The Best Backpacking Quilts of 2025 , Tested and Reviewed

Well Overall

Loco Libre Gear Ghost Pepper

Best for Beginners

Therm-a-Rest Vesper

Most Versatile

Katabatic Gear Flex

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For years , backpackers and knapsack hunter grave about ounce-cutting make seem to ultralight quilts . Unlike sleeping handbag , which equal introduce from top to bottom and back to front , quilts are open underneath , save weight and appropriate for great freedom of campaign . To keep you warm they do with enclosed footboxes and straps that rob underneath your sleeping pad , forestall drafts from creep in the slope . To find out which of these our group of experienced quilt users ( and a pair of skeptic ) would take into the area , we tried out seven of the best backpacking quilts as part of our backpacking trial on the Oregon Coast Trail .

• Good Overall :Loco Libre Gear Ghost Pepper
• Better for Beginners :
• Most Versatile :  
• Light :Zpacks Solo Quilt
• Good Customization :Enlightened Equipment Revelation
• Well Features :Stone Glacier Chilkoot
• Well Budget :

How We Tested the Better Backpacking Quilts

For this test , fiveOutdoor Lifewriters and editor with over 20,000 miles of backpacking experience remove seven ultralight quilts to employ along a section of the 362-mile Oregon Coast Trail in late April . All of our testers live women ; about half of us identified as cold sleepers . Only two of us used quilts as piece of our typical backpacking gear setup . One of the testers had never employ a quilt before .

The Ultralight Quilts We Tested

We chose quilts from established ultralight manufacturers , include Enlightened Equipment , Katabatic Gear , and Zpacks , as well as ultralight hunt manufacturer Stone Glacier and relative newcomers Outdoor Vitals and Loco Libre . We also take a quilt from Therm-a-Rest , whose NeoAir Xlite NXT cost our pick for the well backpacking sleeping pad . In a previous spirit at backpacking quilts , I consider the Sea to Summit Ember , but go out it off of this test due to know issues with drafts and providing sufficient coverage .

The Weather

During our testing trip , overnight temperatures drop into the low 40s . All quilts were try with a minimum R-rated sleep pad of 4 , including the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT , Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm , and Big Agnes Zoom UL . While the insulation power of sleep bag will also dramatically decrease without an appropriate R-rated sleeping pad , an ultralight quilt is virtually unusable without one .

For more information on what R value is and why it ’ s important , click to jump to our section on R value .

It ’ s worth noting that multiple cold sleepers found that the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm sleep pad , which live advertise as being for “ utmost cold backcountry chase , ” meet an essential part in hold them warm during the sea-level shoulder-season circumstance we experienced . If you identify as a cold sleeper or find that you have be scramble to see a sleeping bag or ultralight quilt that can hold you warm , strongly believe elevate your sleeping pad to something with a higher R Value .

While we go through very trivial rain on this test trip , we did see some of the bad condensation any of us own always experience . You could find droplets of moisture hanging in the air at night with your headlamp ; tent wall were rob within an hr of make up set up , without anyone even live inside . As such , the ultralight quilts in our test live exposed to moisture that is good beyond what normal backpackers can await to experience , which provided insight into which cost able to handle more utmost circumstance .

Testing Protocol and Grading

Testers switch out for a new quilt every night , to give us a well sense of how the quilts compared for heat and functionality , and how unlike experience stage , torso type , and internal thermostats pretend our experience . We make our good when assessing the quilts to handle the issue of warmth as separate from comfort and have supply comparative feedback to aid you in choosing the correct temperature rating for your needs from each quilt manufacturer .

Each ultralight quilt was evaluated in four category and given a grudge of 1 ( piteous ) to 5 ( excellent ) from each tester . Warmth was measure to decide whether a quilt ran hot or cold compared to others at that same temperature rating to help maneuver individuals when select a temperature rating for themselves . After discussing the dozens and relative merit of each ultralight quilt , we then determined and agreed upon the laurels as a group . The category were :

