Our staff of out of doors specialists has spent hundreds of nights within the backcountry testing all kinds of backpacking quilts primarily based on heat, consolation, weight and packability, and options. Lead gear analyst Heather Anderson has logged 50,000 foot-miles and holds self-supported quickest recognized instances on a number of long-distance trails, needing gear like these quilts to help her objectives.
From manufacturers like Enlightened Gear, Zpacks, Feathered Pals, HMG, and extra, we’ll share what we’ve realized via rigorous discipline testing that will help you discover the perfect backpacking quilt in your wants.
To spherical out your ultralight journey package, we’d additionally suggest having a look at our information to the finest ultralight tents, in addition to our favourite hammocks for backpacking.
And for more information, take a look at a few of our different widespread gear guides:
Fast Picks for Backpacking Quilts
Try this fast checklist of the perfect backpacking quilts, or proceed scrolling to see our full checklist of favorites with in-depth evaluations.
*Costs differ by degree of customization
Greatest Backpacking Quilt Total: Western Mountaineering AstraLite ($510)
Warmest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt: Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Diploma Quilt ($499)
Greatest Price range Backpacking Quilt: Enlightened Gear Revelation 20 ($315)
Greatest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for Heat Climate: REI Magma Path 30 ($329)
Ultralight Inventory Backpacking Quilt: Zpacks Basic 20 ($469)
Greatest Ultralight Two-Particular person Backpacking Quilt: ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt ($579)
Versatile & Heat Quilt/Sleeping Bag Hybrid: Loco Libre Operator Sequence Ghost Pepper 20 ($380)
Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for Heat Climate: UGQ Bandit 20 ($415)
Extra Inexpensive than Equally Heat Backpacking Quilts: Hammock Gear Burrow 20 ($240)
Excessive High quality Introductory Quilt: Katabatic Flex 22 ($454)
Wonderful High quality Backpacking Quilt for Two with Premium Particulars: Katabatic Flex 22 ($454)
What’s new
There have been some large modifications to our quilts checklist with new additions, extra detailed evaluations, and an overhauled checklist order:
- The ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt two-person quilt has been added and is ranked as our Greatest Ultralight Two-Particular person Backpacking Quilt.
Total Testing Scores for Backpacking Quilts
Western Mountaineering AstraLite
Greatest Total Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Score:
4.7/5.0
Value:
$510
Weight:
1 lb.
Fill Energy:
850
Execs
- Ultralight
- Wonderful heat to weight ratio
- Easy
- Adjustable pad straps
- Contoured neck baffle
Cons
- Costly
- Slim lower will not be roomy sufficient for some folks
The ultralight Western Mountaineering AstraLite stands out as each the lightest and warmest backpacking quilt we examined, making it a wonderful alternative for three-season backcountry adventures year-round. Weighing precisely one pound, this quilt stored our testers heat even when temperatures dropped into the 30s Fahrenheit throughout a late spring part hike alongside the Appalachian Path.
The quilt’s slim-cut design, paired with a sewn-in footbox and a contoured neck baffle, reduces weight and bulkiness whereas offering optimum heat. The simply adjustable pad straps successfully block out drafts. We appreciated their simplicity and practicality. Even our most stressed sleepers had no bother with the quilt shifting in a single day.
For anybody in search of a flexible, three-season quilt, the AstraLite affords nice worth regardless of its larger value. Nevertheless, for those who want extra space or want a devoted summer time quilt, exploring different choices is perhaps worthwhile.
Our testers discovered that the standard-length bag simply match these as much as six ft tall. These over six ft ought to go for the longer model.
Sadly, there aren’t any further customizations, which could possibly be a downside for some. Nonetheless, our testers appreciated the simplicity of this quilt, because it offered the whole lot they wanted with out something pointless.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Diploma Quilt
Warmest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Score:
4.5/5.0
Value:
$499
Weight:
1 lb. 1.1 oz.
