10 Best Backpacking Quilts

We tested the best backpacking quilts on the market today according to price, weight, warmth, and comfort. Read on to see how they performed, which is best for you, and get some valuable buying advice.

Best Backpacking Quilts

The best backpacking quilts are:

• Best Overall Backpacking Quilt: REI Co-Op Magma Trail
• Best Ultralight Backpacking Quilt: THERM-A-REST Vesper
• Best Budget Backpacking Quilt: WARBONNET Diamondback
• Most Versatile and Comfortable Backpacking Quilt: ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT Revelation
• Warmest Backpacking Quilt: FEATHERED FRIENDS Flicker UL
• Best Warm Weather Backpacking Quilt: HAMMOCK GEAR Economy Burrow
• Most Durable Backpacking Quilt: UGQ Bandit

The product comparison table below is sortable. Click the arrow in the heading cell to sort the models by preferred spec.

Best Overall Backpacking Quilt

REI Co-Op Magma Trail

Price: $329

See on REI

Pros

✅ Lightweight

✅ Affordable

✅ Comfortable

Cons

❌ Less warmth than others

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 19.04 oz
• Temp. Rating: 30°F
• Fill Power: 850
• Fill Amount: 10.5 oz
• Fabric: Nylon
• Denier: 15D
• DWR?: Yes

The REI Co-op Magma is one of the best quilts for backpacking our pick as the best overall quilt. What tipped the scales for us is how well-rounded this quilt is. It doesn’t take top honors in any category, but it consistently scored highly. Price and weight-wise, we found it to be better than average.

We found it very comfortable thanks to the large foot box. We like that it packs down small too. The only real drawback for us is the warmth. The REI Co-op Magma is only rated to 30F. Great for summer, late spring, and early fall. In colder conditions, you may want to pair it with a sleeping bag liner.

Best Warm Weather Backpacking Quilt

HAMMOCK GEAR Economy Burrow

Price: $224.95

See on HAMMOCK GEAR (stock) See on HAMMOCK GEAR (custom)

Pros

✅ Lightweight

✅ Inexpensive

✅ Durable

Cons

❌ Only enough warmth for summer

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 17.67 oz
• Temp. Rating: 40°F
• Fill Power: 850
• Fill Amount: 1-4 oz
• Fabric: Nylon
• Denier: 20D
• DWR?: Yes

This quilt is an excellent bargain, coming in as the cheapest quilt we tested. We like the lightweight; however, we should note we tested the 40F version, so there is less fill than in warmer models. We recommend this for summer trips where the nights are warm. There is the option of selecting either a zipper or sewn foot box.

We like that this quilt is designed for both hammocks and ground sleepers. It has vertical baffles with 15-20% overfill that help avoid the down from moving around. The 20D nylon fabric is thicker than many options giving the Burrow excellent durability. Because it has less fill than warmer models, it packs down small.

Best Budget Backpacking Quilt

Warbonnet Diamondback

Price: $255

See on WARBONNET OUTDOORS

Pros

✅ Best budget buy

✅ Comfortable

Cons

❌ Heavy

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 23.39
• Temp. Rating: 20°F
• Fill Power: 850
• Fill Amount: 15.48
• Fabric: Nylon
• Denier: 15D
• DWR?: Yes

At $255, the Warbonnet Diamondback is one of the best quilts for backpacking for the budget-minded. It’s the cheapest 20F, 3-season quilt on our list. We like the extra features like vertical baffles and a constriction-point-baffle pattern that aids in “isolating” each half of the quilt to keep the down in place.

We love the customization, and there are nine different sizing options, three different fabric options, and two fill options (both of which are RDS-certified goose down). At just over 23 ounces for the 20F version, this is the second heaviest quilt we tested.

