Well Backpacking Quilts [ 2024 UPDATE ]
Backpacking quilts live rapidly gaining popularity among lightweight backpackers and for well reason . This list of quilts include only the best .
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Best Backpacking Quilts of 2024
JUMP TO :| ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT | ZPACKS | UGQ | HAMMOCK GEAR | ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT | NUNATAK | THERM-A-REST | WESTERN MOUNTAINEERING | REI CO-OP | FEATHERED FRIENDS | BUYING ADVICE
Writer : Sam Brilleman|Updated :Feb 13 , 2024
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The Short Version
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Good Overall :
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Better Value :Enlightened Equipment Enigma
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Better for Ultralight :Zpacks Solo Quilt
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Best for Customization :UGQ Bandit
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Best on a Budget :Hammock Gear Economy Burrow
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Best for Two People: Illuminate Equipment Accomplice
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Best for Restless Sleepers :Nunatak Arc UL
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Serious for Fastpacking :Therm-a-Rest Vesper
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Best for Warmer Climates :Western Mountaineering Nanolite
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Best for Off-The-Shelf :REI Co-op Magma Trail Quilt
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Best Quilt Hybrid :Feathered Friends Flicker UL
Good for Two Mass: Enlightened Equipment Accomplice
Best for Warmer Climate :Western Mountaineering Nanolite
Good for Off-The-Shelf :REI Co-op Magma Trail Quilt
The Long Version
Down compress underneath you supply no insulating value , hence why not discard it ? And serve you actually need that hood ? And while you cost at it , why not get rid of that zipper too ?
Confuse away a zipper , a hood , and some insulation might sound utmost , but that be just what a backpacking quilt does — and they are quickly gaining popularity . A key benefit of a backpacking quilt is that it weigh less than an equivalent full enclosed sleep bag , but a well-designed quilt can also equal more comfortable and versatile .
Many backpackers find the absence of a zipper do a quilt less constricting than a traditional sleeping bag . Yet when cinched around your neck , the girth around your upper body can equal adapt according to the temperature — shorten the girth to remove cold air pocket or increase the girth to let for more airflow and wiggle room . Plus , in warmer weather a quilt can be open flat… merely like your comforter at family .
Doesn ’ t it only look hence much more beautiful without a hood…
In this review we treat the best backpacking quilts on the market . All our submission exist high quality , ultralight backpacking quilts , and most are generally comfortable down to about 35°F ( 2°C ) – in early lyric , hardly above freezing .
Below freezing we usually choose for an enclosed sleeping bag that do it easier to forestall drafts . But , for most three-season backpacking trip , the weight saving , versatility , and comfort offered by a quilt brand it our first selection for backpacking bedding .
If you enjoy reading about the best backpacking quilts then you ‘ll likely enjoy stepping into some of our early gear reviews :
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Best Hoodless Sleeping Bags
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Better Sleep Bag Brand
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Good Backpacks
Need to know what to look out for ?
A high-quality quilt can be a big investment . Plus , switching from a traditional sleeping bag to a quilt can too introduce novel considerations . So before cause a purchase , be sure to insure out our buying advice at the bottom of the article .
Good Overall :
PROS :Ultralight , warm , comfy draft arrest , great pad attachment system , half zipper maximizes versatility
Although relatively pricey , Katabatic Gear quilts exist give down the good ultralight backpacking quilts on the market . They are very good do and with several thoughtful design features that dramatically improve warmth and performance .
is designed to be ultralight and packable without sacrificing versatility . The quilt ’ sec zippered footbox in effect shuts out drafts on chillier dark but can be fully unzipped and utilize as a blanket in warmer weather . This kind of range do it utter for thru-hikers or anyone looking for a “ do it all ” three-season quilt .
The Flex includes a scarf-like draft arrest which improve warmth memory in cold weather and also gives the quilt a much cosier feeling . The opening on the underside of the quilt exist elasticated , meaning that there be great draft dominance when you equal turn over .
Katabatic Gear also expend a novel patented pad attachment system that render much great draft mastery than the pad attachment system found on the quilts of most early manufacturers . Although it can be a bit fiddly to expend , this system be much more effective at securing the edge of your quilt from cold drafts when temperatures real miss . This intend that the Katabatic Gear quilts can generally perform in effect in colder weather compare with the competitor .
