Yeah, reading your review, I couldn't help thinking that a Katabatic might suit you better than either. Or, if you are going to own both, from your notes, it really does sound like you might be happier with a no compromise full blown quilt like that Katabatic than the "quilt like" Zpacks bag.
The whole thing is kind of funny in a ridiculous, preposterous sort of way. I mean, obsessing, absolute obsessing, over 7 oz.? When I'm a self avowed "comfort driven" backpacker? It's ludicrous...
Yet, here I am, obsessing over 7 ounces...
But, here's the thing. I have my own self imposed requirements. I require more than minimal comfort. I'm always going to carry an air pad. When I'm backpacking the Uintas, I insist on carrying not just fishing equipment, but superb fishing equipment that enhances the experience for me. I usually carry "camp shoes", the mark of a true extravagence oriented backpacker... I always carry a real camera too. Personal quirks like these, mean more weight in my pack. And I'm okay with that.
But! At the same time, anywhere I can save some weight, WITHOUT impinging on my self imposed comfort and convenience requirements, I'm willing to spend some money and put in some effort to do it. I won't bore everyone with all the details of gear lists and why and whatever, but my first Uintas trip in 2012, my starting pack weight was 37 pounds. My starting pack weight for a Uintas trip in 2013 was 26 pounds. On non fishing trips, my starting weights last summer were 24 pounds (that's including about 4 pounds for a quart of Gatorade and a 5th of whiskey). The difference that a lighter pack made in my comfort and enjoyment along the trail was immense.
So, I have made a very concerted effort to get my pack as light as I possibly can, while maintaining my personal comfort standards. But, I've gotten down to the point that finding single ounces to jettison is very, very difficult. So, the appeal of being able to shave nearly half a pound off, in one whack, is TREMENDOUSLY appealing to me. I do see it as a VERY big deal. Combine that with a shelter change next year that ought to gain me another half pound or more, and then maybe a different pack the year after that to shave off another whole pound, and I'm getting to where my starting weight for a canyon trip will only be 20 pounds. I'd like that. Won't get there without treating every single ounce as a big deal though.
But... This is my sleeping comfort we're talking about! It's an area I hold dear.
Hence, the agonizing, the obsessing, over a measly 7 ounces...
- DAA