Best Ultralight Backpacking Quilt

THERM-A-REST Vesper Down Quilt 20

Price: $483

See on THERM-A-REST See on MOOSEJAW

Pros

✅ Lightweight

✅ Ultra-packable

✅ Warm

Cons

❌ Small size is less comfortable

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 20 oz
• Temp. Rating: 20°F
• Fill Power: 900
• Fill Amount: 14.5 oz
• Fabric: Nylon
• Denier: 10D
• DWR?: Yes

If you’re looking for the best ultralight quilt, the Therm-a-rest Vesper Down Quilt 20 is our pick. With 12.5 ounces of 900-fill-power Nikwax Hydrophobic down, this quilt remains dry and keeps its loft over 60 times longer than down that’s not treated.

This quilt packs down the smallest on our list, making it a great option for fastpackers. At just 19 ounces, it’s similar to the Zpacks Solo Quilt but about $175 cheaper for a warmer ultralight quilt. Therm-a-rest can pack in warmth and keep the weight down by making the cut of this quilt smaller than other options we tested. The foot box is the smallest we tested, so if you don’t like mummy-style quilts, then this isn’t for you.

Most Versatile and Comfortable Backpacking Quilt

ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT Revelation

Price: $335

See on ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT (STOCK) See on ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT (CUSTOM)

Pros

✅ Versatile

✅ Comfortable

✅ Affordable

Cons

❌ Not as warm as other 20-degree options

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 20.9 oz
• Temp. Rating: 20°F
• Fill Power: 850
• Fill Amount: 13 oz
• Fabric: Nylon
• Denier: 10D
• DWR?: Yes

Near, or at the top, of almost every list of the best quilts for backpacking is the Enlightened Equipment Revelation. We love this quilt for its awesome versatility. It can fold all the way open to be a top blanket or zipped up into a mummy quilt. Its large size makes this a very comfortable quilt with lots of room.

We tested the standard 20F model, but it is highly customizable to suit your needs. We found the pad attachment system is simple and easy to use. At $335, it’s relatively affordable too. On the downside, we didn’t think the Revelation felt as warm as other 20-degree quilts on this list.

Most Durable Backpacking Quilt

UGQ Bandit

Price: $299.95

See on UGC OUTDOOR

Pros

✅ Durable

✅ Affordable

✅ Comfy

Cons

❌ Heavy

❌ Bulky

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 22.27 oz
• Temp. Rating: 20°F
• Fill Power: 850
• Fill Amount: 15.86 oz
• Fabric: Nylon
• Denier: 20D
• DWR?: Yes

The UGQ Bandit is the most affordable 20F-rated quilt we tested. We like the design with both horizontal and vertical baffles for maximum fill, draping, comfort, and warmth. There are plenty of customizable options, including the fill power, choosing an overstuffed foot box or not, and quilt tapering options.

We don’t like that it runs heavier than similar models on our list. And it’s also less packable than other models we tested. Like the Hammock Gear Economy Burrow, the UGQ Bandit is constructed out of 20D nylon, making it one of the most durable quilts for backpacking we looked at.

Warmest Backpacking Quilt

FEATHERED FRIENDS Flicker UL

Price: $529

See on FEATHERED FRIENDS

Pros

✅ Warm

✅ Durable

Cons

❌ Expensive

❌ Heavy

❌ Bulky

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 26.28 oz
• Temp. Rating: 20°F
• Fill Power: 950+
• Fill Amount: 14.7 oz
• Fabric: Nylon
• Denier: 15D
• DWR?: Yes

The Feathered Friends Flicker UL is our pick for the warmest backpacking quilt. It uses an impressive 950+ fill down, and it doesn’t skimp on it either, packing in 14.7 ounces of fill. It’s rated at 20F, but we think it could handle even more.

The design of this quilt is notable. With a full-length zipper, it can be a sleeping bag, or it can open into a quilt that’s large enough for two adults. Because of this quilt’s functionality, it’s one of our favorites for both warm- and cold-season hikes. It will cost you, though, at $529 and 26.28 ounces, it's the most expensive and heaviest quilt we tested.

The Other Noteworthy Models

Nunatak Arc UL

Price: $344.96 to $367.46

See on NUNATAK USA

Pros

✅ Warm

✅ Comfy

Cons

❌ Expensive

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 19 oz
• Temp. Rating: 20°F
• Fill Power: 900
• Fill Amount: 12.5 oz
• Fabric: Nylon
• Denier: 10D
• DWR?: Yes

The Nunatak Arc UL is a 3-season quilt that runs warmer than most 20F quilt options we tested. This is because they use 14.5 ounces of 900 fill down to pack in extra warmth.

