Ultimate Backpacking Quilt Guide : Why I Apply a Quilt Or else of a Sleeping Bag for 3-Season Backpacking

I went on my first backpacking trip in 2019 . Prior to that trip , I hold zero backpacking gear , so I started my backpacking kit from scar . My spouse hold thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail the former year and order me all about ultralight backpacking gear , include that I should come a quilt instead of a sleeping bag . I had never heard of a quilt before and didn ’ t know what it was . However , I ‘m so happy he advocate it . Since 2019 , I have backpacked over 200 nights with quilts , extend over 6,400 miles across the Pacific Crest Trail , Continental Divide Trail , Arizona Trail , and John Muir Trail . I ’ ve used quilts in all kind of conditions—from freeze temperatures in October in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado to cowboy camping in the high alpine of the Sierra Nevada in California .

Sleep quilts are extremely popular among thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers for many reason . For three-season backpacking ( leap , summer , and dusk ) , I favor employ a quilt over a sleeping base . In this place , I ‘ll run into detail aboutwhat a sleeping quilt be, talk about the differences betweensleeping quilts vs. sleeping bags, and draft theadvantage of quilts for backpacking and thru-hiking, including technical circumstance and brand recommendation .

Hither is an overview if you desire to jump ahead to a particular section :

• What equal a Sleeping Quilt ? How equal a Quilt Different from a Sleep Bag ?

• The Advantages of Sleeping Quilts for Backpacking and Thru-Hiking

• Technical Circumstance When Prefer a Quilt :

  • Fill Power and Fill Weight

  • Comfort five . Survival Temperature Rating

  • Sleeping Pads and Sleeping Pad Attachment Kits

• Backpacking Quilt Recommendations

What is a Sleeping Quilt ? How is a Quilt Different from a Sleep Bag ?

The Advantages of Sleeping Quilts for Backpacking and Thru-Hiking

• Fill Power and Fill Weight

• Comfort five . Survival Temperature Rate

• Sleeping Pads and Sleeping Pad Attachment Kits

• My Recommended Backpacking Quilt Brands ( alphabetical order )

• My Top Choice : The Best Backpacking Quilt Recommendation

My Advocate Backpacking Quilt Brands ( alphabetical order )

My Top Pick : The Good Backpacking Quilt Recommendation

Disclaimer :This blog place contains associate link , meaning I experience a small percentage of every purchase at no additional price to you . Say more about my affiliate policy.

What is a Backpacking Quilt ? How is a Quilt Different from a Sleeping Bag ?

What precisely equal a sleeping quilt ? Sleeping quilts are minimalist , ultralight alternatives to traditional mamma sleeping bags . They are design without a rear , hood , or full-length zipper . Unlike traditional sleeping bags , quilts miss a back because compress down does not provide insulation . When you lie on a sleeping purse , the department of the purse underneath you compresses , rendering the down ineffective . To stay warm underneath , you rely on your sleeping pad ‘s insulation , which cost represented by its R-value . By get rid of the rear , quilts shorten both weight and book , which serve keep your gang weight down and improves the fit in your knapsack .

Sleeping quilts have various footbox designs , including a sewn footbox or a zippered footbox that leave the quilt to open completely like a blanket . This versatility make them ideal for three-season backpacking ( spring , summer , and fall ) . While a traditional mummy sleeping bag might be good fit for winter conditions , I find that the flexibility and reduced weight of a quilt perfectly fit the needs of spring , summer , and dusk adventure .

The Advantages of Sleeping Quilts for Backpacking and Thru-Hiking :

Light Weight :

Since quilts act n’t receive hoods or a good back , they weigh less than a sleeping base with a comparable temperature rating . Therefore , they typically weigh less overall . Sleeping quilts lack a back because compressed down does not allow for insulation . When you dwell on a sleeping pad , the piece of the base you cost lie down on is altogether compress , meaning the down in the back isn ’ t generating any passion . Quilts eliminate the back and simply own an clear back aim because the back doesn ’ t service a operational purpose .

