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When looking to strike the perfect balance between warmth and weight with your backpacking sleep system, quilts have some serious advantages over sleeping bags. More compressible than sleeping bags and boasting an excellent weight to warmth ratio, the best backpacking quilts will keep your pack light and still keep you warm enough to sleep comfortably in a hammock or tent.
The beauty of quilts is that they are incredibly versatile. You can open them up when too warm, and close them into mummy sleeping bags when temperatures plummet. With all these benefits, it’s no surprise that backpacking down quilts have become increasingly popular among backpackers, thru-hikers, and mountaineers.
For hot-sleepers, active sleepers, summer camping, warmer climates, and hammock camping, it doesn’t get better than a quilt. To help you find the best backpacking quilt, our reviews will present the best backpacking quilts on the market while the buying guide further down will explain the key features to pay attention to in order to pick the right quilt.
- What Makes This Hiking Quilt Stand Out
- High-quality down insulation with an 850 fill power
- Water-resistant down insulation isn’t prone to clumping
- An ultralight backpacking quilt – regular size weighs 1 lb. 3 oz.
- Available in long, regular, and short sizes
- Uses RDS certified and Bluesign® approved goose down
- Adjustable insulated draft tube for warmth and airflow
- Trapezoidal foot box keeps feet comfy and warm
- Pad cords keep you centered on your sleep pad
- Includes a compression stuff sack and a mesh storage sack
Best Use: Backpacking, Hiking, Climbing
Size: Long: 78 x 56 inches, Regular: 72 x 56 inches, Short: 66 x 54 inches
Packed Size: Long: 13 x 4.75 inches, Regular: 13 x 4.75 inches, Short: 13 x 4.75 inches
Weight : Long: 1 lb. 4 oz., Regular: 1 lb. 3 oz., Short: 1 lb. 1.5 oz.
Insulation: 850-fill-power Grey Goose Down
Fill Weight: Long: 11.5 ounces, Regular: 10.5 ounces, Short: 9.5 ounces
Temperature Rating: 30 degrees (F)
Materials: Ripstop Nylon
Paria Outdoor Products 15 Degree Down Backpacking Quilt
- What Makes This Hiking Quilt Stand Out
- Baffled design stuffed with 22/24 ounces or 700-fill power down
- Incredibly warm - temperature ratings down to 15F (-10C)
- Compresses to 10 x 7 inches in the included compression sack
- Sleeping pad strap secures the quilt to the sleeping pad
- Cinch cords at the foot box and collar for adaptability
- Reputable US company offers a lifetime warranty
Best Use: Backcountry Camping, Backpacking, Hammocks
Size: Regular: 78 x 56 inches, Long: 84 x 57 inches
Packed Size: 10 x 7 inches
Weight: 2 lb. 6 oz., Long: 2 lb. 8 oz.
Insulation: 700 Fill Power Down
Fill Weight: Regular: 22 ounces, Long: 24 Ounces
Temperature Rating: 15F
Materials: 20D Ripstop Nylon
Sierra Designs Nitro Quilt 800 Backcountry Backpacking Quilt
- What Makes This Hiking Quilt Stand Out
- Ultralight yet lofty 800 fill power down insulation
- Water resistant down with DriDown hydrophobic treatment
- Ultralight camping quilt weighing in at 1lb 4oz
- Down insulation is fluro-carbon PFC free
- EN temperature ratings are tested and proven thus reliable
- Hide-away hood keep the head warm and can be stowed away
- Insulated hand and arm pockets seal out drafts
- Includes a stuff sack and a breathable storage sack
- Durable construction backed by a lifetime warranty
Best Use: Backpacking, Camping
Size: 75 x 56 x 40 inches
Packed Size 13 x 7 inches
Minimum Weight: 1lb 4oz
Insulation: 800 Fill Power Down
Fill Weight: 14.8 oz.
20 Degree EN Temperature Ratings: Limit: 21F, Comfort: 32F
35 Degree EN Temperature Ratings: Limit: 27F, Comfort: 37F
Materials: 15D Ripstop Nylon
OneTigris Night Protector Hammock Backpacking Quilt
- What Makes This Hiking Quilt Stand Out
- Hammock underquilt shaped and sized for hammock camping
- Rip-resistant and durable 20D ripstop nylon material
- Water-resistant shell with a Durable Water Repellent treatment
- Sized and designed to fit inside most standard size hammocks
- Packs down to 13 x 8 inches into the included compression sack
- Synthetic insulation doesn’t lose its insulating performance when wet
- Short bungee cord loops for ease setup and takedown
Best Use: Hammock Camping
Size: 9.2 by 4 feet
Packed Size: 13 x 8 inches
Weight: 28 ounces
Insulation: SEE Polyester
Temperature Ratings: 3 Seasons: 40°F (5°C), Winter: 23°F (-5°C)
Materials: 20D Ripstop Nylon Shell, 300T Polyester Pongee Lining
- What Makes This Hiking Quilt Stand Out
- Hammock-specific cut provides excellent insulation in a hammock
- Offers warmth for temperatures down to 50 degrees
- Water resistant synthetic insulation and shell material
- Adjustable shock cord suspension makes securing it easy
- Universal fit compatible with all ENO hammocks
- Shape provides easy entrance and exit from hammock
Best Use: Hammock Camping, Backpacking
Size: 95 x 45 inches
Folded Dimensions: 16 x 8 x 8 inches
Weight : 1 lb. 9 oz.