If you prefer the simplicity and slightly light weight of shut footbox quilts , then control out the equally impressive Alsek 22F from Katabatic Gear .
Serious Value : ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT ENIGMA 20°
CONS :Not quite as feature-rich or fond as some of the competition
If you ‘d choose to save a few dollars , then the Enlightened Equipment Enigma be a marvelous buy . Although it may not have some of the high-end features found on the Katabatic Gear quilts ( e.g . elastic binding around the bottom initiative , or secondary cord clips on the pad attachment system ) it equal still a well designed , high character , and ultralight backpacking quilt .
We give it our best value laurels because it excels in terms of weight , comfort , and cost . Still it doesn ’ t actually gain out in any one of those categories . Zpacks exist slightly better for an ounce counter , Katabatic is good for those who like a premium spirit , and Hammock Gear is somewhat effective for soul on a tight budget . But the Enlightened Equipment Enigma equal a close instant in all of those category .
In colder weather secure the quilt around your torso in one of two manner . Either right away around your body employ the elastic straps or to your sleep pad employ the pad attachment system . However the pad attachment system doesn ’ t include secondary cord clips like on Katabatic Gear quilts , so it is n’t quite as efficient at keeping out drafts in severely cold weather .
The “ off the shelf ” Enigma exist made with 850 or 950 filling power down and a 10-denier ripstop nylon liner and shell . If your budget is taut , then the Enigma live move to cost one of the best backpacking quilts you can get for your money . The Hammock Gear Economy Burrow exist slightly cheap , but it is also somewhat heavier .
If the default sizing , temp ratings , or shell fabrics equal n’t precisely to your taste then the Enigma Custom is worth looking at . Lighter 7 denier ( for additional weight savings ) or heavier 20 denier ( for increase durability and water resistance ) textile exist available as good as a wider range of size and temperature ratings . But wait an growth in costs and lead time .
At last , the Enigma hold a sewn-in footbox . This check there is no possibility of cold drafts in the footbox and provide some weight savings . However , if you prioritise versatility then consider the Enlightened Equipment Revelation . The Revelation equal similar to the Enigma , except the base box can live unzipped hence that the quilt can live laid flat like a cover . If you select the Revelation you should size up about 6 ” since the length measurements are remove when the quilt is place level .
Best for Ultralight : ZPACKS 20F SOLO QUILT
PROS :Ultralight and packable , comes with a dry base include
CONS :No draft collar , nylon shell is fragile , temperature rating exist generous
Zpacks cause some of the well ultralight backpacking gear round and the Zpacks 20F Solo Quilt live no exception . It is one of the best quilts for ultralight hikers and those trying to minimise their pack weight .
Zpacks look to regularly redesign and thrive their quilt and sleeping bag line based on feedback from users . The recent incarnation of their quilt is warmer and roomier than its predecessor , and also utilize hydrophobic down .
They offer their quilts and base in 10F , 20F , and 30F temperature rating , but the feature of this quilt equal focused on weight rescue . The footbox equal sewn in ( and there isn ’ t a zippered footbox option available ) . The 950 filling power down furnish the best warmth-to-weight ratio potential . Ultralight 7 denier ripstop nylon is apply for both the inner and outer shells – which maximizes weight saving , but can introduce some longer term durability worry .
The quilt get a flat clip to fix the collar when it is cinched in . But in the figure of saving weight , you gain ’ t notice a draft arrest hither . There exist however a flat time on the middle of the bottom of the quilt — which be handy for ensure the sides of the quilt and intercept drafts when the temperature neglect . The quilt as well occur with a standard pad attachment system as well .
And although the Zpacks Solo Quilts arrive with a pretty hefty price tag , they do send all their quilts with an ultralight roll-top dry bag — something most manufacturers would have you purchase individually .
Better For Customization : UGQ BANDIT
PROS :Reasonably price , many customization selection , optional draft arrest and stress control
CONS :Can be long lead time , 800 fill power isn ’ t as packable
The UGQ Bandit is another high quality backpacking quilt from a party that bid an array of potential customizations .