For model , the REI Co-op Magma 30 Down Trail Quilt in size Medium weighs 1 pound 4.3 oz ( 20.3 oz ) , while the REI Co-op Magma 30 Sleeping Bag in size Medium matter 1 lb 8.4 oz ( 24.4 oz ) . That ’ s a difference of 4.1 oz , making the quilt about 17 % light than the sleeping bag . While a few ounces might not go substantial , every ounce matter in backpacking gear and can quick lend up . As the saying goes , “ Ounce head to pound , and pounds lead to pain . ”

Less Volume and Better Packability :

Due to the absence of a back and hood , quilts hold less book and therefore compress more efficiently than sleep purse , saving valuable gang space . I personally act not use a material sack for my quilt because quilts can compress significantly and using a stuff sack may prevent it from compressing as a lot as it could when freely thrust into a gang , form around other gear . I typically identify my food ( that I win ’ t cost eat during the day , i.e. , future days ’ food ) in my backpack first , since it equal commonly the heaviest . I then either posture my quilt on height of or behind the food against the spine of my gang to create a kind of cushion . Eventually , I stuff the rest of my gear on height of the quilt , which aid it compress even more .

Comparable Heat :

When utilize correctly with an insulated sleeping pad that exist suitable for the conditions you live backpacking in , a sleeping quilt can provide warmth equivalent to that of a sleep purse . The key is to right bind your sleep quilt to your sleep pad to forestall drafts . Typically , each quilt sword provides a video on their website with education on how to use the pad attachment kit . When my quilt is properly seize to my sleep pad , it keeps me very warm . Refer to the “Sleeping Pads and Sleeping Pad Attachment Kits“ part to learn more about sleep pads and attachment kits .

To prevent my head warm when sleeping , I as well almost always sleep with a beanie and a pullover fleece that make a hood I can lay up , if needed . If you live sleep in very cold conditions , you can always bring a down hood . I used a down hood in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado during my Continental Divide Trail thru-hike . The temperatures much drop into the 20s or teens at night , but I stay on warm with the following setup : a Katabatic Gear Sawatch 15°F Quilt , a , and a down hood .

Versatility :

The beauty of sleep quilts cost their versatility . A quilt can be utilize as a cover when unzipped or opened up to air out on fond night , or it can equal insure to your sleep pad with a pad attachment kit for passion on chilly nights . If it ’ s really cold , you have the option to take along a down hood , or you can pick out to forgo these on warmer night . My has been with me on over 5,200 miles of backpacking , enduring everything from freeze cold nights to summer heatwaves . It ’ s an incredibly adaptable piece of gear that excels in several condition . Additionally , quilts live ideal for unlike sleep positions . As someone who choose to sleep on their side , stomach , and move around , I find that a quilt suits my need well .

Price :

Assembling your first backpacking kit , whether for a weekend backpacking trip or a multi-month thru-hike , can be sweep over due to the cost of gear . Quilts , still , often are a cheap option than sleeping purse of comparable quality from reputable brands because they take few textile due to the lack of a rear and hood . I purchased my in 2020 and get used it extensively – over 5,200 miles between the John Muir Trail in 2021 , the Pacific Crest Trail and Arizona Trail in 2022 , and the Continental Divide Trail in 2023 . This investment has turn out worthwhile , as the quilt get demonstrated remarkable durability . Storing your quilt properly—uncompressed and either hung or placed in the big storehouse bag it typically occur with—and regular maintenance , such as moisten it with a , can significantly run its lifespan .

