Which Sleep System Is Right for Me?

Gryphon Gear offers five signature sleep systems, each designed for different conditions and backpacking styles.

Elephant's Foot: Our ultralight half bag is designed for fast-and-light adventures in above-freezing conditions when paired with an insulated jacket.

Aries Quilt: An ultralight backpacking quilt that offers maximum versatility and temperature regulation for three-season adventures.

Taurus Sleeping Bag: A hoodless sleeping bag that provides enclosed warmth while remaining exceptionally lightweight.

Taurus VRB™: A hoodless sleeping bag featuring Vapor-Radiation Barrier (VRB) technology for increased warmth and moisture management in below-freezing conditions.

Gemini Sleeping Bag: Our fully enclosed mummy sleeping bag, built for the coldest backcountry adventures with temperature ratings down to -40°F.

Temperature Ratings

Are your temperature ratings comfort or survival ratings?

Our temperature ratings are comfort ratings. If you order a 20°F bag or quilt, you should sleep comfortably at 20°F under appropriate conditions.

Which temperature rating should I choose?

Choose the lowest nighttime temperature you expect to encounter. Selecting the right rating helps ensure you'll stay comfortable throughout the night.

Can I sleep below the temperature rating?

Yes. Because our ratings are based on comfort, many users can sleep a few degrees below the listed rating depending on clothing, sleeping pad, shelter, and personal metabolism. If you regularly expect temperatures more than 5°F below the rating, we recommend choosing a warmer model.

Why are Gryphon Gear temperature ratings different from other brands?

Our ratings are designed around real-world comfort rather than survival limits, giving you a more realistic expectation of warmth. You'll notice that we typically use more down per temperature rating than other manufacturers. 

We have received comments that the temperature ratings of our products compare with other products rated 10°F colder.

Gear Questions

Should I choose a quilt or a sleeping bag?

Quilts offer more freedom of movement and better temperature regulation, while sleeping bags provide fully enclosed warmth. At 20°F and below, the weight difference between our Aries quilt and hoodless Taurus sleeping bag is minimal. 

What's the difference between the Aries quilt and the Taurus sleeping bag?

The Aries Quilt is like a sleeping bag without a bottom side. This design results in weight savings and versatility due to flexible ventilation. The Taurus is a hoodless sleeping bag that provides enclosed warmth while remaining exceptionally lightweight.

Is the width the actual true width?

Yes. Every Gryphon Gear quilt and sleeping bag is made with differential construction meaning the dimensions are accurate, so you can confidently choose the size that's right for you.

If I order a Taurus sleeping bag, when should I add a hood?

Many backpackers prefer a hoodless system because it reduces weight and allows greater flexibility. If you are going to be out when it is cold and are a side sleeper, you should consider one of our down hoods. A hood allows you to rotate from side to back to side in the sleeping bag or quilt while keeping the face opening properly located on your head.

Technical Questions

What do terms like fill power, differential cut, and draft collar mean?

Visit our Technical Library for detailed articles written by Dr. Gary Benninger explaining the design and science behind Gryphon Gear products. 

Why do you only use 900+ fill power down?

Higher fill power down provides more warmth for less weight while maintaining excellent compressibility. Our customers only want the best materials and construction, which is why we only offer the best. 

Why do you only offer down vs. synthetic materials?

Both down and synthetic insulation have their advantages. Down insulation offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio, compresses smaller, lasts longer when properly cared for, and provides superior performance for backpacking. Synthetic insulation performs better when wet and typically costs less, but it is heavier, bulkier, and loses loft more quickly over time.

We believe the long-term performance, durability, and weight savings of premium down make it the best choice for our products.

Ordering, Manufacturing & Shipping

Where are Gryphon Gear products made?

All sleeping bags, quilts, and hoods are manufactured in the USA by Dr. Gary and his family. 

How long does it take to receive my Gryphon Gear product?

All Gryphon Gear products are made to order to ensure the highest quality and customization options. Once placing your order, your product will be shipped in 4-6 weeks.

Can I personalize my gear? 

Every quilt and sleeping bag is personalized to you. If you would like additional personalization that are not included on the product pages, feel free to email us at info@gryphongear.com with your request. 

What can I get personalized?

We can personalize beyond the temperatures on the listing, shorter or longer lengths, larger widths, and foot box size. Please feel free to email us at info@gryphongear.com to see if we can accommodate your request. 

Will the straps fit my pad?

Most sleeping pads are 20 inches wide, meaning we will add a standard strap to your product unless noted in your order.

What is your return policy on quilts and sleeping bags?

All Gryphon Gear bags are made to order. If you are not happy with your order, we will work with you to make sure it meets your expectations. 

Note: Custom products are non-returnable. This includes any product modified beyond the standard options available on the product page.

What is your warranty on quilts and sleeping bags?

Gryphon Gear products are warranted to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship for the practical lifetime of the product. If a product fails due to a manufacturing defect, we will repair or replace it, at our discretion.

Quilt & Sleeping Bag Care

How should I store my quilt or sleeping bag?

Store your quilt or sleeping bag loosely in a large storage sack in a cool, dry place. Avoid long-term storage in the compression sack to maintain maximum loft. 

How do I wash my down quilt or sleeping bag?

Firstly, don’t wash your quilt or sleeping bag unless you really need to.

If you must, get a soap designed for down products. We have used Woolite over the years and always have had great results. 

1. Use a large tub (bathtub works well) with warm water and pour some of your soap in and mix it in the water. 
2. Add your quilt or sleeping bag in the soapy water and work the water into the quilt. The fabric is very tight and it will be hard to get the air out so we suggest being as gentle as possible. 
3. Drain the soapy water from the tub and fill it with warm water. Immerse the quilt and work the water through it. Do not twist it. Repeat this step about 5 times to get soap out. Note: All the soap must come out of the down for it to achieve maximum loft, so you might need to rinse more. 
4. Squeeze out the water on the final rinse (remember no twisting) and add it to dryer with tennis balls and no heat. The drying process will take a long time, perhaps several hours. You might need to take it out once in a while and pull down clumps apart. 
   

What if my question is not answered above?

Please feel free to email Gary at info@gryphongear.com with as much detail as you can provide. He typically answers emails within 3-5 business days.