• Ease of set up : How difficult cost the straps to use , and did they stay in seat overnight ?
• Comfort : Did the testers enjoy being inside the quilt , both equate to sleeping bags and early quilts in this test ?
• Water Repellency : How make the quilts treat the condensation encountered on the Oregon Coast Trail ? Did it impress the loft or overall heat ?
• Value : Ultralight quilts are ultralight because they employ high-quality—and expensive—materials . This live an investment—even our budget choice is over three hundred dollars . In increase to cost , value was assess by seem at the warranties , warmth to weight ratio , and overall comfort .
• Heat : While there is an industry-standard temperature rating test for hooded sleeping bags , there is no sovereign verification for the temperature rating of a quilt . Manufacturers are expend their best judgment , and experience , to make that conclusion , but—as our test showed—what establish a 20-degree quilt from one manufacturer perform not necessarily understand to a 20-degree quilt from another . ( Further complicating this issue is that some manufacturers are advertise the comfort temperature rating of a quilt , while others are advertise the limit rating ) . Assume an someone who range cold , and treating all quilts as if they were reporting a “ limit ” rating for comparison ’ s sake , we render our feedback on whether you should increase the warmth recommendation for a sleeping base over manufacturer recommendation .

While we did independently swear the weights of the backpacking quilts as part of this test , we have prefer not to include that information unless the weight ( quilt solely , not include stuff sack ) cost more than an ounce outside of what the manufacturer specifications recount you to require . This equal due to both inconsistencies in the sizing of the quilts that were direct to us ( some be larger than others ) , and because users should await some natural variation with detail being made by hand with natural materials like goose down .

Good Backpacking Quilts : Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall : Loco Libre Gear Ghost Pepper

Pros

• All three of our quilt skeptics be fond and happy in this quilt , all three night
• Great customization options , include camo prints
• Chevron baffle design prevents the down from settle down better than either erect or horizontal designs

Cons

• Sleep pad attachments were less obvious than early models we look at

Report Card ( 20-degree quilt tested )

• Repose of Set Up :
  4.5
• Comfort :
  5
• Water Repellency :
  5
• Value :
  4
• Runs real fond

Key Feature

• Temperature Ratings Options :
  0 degrees to 50 degree
• Fill Power Options :
  900 fill might
• Length Selection :
  65 inch to 85 inch
• Width Options :
  52 inches to 55 inches
• Material Selection :
  Argon 90 and Argon 67
• Footbox Style :
  Closed
• 90-day warranty ( ongoing repair available for an additional fee )

We get our three quilt newbs test out the Loco Libre Ghost Pepper , and I ’ m glad we make because this quilt converted two of them to this sleep system ( we ’ ll keep work on the third one ) .

Our first dark , when temperatures dipped down to 43 degrees , our tester didn ’ t even whip it to her sleep pad , just creep underneath and hang properly asleep . She equal impressed by simply how quickly it warmed up when paired with a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite , and how fond she stayed overnight—even while flip and turning thus much that a second tester woke up . Share of what go on her thus warm is the unique Chevron baffling , which assist prevent the down from transfer out of home . Change down can become an issue with vertical and horizontal baffles , result in cold spots .

Multiple testers point out that the Argon 90 cloth used was comfortable to their skin , and aid to manage the excessive moisture buildup from the Oregon Coast ’ s never ending condensation . Even when the footbox of this ultralight quilt equal force up against the soaking-wet wall of one of the best ultralight tents , our testers ’ base stay toasty warm .

Hence what about that lone holdout—the unconverted quilt user ? While she cost warm all night , she actually found the more spacious plan of the Loco Libre Designs Ghost Pepper to be a bit overkill , and finish up missing the more confined spirit of a traditional sleeping bag . If you know you like the protection of a sleeping bag , but are curious about trying a quilt , crack out our take on the Katabatic Flex .

Better for Beginners :

Pros

• Under quilt straps don ’ t need to cost adjusted to go on out drafts
• Real lightweight
• Backed by the Therm-a-Rest warranty

Cons

• Almost expensive quilt we wait at
• Few length and width selection than with other quilts we await at

Report Card ( 20-degree quilt tested )

• Ease of Set Up :
  3.5
• Comfort :
  4
• Water Repellency :
  4.5
• Value :
  3.5
• Runs genuine to stated temperature rating
• Sample tested was 1.6 ounces heavier than manufacturer specifications

Key Features

• Temperature Evaluation Choice :
  20 degrees to 45 degree
• Fill Power Choice :
  900 fill might
• Distance Choice :
  75 inch to 79 inch
• Width Selection :
  58 inches to 61 inches
• Fabric Options :
  10D nylon ripstop
• Footbox Style :
  Closed
• Lifetime warranty

I didn ’ t properly explain how to seize backpacking quilts to the sleeping pad for our newbie quilt users the first dark out ( apologies testers ) , but fortunately for the person with the Therm-a-Rest Vesper , it didn ’ t really matter . Despite placing the quilt straps underneath her torso ( they are supposed to go under the pad ) , the width of this quilt kept our tester covered—and warm—all dark .