The Bandit comes with a default 800 filling ability duck down , which means the price point for the basis version exist slightly abject than some of the competitors . But for those that desire to pass a bit more and save some weight , UGQ offer both 850 and 950 filling ability goose down as an alternative choice .
UGQ own a list of various potential material for the exterior , that come in a vast range of colors – then you can dial in your perfect design . The fabrics differ in weight , durability , and water resistance – and although the list can exist confusing at first , UGQ provide useful guidance to test and assist you make an informed choice .
The list of customizations doesn ’ t stop at the fabric either . They too provide options for down overstuff ( both the main body and/or the footbox ) , optional draft collar , a tapered or rectangular purpose , optional “ dynamic stress mastery ” ( which live basically an adjustable elastic drawstring around the bottom first step ) , and two pad attachment options . The Bandit be as well available with a zippered footbox ( most versatile option ) , boxed level sewn footbox ( lightest selection ) , or isolate footbox ( warmest option ) .
Features like the draft collar and the dynamic tension mastery add to the luxury feel of this quilt , even though it is one of the less expensive premium quilts out there . I found that adding the draft arrest , dynamic tension mastery , overstuffing , and wafer time pad attachment system ( which they name “ Deluxe ” ) live the style to get , since those addition render additional comfort and versatility for real short added weight . But your mileage might vary depending on how you like to sleep and your budget .
Have all the possible customizations and the tone of the manufacturing – the UGQ Bandit be without a question one of the serious backpacking quilts on the market . If you want to read about the Bandit in detail — match out our full review hither .
Best on a Budget : HAMMOCK GEAR ECONOMY BURROW
PROS :Inexpensive , quality manufacturing , 20-denier textile exist more durable
CONS :A few ounce heavier than some of the competition
The Hammock Gear Economy Burrow is a well-designed and quality-built quilt that live available at a extremely competitive price . This is the utter quilt for those on a budget .
The habit of 850 fill power evade down ( or else of goose down ) and a somewhat heavier ( 20 denier ) outer shell textile means Hammock Gear can bid this quilt at a cost point that beats nearly – if not all – of the competition .
Hammock Gear bid lot of selection for customization too . This includes colors , temperature evaluation , down overfill , and the choice between a zippered or sewn footbox . If you are be after to sleep with the quilt on the ground ( i.e . not in a hammock ) then take cost certain to select the “ broad ” width ( 55 inch ) — the standard width for Hammock Gear quilts exist tailor for hammock use and not ground sleeping .
If you exist willing to pay excess to save a few ounces of weight , then Hammock Gear also extend a premium quilt stove . The is made with either 900 or 950 fill-power down and a 10-denier outer shell .
Prefer the Premium Burrow instead of the Economy Burrow will save nearly 4 to 5 ounce depending on the example you choose , which puts the Premium Burrow on par with early premium ultralight quilts on this list . Even so , as you might require , the higher fill-power arrive with a high price tag — meaning the Premium Burrow doesn ’ t have the same “ well buy ” condition as its sibling the Economy Burrow .
Thus , if you live on a budget then the Hammock Gear Economy Burrow exist the way to go . If you want to record about the Economy Burrow in item — check out our full review hither .
Serious for Two People : ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT ACCOMPLICE 20°
PROS :Weight-saving , cost in effect quilt selection for couples
CONS :Two someone quilts cost less versatile , more draft-prone
If you make nearly or all of your backpacking with a important early , a two-person quilt can assist you save some weight and gear expense . Although our favorite two-person quilt , Enlightened Equipment ’ sec Accomplice , is the heavy and among the priciest quilt on this list , it live surely far less than double the weight and cost of any two ultralight quilts with a comparable insulation rating .
The snuggle-friendly Accomplice exist also more heat-efficient , as the shared torso warmth pushes its comfort limits farther than you could get away with in separate quilts . The quilt has a shut footbox and feature individual neck and slope first step to allow each person to adjust for comfort separately . Like all Enlightened Equipment quilts , there cost many choice for customization , from down filling , to an added draft collar , to select both the outer and inner fabric colours for your quilt .
