Our group of out of doors specialists has spent hundreds of nights within the backcountry testing all kinds of backpacking quilts based mostly 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 assist her objectives.
From manufacturers like Enlightened Gear, Zpacks, Feathered Mates, HMG, and extra, we’ll share what we’ve realized by way of rigorous subject testing that can assist you discover the very best backpacking quilt in your wants.
To spherical out your ultralight journey equipment, we’d additionally suggest having a look at our information to the greatest ultralight tents, in addition to our favourite hammocks for backpacking.
And for more information, try a few of our different standard gear guides:
Fast Picks for Backpacking Quilts
Take a look at this fast checklist of the very best backpacking quilts, or proceed scrolling to see our full checklist of favorites with in-depth evaluations.
*Costs fluctuate by stage of customization
Finest Backpacking Quilt Total: Western Mountaineering AstraLite ($510)
Warmest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt: Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Diploma Quilt ($499)
Finest Price range Backpacking Quilt: Enlightened Gear Revelation 20 ($315)
Finest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for Heat Climate: REI Magma Path 30 ($329)
Ultralight Inventory Backpacking Quilt: Zpacks Traditional 20 ($469)
Finest Ultralight Two-Particular person Backpacking Quilt: ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt ($579)
Versatile & Heat Quilt/Sleeping Bag Hybrid: Loco Libre Operator Collection 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 adjustments 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 Finest Ultralight Two-Particular person Backpacking Quilt.
Total Testing Scores for Backpacking Quilts
Western Mountaineering AstraLite
Finest Total Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Ranking:
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 is probably not roomy sufficient for some individuals
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 saved 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 hassle with the quilt shifting in a single day.
For anybody looking for a flexible, three-season quilt, the AstraLite provides nice worth regardless of its increased worth. Nevertheless, in the event you want extra space or want a devoted summer season quilt, exploring different choices is likely to be 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 might be a downside for some. Nonetheless, our testers appreciated the simplicity of this quilt, because it offered all the pieces they wanted with out something pointless.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Diploma Quilt
Warmest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Ranking:
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 high quilts. This Editor’s Decide 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 mix of ultralight supplies and 1000 fill energy down, it carried out nicely in a wide range of circumstances throughout testing. It’s an amazing alternative for a three-season sleep system, protecting you cozy and comfy with out further weight.
Throughout a late spring part hike on the Appalachian Path by way of New York, our testers have been impressed by the quilt’s skill 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 individuals may want an adjustable closure and lay-flat design. We additionally appreciated the user-friendly pad straps; they’re simply adjustable and saved the quilt securely in place, whilst testers shifted of their sleep. Some quilts overcomplicate the design, and it was refreshing to simply clip and modify these when wanted.
One downside is that it comes with the next price ticket; nonetheless, frequent campers looking for a three-season quilt will discover that the funding pays off rapidly, as you need to use one quilt from spring by way of autumn. The Hyperlight quilt has a slim lower to avoid wasting weight and enhance warmth retention. Nonetheless, some individuals could want extra space. It’s also out there 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
Finest Price range Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.5/5.0
Value:
$315
Weight:
1 lb. 6.5 oz.
Fill Energy:
850 or 950
Execs
- Ultralight
- Properly-priced for the standard
- Packable
- Opens totally like a blanket
- Consists of pad connectors
- Accountable Down Normal (RDS) licensed
Cons
- Many gained’t discover it heat sufficient for sub-freezing journeys
- Customized orders have an extended lead time
The Enlightened Gear Revelation has been one in all our high backpacking quilts for years due to its versatile design, wonderful warmth-to-weight ratio, and nice worth for the standard.
The Revelation could be left open like a blanket on heat nights or cinched up tight when the temperature drops, making it a sensible choice 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 may want the ten°F mannequin for further 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 Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park, the Revelation’s versatile design simply adapts to the circumstances.