Fill Energy:
1000
Execs
- Ultralight
- Highest fill energy of quilts examined
- Heat for its weight
- Easy pad straps
Cons
- Costly
- No customization
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Diploma Quilt ranks extremely amongst our prime quilts. This Editor’s Choose earned the title of our Warmest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for good causes. With an impressively excessive fill energy, this quilt is just not solely remarkably heat but in addition one of many lightest choices we’ve examined. Because of the mixture of ultralight supplies and 1000 fill energy down, it carried out properly in quite a lot of circumstances throughout testing. It’s an awesome alternative for a three-season sleep system, preserving you cozy and comfy with out additional weight.
Throughout a late spring part hike on the Appalachian Path via New York, our testers had been impressed by the quilt’s capacity to maintain them heat throughout chilly nights that dipped into the higher 30s. The sewn-in footbox was spacious and heat, though we acknowledge that some folks would possibly want an adjustable closure and lay-flat design. We additionally appreciated the user-friendly pad straps; they’re simply adjustable and stored the quilt securely in place, whilst testers shifted of their sleep. Some quilts overcomplicate the design, and it was refreshing to simply clip and alter these when wanted.
One downside is that it comes with a better price ticket; nevertheless, frequent campers in search of a three-season quilt will discover that the funding pays off shortly, as you should utilize one quilt from spring via autumn. The Hyperlight quilt has a slim lower to avoid wasting weight and enhance warmth retention. Nonetheless, some folks could want extra space. It’s also accessible in three lengths, which helps obtain a greater match than some comparable quilts available on the market. Total, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Quilt is a wonderful alternative for many backpackers aiming to cut back pack weight with out sacrificing efficiency.
Enlightened Gear Revelation 20
Greatest Price range Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Score:
4.5/5.0
Value:
$315
Weight:
1 lb. 6.5 oz.
Fill Energy:
850 or 950
Execs
- Ultralight
- Effectively-priced for the standard
- Packable
- Opens totally like a blanket
- Contains pad connectors
- Accountable Down Normal (RDS) licensed
Cons
- Many gained’t discover it heat sufficient for sub-freezing journeys
- Customized orders have a protracted lead time
The Enlightened Gear Revelation has been one among our prime backpacking quilts for years due to its versatile design, wonderful warmth-to-weight ratio, and nice worth for the standard.
The Revelation may be left open like a blanket on heat nights or cinched up tight when the temperature drops, making it a good selection for hikers who want one thing versatile for all however the coldest journeys. We’ve discovered that the 20°F mannequin retains us heat all the way down to round freezing or only a bit beneath, however chilly sleepers would possibly want the ten°F mannequin for additional heat.
CleverHiker Founder, Dave Collins, swears by the Revelation and has taken it on a lot of his most epic backpacking journeys. From the chilly peaks of Glacier Nationwide Park to the a lot hotter twists of Marble Canyon in Demise Valley Nationwide Park, the Revelation’s versatile design simply adapts to the circumstances.
You’ll be able to select to custom-order a Revelation in your most popular coloration, measurement, and temperature ranking. We suggest going up one measurement in size and width for full protection on chilly nights for those who are inclined to sleep chilly, otherwise you would possibly think about the EE Enigma quilt. The Enigma contains a footbox that’s sewn closed (just like a sleeping bag footbox), which helps it retain far more heat than the Revelation. CleverHiker Managing Editor, Ben Van Apple, prefers the Enigma and has trusted it on many large backpacking journeys – together with his CDT thru-hike.
High quality like this may normally set you again a reasonably penny, however the Revelation is an incredible deal in comparison with comparable quilts. We’ve been utilizing ours for years, and it stays top-of-the-line investments we’ve made in our backpacking setup.
REI Magma Path 30
Greatest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for Heat Climate
CleverHiker Score:
4.5/5.0
Value:
$329
Weight:
1 lb. 4.3 oz.
Fill Energy:
850
Execs
- Ultralight
- Cheaper
- No upcharge for bigger measurement
- Extremely packable
- Huge lower
- Opens totally like a blanket
- Contains pad connectors
- Accountable Down Normal (RDS) licensed
Cons
- Not as heat as others
- Much less sturdy
The REI Magma Path 30 is our prime choose for journeys the place nighttime temperatures keep within the 40s or larger. Its streamlined design retains your summer time base weight gentle, and it compresses small to make room in your pack for different necessities.