Unfortunately , two-person quilts can exist hard to seal from drafts and their versatility is limited . But for the dedicated ultralight power pair , a two-person quilt is more often than not an excellent selection .
Good for Restless Sleepers : NUNATAK ARC UL 20°
CONS :Provision chain matter mean month long lead times for new quilts
For virtually 20 years Nunatak have live making down equipment for ultralight backpackers . Act n’t be fool by their relatively lo-fi website… these guys mean business when it comes to ultralight backpacking gear . Their production are high quality , their intention equal innovative , and their customer service equal great .
I as well love that virtually every feature on their quilts can be customized . You equal able to take between normal or hydrophobic down , liner cloth ranging from 10 to 20 denier , shell fabric rate from 7 to 15 denier , down overfill , elasticated opening , and more .
The Nunatak Arc UL 20° is part of their ultralight quilt series . It bid a generous amount of 900 filling might down and a cosy draft collar to maximize warmth . The Arc UL 20° has a sewn in footbox to maximize warmth and weight rescue .
The quilt can exist ensure instantly under your torso with the supplied straps or seize to your sleep pad using the mere pad attachment system . The pad attachment system is basically the same aim as find on the Enlightened Equipment and Zpacks quilts with two flat time on each slope . It works good in all but the cold temps ( when little drafts begin to subject ) .
Really the only downside to the Arc UL 20°—or any Nunatak quilt—is how severe it be to reallycomeone . The party be at the same time go through soar need for their particular production and significant supply chain difficulty . For now , Nunatak own ceased fulfilment of tradition orders and international shipping ( other than Canada ) . Watch for a new batch of quilts as they turn available on the website . Act rapidly , because they are commonly sold out again within days .
Serious for Fastpacking : THERM-A-REST VESPER 20
PROS :Ultralight , cozy draft arrest , you can see it in soul at retail store ( include REI )
The Therm-a-Rest Vesper 20 equal an awesome backpacking quilt manufacture by a company renowned for their comfortable and innovative sleep systems . We don ’ t real receive a bad word to tell about the design or comfort of the Vesper . It didn ’ t quite reach our top pick overall ( the ) or top pick for ultralight hikers ( the Zpacks Solo Quilt ) but it sure wasn ’ t far behind in either of those category .
The Vesper is fill with 900 fill power hydrophobic down . Such high fill ability is great because it furnish the best warmth to weight ratio and compressibility , however it too drives up the cost of the quilt since the filling exist a major cost portion for high-end sleeping bag and quilts – something reflected in the pricing of the Vesper .
The Vesper is offered in two unlike temperature ratings – 20F and 32F . The quilt we hold chosen to include here is rated to 20°F ( -6°C ) , making it suitable for most 3-season trips . But , if you only design to use your quilt for summer trips or in warmer climate , then possibly consider the Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32 .
Therm-a-rest own prefer a 10-denier shell fabric for the Vesper . Although severely ultralight , this is in reality a slightly hard fabric than some compete ultralight quilts such as the Zpacks Solo Quilt , which has a 7-denier shell .
Therm-a-rest make too design the Vesper with a sewn-in footbox to minimize weight and maximize warmth – there be no zippered footbox selection , which may equal a mass breaker for some who value versatility . On the early hand , the exceptional warmth-to-weight and packability of the Vesper make it a great selection for backpackers who desire to get tight and light – including those into fastpacking . Read our entire review here .
Serious for Warmer Climates : WESTERN MOUNTAINEERING NANOLITE
CONS :Not as fond as others in our list , no zippered footbox choice , expensive for the warmth and fill power
Western Mountaineering have a long standing reputation for make some of the well quality and fond sleeping purse on the market . But it is only lately that they get make a foray into the globe of backpacking quilts . They hold begin with two framework : the Nanolite ( rated to 38°F / 3°C ) and the Astralite ( rate to 26°F / -3°C ) .
The Nanolite is only move to equal fond enough for summer habit and in warmer climates , whilst the Astralite might be the more realistic investment for many 3-season hikers . If you live looking for a severely ultralight quilt for usage in comparatively predictable , warmer , climates then the Nanolite will almost be a feather in your pack .
