Neve Gear Waratah

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TL;DR: Great warmth-to-weight and value, but untreated down.

Overall

#5 in

Outdoor Sleeping Bags

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Sentiment score100% positive
15
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Top Pros

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Last updated: Jun 2, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Icon9elevendriver
3 months ago

I would also recommend a quilt paired with a good sleeping pad, which would be different if you are hammock camping. I'm not familiar with hammock camping, but I think you would need an under quilt and an over quilt. The under quilt, like a sleeping pad, is also essential in keeping you warm. Having said that, for ground sleeping, I've had a 30F degree synthetic Enlightened Equipment quilt for a few years and often found it too cold. It's also very large and doesn't compress down very much for the warmth it provides. I've retired it to lending to friends and car camping. I just picked up a Neve Gear Waratah -8C which I pair with a Nemo Tensor All Season pad. I just snow camped in 30F / -1C with it. I do wear a full set of down PJ's (overshoes, pants, jacket) and I do sleep cold, having issues with cold feet in the past. With the -8C and full set of down I was plenty warm and had no issues. I could have probably gone down to the advertised -8C and been okay, slightly out of comfort. For summer I'll use the Neve Gear Waratah UL paired with a Nemo Tensor Elite pad that drops around 500 grams (haven't weighed it yet). If I recall both the -8C and UL quilt were within specifications for weights but will double check later.

3 months ago

I just got back from snow camping in -1C weather, first time using my new Waratah -8C. I also sleep cold but was completely fine with generic down booties, pants, and jacket with a Nemo Tensor All Season pad with a foam pad underneath. I could have gone a few degrees colder too without issue (maybe down to -5C). I plan on using the -8C quilt for fall/winter/spring and bought the UL version for summer camping with a Nemo Tensor Elite, which shave at least 450 grams. I'll also not wear my full down (just booties) when not snow camping. I previously used a 30F EE Synthetic quilt (Revelation Apex) but found it too cold, heavy and bulky, but will use it to lend out. I'd recommend the Neve Gear -8C. I read about quality issues around the ends of the threads but mine was fine. I haven't had any super high end quilts, but happy with this one for its price. I was also a bit worried about material, specifically the 7D on the UL but it actually feels pretty good. I would also go with regular width. I'm 5'10", 180lbs and was fine with it. You don't want to go too wide which would be wasteful - I went wide on my EE quilt and regretted it.

Reddit Iconfka_tabs
7 days ago

I was also perpetually cold in an EE 20 degree quilt at anything below about 35 degrees. It’s the lightest option for a reason! I replaced mine with a Neve Waratah -8 and it’s much, much warmer. I’d actually expect to be comfortable at 20 degrees, instead of just alive.

Reddit IconJNyogigamer
3 months ago

I just got the Waratah -8C and love it. It's my first quilt and l chose it because I sleep cold too and the way the straps attach up the sides allows the quilt to tuck under a bit and eliminate drafts. Additionally, it opens up completely for the warmer nights. It's also rated for female temperature ratings which means it's warmer than similar ratings of other quilts. Having zero buyers remorse!

3 months ago

Well I don't have experience with the katabatic and haven't touched one. But I did research them and the strap system was the selling point for me along with the cost all other things comparable. I feel like the quality is great. Like I said zero buyers remorse. I was coming from a Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20 mummy bag which I felt underperformed this winter. I shaved almost a pound of gear weight and at 30 degrees F (the coldest I've had the waratah out in so far) I was much warmer than I've experienced being in the Kelty, which I would have had to pair with a fleece liner at that temperature.

Reddit IconLoosetree123
30 days ago

I have the Kakwa 55 and the xmid2. I absolutely love both of them. I also have the Neve Waratah-8c absolutely satisfied with this quilt. For the xmid2 there have been a couple times I wished I had a free standing tent, however it’s always worked and been great. Very roomy for a solo. Good luck

Reddit Iconmalonebrown690
4 months ago

I’ve used my Neve waratah -2C down below freezing and it has been warm. Really like that quilt and it has been bomber and warm. I think the -8C will be plenty warm for just below freezing. The pad attachment system is particularly good. I also just picked up a Paria thermodown 0 for winter trips below freezing. I find that I sometimes prefer a bag with a hood in well below freezing temps. There is a definite weight penalty but a good nights sleep can be worth it. Paria also has some quilt options that I have heard good things about but never personally tried.

Reddit IconUpbeat-Adeptness8738
6 months ago

I am 6'7" and have the neve gear waratah -8 which is perfect

Reddit Iconwindybeaver
4 months ago

The neve gear and enlightened equipment are solid picks. I would suggest getting the foot box sewn shut it will save weight, be much warmer, and you will likely never sleep with it open. Consider ditching the sleeping liner and invest that weight into more down in your sleeping quilt to add much more warmth for the weight. The timmermade false bottom quilts are amazing at stoping drafts and retaining warmth although not budget picks. Also check out hammock gear, Timmermade, UGQ, katabatic gear.

Reddit Iconyogurt_tub
3 months ago

If budget isn't an issue Western Mountaineering won't let you down. Maybe also look at the astralite? Definitely stick with a 5'6" bag. If you want to maintain the flexibility of a quilt/non-mummy bag, you can get a well-insulated hat or hood to keep your head warm. You could also consider something from Katabatic or Nunatak. Or a Neve -8, and save some money - I'm very happy with my -2. I would stay away from EE as they have a reputation for underrating their sleep systems. The owner also sure likes to wink at fascist political beliefs but that's neither here nor there.

3 months ago

Not really. It's 650fp with a heavy shell fabric. I'm sure it's a fine bag for general users but it's not ultralight - you could get a much much lighter 40F comfort quilt with a 10d nylon shell / 850fp down. Used off ulgeartrade would be a good option. At $215 you could get the 4*C Neve Waratah UL new and save like a pound.

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