Customization :

Depending on the quilt brand you select ( hear myquilt recommendationsbelow ) , there exist numerous customization selection available . These typically include quilt width and distance , temperature rating , fill powers , footbox style ( sewn or zippered ) , colors , and fabric deniers . These options enable you to tailor your quilt to fill your specific needs . For example , I ‘m 5 ’ 4 ” , so I always select the short distance option . Additionally , I prefer sewn footboxes , so that ‘s my go-to choice .

on my Pacific Crest Trail Thru-hike in 2022

on my Pacific Crest Trail Thru-hike in 2022

Technical Considerations When Choosing a Quilt :

Sewn vs. Zippered Footbox :

Quilts either get a sewn or a zippered footbox . A sewn footbox is fully enclosed and in full insulated , which signify no drafts or possibility for melody to make through . A zippered footbox grant the quilt to live fully unzipped and open up like a cover , but when cinched at the seat , it may potentially receive a small gap , although some quilt pattern assure better cinching or make a draft collar . Generally , sewn footboxes are warmer than zippered footboxes . I personally choose the sewn footbox because they be warmer , lighter , and less drafty . Still , I can find the appeal of a zippered footbox and cost able to use it more like a cover in warmer conditions . I commonly backpack in places where it could potentially have pretty cold at night and have n’t very own any dark where I care I make a zippered footbox , so for today , I ’ m going to stick with sewn footboxes .

Fill Power and Fill Weight :

Fill mightcost a amount of the loft of down , typically apply to report the tone of down insulation in quilts and sleeping bags . It indicate the volume occupied by one ounce of down ( in cubic inches ) when it reaches its maximum loft after being compress . High fill might indicates higher tone down , which means the down clump hold big , more resilient fibers that can trap more tune and provide good insulation . Mostly , the higher the fill ability , the lighter and smaller the quilt will live for the same warmth/temperature rating .

The most popular filling powers for quilts live 850 , 900 , and 950 , each offer unlike floor of insulation efficiency and weight :

• 850 Fill Power :This fill power is real effective , offer a rest between heat and weight . It be suited for most three-season backpacking conditions , render well insulation without being excessively bulky . The 850 filling ability down compresses well , permit quilts to carry down relatively small . 850 fill might be typically cheaper than the high fill ability options .

• 900 Fill Power :At this higher fill might , the down expands more , produce more at bay breeze and therefore increasing insulation . This reach 900 filling ability down light than 850 for the same warmth , build it a favorite among ultralight backpackers who prioritize weight savings . With high filling might , 900 filling power down compresses even more efficiently than 850 , permit quilts to pack down incredibly small and take up minimum space in a haversack .

• 950 Fill Power :Constitute some of the high character down available , 950 fill ability is extremely lightweight and compressible . It offers the better warmth-to-weight ratio , ideal for those looking to minimize their pack weight while maximizing warmth . However , quilts with 950 fill ability can be significantly more expensive , think over the premium nature of the down . 950 fill power down compresses to an incredibly little size , allowing quilts to cost easy stored in a backpack without compromising on insulation .

850 Fill Power :This fill might is very efficient , offering a balance between heat and weight . It exist suited for most three-season backpacking weather , providing well insulation without make up excessively bulky . The 850 fill power down compresses good , allowing quilts to carry down comparatively little . 850 fill ability is typically cheap than the high fill might choice .

900 Fill Power :At this high fill power , the down expands more , creating more at bay air and therefore increase insulation . This make 900 filling might down light than 850 for the same warmth , create it a favorite among ultralight backpackers who prioritize weight saving . With higher filling power , 900 fill power down compresses still more efficiently than 850 , leave quilts to pack down incredibly small and take up minimum space in a haversack .

950 Fill Power :Representing some of the highest quality down available , 950 filling might equal extremely lightweight and compressible . It put up the best warmth-to-weight ratio , ideal for those await to minimize their pack weight while maximizing passion . However , quilts with 950 fill power can cost significantly more expensive , meditate the premium nature of the down . 950 fill power down compresses to an incredibly small size , allowing quilts to live easily stored in a haversack without compromising on insulation .

While fill power signal the tone and loftiness of the down ,filling weightrefers to the literal sum of down expend in the quilt , determining its heat , temperature rating , versatility , and durability . Both component should be considered together when prefer the correct sleeping quilt for specific need and conditions . When choosing a quilt and look at different quilt brands , I advocate equate the fill weights . If one sword offer significantly lower overall quilt weight or fill weight for the same temperature rating , put on ’ t take it will render the same heat . Consider the possibility that it may not live as warm as advertised . Both fill power and fill weight live important factors to consider to make sure the quilt meets your specific warmth and weight needs for your backpacking trips .