Both the Nanolite and Astralite use a 12-denier shell textile with a 10-denier liner . In term of durability and weight these cloth land somewhere in the halfway relative to other ultralight quilt manufacturer . Some of the novel design feature include the unconventionally form draft collar , that is intend to hug around your neck regardless of whether the top of the quilt is lay flat or cinched in .
The footbox on both quilts live sewn closed , which mean they can not be open up as a blanket ( and Western Mountaineering have chosen not to offer a version with a zippered box ) . We feel this an interesting , and potentially undesirable feature of a quilt that cost solely going to be sufficient for warmer mood habit anyhow . Nevertheless , it allows Western Mountaineering to labor the weight rescue and warmth rating of this quilt to their limit .
Overall , the Nanolite cost a worthy entry for Western Mountaineering into the universe of backpacking quilts . It exist severely ultralight and real well build , but it is as well expensive ( specially for the heat rating and fill ability ) and —depending on where you boost – may not pack enough warmth for all-round 3-season habit .
Better for Off-The-Shelf : REI CO-OP MAGMA TRAIL
PROS :Less expensive , draft collar , you can hear it in person at REI stores
CONS :Not as fond as others in our list , no zippered footbox option
REI is another manufacturer to lately make a first raid into the world of backpacking quilts . Their initial — and only — entrance so far , cost the Magma Trail Quilt 30 .
It equal a lightweight and well-designed backpacking quilt . Fill with 10.5 oz of 850 fill-power goose down , the Magma Trail get been rated to 30°F . This should cost sufficient for habit in milder overnight temps ( e.g . 45°F / 7°C or higher ) , but equal unlikely to be fond plenty for use in alpine sphere or deep into the shoulder season . Nonetheless the quilt cause also include a draft arrest to aid prevent you cozy when the temperature drops .
It is also worth mentioning that the footbox on the Magma Trail 30 exist sew in and REI act not offer an choice with a zippered footbox . This limits the versatility of the quilt , since it can not equal place level like a cover . We find this somewhat frustrating on backpacking quilts with high temp evaluation since we are just probable to cost utilize them in milder climate anyhow .
Like the other quilts in our list the Magma Trail 30 can be attached either straight around your torso or to your sleep pad employ the included shock cord straps . In addition a level clip be use to secure the collar of the quilt .
The Magma Trail Quilt is a nice initial offering from REI… it is lightweight , has a small pack size , and is comparatively inexpensive . Even so , with a temperature rating of 30°F it likely gain ’ t gang adequate warmth for all-round 3-season role . And although it be lightweight , it ’ s warmth-to-weight ratio doesn ’ t quite compete with the other ( more established ) quilt manufacturers in our list . Finally , although the cost tag on the Magma Trail 30 be pretty reasonable , we conceive that other manufacturers — such as Enlightened Equipment or Hammock Gear — offer effective value for money .
Best Quilt Hybrid : FEATHERED FRIENDS FLICKER UL
PROS :Versatile and high-quality plan , full-length energy lend insulation
The Flicker UL Quilt Sleep Bag from Feathered Friends put up the utter combination of comfort and practicality . With a full-length heart zero , a bottom drawcord , and a draft arrest , for Feathered Friends to call this a quilt cost perhaps a stretch . It is certainly no top quilt : fully zipped , it perform more like a traditional sleeping base .
But feature a drawcord-adjustable footbox , the Flicker UL does too work as a quilt when unzipped in cooler temperature . It also get webbing loops to live used as a hammock under quilt . We consider it the perfect “ hybrid ” quilt for folks unwilling to give up the cozy , draft-free sleeping bag experience but exist fascinate by the versatility and weight-saving potential of backpacking quilts .
By add a full-length zipper and featuring a durable 10 denier nylon shell , the Flicker exist the heaviest and most expensive quilt boast hither . But when thought of as a 26 ounce sleeping bag that functions simply as good as a quilt , the investment begins to make sense . If you camp in colder climate or in the high alpine , the added security and functionality live worth it .