The most recent model of the Magma Path Quilt contains a footbox with a zipper and cinch twine, permitting you to regulate the heat primarily based on circumstances – a big improve from the earlier model with a sewn footbox. Since it is a summer time quilt, we discover it extra helpful to vent warmth with an openable footbox fairly than trapping it inside with a completely enclosed one.
CleverHiker founder Dave Collins loves packing the Magma Quilt for strenuous warm-weather journeys when preserving weight low is vital. He took the Magma on a tricky trek in Wyoming’s Wind River Vary and was very pleased with its warmth-to-weight ratio.
Dave is a taller man, and he actually appreciates the roomier lower of the Magma. The usual width of this quilt is 58.5 inches – most others fall between 50-55 inches – making it a good selection for hikers who need extra room to maneuver. If you happen to want much more house, there’s additionally an choice to get a fair wider mannequin in common or lengthy size. Better of all, selecting a bigger Magma doesn’t value additional.
For the reason that Magma isn’t {custom}, shopping for one is easy and there’s no lengthy wait, so you will get it shortly for those who’re heading out for a visit quickly. That is our prime suggestion in order for you a high-quality and simple choice for heat summer time adventures.
Zpacks Basic 20
Ultralight Inventory Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Score:
4.3/5.0
Value:
$469
Weight:
1 lb. 2.8 oz.
Fill Energy:
900
Execs
- Ultralight
- Wonderful warmth-to-weight ratio
- Extremely packable
- Comes with DCF stuff sack
- Accountable Down Normal (RDS) licensed
Cons
- Costly
- Many gained’t discover it heat sufficient for sub-freezing journeys
- Not as sturdy
If preserving weight low is your primary aim, the Zpacks Basic Sleeping Bag must be on the prime of your checklist. This quilt/sleeping bag hybrid affords ultralight heat utilizing high-quality, responsibly sourced supplies.
The Basic differs barely from different quilts, because it extra carefully resembles a hoodless sleeping bag. The three-quarter size zipper and totally enclosed footbox improve heat, whereas the absence of a hood reduces weight. We admire this design as a result of most hikers carry a hooded down or fleece jacket to maintain their head heat at evening.
Ultralight gear typically wants somewhat additional care to maintain it performing properly over a number of seasons of journey, and the Basic is not any exception. Its skinny material and fewer sturdy {hardware} can put on out quicker for those who’re not cautious, however we’ve stored our Basic in adventure-ready situation for years by all the time clearing our campsites of sharp particles earlier than establishing and storing the quilt in a big bag at dwelling to take care of the loft.
The CleverHiker staff has spent over 100 nights in our Basic Sleeping Bag, together with Senior Gear Analyst Casey Handley’s thru-hike of the Colorado Path, and it nonetheless insulates in addition to it did the primary time we used it. We’ve spent a number of nights simply round freezing on this quilt, and we’d say heat sleepers will discover it sufficient in these circumstances. Nevertheless, chilly sleepers who typically encounter temperatures within the low 30s Farenhiet ought to think about upgrading to the 10°F mannequin or selecting a hotter quilt from our checklist, such because the Loco Libre Ghost Pepper or Hammock Gear Burrow 20.
The Basic is among the many pricier quilts on this checklist, however there’s no higher choice if weight financial savings is a prime concern. That’s why many thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers who journey lengthy distances select it.
ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt
Greatest Ultralight Two-Particular person Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Score:
3.9/5.0
Value:
$579
Weight:
1 lb. 11.9 oz.
Fill Energy:
900
Execs
- Ultralight
- Wonderful warmth-to-weight ratio
- Nice worth over separate quilts
Cons
- No pad straps
- No neck baffle
The ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt is our best choice for climbing pairs seeking to lighten their load. Double quilts are a well-liked approach to cut back base weight (and value) by sharing one sleeping quilt. The ZPacks Twin options 900 fill energy down insulation and a sewn-in footbox, which maximizes heat whereas slicing weight in comparison with two particular person sleeping baggage or quilts. The reasonably priced value can be a profit. Because it prices lower than shopping for two normal quilts with comparable scores, it affords wonderful worth for many who can share their bedding comfortably.