You possibly can select to custom-order a Revelation in your most well-liked coloration, measurement, and temperature ranking. We suggest going up one measurement in size and width for full protection on chilly nights in the event you are likely to sleep chilly, otherwise you may take into account the EE Enigma quilt. The Enigma incorporates a footbox that’s sewn closed (just like a sleeping bag footbox), which helps it retain way 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 it will often set you again a reasonably penny, however the Revelation is a tremendous deal in comparison with related 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
Finest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for Heat Climate
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.5/5.0
Value:
$329
Weight:
1 lb. 4.3 oz.
Fill Energy:
850
Execs
- Ultralight
- Inexpensive
- No upcharge for bigger measurement
- Extremely packable
- Extensive lower
- Opens totally like a blanket
- Consists of pad connectors
- Accountable Down Normal (RDS) licensed
Cons
- Not as heat as others
- Much less sturdy
The REI Magma Path 30 is our high choose for journeys the place nighttime temperatures keep within the 40s or increased. Its streamlined design retains your summer season base weight gentle, and it compresses small to make room in your pack for different necessities.
The newest model of the Magma Path Quilt incorporates a footbox with a zipper and cinch wire, permitting you to regulate the heat based mostly on circumstances – a major improve from the earlier model with a sewn footbox. Since this can be a summer season quilt, we discover it extra helpful to vent warmth with an openable footbox quite than trapping it inside with a totally enclosed one.
CleverHiker founder Dave Collins loves packing the Magma Quilt for strenuous warm-weather journeys when protecting weight low is vital. He took the Magma on a tricky trek in Wyoming’s Wind River Vary and was very proud of 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 sensible choice for hikers who need extra room to maneuver. In case you want much more area, 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 further.
Because the Magma isn’t {custom}, shopping for one is straightforward and there’s no lengthy wait, so you may get it rapidly in the event you’re heading out for a visit quickly. That is our high suggestion if you’d like a high-quality and simple possibility for heat summer season adventures.
Zpacks Traditional 20
Ultralight Inventory Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Ranking:
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 protecting weight low is your primary aim, the Zpacks Traditional Sleeping Bag ought to be on the high of your checklist. This quilt/sleeping bag hybrid provides ultralight heat utilizing high-quality, responsibly sourced supplies.
The Traditional 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 night time.
Ultralight gear typically wants a little bit further care to maintain it performing nicely over a number of seasons of journey, and the Traditional isn’t any exception. Its skinny material and fewer sturdy {hardware} can put on out sooner in the event you’re not cautious, however we’ve saved our Traditional in adventure-ready situation for years by all the time clearing our campsites of sharp particles earlier than organising and storing the quilt in a big bag at residence to keep up the loft.
The CleverHiker group has spent over 100 nights in our Traditional 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 ample in these circumstances. Nevertheless, chilly sleepers who typically encounter temperatures within the low 30s Farenhiet ought to take into account 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 Traditional is among the many pricier quilts on this checklist, however there’s no higher possibility if weight financial savings is a high concern. That’s why many thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers who journey lengthy distances select it.
ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt
Finest Ultralight Two-Particular person Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Ranking:
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 mountaineering pairs seeking to lighten their load. Double quilts are a preferred technique to cut back base weight (and price) 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 luggage or quilts. The reasonably priced worth can also be a profit. Because it prices lower than shopping for two customary quilts with related rankings, it provides wonderful worth for many who can share their bedding comfortably.
Though, this highlights the most important caveat of double quilts usually. If companions are likely to toss and switch independently or seize blankets, a double quilt is likely to be 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 could be a problem when two individuals shift and switch all through the night time.
Our testers discovered that the pads drifted aside and needed to be adjusted in the midst of the night time to maintain utilizing the quilt successfully. Moreover, there’s no neck baffle to seal out drafts, which might be a problem 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} looking for a extra totally featured double quilt can try the Enlightened Gear Confederate.
Loco Libre Operator Collection Ghost Pepper 20
Versatile & Heat Quilt/Sleeping Bag Hybrid
CleverHiker Ranking:
3.8/5.0
Value:
$380
Weight:
1 lb. 5.5 oz.