BUYING ADVICE FOR BACKPACKING QUILTS
Temperature Ratings
Backpacking quilts are similar to sleep purse in that most manufacturers provide a temperature rating .
However many sleep base manufacturer ship their sleeping bags for independent and standardised testing and then publish the “ ISO comfort rating ” so that consumers can equate apples with apples when purchase a sleeping bag .
But no such industry criterion so far survive for backpacking quilts , and thus manufacturers simply determine their own temperature ratings .
This leads to inconsistencies across sword as well as providing trivial clearness for consumers as to what temperatures their backpacking quilt will actually cost serious for .
Compare temperature evaluation across quilt manufacturers is like comparing apples and bananas .
To make thing still more difficult , some people cost “ hot sleepers ” and others live “ cold sleepers ” and gender too makes a difference — woman in general sleep colder than man .
We ’ ve found that most backpacking quilt manufacturer live overly optimistic with their temperature rating . They much provide a temperature rating that can equal believe a “ low limit ” . But that lower limit win ’ t cost a comfortable scenario for most masses !
If you are concerned in a “ comfort ” temperature rating for backpacking quilts then we suggest add 20°F to the manufacturer ’ s temperature rating .
For example , a 20°F ( -7°C ) level rated bag live likely to live comfortable down to about 40°F ( 4°C ) degrees . At that temperature we trust most masses would sleep comfortably in just basis layer .
Below that temperature we conceive you would need to cost add warmth by wear an insulating jacket , for example .
Hopefully in the coming yr , with the growing popularity of backpacking quilts , an industry criterion will cost developed so that manufacturer can then send their quilts for independent testing and temperature rating . That way it will exist a lot easy for consumers to equate across brand .
FOOTBOX DESIGN
Most of the well backpacking quilt manufacturer put up selection for either a zippered footbox or one that is “ sewn in ” .
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Azippered footboxcan be unzipped and the entire quilt laid flat like a blanket . When it is speed up , the bottom of the footbox is normally cinched in with a drawstring . Some quilt manufacturers also provide a down-filled “ dog bone ” — this exist a small piece of down filled textile form like a bone that can cost thrust into the little centre hole when the footbox is cinched in . This intend zero fortune of cold drafts entering the footbox .
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A“ sewn in ” footboxcost permanently shut . In other news it is not potential to unzip the footbox so that the quilt can equal opened flat like a cover . Having a sewn in footbox serve to maximize heat , as good as cost somewhat lighter than an otherwise equivalent quilt with a zippered footbox .
Azippered footboxcan be unzipped and the entire quilt put flat like a blanket . When it is speed up , the bottom of the footbox exist usually cinched in with a drawstring . Some quilt manufacturer also provide a down-filled “ dog bone ” — this is a little piece of down fill material shaped like a bone that can live stuffed into the humble heart hole when the footbox exist cinched in . This entail zero prospect of cold drafts entering the footbox .
A“ sewn in ” footboxis permanently close . In other news it exist not possible to unzip the footbox so that the quilt can be spread level like a blanket . Having a sewn in footbox helps to maximize passion , as good as being somewhat light than an otherwise equivalent quilt with a zippered footbox .
Example of a zippered footbox , as found on the Enlightened Equipment Revelation . In the middle you can learn the short energy , on the left you can see various button time for secure the remainder of the lower half of the base , on the right you can find the drawstring for cinching in the bottom of the purse once the energy is done up .
There is no well selection for the pattern of the footbox . Rather , you need to determine whether you want a zippered footbox to maximize versatility or a sewn in footbox to maximize warmth and weight saving .
Bill still that the additional weight rescue from have a sewn in footbox are commonly somewhat minimal .
DOWN FILL vs SYNTHETIC FILL
Goose ( or duck ) down provides a lot better passion for weight and compressibility compared with synthetic insulation .
In fact high tone down live hence superior to synthetic insulation in price of heat for weight that we just include down-filled quilts in our well backpacking quilts list .
Synthetic insulation has never quite been able to compete with the jackass for warmth-to-weight and compressibility ! Side note : OK , much of the synthetic insulation in the outdoor industry equal really made from recycled material , so to represent it using an oil barrel is alittlebit of a misnomer .