Insulation: Polyester Synthetic
Temperature Rating: 50F
Material: Ripstop nylon
Paria Outdoor Products Thermodown 30 Degree Down Backpacking Quilt
- What Makes This Hiking Quilt Stand Out
- Incredibly small when compressed – 9 x 6 inches
- Baffled design and 700 down insulation provide warmth down to 30F
- Durable 20D ripstop nylon shell and a comfortable polyester pongee liner
- Colorado based brand offers a lifetime warranty
- Pad strap to secure the quilt to your sleeping pad
- Compression sack for backpacking and mesh bag for storage
Best Use: Backpacking, Camping
Size: Regular: 78 x 56 inches, Long: 84 x 57 inches
Weight: Regular: 2 lb. Long: 2 lb. 3 oz.
Insulation: 700 fill-power 90/10 duck down
Fill Weight: Regular: 16oz, Long: 17oz
Temperature Rating: 30F
Materials: Shell: 20D Ripstop Nylon, Lining: 320T Polyester Pongee
OneTigris Featherlite Black Orca Backpacking Quilt
- What Makes This Hiking Quilt Stand Out
- Diamond shaped gap ideal for waterproof mats or air mattresses
- Hook-and-loop clasps allow you to seal or spread out the quilt
- Versatile quilt you can wrap outside a sleep bag or use in a hammock
- Rugged and durable construction and a lifetime warranty
- Soft and comfortable 380t polyester pongee lining
- Perfect balance between down distribution and heat retention
- Warm 3 seasons camping sleeping quilt good down to 41°F
Best Use: Backpacking, Hiking, Camping
Package Weight: 35 ounces
Packed Size: 13.8 x 8 inches
Size: 6.6 x 2.8 feet
Insulation: SEE Polyester
Temperature Rating: 41 – 59°F
Material: Shell: 20D Ripstop Nylon, Lining: 380t Polyester Pongee
- What Makes This Hiking Quilt Stand Out
- Two layers of 80g synthetic insulation provide incredible warmth
- An offset-quilted design prevents cold spots
- Shock-corded corner attachments make setup easy
- Internal draw cords cinch for tightening underquilt
- Midpoint toggle connections for securing hammock
- Includes stuff sack and a mesh storage bag
- Lighter insulation on the sides increases coziness
Best Use: Backpacking, Hammock Camping
Size: 85 x 51 inches
Packed Size: 12 x 7 inches
Weight : 26 ounces
Insulation: Synthetic
Fill Weight: 80g
Temperature Rating: 30°F
Material: Ripstop Nylon
- What Makes This Hiking Quilt Stand Out
- Two-person quilt with an impressive girth at shoulders and hips
- 650-fill-power provides incredible warmth without bulk
- PFCs-free, water resistant, and quick drying hydrophobic down
- Box baffled design with mesh walls maximizes the down loft
- Tough ripstop nylon shell DWR treatment for moisture resistance
- Precisely shaped footbox keeps feet warm enough for sleep
- Full-perimeter side baffles keep out unwanted drafts
- Comes with a compression stuff sack and a storage sack
- Down has Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification
Best Use: Camping, Backpacking
Size: 78 x 56 inches
Packed Size: 16 x 9 inches (15.6 liters)
Weight : 2 lbs. 13 oz.
Insulation: 650 Fill Power Down
Fill Weight: 1 lb. 15 oz.
EN Temperature Ratings: Lower Limit: 20 degrees F, Tested Comfort: 32 degrees F
Materials: Shell: 20D Ripstop Polyester, 20D Polyester Taffeta
- What Makes This Hiking Quilt Stand Out
- 900-fill down insulation keeps weight below a single pound
- Stuff sack compresses the quilt down to the size of a water bottle
- Nikwax hydrophobic treatment keeps down lofty in wet conditions
- 10D ripstop nylon shell with a Durable Water Repellent treatment
- Side baffles, neck closure, and insulated footbox eliminate drafts
- ThermaCapture lining reflects your body heat back for added warmth
- SynergyLink connectors secure the quilt to your sleeping pad
Best Use: Backpacking, Hiking
Regular: 6ft x 58in x 51in x 37in, Long: 6ft 6in x 61in x 54in x 40in
Packed Size: 5 x 6 inches
Weight: Regular: 15oz, long: 1lb 1oz
Insulation: 900 Fill Power Down
Fill Weight: Regular: 9oz, Long: 10oz
EN Temperature Rating: Comfort: 41FEuropean Norm Lower Limit: 32F
Materials: 10D Nylon Ripstop
How To Choose A Backpacking Quilt – Buying Guide
Weight and Packability
When considering ultralight sleeping quilts for backpacking, weight plays a very important role in your decision. Since they don’t have zippers, hoods, and bottom insulation, camp quilts are lighter than mummy sleeping bags. Backpacking quilt weights range from slightly over 1 pound to 2 pounds. While the lightest option will be the most attractive option when you’re counting ounces, making a wise investment requires finding the right balance between quality, comfort, and weight.Â
Packability is also an important consideration. Good backpacking quilts fold down and compress into a very compact package you can easily stow away in your backpack. To ensure the quilt you get won’t take too much space in your backpack, check the packed size or stuff sack dimensions. For ease of compressing, most quilts for camping come with a compression stuff sack.