Fill Energy:
950
Execs
- Ultralight
- Extremely customizable
- Chevron baffles maintain down from transferring
- RDS licensed
Cons
- No pad straps
- Customized ordering course of could be complicated & can take some time to ship
The Loco Libre Ghost Pepper 20 is among the hotter quilts we examined on this vary, making it a sensible choice for these on the lookout for a three-season possibility. Whereas we didn’t discover it to be snug all the way down to its 20 diploma ranking, our chilly sleeping testers have 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 essentially the most. Select the insulated “Scorching Field” footbox possibility—a footbox that’s sewn closed to lure warmth—in the event you’re making ready for frigid circumstances to extend the heat much more. And for many who exit in excessive chilly, the Ghost Pepper is among the few quilts available on the market out there in sub-zero temperature rankings.
There are various {custom} choices out there to fine-tune the very best warmth-to-weight ratio in your wants, together with a variety of coloration and accent selections. The numerous customizations on the Ghost Pepper could be a bit overwhelming for first-time quilt customers, however we assure it’s well worth the effort to realize precisely what you need from this cozy heat quilt. Loco Libre’s Operator Collection Ghost Pepper is a barely simplified model with fewer choices for hikers preferring a simple strategy. Simply keep in mind that the Operator Collection doesn’t have a sewn footbox possibility, so it gained’t be as heat as the usual mannequin.
UGQ Bandit 20
Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for Heat Climate
CleverHiker Ranking:
3.5/5.0
Value:
$415
Weight:
1 lb. 6.3 oz.
Fill Energy:
850 or 950
Execs
- Extremely customizable
- Inexpensive
- RDS licensed
Cons
- Customized ordering course of could be complicated & can take some time to ship
- Not as packable as some
- Heat ranking is overstated
The UGQ Bandit 20 provides many customization choices, and UCQ has one of many widest ranges of coloration selections we’ve ever seen. All of those choices could be a bit overwhelming if that is your first quilt, however the Options tab on the ordering web page gives loads of useful data to help you in making your selections. When you have a little bit further 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 snug 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 dangerous. Hikers who’re tight on area of their packs or who sleep on the colder facet could wish to splurge on the dearer 950-fill-power down. This feature nonetheless prices beneath $400 and can prevent a major quantity of weight and bulk.
Backpackers looking for 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 greatest on summer season nights.
Hammock Gear Burrow 20
Extra Inexpensive than Equally Heat Backpacking Quilts
CleverHiker Ranking:
3.3/5.0
Value:
$240
Weight:
1 lb. 9.1 oz.
Fill Energy:
850 or 950
Execs
- Hotter than many others
- Inexpensive
- Sturdy
- Customizable
- Ordering course of is straightforward & simple
- RDS licensed
Cons
- Customized orders can take some time to ship
- Just a little heavier / bulkier than some
In case you’re aiming to maximise heat with out spending an excessive amount of, the Hammock Gear Burrow 20 is a extra primary possibility with an accessible price ticket. This quilt is among the many warmest and most sturdy on our checklist, making the low worth much more interesting.
The Burrow gives a simplified checklist of {custom} choices, making it simpler in the event you’re purchasing in your first backpacking quilt. You continue to select the necessities—like size, width, and footbox model—however finer particulars, resembling stitching coloration, are disregarded. Hikers looking for the warmest construct ought to go for a sewn footbox, and also you may 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 nicely when cowboy tenting on the rocky floor of the Sonoran Desert. Whereas this selection leads to a barely increased weight and bulk, it’s also extra reasonably priced and nonetheless packs down small contemplating how heat it’s.
For these prepared to spend a bit extra to avoid wasting weight, the Burrow UL is a good possibility. It provides the identical user-friendly {custom} ordering course of however is a full six ounces lighter and way more packable.
Katabatic Flex 22
Excessive High quality Introductory Quilt
CleverHiker Ranking:
3.0/5.0
Value:
$454
Weight:
1 lb. 7.9 oz.