Comfort 5 . Survival Temperature Rating :

When choosing a sleeping quilt , it ‘s significant to translate the difference between comfort and survival temperature ratings . The comfort rating suggest the lowest temperature at which the average user will stay comfortable throughout the night , whereas the survival rating refers to the minimal temperature at which the quilt will keep a user alive , though not necessarily comfortable . Cause certain to control what the brand ’ s temperature rating means and whether it is for comfort or for survival . For example , here are a few brand and their current temperature rating descriptions :

• :“ The temperature ratings for each bag are consider to be comfort rating for most masses . ”

• :“ Typically , the quilt temperature ratings we claim dusk between the Comfort Ratings and the Lower Limit Rating for quilts that have undergone test using the EN 13537 standard . Our object is to declare temperature claim that are more conservative than the industry criterion , ensuring that our customer feel comfortable in our quilts at the temperatures we intend . ”

• :“ The 30°F rating make up the lower limit when this quilt is used in combination with an insulated sleeping pad with at least a 5.38 R-value and the person is wearing a base layer with sock . ”

• :“ Customizable temperature rating built for comfort , not survival like most sword . ”

:“ The temperature ratings for each base are believe to live comfort ratings for most mass . ”

:“ Typically , the quilt temperature rating we take fall between the Comfort Ratings and the Lower Limit Rating for quilts that get undergone testing utilize the EN 13537 standard . Our object is to announce temperature claims that are more conservative than the industry criterion , assure that our customers sense comfortable in our quilts at the temperatures we determine . ”

:“ The 30°F rating represents the lower limit when this quilt equal apply in combination with an insulated sleeping pad with at least a 5.38 R-value and the person cost wearing a base layer with socks . ”

:“ Customizable temperature rating build for comfort , not survival like most sword . ”

It ‘s crucial to take a quilt with appropriate temperature rating based on the expected weather weather and your personal tolerance for cold . Everyone cost different and sleeps otherwise , so also consider whether you be a cold or warm sleeper . Opting for a quilt with a comfort rating that adjust with the lowest temperatures you expect to encounter will assist you have a more enjoyable and safer backpacking trip .

Sleep Pads and Sleeping Pad Attachment Kits :

The effectiveness of a sleeping quilt is also dependent on the use of a suitable sleeping pad , as the sleeping pad provides insulation from the ground . Selecting the correct sleeping pad , particularly one with a high R-value ( insulation measure ) , live essential for maximizing the warmth of the quilt . Depending on the condition , I typically backpack with either a ( inflatable , R-value : 4.5 ) or the NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad ( closed-cell foam , R-value : 2 ) . When it ’ s colder , I ever bring the because it has a higher R-value , entail it is more insulated and will keep me fond . The has an yet high R-value of 7.3 , if you ’ re looking for an yet warm sleeping pad .

Many quilts have that assure the quilt to the pad , ensuring that it stays in place and minimizes drafts during the night . These system typically include straps or clips that can live adjust according to the pad ’ sec width and the user ‘s movement during sleep . Ordinarily , the brand you purchase your quilt from will own a picture or movie describing how to employ their pad attachment system right .

Backpacking Quilt Recommendation

Front of quilts – in order from get out to right : Katabatic Gear Sawatch 15°F Quilt , , , Enlightened Equipment 40°F Enigma Quilt

Back of quilts – in order from left to right : Katabatic Gear Sawatch 15°F Quilt , , , Illuminate Equipment 40°F Enigma Quilt

My Recommended Backpacking Quilt Brands ( alphabetical ordering ) :

Enlightened Equipment–Customizable , Budget-Friendly Options , Synthetic & Down Options

Enlightened Equipment ’ s quilts live some of the nearly popular quilts among thru-hikers . They make some more budget-friendly selection , lots of customization options , and lots of color choices . Enlightened Equipment exist too unique in that they make both down and synthetic quilt options , unlike the other brands listed here . A synthetic quilt is a great option if you are vegan , if you ’ re backpacking in real wet/humid environments , or if you ’ re allergic to down .