Insulation and Temperature Ratings
In terms of insulation, it’s a choice between a down backpacking quilt or synthetic insulation. Down is a superior option as it provides more insulation for its weight. Due to this, a down quilt is lighter than a synthetic quilt with the same temperature rating. Down also compresses better than synthetic insulation.
Wet weather is where synthetic insulation shines. Unlike down, it doesn’t lose its insulating properties when wet. However, the best down quilts feature water-resistant treatments that prevent down insulation from clumping. As for the fill power, the higher the number, the higher the warmth.Â
Another way to gauge whether a backpacking quilt will be able to keep you warm is to check its temperature ratings. The comfort temperature rating tells you the kinds of temperature conditions in which a sleeping quilt will keep you toasty and comfortable, while the lower limit is the survival rating.
Water Resistance
Since you will be using your quilt in the great outdoors, you need a quilt that won’t get wet when it rains or due to exposure to dew. The shell and liner fabric should be made of water-resistant nylon or polyester fabric.
As for the insulation, synthetic insulation is water-resistant and able to keep you warm even in wet conditions. If you opt for a down quilt, ensure the down insulation has a water resistance treatment so it will be able to keep you warm no matter the weather.Â
Material and Durability
Camping and backpacking are hard on gear. Your quilt should be tough enough to handle the rigors of outdoor adventures. Ripstop nylon and polyester with a high denier rating are the best materials for the shell and liner of a quilt. These materials exhibit impressive resistance to abrasion and don’t tear or puncture easily. The higher the denier rating, the thicker and more durable the material. A 20D rating strikes a good balance between weight and durability
Size & Shape
To make sure the quilt you choose will be long and wide enough to accommodate you and still offer room for movement, check the length and width dimensions of the sleeping quilt when open. Most camping quilts offer regular, long, and short versions. As for shape, some quilts have a rectangular shape while others have a mummy shape. The ideal shape to go for comes down to your sleeping position and whether you sleep in a hammock or on the ground. Â
Design and Features
Foot Box: The foot box is designed to keep your feet toasty warm. Most backpacking quilts have a drawstring at the bottom allowing you to open the foot box if your feet get too warm. Some quilt sleeping bags feature a closed foot box while others allow you to spread the quilt flat and use it as a blanket.Â
Pad Attachment: If you are going to be sleeping on a camping pad, make sure the sleeping quilt you choose has pad straps. These straps allow you to connect the camping pad and the quilt to ensure it stays in place throughout the night.
Draft Collar: A draft collar helps stop drafts from getting in from where you have points of weakness, such as a zipper. This seals out the cold and traps the warmth in keeping you toasty warm.
FAQs
Q: What Is A Quilt?
A quilt is a warm bed covering composed of a down or synthetic filling sandwiched between a top and bottom material. When it comes to camping, a quilt is a versatile sleeping system that can function as a mummy bag, an underquilt, or a top quilt blanket. Ultralight backpacking quilts have an excellent warmth to weight ratio that make them attractive for backpacking and hiking.
Q: Why Choose A Camping Or Backpacking Quilt?
When you you want to keep your pack light and compact and still have a warm and comfortable sleeping setup, a camping quilt is the ideal sleeping solution. By dispensing with zippers, hoods, and bottom insulation, backpacking quilts manage to be extremely lightweight while still providing the warm and comfort of a mummy sleeper bag. Another advantage of choosing a camping quilt is the versatility. You can cinch it up when temperatures dip, open it up if you get too warm, or spread it as a quilt blanket.
Q: How To Clean And Store A Backpacking Quilt?
The best way to clean your backpacking quilt without damaging it is to follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. We recommend handwashing or machine washing your quilt in a front-loading machine on delicate cycle. The proper way to store your quilt is in a breathable mesh sack. This will ensure it doesn’t lose its loft or get damp.
Globo Surf Overview
When backpacking, hiking, or climbing, you want the best bang for every ounce. That is where the best quilts for backpacking shine. Synthetic or down quilts for backpacking provide the same warmth ratings as the best sleeping bags but at a fraction of the weight. Hopefully, this guide has been able to answer all of your questions so you are able to pick the best backpacking quilt for your needs.