such wonderful things inside. They are absolutely perfect. Thank you so much for your excellent work. I really appreciate it. -Niles
- 2 out of 4 people found this review useful.
Hey
Review from 07/26/2016:
Loved that Arc quilt in Colorado !! Getting the Nano quilt for the JMT - you guys are great . Thanks !!