Fill Energy:
850 or 900
Execs
- Properly-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 provides a number of temperature rankings, all organized in an easier 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 characteristic that units the Flex other than the competitors is its extremely water resistant down fill. The ExpeDRY handled down helps the Flex retain loft in damp circumstances and likewise permits the feathers to dry sooner, making this quilt a sensible choice for backpackers who reside in moist climates.
Having mentioned all that, the Flex nonetheless ranks barely decrease than related choices due to its increased 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 will let you shift the down in your quilt to pile it up the place you want it most. Many trendy quilts use this design to assist maintain prices decrease for customers, however quiltmakers typically add completely different patterns to assist forestall the down from shifting an excessive amount of in the course of the night time as you toss and switch.
Hikers who have a tendency to remain nonetheless whereas snoozing probably gained’t see this as an issue. These looking for premium options at a worth that gained’t trigger sticker shock will admire the water resistant design, the extremely efficient pad attachment, and the useful inside stash pocket.
Enlightened Gear Confederate 20
Wonderful High quality Backpacking Quilt for Two with Premium Particulars
CleverHiker Ranking:
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
- Consists of 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 could be complicated & can take some time to ship
The Enlightened Gear Confederate is an possibility for {couples} looking for a shared sleep system to attenuate pack weight.
It’s one of many few double backpacking quilts out there, 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 likely to be higher suited there. It’s luxurious sufficient for the frontcountry, and whereas it’s gentle sufficient for backcountry use, its bulk isn’t splendid—particularly in the event you’re utilizing an ultralight backpack. Nevertheless, the worth may justify it.
One challenge with this spacious sleep system is that it may be more durable to remain heat, particularly in the event you plan to make use of it alone. It additionally requires you to sleep cooperatively together with your companion. We suggest all the time bringing the included pad connectors to take away gaps between your sleeping pads and forestall chilly spots. Moreover, try it out in a low-stakes atmosphere to make sure you and your companion can share it comfortably.
The Confederate could be ordered as a ready-to-ship inventory quilt, or you may customise it to your most well-liked specs in the event you’re not in a rush to obtain it.
– Photograph Credit score Shane O’Donnell
How We Check & Methodology
Our group assessments 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 by way of managed temperature ranking assessments 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 maintain us heat in numerous climate circumstances and instances of the yr, confirming producer claims in real-world conditions. We fastidiously consider the warmth-to-weight ratio and take into account insulation distribution, with high 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 essentially the most snug quilt entails testing the softness and really feel of the material in opposition to 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 probably 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 assessments. We pack them as tightly as attainable, see how they match into included stuff sacks, and measure how a lot area 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
Prime performers within the options class embody pad attachment straps or clips that safe the quilt to your sleeping pad, stopping drafts when tossing and turning at night time. We search for luggage with draft tubes and collars across the openings to cut back warmth loss on the neck and shoulders. We take into account whether or not a quilt can be utilized in numerous configurations, resembling a totally open blanket or closed like a sleeping bag, because of cinched closures on the head and footbox. Different important options embody storage choices like pockets and mummy-style hoods.
Why Belief CleverHiker?
Having logged hundreds of nights beneath the celebs, the CleverHiker group 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 very best choices for varied climates or circumstances. Her information of long-distance mountaineering and mountaineering helps her make suggestions that may profit virtually anybody.
Evaluation & Outcomes
VALUE
Prime efficiency is essential when testing backpacking quilts, however we additionally search hidden gems – quilts that provide wonderful worth for his or her worth. With choices from budget-friendly to high-end, there’s one thing for each backpacker.
The perfect-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 sturdy efficiency. They’re sturdy, snug, and extremely practical with out including weight or sacrificing packability, making them the very best 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 kind, 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 out there upgrades.
WARMTH
The Western Mountaineering AstraLite and Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Diploma Quilt are our high selections for heat backpacking quilts. Each fashions provide wonderful heat as a consequence 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 maintain drafts out. In addition they use clips to safe the quilt round your physique and fasten 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 may really feel a lot hotter (or colder) relying on you and your companion’s sleeping kinds. Though it lacks a draft baffle or clips, it provides loads of area 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
Essentially the most snug quilts on our checklist are the Western Mountaineering AstraLite and Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Diploma Quilt. Adjustable closures, roomy footboxes, and smooth, light supplies make them really feel soft on the pores and skin and extremely cozy night time after night time.