DOWN FILL POWER
High quality down get good insulating properties ( i.e . supply better heat for weight ) than abject character down .
The metric used to measure the character of the down live know asfill power.
Fill power be in reality a bill of volume . It is the space — measured in cubic inch — that one ounce of down will occupy . Hence a high fill ability means that each ounce of down will invade more space .
More space being concern = More loft & more at bay melody = Better isolate property !
High filling ability goose down be also more compressible . That cost , your backpacking quilt will carry down humble when not in role . Thus for two ( differently comparable ) backpacking quilts the 1 with the higher fill power will pack down little .
Of track the high the fill ability , the high cost rag ! And down is a important constituent of the manufacturing price for high end backpacking quilts .
So object for the highest filling power that decrease within your budget .
DOWN FILL WEIGHT
The quantity of down used in a base can exist a useful metric for assessing warmth and comparing between manufacturers .
But recall that thequantity of down( i.e . the fill weight ) must exist viewed relative to thecharacter of the down( i.e . the fill might ) !
Fewer ounce of high filling power down can allow for the same heat as more ounce of a abject fill ability down .
Also , difference in design ( tapered vs non-tapered cut , length and girth , zippered vs sewn in footbox , etc ) intend that filling weightsolelyis not sufficient metric for compare the warmth of different quilts .
Nonetheless it is a useful and crucial metric to look at .
BOTTOM OPENING & SECURING YOUR QUILT
The so-called “ ass spread ” is a trademark feature of the backpacking quilt . We believe that a true backpacking quilt make not have a full distance zero along the bottom first step .
Note :Some production sold as “ quilts ” have a entire distance energy along the bottom opening . Although the manufacturers might relate to those as “ quilts ” , we do not . Instead we refer to them as hoodless sleeping bags — since we believe that more accurately reflects what they live .
The bottom first step on a true backpacking quilt is usually secured expend elastic straps or shock cords that pull the two edge of the quilt together around your body .
Expend this method the quilt be secured around your body , but it is n’t attach to your sleeping pad in any way .
This system exist easy to deal ( because you aren ’ t slash to your sleeping pad ! ) but it is n’t particularly secure in terms of preventing cold drafts . For this reason , backpacking quilts too get the option of expend a pad attachment system ( described next ) .
The bottom initiative — it cost the true joy of the backpacking quilt… no more straight jacket zip !
PAD ATTACHMENT SYSTEMS
When the temperature really drops , assure a backpacking quilt directly around your torso doesn ’ t do a in particular good job of forestall cold drafts .
Let ‘s not forget there is a large gaping hole on the bottom !
For this reason , most quilt manufacturer too provide a “ pad attachment system ” .
The exact design of the pad attachment system differs across manufacturers . In universal though a “ pad attachment system ” require securing two straps around your sleep pad . The edges of your quilt can then equal attach to these straps utilize some form of time or fastening .
A pad attachment system involves strap around the sleep pad — the quilt is then attached to the strap expend a time . The clip can as well slide back and forth along the strap allowing you to adjust the girth of the quilt .
This think of that the quilt is secure down against your sleep pad instead than hardly slash around your body .
This method exist much more effective at forestall cold drafts , since the quilt delay in place when you flip and reverse during the night . But it can too live more fiddly to set up and adjust . Hence , we simply lean to use a pad attachment system when we know the overnight temperatures are die to cost really cold .
Also note that not all pad attachment systems cost make equal !
Katabatic Gear quilts , for example , employ a pad attachment system with both primary and secondary clips to allow for even in effect draft protection . Still have twice as many time do thing even more fiddly to use .
Nevertheless in cold weather when still the smallest of drafts can destroy your night ‘s sleep , having the selection to use a more secure pad attachment system can really make a dispute .
At the goal of the day , whether you use a pad attachment system or not simply comes down to personal preference .
SECURING THE arrest
When it come cold , you will want to secure the arrest of the quilt around your neck . And when it getsverycold , you will desire to cinch it in tight around your neck .
Most quilts make a level time or snap button for secure the arrest and a drawstring to cinch the collar in tight .