Though, this highlights the most important caveat of double quilts normally. If companions are inclined to toss and switch independently or seize blankets, a double quilt is perhaps a tricky adjustment. It’s really useful to strive it on a low-stakes in a single day earlier than committing to an prolonged journey. Other than that, there are solely a few concerns with the Twin itself. In contrast to most different choices available on the market, this quilt lacks pad straps, which is usually a trouble when two folks shift and switch all through the evening.
Our testers discovered that the pads drifted aside and needed to be adjusted in the midst of the evening to maintain utilizing the quilt successfully. Moreover, there’s no neck baffle to seal out drafts, which could possibly be a difficulty on colder nights. Nevertheless, for our testers who used the Twin on comparatively heat spring nights on their mid-Atlantic part of the Appalachian Path, these points didn’t actually matter a lot. {Couples} in search of a extra totally featured double quilt can take a look at the Enlightened Gear Confederate.
Loco Libre Operator Sequence Ghost Pepper 20
Versatile & Heat Quilt/Sleeping Bag Hybrid
CleverHiker Score:
3.8/5.0
Value:
$380
Weight:
1 lb. 5.5 oz.
Fill Energy:
950
Execs
- Ultralight
- Extremely customizable
- Chevron baffles preserve down from transferring
- RDS licensed
Cons
- No pad straps
- Customized ordering course of may be complicated & can take some time to ship
The Loco Libre Ghost Pepper 20 is likely one of the hotter quilts we examined on this vary, making it a good selection for these on the lookout for a three-season choice. Whereas we didn’t discover it to be comfy all the way down to its 20 diploma ranking, our chilly sleeping testers had been happy with it into the 30’s.
One factor that makes this quilt hotter than others is the distinctive chevron baffles—they’re very efficient at stopping the down inside from shifting away from areas the place you want that heat-trapping energy probably the most. Select the insulated “Sizzling Field” footbox choice—a footbox that’s sewn closed to lure warmth—for those who’re making ready for frigid circumstances to extend the heat much more. And for many who exit in excessive chilly, the Ghost Pepper is likely one of the few quilts available on the market accessible in sub-zero temperature scores.
There are lots of {custom} choices accessible to fine-tune the perfect warmth-to-weight ratio in your wants, together with a variety of coloration and accent selections. The various customizations on the Ghost Pepper is usually a bit overwhelming for first-time quilt customers, however we assure it’s definitely worth the effort to realize precisely what you need from this cozy heat quilt. Loco Libre’s Operator Sequence Ghost Pepper is a barely simplified model with fewer choices for hikers preferring an easy strategy. Simply do not forget that the Operator Sequence doesn’t have a sewn footbox choice, so it gained’t be as heat as the usual mannequin.
UGQ Bandit 20
Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for Heat Climate
CleverHiker Score:
3.5/5.0
Value:
$415
Weight:
1 lb. 6.3 oz.
Fill Energy:
850 or 950
Execs
- Extremely customizable
- Cheaper
- RDS licensed
Cons
- Customized ordering course of may be complicated & can take some time to ship
- Not as packable as some
- Heat ranking is overstated
The UGQ Bandit 20 affords many customization choices, and UCQ has one of many widest ranges of coloration selections we’ve ever seen. All of those choices is usually a bit overwhelming if that is your first quilt, however the Options tab on the ordering web page gives loads of useful info to help you in making your choices. When you’ve got somewhat additional money to spend, one improve we suggest is the neckline draft collar for added heat.
Gear Analyst Heather Anderson examined the Bandit throughout her hikes within the coastal Pacific Northwest. This fluffy quilt offered comfy sleep on hotter nights, and the load was hardly noticeable in her pack when it was time to maneuver once more.
The baffle design of the Bandit prevents down from shifting away out of your core and makes this quilt really feel fluffier than many others. And whereas this isn’t the smallest quilt when packed away, the majority isn’t too unhealthy. Hikers who’re tight on house of their packs or who sleep on the colder facet could wish to splurge on the costlier 950-fill-power down. This feature nonetheless prices underneath $400 and can prevent a big quantity of weight and bulk.
Backpackers in search of the luxurious of a {custom} quilt will certainly love the Bandit. This quilt retains pack weight gentle for adventurous journeys, and the additional loft helps you relaxation your finest on summer time nights.