The Western Mountaineering AstraLite is our favourite as a result of it incorporates a spacious sewn-in footbox and a contoured neck baffle for max heat. Each present easy-to-use pad attachment programs, guaranteeing consolation in varied 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 high 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 provides a superb steadiness between minimal bulk and safety with its water resistant shell that retains the down dry, and it weighs solely 4.1 ouncesmore than the AstraLite.
Rounding out our high performers is the REI Magma Path Quilt 30 at 1 lb. 4.3 oz. These luggage symbolize the height of ultralight, packable heat for severe backpackers.
FEATURES
The Enlightened Gear Revelation 20 and the Loco Libre Operator Collection Ghost Pepper 20 are essentially 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 provides 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 individuals who select to customise their quilt, you’ll even have the choice so as to add a draft collar.
The Loco Libre Operator Collection Ghost Pepper 20 is our different best choice due to its unbelievable 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 feature-rich choices on the market.
Whereas lots of the quilts on this checklist provide related options, we predict these two fashions execute these particulars the very best of their total design.
Tips on how to Select a Backpacking Quilt
CHOOSING A TEMPERATURE RATING
Selecting the best temperature ranking isn’t an actual science. Many components affect heat, resembling sleeping pad insulation, clothes, hydration, diet, and altitude.
For this checklist, we chosen quilts with temperature rankings that we consider are appropriate for many 3-season journeys. Most quilts right here will maintain a mean consumer snug when temperatures drop to freezing or simply beneath. Nevertheless, hikers who are likely to sleep chilly ought to take into account selecting the next temperature ranking to make their quilt extra versatile.
WARMTH
In case you’re utilizing your quilt in a tent as an alternative of a hammock, it’s sensible to purchase a pad attachment system (if it’s not already a part of your quilt) if you place your order. Attaching your quilt to your pad reduces chilly drafts that may drain heat by way of 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. You can too sleep in base layers, gloves, and down booties to remain hotter. Different ideas embody consuming a high-calorie snack proper earlier than mattress, staying nicely 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. Ensure 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 proper width; we suggest sizing up one in the event you’re a facet sleeper or are likely to toss and switch.
In case you’re a chilly sleeper, it is likely to be 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 smooth, small feather layer discovered beneath the outer feathers on geese and geese. These tiny fibers insulate the birds and maintain 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 combined with the down feathers or are crammed fully with artificial insulation. For the very best 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 luggage are additionally generally made with supplies which are ethically sourced. To keep away from supporting dangerous practices like force-feeding or reside plucking, examine if the corporate is Traceable Down or Accountable Down licensed. Firms dedicated to good practices are often happy with it and make this clear to clients. For us, spending a bit extra for peace of thoughts is price it.
DOWN FILL POWER
The fill energy (fp) of a down quilt signifies the standard of the down insulation. Larger-fill-power down prices extra however is lighter and compresses greater than lower-fill-power down. Though the next fp provides 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 necessary to think about each fill energy and fill weight when assessing how heat a quilt shall be.
Typically, 800-fill-power and above is considered high-quality down. Something beneath that’s extra reasonably priced however gained’t provide 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 quite than soak in. This remedy doesn’t make a quilt waterproof, but it surely does present some safety in damp circumstances. It would put on off over time and must be reapplied, however don’t fear, re-treatment is straightforward.
WASHING & STORAGE
Down is a sturdy materials, however it may 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 Tips on how to Restore, Wash, Retailer, & Care For Your Sleeping Bag.
– Photograph Credit score Shane O’Donnell
Conclusion
Whether or not you favor ultralight minimalism or luxurious heat, the proper backpacking quilt is crucial for a superb night time’s sleep within the backcountry. When trying to find the proper backpacking quilt, crucial components to think about are the heat ranking, consolation, weight, packability, and the options that matter most to you—high quilts discover a steadiness that ensures cozy nights and simple packing on the path.