We found that this quilt compacts well, lofts quickly, has a generously sized foot box, and is ultra-soft. The 20 ounces weight is square in the middle of our list, but the $483 price tag is the second heaviest we tested. But you get what you pay for; the Nanatak Arc UL is a high-quality quilt that should provide many cozy nights in the backcountry.

KATABATIC GEAR FLEX

Price: $425

See on KATABATIC GEAR

Pros

✅ Warm

✅ Durable

Cons

❌ Heavy

❌ Narrow size

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 22.3. oz
• Temp. Rating: 22°F
• Fill Power: 900
• Fill Amount: 14.3 oz
• Fabric: Nylon
• DWR?: Yes

The Katabatic Gear Flex quilt is praised in the hiking community as being warm, super compact, and durable, and we found these claims to hold up. The 14.3 ounces of 900 fill power down make this one of the warmest quilts we tested. Plus, we like that this quilt has continuous baffles for adjustable heat distribution and HyperDRY hydrophobic down for moisture resistance and quick-drying capabilities.

It runs on the heavier side compared to other models we tested. At 22.3 ounces, it’s the third heaviest we tested. Our biggest gripe is that it runs narrow and has a small foot box. This makes it less comfortable than other options we tested, especially if you’re a side sleeper.

Zpacks Solo Quilt

Price: $429

See on ZPACKS

Pros

✅ Lightweight

Cons

❌ Expensive

❌ Less durable

KEY SPECS

• Weight: 18.7 oz
• Temp. Rating: 20°F
• Fill Power: 900
• Fill Amount: 6 oz
• Fabric: Nylon
• Denier: 7D
• DWR?: Yes

An option for the minimalists out there, the Zpacks Solo Quilt is a cozy, soft, and ultralight quilt that is great for hikers looking to drop some ounces without sacrificing quality. It’s the lightest 20F bag we tested. We like that the upper half of the quilt features vertical baffles while the bottom half has horizontal ones to keep the warmth in the right spots.

The foot box is rectangular and has average roominess, and both the liner and shell are treated with a water-repellent agent. Zpacks uses 7D nylon fabric to make this quilt lightweight, but it also makes it one of the least durable models on our list. At $429, this is the third most expensive lightweight quilt on our list.

Key Factors To Consider When Choosing

Price

A good ultralight quilt is one of your more expensive purchases. Budget quilts use lower quality down and heavier materials. Premium quilts use the highest down fill powers and are made from ultralight fabrics.

The highest value-for-money backpacking quilts:

• REI Co-Op Magma Trail
• HAMMOCK GEAR Economy Burrow
• WARBONNET Diamondback
• ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT Revelation

The most affordable backpacking quilts:

• HAMMOCK GEAR Economy Burrow
• WARBONNET Diamondback
• UGQ Bandit

The premium backpacking quilts:

• FEATHERED FRIENDS Flicker UL
• NUNATAK Arc UL
• ZPACKS Solo Quilt

Weight

Quilts for backpacking should be lightweight. We recommend under 2 pounds, ideally 1.5 pounds. The fill is the heaviest part of a quilt. But it’s also what adds warmth. Higher-quality fills are lighter, allowing you to have a warmer bag for less weight.

The lightest backpacking quilts:

• HAMMOCK GEAR Economy Burrow
• ZPACKS Solo Quilt
• THERM-A-REST Vesper

Warmth

All quilts for backpacking come with a temperature rating. This rating is a good guide, but factors like fill power and fill amount also influence warmth. The higher the fill power, the warmer each ounce of down is. And the more fill weight, the more warmth. A good starting point is a fill power of at least 800+ and a temperature rating of 20F for 3-season hikes.