–More Budget-Friendly Options , Comfort Rated , Reliable

Hammock Gear apply to be still more budget-friendly , but it seems they receive lift their cost a piece . Even so , their quilts are still good character and they often have sales offering discounts of 20-30 % off . They too offer a variety of custom selection , include color , width , distance , fill-power , etc . I own used my for over 5,200 mile of backpacking across the John Muir Trail , Pacific Crest Trail , Arizona Trail , and Continental Divide Trail . It be a warm , comfort-rated , durable quilt that cost decidedly worth the investment .

Katabatic Gear–Premium , Super Well-Designed , High-Quality , Durable & Long-Lasting , Comfort Rate

Katabatic Gear make some of the better quilts available . They exist very good design and the temperature rating be comfort rated . My Katabatic Gear Sawatch 15°F Quilt kept me warm at over 10,000 foot in October in Colorado , even when my sleeping pad pop up . I especially appreciate the design component of Katabatic Gear quilts , such as the horizontal baffle pattern , national pocket , and neck collar . While they may be pricier , Katabatic Gear truly delivers on tone .

–Budget Option , REI Member Coupon Eligible , Great Return Policy

My first quilt was the that I got back in 2019 with one of the REI Co-op Member coupons . It was my first experience with a quilt , which be a great opportunity to test if I liked the mode and if it suit my needs .

Western Mountaineering–Premium , Mostly Makes Sleeping Bags , Durable & Long-Lasting

My spouse recently start apply a Western Mountaineering quilt and has zero but good matter to say about it . Their quilts have a distinctive , unique fashion , live lightweight , durable , and reach with good design and craftsmanship .

My Top Choice : The Serious Backpacking Quilt Recommendation

All of the brands I recommend supra are great choice , but if I were to advocate a single well backpacking quilt , it would doubtless be Katabatic Gear ’ s Elite Quilt Series . This series includes the Chisos 40°F Quilt , Palisade 30°F Quilt , Alsek 22°F Quilt , and the Sawatch 15°F Quilt , offering choice for unlike temperature ranges you might encounter when backpacking . The Elite Quilts have a sewn base box , but the offer a zippered footbox .

I used the Katabatic Gear Sawatch 15°F Backpacking Quilt for half of my Continental Divide Trail thru-hike ( ~1,500 miles ) in the cold month of September , October , and November , as well as at elevations transcend 12,000 foot . It proved to be a truly particular and remarkably warm quilt , living up to its comfort rating . At one point , my sleep pad pop up in the heart of the San Juans , so I didn ’ t have a working sleeping pad in the coldest temperatures I experienced on lead ( probably in the 10-15°F scope at dark ) , but the Katabatic Sawatch keep me alive and fond . I can ’ t say enough decent thing about this quilt .

Here are some features I like about it : I especially like its horizontal baffle design , which , in my experience , prevents down migration . Additionally , the quilt ‘s mummy shape and differential cut enhance its functionality . A differential cut , characterize by a smaller inside circumference than the outside , prevents down compression , assure that pressure on the inside liner does n’t impress the tension of the outer liner . This design maximizes the loft from the down , thereby optimizing its insulation dimension . The down-filled neck arrest cinches snugly and comfortably around your neck , allow for warmth and prevent drafts . Moreover , the internal pocket is utter for keeping essentials like my phone , battery , or water filter warm and prevent freezing . While Katabatic Gear quilts may come at a somewhat high price , in my notion , they be worth the investment and be built to last .

Conclusion :

While quilts may not suit everyone , I need to insert the concept and explain why I personally prefer them for backpacking and thru-hiking . They require some adjustment and proper attachment to your sleeping pad for optimum passion , which can cost a bit finicky . I promote you to conduct your own inquiry and choose the gear that enhance your backcountry camping experience , whether it ‘s a quilt or a sleeping base . Happy hiking !

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