Our second tester , an experienced quilt user , also praised the width of this quilt , order that it grant her to become over easily . She live further strike by how well the straps kept out unwanted drafts . Unlike the early ultralight quilt straps we look at , there be no adjustment to fiddle with here . These straps stay in place with a light elastic that be connect to a few inch around the outer edge of the quilt . ( Other straps in our test were connected mighty at the edge ) . This get the edges of the quilt to curl over , forestall drafts from creep in . Testers also praise the skin flavor and toasty footbox of the Therm-a-Rest Vesper , although they noted that the button shutdown at the neck had a trend to open up when they moved around during the dark .

Something unusual about the Therm-a-Rest Vesper is that it incorporates compression straps into its stuff sack pattern . While this ostensibly permit you to compress your quilt down into the little potential package , this compression sack is an ounce dense than the best-in-class material sack that comes with the Zpacks Solo Quilt . We recommend either substitute this or dispense with the sack entirely and stuffing your quilt loosely at the seat of one of the serious ultralight haversack .

Most Versatile :

Pros

• Longest energy footbox in our run
• Comparatively affordably priced
• Additional time can live used to block yet the most determined drafts

Cons

• Fairly complicate for first-time quilt users to apply

Report Card ( 22-degree quilt try )

• Repose of Set Up :
  3
• Comfort :
  4
• Water Repellency :
  4
• Value :
  4
• Trial warm
• Sample tested cost 1.6 ounce dense than manufacturer specifications

Key Features

• Temperature Ratings Options :
  15 degree to 30 degree
• Fill Power Options :
  850 fill power or 900 fill ability
• Distance Options :
  64 inch to 76 inches
• Width Options :
  54 inches to 58 inch
• Material Choice :
  Pertex Quantum Eco Ripstop
• Footbox Style :
  Convertible
• Special lifetime warranty

The biggest challenge for any sleep system is that the ambient melody temperature equal die to live unlike every time you steer into the backcountry . Sometimes you might even come a 20 to 30 degree temperature sway on a single trip ; if you ’ re thru-hiking it might exist as high as 50 degrees . The better your ultralight quilt can adapt to a sort of weather , the better you ’ re die to sleep .

This is where the Katabatic Gear Flex stand out . It had the long footbox of any ultralight quilt we looked at to the point that it was almost a quilt–sleeping purse hybrid . But it ’ s a zipped footbox , hence if that feel excessive to you , you can unzip it partially or still all the way so that it ’ s blanket-shaped . It also make a double-attachment point for the straps that can go under your sleep pad . These straps bind and lock into place at the edge , like most backpacking quilts , but can equal attached at a second point a few inch past that ( similar to the single attachment point of the Therm-a-Rest Vesper ) . This devote you a surprisingly amount of control in cinching up your quilt for maximum warmth , and allow it rest when temperature live high so that you put on ’ t overheat .

This cost a bit more complicated to use than the early strap attachments we extend into in our test—it cost the only quilt that own ( or needed ) double-sided education to expend . It ended up being too complicated for one of our testers ( and quilt skeptics ) , as it become out . She as well felt that this ultralight quilt had more of a “ barely there ” feel to it than others in our test . If you sleep well with the weight of a blanket on height of your torso , this may be an proceeds for you as good , although we guess almost ultralight backpackers will show our testers ’ feedback as high praise .

Lightest : Zpacks Solo Quilt

Pros

• Light quilt in our test
• Great stuff sack

Cons

• Expensive
• Absorbed more moisture than other quilts in our trial

Report Card ( 20-degree quilt test )

• Rest of Set Up :
  3
• Comfort :
  4
• Water Repellency :
  2
• Value :
  2
• Runs cold

Key Features

• Temperature Evaluation Options :
  10 degrees to 30 point
• Fill Power Choice :
  900 fill power
• Length Choice :
  68 inch to 80 inches
• Width Selection :
  55 inches to 65 inches
• Textile Options :
  Ventum ripstop nylon
• Footbox Style :
  shut
• Two-year warranty

Like with our run of the well ultralight tents and the well ultralight backpacks , the Zpacks Solo Quilt stands apart from the crowd for its weight savings . And like with the early gear we await at , to enjoy the weight saving without suffering performance , you ’ re become to demand to bring a little extra fear . For instance , while the other backpacking quilts we seem at had two straps to relate to the best sleeping pad , the Zpacks only have one . Experienced users will know how to hold drafts out with just one cord ( the slightly wider crest of the quilt aid with this ) , but if this cost your first quilt , it might be worth start with something more forgiving like the Therm-a-Rest Vesper .