The warmest ultralight quilts:

• FEATHERED FRIENDS Flicker UL
• NUNATAK Arc UL
• THERM-A-REST Vesper
• KATABATIC Gear Flex

Comfort

Comfort is largely subjective but hugely important in ultralight quilts. Larger quilts will be more comfortable, giving you more room to snuggle down. The baffle construction is also important. Look for a mix of vertical baffles over the majority of your body and horizontal baffles around the foot box for extra warmth and comfort.

The most comfortable backpacking quilt:

• ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT Revelation
• REI Co-Op Magma Trail
• WARBONNET Diamondback

Other Things to Consider

Temperature Rating

For most 3-season hikes, a quilt with a 20F rating is a safe bet. Temperature’s a hard thing to gauge. First off, there are cold and hot sleepers, and what’s comfortable for one person isn’t necessarily comfortable for another. With that being said, there are some standard guidelines hikers can use to get in the ballpark of a good temperature range for them.

When looking at temperature ratings on quilts and sleeping bags, keep in mind that both are rated by the lowest temperature they’re recommended to withstand. To be “comfortable” in just base layers, hikers should add about 20 degrees to those ratings (i.e., a 20F sleeping bag, without extra clothing added, will be more comfortable at around 40F.)

Quilts aren’t ideal for winter camping or if heading into an area that regularly reaches below 20F. In such conditions, mummy bags are the better choice. It’s always good to check average temps in the area you’ll be hiking. If you’re still debating which quilt to buy, being too warm is probably a better option than being too cold.

Packability

Quilts are smaller than sleeping bags because they’re made with less fabric and are inherently more packable. Down with higher fill power will pack down the smallest. Quilts that contain less fill will stuff smaller as well, but they are less warm. Look for a lightweight quilt that packs down small to fit in your pack while still giving you enough warmth for a good night’s sleep.

Zpacks Solo Quilt packed

Fill

Many companies that make quilts rate their temperature range using the same scale as sleeping bags. Unfortunately, this also makes their ratings somewhat inaccurate. A better way to measure temperature range is to look at the amount of fill power in the individual quilt.

The “fill-power” of a quilt will largely affect its warmth, as it measures the quality of the down material in the quilt, which directly impacts its ability to retain heat. This means the higher the fill power, the more insulation the quilt will have. Most quilts and sleeping bags range anywhere from 600 to 950. We recommend buying a quilt with 800 or higher.

Size

You'll want extra space at the toes and enough room to toss and turn to keep you comfy all night long. Make sure your backpacking quilt is long enough to cover your head while not exposing or yanking on your toes.

To pick the right size, make sure the quilt you select is slightly longer than the length of your body and wide enough to tuck comfortably around you. If you purchase a quilt with a foot box, be sure to leave some extra room. Once the foot box is enclosed, the quilt will usually decrease in size by 3-6 in.

A hiker inside his quilt.

Material & Durability

For the shell of your quilt, the higher the denier it has, the more durable and heavier the fabric will be. To be considered lightweight, a quilt will need to have a denier material that’s under 30. Typically, quilt shells are designed from nylon or polyester, with ripstop nylon proving the most durable. We like quilts with a denier rating between 10-20.

Baffles

These are the sewing lines that keep down from separating and shifting around in a quilt. Quilts can have vertical, horizontal, or continuous baffles. Sometimes, they even have all three.

• Vertical baffles are said to have a more comfortable fit since they give more flexibility, stretching from the top of the quilt to the bottom.
• Horizontal baffles make it easier to position down where you want it. Many hikers say quilts with horizontal baffles have a noticeably higher warmth consistency throughout the entire quilt.
• Continuous baffles stretch one end of the quilt to the other with no walls or extra stitching dividing it. This style is easiest for moving down exactly where it’s needed for more/less insulation (i.e., gather the down at the top of a quilt for more warmth, push it to the sides for less, etc.)

Katabatic Alsek quilt in use.

DWR

Quilts are filled with either synthetic or goose-down insulation and are usually treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) agent for water resistance. While this doesn’t make them waterproof, it does add a layer of protection in damp conditions. It also helps your quilt dry out faster. We recommend getting a quilt with at least some DWR protection.

