Quilt, Blanket & Underquilt Care & Instructions

Simply Light Designs quilts, blankets, and underquilts use lightweight fabrics and synthetic insulation to provide warmth without unnecessary weight or bulk. Proper adjustment, handling, and storage will help maintain their performance and extend their useful life.

Understanding Your Insulation

SLD insulated products use Climashield Apex synthetic insulation, which provides warmth by trapping air within its fibers.

Unlike down insulation, Apex retains some insulating ability when damp. However, wet insulation can still lose warmth, and lightweight quilt fabrics should not be treated as waterproof protection.

Keep your insulation as dry as practical, and allow it to dry thoroughly after exposure to moisture.

Temperature Ratings

Temperature estimates are useful starting points, not guarantees of comfort. Actual warmth depends on several factors, including your sleeping pad or underquilt, clothing, wind exposure and other environmental elements, shelter, and individual sleeping preferences.

For information about insulation choices and estimated temperatures, refer to the relevant product's Options Guide.

Trail Winder Underquilt

Positioning and Adjustment

An underquilt hangs beneath the hammock, providing insulation without being compressed by your body weight.

Proper positioning is important for maintaining warmth.

  • Position the underquilt so its insulated area covers the parts of your body you want protected.
  • Adjust the suspension so the underquilt rests against the underside of the occupied hammock without being pulled excessively tight.
  • Check for gaps around the ends and sides that could allow cold air to enter.
  • Make small adjustments as needed until the underquilt follows the shape of the hammock.

An underquilt should not be tightened so aggressively that it unnecessarily compresses the insulation or places excessive tension on its attachment points.

Insulation Coverage

The Trail Winder is available with different insulation coverage configurations to accommodate different sleeping positions and preferences.

Coverage refers to the insulated portion of the underquilt, rather than the dimensions of the surrounding fabric.

For additional details, see the Trail Winder Options Guide and its insulation coverage diagram.

Modular Insulation

If your Trail Winder is equipped for modular insulation, an additional insulation layer can be attached to increase warmth.

The Modular Add-On fits between the hammock and the base underquilt.

Make sure the add-on is properly attached using the intended connection points and lies smoothly without unnecessary bunching or gaps.

Separate Modular Add-Ons must be compatible with the original Trail Winder's dimensions, coverage configuration, lay orientation, and attachment system. Contact SLD before ordering an add-on for an existing underquilt.

Eclipse Top Quilt

The Eclipse Top Quilt has a shaped, permanently sewn footbox that provides coverage around your feet and lower legs.

Using the Footbox

Slide your feet into the sewn footbox and arrange the remainder of the quilt around your body.

Unlike a convertible blanket, the Eclipse footbox does not open flat.

Neck Closure and Draft Control

Depending on your selected configuration, your quilt may include a neck closure and an insulated draft collar.

Adjust the closure to reduce unwanted drafts while maintaining a comfortable fit.

Avoid pulling excessively on the closure hardware or fabric attachment points.

Attachment Loops

The Eclipse includes attachment loops that can be used with suitable quilt-retention or pad-attachment systems to position the quilt.

Summit Backpacking Blanket

The Summit is a rectangular insulated blanket that can be used flat or configured with optional features.

Using the Footbox

If your Summit includes foot-end snaps, they can be used to bring the lower edges together and form a temporary footbox.

Depending on your selected configuration, an optional drawcord collar may provide additional closure.

When opening or closing snaps, support the fabric near each snap rather than pulling forcefully on the surrounding material.

Using the Blanket Flat

The Summit can also be opened and used as a conventional blanket.

Its versatility makes it suitable for different sleeping arrangements, depending on the size and options selected.

Preventing Insulation Compression and Damage

Synthetic insulation is designed to recover from normal packing and use, but unnecessary compression and rough handling can shorten its useful life.

  • Avoid storing insulated gear tightly compressed for extended periods.
  • Keep sharp objects and exposed hardware away from lightweight shell fabrics.
  • Avoid placing heavy objects on quilts while they are in storage.
  • Protect the fabric and insulation from sparks, flames, and excessive heat.
  • Inspect attachment points, closures, and stitching periodically.

Cleaning and Storage

For general laundering recommendations, see General Cleaning, Drying & Storage.

Hand washing and air drying are the safest approaches. If you choose machine washing or drying, understand that additional risks are involved.

Make sure the insulation is thoroughly dry before storing.

Whenever possible, store quilts and blankets loosely in their oversized storage bags rather than leaving them tightly compressed in their travel stuff sacks.

Setup & Use Questions

Why do I feel cold spots when using my underquilt?

Cold spots can result from gaps between the underquilt and hammock, inadequate coverage, or an adjustment that prevents the insulation from following the shape of the occupied hammock.

Check the suspension and positioning before assuming more insulation is needed.

Should an underquilt be pulled as tightly against the hammock as possible?

No. The goal is to maintain contact without unnecessarily compressing the insulation or overloading the suspension.

Can I use a Trail Winder Modular Add-On with an older underquilt?

Possibly, depending on its construction and attachment configuration. An older Trail Winder without compatible modular attachment snaps may need modification.

Contact SLD to confirm compatibility before ordering a separate add-on.

Will my quilt keep me warm if it gets wet?

Climashield Apex retains some insulating ability when damp, but that doesn't mean a wet quilt will provide the same warmth as a dry one.

Keep your quilt protected from precipitation and dry it thoroughly when necessary.

Questions or Repairs?

If you have questions about adjusting your underquilt, using your quilt's features, or addressing damage, please contact Simply Light Designs.

A description of the issue and a few clear photographs, when applicable, can help me determine how best to assist you.