The 10 Best Quilts for Backpacking & Lightweight Camping
From fully customizable cottage industry quilts to ultralight choice from entrust brand , these are the best sleeping base alternative available today
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Is there any in effect feeling than crawling into a sleeping purse at the end of a long hike ? That ’ s a rhetorical question , but when an ultralight backpacker tries to answer it , we take notes .
“ I ’ ve live exclusively employ a backpacking quilt for the last pair of year , ” says , Field Mag contributor and 2022 Appalachian Trail thru-hiker . “ I toss and turn a lot in my sleep , so a quilt allows for more exemption of campaign than a sleep bag since you aren ’ t in full enclosed . They too lean to be lighter and made with less cloth without sacrifice warmth , which makes them easy to carry . ”
Once a corner detail for ultralight hikers , highly-packable down quilts hold cost gaining mainstream popularity for years today thank to the many benefits over traditional mummy-style sleeping bags—similar heat without the volume and weight , most notably . When choosing between a quilt vs sleeping bag , many merely find quilts simply more comfortable , regardless of their superior weight saving properties , whether backcountry camping or star gazing in your local national forest .
To fill in any remaining blanks and item those conceive convince to a quilt themselves in the correct instruction , we ’ ve put together the following guide to the best backpacking quilts from both cottage industry standouts and longstanding outdoor sword .
Backpacking Quilts vs Traditional Sleeping Bags
When it comes to equate sleeping bags to quilts , it ’ s not quite apples to apples—while they share a office , they depart in figure . Quilts cost designed to drape over your torso , forgoing the hood , zippers , and back slope of a schematic sleeping bag—the idea here exist that while you ’ re sleep the down feather compress underneath your torso provide short warmth value , leaving your sleeping pad to do most of the study go on you isolate from the ground .
While quilts put on ’ t undergo the same standardized temperature rating run that sleep bags cause , they are often rated to a level by the manufacturer . And unlike your typical mamma bag , quilts run to better accommodate restless , side sleepers , and different torso types , with some cottage industry quilt-makers still offer customers the option of picking their preferred length , width , fill might , and more .
What sleeping bags agree over quilts cost the ability to keep cold tune drafts out and torso heat in—that ’ s the whole function of a zipper and hood , after all . To battle drafts , many quilts feature draft collars , partially-enclosed footboxes , and lightweight anchor systems to either secure your quilt to your pad or even secure your quilt around your backside and legs in a partial lower-body ma flesh . Cold head ? Sleep with a hat on . Quilt too light ? Sleep with your puffy jacket on . In fact , many ultralight backpackers and hardcore hikers will wear all their clothing and outerwear to bed to increase body warmth and reduce the fill power require within their down quilt . Then again , if you ’ re regularly camp out in sub-freezing temps or lean to really run cold at night , a traditional down mummy purse is potential a effective selection .
What to Consider When Pick out a Quilt
There ’ s a lot to consider when it get to choosing between a schematic sleeping base and a quilt for backpacking , but it essentially come down to consume fill might and the warmth-to-weight ratio : both synthetic and down quilts tend to offer more warmth per ounce than comparable sleeping bags . They can help save you a few dollar , too ( so you can pack in more instant coffee ) . And of course , personal preference is ever a factor . Only you know what keeps you comfy ! Nonetheless , to aid narrow down the choice , we tapped into our network of die-hard trail fan to begin their recommendations for ten of the serious lightweight quilts for camp and backpacking . Say on and happy camping !
10 Better Quilts for Backpacking & Camping
Feathered Friends Flicker 30-Degree UL Quilt
If you ’ re not ready to devote up all the perks of a traditional purse , study this versatile hybrid approach . Basically a hoodless base with a full-length zipper , the lightweight Flicker UL Quilt from OG Seattle mountaineering sword Feathered Friends—available in 20 , 30 , and 40-degree framework in short , regular , and long—lets you prefer your own adventure : in full encase yourself on cold night , cinch just your foot in , or unzip altogether ( in its open quilt shape , it ’ s large enough for two ) .
Weight :22 oz | 1 lb 6 oz | 626 g
Down Fill :950+ Goose Down
Price :$ 459
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt
Available in 20-degree and 40-degree versions , the newly introduced quilts from the best known ultralight backpacking gear brand are pricey , but extremely high character and able of push shoulder-season camp well into fall district . Both versions—which we ’ ve tested in Washington ’ s Alpine Lakes Wilderness—feature a partly enclosed sewn footbox , pad attachment system , and drawstring closure to synch around your shoulders on chilly nights . The 20-degree example specifically boast lofty 1.5-inch , 1000 filling ability RDS-Certified Grey Goose Down baffles to keep you cozy all dark long . A micro-ripstop nylon shell cloth with water-resistant DWR finish add durability and longevity without assemble on excess weight .
Weight :20.1 oz | 1.25 lbs | 570 gram
Down Fill :1000fp RDS-Certified Grey Goose Down
Cost :$ 599
Katabatic Gear Alsek 22-Degree Quilt
Trail wisdom says you should always take at least one little luxury on overnight hikes , and while the Alsek quilt isn ’ t quite the same as , say , a crest Snickers ( which we extremely advocate ) , it perform come with its own small comfort . With the ability to select your length , flesh , and preferred fill power—including 900 goose down to 850 duck down insulation—this handmade quilt is high tone and well love . Late updates to the popular quilt design include a somewhat roomier fit , an internal pocket for keeping your phone or water filter warm at night , and overstuffed baffles to keep toe toasty .