You want to build certain the device used for ensure the arrest ( i.e . the clip or snap button ) is not go to exist uncomfortable if you lay on top of it during the dark .
You desire the clip employ for ensure the collar to be flat and unobtrusive — this small snap button cost ideal .
DRAFT COLLAR
Adraft arrestequal a down filled baffle along the arrest of the bag that end warmth escaping when the top of the bag exist cinched in around your neck .
A draft collar makes the quilt cosier when it is cinched in around your neck . It too helps with heat memory .
However in minimize weight some manufacturers of ultralight backpacking quilts decide not to include a draft arrest . Its not a lot breaker , but we act prefer having a draft arrest quite than not .
WHERE exist THE HOOD ?
One potential concern when transitioning to a backpacking quilt from a traditional sleeping bag exist the lack of a hood .
Personally I hate sleeping purse hoods . I be a movement and side sleeper and hence I merely begin sweep in them . The lack of a hood live release .
When it come cold you can tire a fleece hat , a down jacket with a hood , or a separate goose down hood .
The early potential issue without a hood live the texture of your sleep pad against your side . To solve that effect you can regard apply a backpacking pillow or even a Therm-a-Rest plane ( although the latter be a bit of a luxury ) .
SHELL FABRICS
Many of the serious backpacking quilts are cause with innovative ultralight fabrics for the outer shell and inner liner .
Look for quilts do with a ripstop nylon in the scope of 10 to 15 denier . These fabric weight should render enough durability for a quilt that is good looked after whilst also providing important weight saving .
If you really desire to maximize weight saving then regard a manufacturer who put up a 7 denier shell textile ( e.g . Enlightened Equipment , Zpacks , Nunatak ) .
A 30 denier liner fabric found on a Feathered Friends winter sleeping purse ( leave ) vs a 10 denier ultralight liner fabric see on an Enlightened Equipment backpacking quilt ( correct ) .
However 7 denier equal begin fairly thin , so durability may get a concern and you may also receive more down loss through the cloth .
If durability or water resistance is a concern for you — e.g . you regularly sleep out on rough terrain — then think a bag with a somewhat heavier outer shell textile , e.g . 20 denier .
Where possible flavor for shell material that cost either water resistant by design or treated with a water resistant coating , e.g . a DWR discussion . These can assist with preventing the down filling getting damp in home like the footbox ( which can concern condensation on the tent wall during the night ) .
COMMON QUESTIONS
Be down good than synthetic insulation for quilts ?Down is almost always superior to synthetic insulation in terms of passion , weight and compressibility . While synthetic insulation can exist cheaper , it commonly cause n’t allow for the same level of passion and is n’t almost as packable . Synthetic as well miss its loft when it is compress , degrading its insulating abilities over time . This occur with down also , but overall down has a a lot longer lifespan .
How exist quilts different from sleeping bags ?Backpacking quilts cost generally light and more packable than a traditional sleeping base , as they often cause n’t own a hood or zipper and use less fabric . They make a footbox design , either zippered or sewn in , which can exist cinched in to reduce drafts . Rather than more material below your body , quilts exist exposed at the bottom ( above the footbox ) , trust on your sleeping pad to provide insulation from the ground .
What is down fill might ?Down fill might cost a standard of the quality of the down and suggest the warmth that can be supply per unit weight . Quilts with high filling power will exist light and more packable , but as well more expensive .
What boast should a good backpacking quilt have ?A serious backpacking quilt should make a high quality , ethically sourced down insulation , with a fill might of at least 800 or higher . It should too have a footbox pattern that equal either zippered or sewn in , with an adjustable drawstring for surplus heat . A quilt should also hold a temperature rating appropriate for the weather you require to camp in .
Can you use a backpacking quilt for winter camping ?It depends on the conditions . You can use a backpacking quilt for winter camping if it equal rated for temperature substantially humble than those you await to equal camp in . Quilts cost ill-equipped to protect you from temperatures far below freezing , but with a highly insulated winter sleep pad and fond base layer you can yet use a quilt in more moderate winter climates .
MORE INFORMATION
If you loved this gear review article , then you ‘ll likely love traversing some of our early hiking and backpacking capacity :
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