Hammock Gear Burrow 20
Extra Inexpensive than Equally Heat Backpacking Quilts
CleverHiker Score:
3.3/5.0
Value:
$240
Weight:
1 lb. 9.1 oz.
Fill Energy:
850 or 950
Execs
- Hotter than many others
- Cheaper
- Sturdy
- Customizable
- Ordering course of is easy & simple
- RDS licensed
Cons
- Customized orders can take some time to ship
- A little bit heavier / bulkier than some
If you happen to’re aiming to maximise heat with out spending an excessive amount of, the Hammock Gear Burrow 20 is a extra primary choice with an accessible price ticket. This quilt is among the many warmest and most sturdy on our checklist, making the low value much more interesting.
The Burrow gives a simplified checklist of {custom} choices, making it simpler for those who’re purchasing in your first backpacking quilt. You continue to select the necessities—like size, width, and footbox model—however finer particulars, similar to stitching coloration, are ignored. Hikers in search of the warmest construct ought to go for a sewn footbox, and also you would possibly wish to add an oz. or two of down overfill to maintain loft in key areas the place you wish to lock in warmth.
When Senior Gear Analyst Casey Handley was customizing a Burrow to check on the northern 500 miles of the Arizona Path, she selected the 20-denier nylon taffeta material for each the outer and inside surfaces. This materials is thicker and extra sturdy than the low-denier ripstop used on most different quilts, so it carried out properly when cowboy tenting on the rocky floor of the Sonoran Desert. Whereas this selection ends in a barely larger weight and bulk, additionally it is extra reasonably priced and nonetheless packs down small contemplating how heat it’s.
For these keen to spend a bit extra to avoid wasting weight, the Burrow UL is a good choice. It affords the identical user-friendly {custom} ordering course of however is a full six ounces lighter and far more packable.
Katabatic Flex 22
Excessive High quality Introductory Quilt
CleverHiker Score:
3.0/5.0
Value:
$454
Weight:
1 lb. 7.9 oz.
Fill Energy:
850 or 900
Execs
- Effectively-priced for the standard
- Opens totally like a blanket
- Good pad attachment system (included)
- Stash pocket
- RDS licensed
Cons
- Customized orders can take some time to ship
- A bit heavy
- Some gained’t discover it heat sufficient for sub-freezing journeys
We love the flexibility, heat, and luxury of the Katabatic Flex 22, and we’re impressed with its path efficiency. It affords a number of temperature scores, all organized in a less complicated ordering course of than many different quilts on this checklist.
Katabatic provides worth by together with a extremely efficient pad attachment system, a storage bag, and a stuff sack. One other function that units the Flex aside from the competitors is its extremely waterproof down fill. The ExpeDRY handled down helps the Flex retain loft in damp circumstances and likewise permits the feathers to dry quicker, making this quilt a good selection for backpackers who dwell in moist climates.
Having stated all that, the Flex nonetheless ranks barely decrease than comparable choices due to its larger value, weight, and bulk. We additionally favor the baffle design of many different quilts over that of the Flex.
The Flex has horizontal steady baffles that may make it more durable to maintain fill in place the place you want it most. Steady baffles assist you to shift the down in your quilt to pile it up the place you want it most. Many fashionable quilts use this design to assist preserve prices decrease for customers, however quiltmakers typically add completely different patterns to assist stop the down from shifting an excessive amount of throughout the evening as you toss and switch.
Hikers who have a tendency to remain nonetheless whereas snoozing possible gained’t see this as an issue. These in search of premium options at a value that gained’t trigger sticker shock will admire the water resistant design, the extremely efficient pad attachment, and the useful inner stash pocket.
Enlightened Gear Confederate 20
Wonderful High quality Backpacking Quilt for Two with Premium Particulars
CleverHiker Score:
2.9/5.0
Value:
$690
Weight:
2 lb. 5 oz.
Fill Energy:
850 or 950
Execs
- Ultralight for 2
- Cheaper than shopping for two UL quilts
- Contains pad connectors
- RDS licensed
Cons
- Much less versatile than some (impractical to make use of on solo journeys)
- Cumbersome
- Can really feel drafts between sleeping pads
- Customized ordering course of may be complicated & can take some time to ship
The Enlightened Gear Confederate is an choice for {couples} in search of a shared sleep system to reduce pack weight.