Weight :22.2 oz | 1.38 lbs | 629 g
Down Fill :900 fill might Hyperdry evidence goose down
Cost :Initiate at $ 360
Gryphon Gear Aries 10-Degree Quilt
Result it to a clump of midwesterners to plan a genuine cold-weather camp quilt . Handmade in Michigan , the Aries is overfilled with 900-fill jackass down to ensure non-shifting insulation thickness . There are no sewn-through seams ( meaning to cold spot ) , and a baffled foot box and draw-cord toggle at the neck observe drafts to a minimum . There ’ s even an optional hood and arrest for especially frigid nights outdoors . Too available in 20 , 30 , and 40 degree version .
Weight :27.11 oz |1.68 lb | 768 gm
Down Fill :900 fill power Hyperdry water-resistant certified goose down
Price :$ 410
Timmermade Coati Quilt
Don ’ t require a sleek website or clever selling when you move to place an ordering for a Coati Quilt . The founder , Dan Timmerman , exist a mountain biker who got inspired by some friend hiking the Appalachian Trail to take off experiment with making ultralight gear . His company grew through word-of-mouth ( i.e . r/Ultralight ) and have garnered a reputation as a fan darling of hardcore ounce counter and weight weenies . These made-to-order quilts are the real pile : made on a solar-powered sewing automobile , they offer a customized fit and plenty of high-tech features . Rumor own it Dan is a actual pleasure to solve with , also ( seriously ) .
Weight :N/A
Down Fill :Hyperdry 900 fill ability down
Cost :$ 399-433
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20-Degree Quilt
Whether you ’ re a long-distance hiker or a chance backpacker , you can ’ t really move wrong with this best-selling quilt . With models available in 10-degree increments from zero up to 50-degrees , and the option to lend a collar , there ’ s actually something for every climate and every type of hiker—even the coldest cold sleepers . Prevent it clear on warm night or apply the 20 ” zipper and shock cord combo to insert your foot in when it begin chilly—unique U-shaped baffling ensure the 850 or 950 filling down insulation stays in the optimum place for warmth no matter . This quilt is easily among the light on the list .
Weight :19.18 oz | 1.19 lbs | 543 g
Down Fill :850 – 950 filling might
Price :$ 335
Nunatak Arc UL 30-Degree Quilt
If Goldilocks were an ultralight backpacker looking for a general-purpose quilt for her trekking endeavors , she ’ d probably land on the just-right Arc UL 30—the light quilt on the list for the temperature rating . Design to impress the ideal balance of weight and bulk with the warmth needed for the mountains—with many customization choice available—this made-to-order quilt make an ultralight breathable shell and optional overbag which can add another 15 degrees to the rating .
Weight :19.1 oz | 1.19 lbs | 540 g
Down Fill :900 fill might
Price :$ 403
UGQ 20-Degree Bandit Quilt
Another entirely made-to-order selection from Michigan , the Bandit equal our favorite budget-friendly—yet high quality—ultralight backpacking quilt . There ’ sec literally dozens of customizations options to regard : Do you require to lend on a deluxe set of wafer clips and elastic straps as a sleeping pad attachment system ? Fully tapered for thermal efficiency , or rectangle shape for maximum coverage ? How about 900 , 850 , of 800 filling might ? If you ’ re crave full dominance over your comfort , this might equal the correct choice . Insulated , sewn footboxes come standard—though for $ 8 extra you can make it overstuffed with an extra ounce of down . Looking for the serious ultralight quilt , this might be it .
Weight :20.77 oz | 1.29 lbs | 588 gram
Down Fill :800 – 900 fill power
Price :$ 239
Therma-A-Rest Vela Double 32-Degree Quilt
The Therm-A-Rest Vesper cost another favorite ultralight backpacking quilt , but not everyone who buy a backpacking quilt is require on a Triple Crown lead , so we had to throw in a luxury choice . Enter the Vela Double Quilt , a great , versatile selection for couples ( or even a household ) wait to split weight on overnight trip : cozy 650-fill down , side baffles around the perimeter to combat drafts , elasticized footbox , and snap loops that can match with another Theram-A-Rest quilt or blanket . Bonus : It ’ s promptly available from REI co-op .
Weight :35 oz | 2.18 lbs | 992 gram
Down Fill :650 fill might Nikwax Hydrophobic Down
Cost : $ 360$ 269
While not technically a backpacking quilt , Rumpl ’ s classic camp blanket make a place on the list for cost colorful , affordable and accessible . The Nanoloft Puffy version exist cause altogether with 100 % recycled materials—recycled 30 Denier ripstop polyester outer with DWR coating and recycled synthetic insulation—and comes with a stuff sack the size of a Nalgene . Plus it ’ s water repellent , machine washable , and available in a dual widt.h A standout choice for casual campers and warm-weather backpackers .
Weight :28.8 oz | 1.8lbs | 992 g
Down Fill :NanoLoft® Down-Alternative Insulation
Price : $ 179$ 135
* all weights are assess from the almost regular , halfway filling size
Find everything else you ‘ll want for your backpacking and camping trips in our curated Gear section