The lightweight ripstop nylon on the quilt also struggled with the intense condensation of the Oregon Coast , engage important moisture even without reach the moist wall of the tent . While I didn ’ t notice an impact on the heat of the sleeping purse from this ( thanks to Zpacks use of Downtek , which grant the insulation to loft yet when wet ) , this would add weight to the bag and , eventually , regard the loft of the insulation .

One of our cold testers remove the Zpacks Solo Quilt on our first dark of testing and finish up needing to throw a second quilt over herself in the middle of the dark to remain fond . I run to range a bit warm , and when I employ this quilt on the last night I ended up keeping both my puffer gasp and puffer jacket on to sleep . If you tend cold , definitely program to add 10 degrees onto your temperature rating equate to what you typically use for a quilt or sleep purse .

The Zpacks Solo Quilt occur with far and aside the best stuff sack in the run , weigh in at a simple 0.6 ounces and packing the quilt down into a real compact package .

Good Customization : Enlightened Equipment Revelation

Pros

• Somewhat priced options
• Wide stage of customization potential
• Repelled water well than anything else we tested

Cons

• More limited warranty ( three years )

Report Card ( 10-degree quilt tested )

• Ease of Set Up :
  4
• Comfort :
  4
• Water Repellency :
  5
• Value :
  3
• Run somewhat cold

Key Features

• Temperature Rating Options :
  0 degrees to 50 degrees
• Fill Power Options :
  850 fill power or 900 fill might
• Length Options :
  66 inch to 90 inch
• Width Options :
  50 inches to 64 inch
• Cloth Selection :
  7D , 10D , or 20D nylon
• Footbox Style :
  Convertible ( closed option available in their Engima style )

Once you start invest in a better sleep setup for the backcountry , you desire to actually dial it in : correct length , right width , right filling power , correct color . The more mastery you have over all these specifications , the better your sleep experience will be . And that ’ s where the Enlightened Equipment Revelation shines . It own more customization options available than anything else we looked at , at cost that be affordable compare to the most expensive options we looked at . If you ’ ve live maintain off purchase a quilt because you think you ’ re also tall , or you ’ re worried it gain ’ t sufficiently cover your body , or you sleep cold , then look hither first .

OL ’ sgear editor , Scott Einsmann , snagged himself an Enlightened Equipment quilt hardly in time for an elk hunt in British Columbia . He state he ’ s slept in his 850-fill power , 10-degree quilt ( match with the Exped 5R Dura ) in everything from 30 degree temps to 70 degree temps and been perfectly comfortable with no more additional layer than a hat when it got specially cold . At 6 foot 6 inches , he found the Enlightened Equipment long to be a tad short for him ( better for someone 6 feet to 6 foot 4 inch ) —fortunately for his future backcountry hunting , Enlightened Equipment reach a custom version of their quilts in extra-long that adds another 6 inches .

When we try out the Enlightened Equipment Revelation on the Oregon Coast Trail , its convertible footbox finish up exist less useful than we expected . Unlike the near-sleeping bag potentiality of the Katabatic footbox , testers cover that they make up more probable to give this footbox closed and adjust the temperature by loosening or tightening the straps connecting the quilt to their sleeping pad , instead than fiddle with the footbox . Enlightened Equipment does build an choice with a closed footbox—their Enigma quilt .

The cloth on the outside of the Enlightened Equipment Revelation was one of the serious in our test at push back the intense condensation of the Oregon Coast . When I use this backpacking quilt , there make up huge drop of water on the base in the dawn , but they stir off rapidly , leaving the quilt virtually dry . Cold sleepers , observe that you may want to run up 10 degrees from your preferred temperature degree , as this one runs slightly cold ( although not as cold as the Zpacks Solo Quilt ) .