It’s one of many few double backpacking quilts accessible, providing nice worth in comparison with shopping for two separate quilts or a heavier double sleeping bag. It’s additionally barely lighter per individual than most different quilts on our checklist. Normally, one individual carries the quilt whereas the opposite carries the shelter to steadiness the load.
This quilt would additionally work for automotive tenting—and actually, it is perhaps higher suited there. It’s luxurious sufficient for the frontcountry, and whereas it’s gentle sufficient for backcountry use, its bulk isn’t superb—particularly for those who’re utilizing an ultralight backpack. Nevertheless, the value would possibly justify it.
One concern with this spacious sleep system is that it may be more durable to remain heat, particularly for those who plan to make use of it alone. It additionally requires you to sleep cooperatively together with your associate. We suggest all the time bringing the included pad connectors to take away gaps between your sleeping pads and forestall chilly spots. Moreover, check it out in a low-stakes setting to make sure you and your associate can share it comfortably.
The Confederate may be ordered as a ready-to-ship inventory quilt, or you may customise it to your most popular specs for those who’re not in a rush to obtain it.
– Picture Credit score Shane O’Donnell
How We Check & Methodology
Our staff checks every quilt for heat, consolation, weight and packability, and options. We assess each quilt over a number of nights to determine its limitations and advantages.
WARMTH
We check backpacking quilts for heat via managed temperature ranking checks that simulate typical backpacking circumstances, assessing how successfully every quilt retains warmth and maintains consolation. We additionally take them out on chilly nights to make sure they preserve us heat in several climate circumstances and instances of the 12 months, confirming producer claims in real-world conditions. We rigorously consider the warmth-to-weight ratio and think about insulation distribution, with prime performers providing wonderful loft and thermal effectivity, efficient baffle design, and sturdy supplies. Quilts with cinch cords, dependable closures like zippers and buttons, and pad-attachment straps are additionally examined to dam out icy air.
COMFORT
Discovering probably the most comfy quilt entails testing the softness and really feel of the material towards the pores and skin, contemplating breathability, air flow choices, and moisture-wicking properties. We assess the quilt’s dimensions and form to find out how a lot protection and freedom of motion it gives. We additionally examine how straightforward or tough it’s to really feel doubtlessly uncomfortable components of the quilts like zippers, buttons, or straps whereas sleeping.
WEIGHT & PACKABILITY
To judge how gentle and compressible quilts are, we carry out a number of compression checks. We pack them as tightly as potential, see how they match into included stuff sacks, and measure how a lot house they occupy in our packs. Earlier than hitting the path, we additionally take exact weight measurements to confirm producer claims and perceive how every quilt impacts the general pack weight.
FEATURES
High performers within the options class embrace pad attachment straps or clips that safe the quilt to your sleeping pad, stopping drafts when tossing and turning at evening. We search for baggage with draft tubes and collars across the openings to cut back warmth loss on the neck and shoulders. We think about whether or not a quilt can be utilized in several configurations, similar to a completely open blanket or closed like a sleeping bag, due to cinched closures on the head and footbox. Different important options embrace storage choices like pockets and mummy-style hoods.
Why Belief CleverHiker?
Having logged hundreds of nights underneath the celebs, the CleverHiker staff has in depth expertise tenting within the wilderness. Heather Anderson, Gear Analyst, brings over twenty years of experience from finishing the Triple Crown (Appalachian Path, Pacific Crest Path, and Continental Divide Path) 3 times in addition to many different thru-hikes, together with the Wonderland, Oregon Desert, Benton Mackaye, and Arizona Trails. She has rigorously examined dozens of sleep setups to find out the perfect choices for numerous climates or circumstances. Her data of long-distance climbing and mountaineering helps her make suggestions that can profit nearly anybody.
Evaluation & Outcomes
VALUE
High efficiency is essential when testing backpacking quilts, however we additionally search hidden gems – quilts that provide wonderful worth for his or her value. With choices from budget-friendly to high-end, there’s one thing for each backpacker.