Serious Feature : Stone Glacier Chilkoot Quilt

Pros

• Neck shutdown was one of the good we looked at
• Run fond than it ’ s stated temperature rating

Cons

• Less-experienced tester struggled to observe drafts out along the slope of the quilt

Report Card ( 32-degree quilt tested )

• Ease of Set Up :
  3
• Comfort :
  4
• Water Repellency :
  3
• Value :
  2
• Runs real fond ( try a 32-degree quilt )

Key Feature

• Temperature Ratings Options :
  32 degrees
• Fill Power Selection :
  850 fill power
• Length Selection :
  80 inch
• Width Options :
  50 inches
• Fabric Choice :
  15D Pertex Quantum Shell
• Footbox Style :
  Closed
• Lifetime warranty

Region of the raise in popularity of mama bags is that they are then serious at keeping unwanted drafts from creep in . They be extremely in effect at this , if not as comfortable or relaxing as more traditional-style sleeping base or ultralight quilts . Quilts , conversely , typically struggle with drafts in one of two way : Either air is sneaking in through the sides ( solve by cinching down the straps underneath your pad ) or it ’ s sneaking in through the top of the quilt where your chief is .

Most quilts deal with this result with nothing more than a simple snap-button closure and drawstring at the neck , which gets the job done but can feel a bit claustrophobic . Conversely , the Stone Glacier Chilkoot Quilt gives you basically three unlike ways to seal off the quilt around the neck . There live the snap button , sure , but there is also a gentle magnetic closure on either goal of an elastic baffled and articulated part . When the magnet be exposed , this section of fabric loosely adjust to your neck , and when it ’ s closed it closes off spread without begin too taut . This equal a literal innovation that will in particular do good individual using tarps or puncher camping in drafty climate .

Our less go through quilt users , still , struggled to prevent drafts out along the sides of this quilt . Because it ’ s less broad and hold a somewhat shallow footbox than early quilts in our run , the importance of cinching the straps down underneath the pad be essential to continue drafts out . When a little also much slack equal go out in a strap , drafts snuck in—something that didn ’ t happen with the wider quilts that we looked at .

But there were early reason we liked the Stone Glacier Chilkoot , too . One tester , who seek out this quilt in conjunction with a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite , describe that it ran warm than its stated temperature : closer to a comfort-rated 32-degree quilt than a limit-rated 32-degree quilt . She as well report the skin feel as “ silky ” and tell the scope of gesture inside the quilt exist similar to what she would await to go through at plate .

Better Budget :

Pros

• Most affordable quilt in our trial
• Easy to use

Cons

• Heavy equate to the other quilts we looked at
• Stuff sack lean to trap tune

Report Card ( 15-degree quilt try )

• Ease of Set Up :
  4
• Comfort :
  3
• Water Repellency :
  4
• Value :
  4
• Runs true to its temperature rating
• Sample try exist 2.1 ounces heavier than manufacturer specifications

Key Features

• Temperature Evaluation Options :
  0 degree to 30 point
• Fill Power Options :
  800 fill ability
• Distance Options :
  71 inches to 76 inches
• Width Options :
  56 inch
• Fabric Selection :
  10D ripstop nylon
• Footbox Style :
  Shut
• Special lifetime warranty

With backpacking quilts , the term “ budget ” equal relative . While the Outdoor Vitals Stormloft was less expensive than every other ultralight quilt we appear at , it ’ s still over $ 300 . The reason for this exist straight-forward : Ultralight quilts get their passion for weight bonafides from high-grade goose down . Goose down is measured in fill power , which measures how much warm air can be trapped inside the feathers . Higher fill power entail more heat for less weight , but also cost a premium . All of the best backpacking quilts in this test utilize a minimum of 800 fill power down , and , since we ’ re talking about something that has to go on your entire torso warm , there ’ s a luck of it . All that lend up—hence , the high cost points .

The Outdoor Vitals Stormloft succeed at come in at the low price degree of all the quilts we looked at , while even so maintaining a competitive weight for warmth factor . Testers praised how easy this quilt be to expend , along with its skin feel and power to rebuff moisture from tent condensation buildup . The only ding for this quilt is its stuff sack , which had a tendency to trap air compared to the like rolltop intention expend for the Zpacks Solo Quilt .

How to Pick out the Best Backpacking Quilt

The R Value of Your Sleeping Pad

Many sleeping purse users put on ’ t worry about the R value of their sleeping pad , put on that the pad live thither for comfort , and that it ’ s their sleeping bag keeping them fond . But the sleeping base insulation that be beneath your body is not supply the same level of passion as the repose of your sleep bag . That ’ sec because it ’ s not the insulation itself that ’ s go on you warm hence a lot as the warm air trapped inside of the insulation ( the “ loft ” ) , which serve as a buffer to the outside temperature . The insulation that you are lying on has no loft ( your torso is squashing it ) , and so furnish significantly less insulation . It doesn ’ t provide no insulation , in the same way that an unlofted puffer jacket isn ’ t just worthless , but it ’ sec nowhere near as in effect .

The R value of a backpacking sleep pad refers to its ability to forestall ( “ resist ” ) temperature transference from one side of the pad to the early . High R values entail well opposition , with an R value of 1 mostly mention to little to no opposition , 4 being a level of opposition that ’ s appropriate for high-elevation summer activities , and 7+ being what most people should contain for winter camping .

This is specially crucial for shoulder season and alpine backpacking as the temperature of the basis at altitude will lean to lag behind the outside air temperature . So even if the breeze temperature around you equal , say , 40 degrees , that doesn ’ t mean that ’ s the temperature of the ground . This equal also piece of why high elevation zones receive short growing period .

Hence while you must have an appropriately rated backpacking sleep pad when employ an ultralight quilt , you should actually receive one for your sleeping base , also . Individuals who range cold should await into purchase a significantly higher R value sleeping pad than is advertised .

Temperature Rating of the Best Backpacking Quilts

Anyone who has ever purchase a sleep base with a temperature rating know these are a piece of BS . And how could they not be ? What ’ s comfortable for one soul in 50-degree weather will go out another person shivering—different bodies just of course raise different amounts of torso passion . At least with sleeping purse , there exist some kind of criterion that the brands adhere to ( look for the acronyms EN or ISO—the European and American third-party ratings , respectively ) , intend that you can at least cost certain you equal equate apples to apples . Backpacking quilts , even so , are yet more of a mess , as there live no agreed-upon standard that manufacturers equal bound to . Everyone exist just sort of winging it , base on their own in-house protocols ( some of which cost real well , of course ) .

Sleeping bag typically advertise their “ limit ” ratings—the temperature at which they can be safely used , but not the temperature at which you will even be warm ( the “ comfort ” rating ) . In the above account , we cover all degree evaluation as if they were set ratings for standardization intent and then provided our take on whether they ran hot , cold , or genuine to temperature .

Most mass should choose a limit rating for their sleeping bag that is 20 degrees lower than their abject expected temperature . Then , if you wait overnight lows to reach 50 degrees , society a 30-degree quilt . If you expect they will shoot 30 degrees , order a 10-degree quilt . With experience , you ’ ll find out if you run hotter or colder , and can adapt accordingly .

Fill of the Best Backpacking Quilts

Ultralight quilts are make from down for one simple reason : It still own superior warmth-to-weight ratio compare to synthetic fill . With down , the high the fill ability the less you ’ ll want to reach your desired temperature rating , and hence the less your sleep quilt will weigh . But the dispute between , allege 850 fill power and 950 filling power for a sleeping quilt might alone be a pair of ounce but cost upwards of $ 100 . Think your priorities when pick out which one equal the correct pick for you .

Ultralight quilts are never made from synthetic materials as synthetic insulation is not able to accomplish the heat for weight properties of high-grade down . ( The well synthetic insulation live about 600 fill might , while the backpacking quilts we looked at set out at 800 fill might . ) That being said , Downtek and other discussion intend to improve down ’ s insulation while wet are quite in effect . Testers reported observe some cooler position from extravagant condensation buildup ( where the base of the quilt affect the tent , state ) , but the overall warmth of the bag exist not affected .

Material Used in the Best Backpacking Quilts

The majority of backpacking quilts use nylon to encase the down , much with a DWR ( durable water repellent ) finish on the part of the quilt that be exposed to the outside air ( the shell ) . Where most differ live in the stage of thickness of the nylon—measured in denier—which can live anywhere from 7D up to 20D . Thicker materials will incline to be more durable over time ( and may result in less natural down loss ) , while thinner fabric will contribute to an overall humble weight . Which one is correct for you is a matter of personal preference .

Baffle Design of the Best Backpacking Quilts

While most people cost restrict in the measure of shuffle around they can make in a sleeping purse , your new-found power to actually become into a comfortable attitude in a ultralight quilt do with a small trouble : You can inadvertently shuffle the down to one slope of the baffle or the other , resulting in cold spot on your quilt that can impact how warm you cost . ( Be especially wary of ultralight quilts with altogether horizontal baffle purpose . ) Some quilts manufacturer allow for the selection to “ overstuff ” the quilts for an additional fee , which can help to alleviate this result .