The most effective-value backpacking quilts on our checklist are the Enlightened Gear Revelation 20, REI Magma Path 30, and Hammock Gear Burrow 20. Every of those fashions combines high-quality supplies, wonderful design options, and aggressive pricing with robust efficiency. They’re sturdy, comfy, and extremely purposeful with out including weight or sacrificing packability, making them the perfect worth for backpackers who need dependable gear with out draining their financial savings.
The Enlightened Gear Revelation 20 is notable for its customizable options: choose the insulation sort, temperature ranking, size, and width for the proper customized match. The REI Magma Path 30 gives an ultralight design, inclusive sizing choices, and top-quality down for a wonderful warmth-to-weight ratio and packability. Moreover, the Hammock Gear Burrow 20 stands out with multi-directional baffles to remove chilly spots, in depth customization choices, and a number of accessible upgrades.
WARMTH
The Western Mountaineering AstraLite and Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Diploma Quilt are our prime selections for heat backpacking quilts. Each fashions supply wonderful heat because of their high-loft, high-fill energy down insulation – the HMG 20 makes use of 1000 fill, and the AstraLite 20 makes use of 850. Each quilts successfully cut back chilly spots and maximize warmth retention due to their sewn-closure footboxes that preserve drafts out. In addition they use clips to safe the quilt round your physique and fix to your sleeping pad for higher thermal effectivity.
The ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt deserves particular point out on this class as a result of it’s a two-person quilt, so it might really feel a lot hotter (or colder) relying on you and your associate’s sleeping kinds. Though it lacks a draft baffle or clips, it affords loads of house to snuggle and keep heat. Nevertheless, it’s really useful that you just use straps to maintain your pads collectively to forestall a chilly hole from forming.
COMFORT
Probably the most comfy quilts on our checklist are the Western Mountaineering AstraLite and Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Diploma Quilt. Adjustable closures, roomy footboxes, and mushy, mild supplies make them really feel comfortable on the pores and skin and extremely cozy evening after evening.
The Western Mountaineering AstraLite is our favourite as a result of it contains a spacious sewn-in footbox and a contoured neck baffle for optimum heat. Each present easy-to-use pad attachment methods, guaranteeing consolation in numerous climate circumstances.
WEIGHT & PACKABILITY
The lightest and most packable backpacking quilts we examined are the Western Mountaineering AstraLite, Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Diploma Quilt, REI Magma Path 30, and the ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt. These 4 quilts lead the pack for extremely low weights per individual and compress to a really small measurement with out sacrificing heat, making them our prime selections for ultralight adventures. These fashions boast very excessive fill energy down insulation and industry-leading warmth-to-weight ratios.
The ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt stands out for its two-person measurement and minimalist design, eradicating pointless options like zippers and a hood to maintain the load to a minimal, at simply 14 ounceseach.
The Western Mountaineering AstraLite is the lightest solo quilt we examined at 16 oz, notable for its beneficiant loft and wonderful warmth-to-weight ratio. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20 affords steadiness between minimal bulk and safety with its waterproof shell that retains the down dry, and it weighs solely 4.1 ouncesmore than the AstraLite.
Rounding out our prime performers is the REI Magma Path Quilt 30 at 1 lb. 4.3 oz. These baggage characterize the height of ultralight, packable heat for severe backpackers.
FEATURES
The Enlightened Gear Revelation 20 and the Loco Libre Operator Sequence Ghost Pepper 20 are probably the most feature-forward quilts on our checklist with premium supplies and considerate design components like adjustable closures and environment friendly insulation layouts.
The Revelation affords pad attachments within the type of elastic straps and clips, a snap and drawcord neck closure, and likewise features a stuff sack, and storage bag. For many who select to customise their quilt, you’ll even have the choice so as to add a draft collar.
The Loco Libre Operator Sequence Ghost Pepper 20 is our different best choice due to its unimaginable customizability – select from fill energy, temperature ranking, taper, size, shell colours, foot field model, and extra – together with the choice so as to add pad attachments – that makes this one of the vital feature-rich choices on the market.
Whereas lots of the quilts on this checklist supply comparable options, we expect these two fashions execute these particulars the perfect of their total design.