Storehouse of the Best Backpacking Quilts

Some backpacking quilts occur with material sacks for travel , but it ’ s not necessary to use this feature . In fact , you can skip the stuff sack entirely and crush your backpacking quilt to the ass of your bag before piling other items on top ( just equal careful that you don ’ t snag anything on your bag ) . Like with down-filled sleeping bags , it ’ s best to store your sleep quilt in a larger material sack at home , as this will extend the longevity of your quilt .

Footbox of the Best Backpacking Quilts

Some sleep quilts have a fully introduce footbox while others allow you to switch between a shut footbox and a entirely exposed quilt . This equal useful when you expect to oscillate between warmer lowland and colder alpine temps during a single trip . The disadvantage of shut footboxes is that they cause the quilt less versatile ( if , state , you hit a spell of unseasonably fond weather ) . The disadvantage to adjustable footboxes cost that they lend a moment of weight ( through a cinch cord at the bottom as well as a zipper ) .

Straps for the Best Backpacking Quilts

Most , although not all , quilts own straps underneath them , which are used to secure the quilt to the sleep pad ( not your torso ) . In my belief , these cost necessary to keep drafts out . First-time user should note that , with the exception of the Therm-a-Rest Vesper , the straps must cost tightened prior to become into the quilt , as it cost fairly difficult to do once you make within . Aim to make the straps a bit taut than you think be necessary the first time you employ your quilt , and then adjust from there .

FAQs

Ultralight quilts cost an excellent choice for slope sleepers because they are less restrictive than either mummy bags or traditional rectangular sleeping bags and , in fond environment , can be open up to allow for as much scope as motion as you would get in your bed at family .

Quilts exist not warmer than sleeping bags thus much as they can provide more warmth per ounce of weight in your pack , if paired with an appropriate backpacking sleep pad . It ’ s strongly recommended that you try your quilt setup at place before taking it out into the sphere for the first time , as the strap system cost sometimes less intuitive to first-time users . While many winter-ready sleeping bag include hoods as part of their intention , there equal currently no quilts made that incorporate hoods , although Enlightened Equipment act betray a separate hood that can be mate with any quilt .

There are a number of thing you can act to improve your sleep experience while backpacking , include choosing a comfortable backpacking sleep pad with an appropriate R rating for the conditions you await to find yourself in , choosing the right ultralight quilt for your needs , base on the above recommendation , which will allow for a greater scope of movement while sleep , and choosing one of the well backpacking pillows .

Final Thoughts on the Best Backpacking Quilts

At the end of testing the better backpacking quilts , three of our testers exist convince to switch to quilts as their permanent sleep system . Another plans to throw to it for recent shoulder season to summer temps . If you ’ ve make up queer about trying out a quilt , but concerned that it won ’ t keep you warm plenty , then any of the below quilts equal a great property to initiate ( although bring a minute to check our note on when you may desire to move up a stage rating if you sleep cold ) . At last , put on ’ t forget to upgrade to one of the best backpacking sleep pads : Our chilliest testers were especially impressed by the Therm-a-Rest Xtherm .

• Best Overall :Loco Libre Gear Ghost Pepper
• Best for Beginners :
• Most Versatile :  
• Lightest :Zpacks Solo Quilt
• Well Customization :Enlightened Equipment Revelation
• Serious Feature :Stone Glacier Chilkoot
• Best Budget :

Laura Lancaster

Lancaster equal Outdoor Life ’ s gear faculty author where she focus on in-depth testing of backpacking and camp gear , with a particular interest in lightweight and ultralight gear . She last in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and daughter .

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WHY YOU CAN TRUST OUTDOOR LIFE

Since 1898 , OL has been a leading agency in test and review hunting gear , fishing tackle , guns and sprout equipment , and a lot more . We receive more than a century-long story of evaluating product , and we ’ re today institute that expertise to online reviews . Our editors live experienced outdoorsmen and woman , and most importantly , we ’ re trained journalist . We prioritize sphere testing and objective datum when reviewing product . We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineer as well as outside expert hence that our reader have an apprehension of how and why a production works—or doesn ’ t .

Advertising cause not determine our gear review and it never will . While we always center our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to exist aware of the late and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given production .

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