Learn how to Select a Backpacking Quilt
CHOOSING A TEMPERATURE RATING
Selecting the best temperature ranking isn’t an actual science. Many components affect heat, similar to sleeping pad insulation, clothes, hydration, vitamin, and altitude.
For this checklist, we chosen quilts with temperature scores that we imagine are appropriate for many 3-season journeys. Most quilts right here will preserve a median consumer comfy when temperatures drop to freezing or simply beneath. Nevertheless, hikers who are inclined to sleep chilly ought to think about selecting a better temperature ranking to make their quilt extra versatile.
WARMTH
If you happen to’re utilizing your quilt in a tent as an alternative of a hammock, it’s good to purchase a pad attachment system (if it’s not already a part of your quilt) once you place your order. Attaching your quilt to your pad reduces chilly drafts that may drain heat via the open sides.
At all times put on a heat hat or a down jacket with a hood to mattress, since quilts don’t have hoods. It’s also possible to sleep in base layers, gloves, and down booties to remain hotter. Different ideas embrace consuming a high-calorie snack proper earlier than mattress, staying properly hydrated, placing a scorching water bottle inside your quilt at your ft, and sleeping with a heat sleeping bag liner.
SIZING
The size and width you choose rely in your physique measurements and sleeping model. Make certain to decide on a quilt lengthy sufficient to comfortably cowl you out of your ft to your chin.
Measure your shoulder girth to find out the appropriate width; we suggest sizing up one for those who’re a facet sleeper or are inclined to toss and switch.
If you happen to’re a chilly sleeper, it is perhaps useful to decide on a quilt that’s one measurement longer so you may pull it over your head on chilly nights.
WHERE DOES DOWN COME FROM?
Down is the mushy, small feather layer discovered beneath the outer feathers on geese and geese. These tiny fibers insulate the birds and preserve them heat in chilly climate. Most down is a byproduct of the meat {industry}.
AVOIDING INFERIOR QUALITY AND POOR ETHICS
Typically reasonably priced backpacking quilts comprise artificial fill blended with the down feathers or are crammed totally with artificial insulation. For the perfect insulation worth and warmth-to-weight ratio, search for backpacking quilts made with 100% duck or goose down. If the fill energy isn’t listed, it’s most likely a lower-quality quilt that gained’t compress as small.
Low-cost down baggage are additionally generally made with supplies which are ethically sourced. To keep away from supporting dangerous practices like force-feeding or dwell plucking, examine if the corporate is Traceable Down or Accountable Down licensed. Corporations dedicated to good practices are normally happy with it and make this clear to clients. For us, spending a bit extra for peace of thoughts is value it.
DOWN FILL POWER
The fill energy (fp) of a down quilt signifies the standard of the down insulation. Increased-fill-power down prices extra however is lighter and compresses greater than lower-fill-power down. Though a better fp affords extra heat for a similar weight, fill energy alone doesn’t decide heat. That is the place fill weight—the precise quantity of down in a quilt—comes into play. That’s why it’s essential to think about each fill energy and fill weight when assessing how heat a quilt can be.
Usually, 800-fill-power and above is thought to be high-quality down. Something beneath that’s extra reasonably priced however gained’t supply as spectacular warmth-to-weight efficiency.
DWR
Sturdy water repellent (DWR) is a remedy that causes water to bead up on the outer shell of a quilt fairly than soak in. This remedy doesn’t make a quilt waterproof, nevertheless it does present some safety in damp circumstances. It can put on off over time and must be reapplied, however don’t fear, re-treatment is easy.
WASHING & STORAGE
Down is a sturdy materials, however it might lose a few of its loft if not saved correctly or if it turns into oily or soiled over time. With correct upkeep, a down quilt can final for a few years. For particulars on down care, go to our article on Learn how to Restore, Wash, Retailer, & Care For Your Sleeping Bag.
– Picture Credit score Shane O’Donnell
Conclusion
Whether or not you favor ultralight minimalism or luxurious heat, the appropriate backpacking quilt is important for evening’s sleep within the backcountry. When looking for the proper backpacking quilt, a very powerful components to think about are the heat ranking, consolation, weight, packability, and the options that matter most to you—prime quilts discover a steadiness that ensures cozy nights and simple packing on the path.