Down Source

Down comes from animals, usually ducks or geese. Look for down that is sourced ethically to ensure the animals who provide the warm down are treated humanely.

Why Backpacking Quilts

ROOMY: IDEAL FOR SIDE OR STOMACH SLEEPERS

For many, the design of a mummy sleeping bag can feel restricting and uncomfortable. This is an especially common problem for side and stomach sleepers or those that spread out or move around a lot throughout the night. Quilts don’t have the same confined feeling of a mummy bag, and they don’t get all twisted around and diss-aligned if you toss and turn.

VERSATILE: EASILY REGULATE THE TEMPERATURE

One of the greatest benefits of a quilt over a mummy bag is that they are adaptable and adjustable. For example, a hiker can adjust the girth of the quilt depending on temperature for either more or less ventilation.

On colder nights, the quilt's circumference can be tightened to further insulate the body, while on warmer nights, the quilt can be lightly draped, leaving more breathability. This makes quilts an excellent option for hot-sleepers, summer hiking, or if heading into warmer climates.

Therm-a-Rest Vesper quilt being cinched up.

PACKABLE: LESS FABRIC = LESS PACK SPACE

Quilts are already smaller than sleeping bags because they’re made from less fabric, and they don’t have backs, hoods, and most of the time, zippers. Most compress down to around half the size of a sleeping bag or smaller.

LIGHTWEIGHT: ABOUT 30% LIGHTER THAN SLEEPING BAGS

Quilts have around the same amount of down insulation as sleeping bags. But, without the extra fabric, zippers, and hardware, quilts weigh about 30% lighter. They typically average between 15-22 oz., while sleeping bags start at about 23 oz.

AFFORDABLE: ESPECIALLY NON-CUSTOMIZED QUILTS

Quilts already have a cost advantage by cutting out zippers, hoods, and extra odds and ends that mummy bags feature. To further cut back on cost, stick with a base layer, non-customized quilt. As soon as you customize, quilt prices skyrocket. Also, the higher the “fill-power” of a quilt, the pricier it will be.

Hammock Gear Econ Burrow fully unzipped.

Quilts vs. Sleeping Bags

A. No Hood

For the side and stomach sleepers out there, having a quilt that doesn’t have a pesky hood getting in the way is pretty great. Not to mention, they get to cut some bulk and weight by ditching a feature that doesn’t serve them anyway.

B. Draft Collar (optional)

Another cool feature you’ll find on many quilts is an adjustable snap and drawcord collar at the neck. This cinches the quilt around your neck, keeping heat inside and cold air outside. These are not exclusively on quilts, of course, though.

C. Open Back

The idea behind the “open-back” concept on a quilt is that the fill in the back of sleeping bags gets compressed by laying on it anyway… which doesn’t do much insulating. Quilts have cut out this useless feature to lessen weight and enhance packability. Instead, hikers rely on well-insulated sleeping pads to act as insulation on their backs.

Quilt back (left) and sleeping bag front (right).

D. Sleeping Pad Straps (optional)

Sleeping pad straps are the things that will ensure you’re not getting a draft under or on the sides of your quilt. Not always necessary, but it can definitely help keep you secure. There are a few different sleeping pad attachment systems that can address this, and they’ll differ depending on each manufacturer.

The key idea behind your setup will be to use both your quilt and your pad together to create one complete insulated sleep system. This is a vital component to keeping the sides of your quilt secured enough to keep you insulated and drafts out while still allowing the freedom of movement that quilt users so love.

E. Footbed

This point can be a little confusing for first-time quilt users. When considering backpacking quilts, we differentiate the footbed and the footbox. The footbed is the bottom area of the quilt where your feet rest, while the footbox is the type of closure used at the bottom end of the quilt. Here are the two types commonly found:

• Sewn-in footbed + sewn footbox: Sewn-in footbeds make for ultralight quilts since they cut out the zipper. They’re also extra toasty since they’ve sealed your feet off from any chance of drafts. However, with this option, you won’t be able to fully open your quilt as a blanket.
• Zippered footbed + drawstring footbox: This design will give you more options in how you want to sleep with your quilt. You can unzip it to wear like a blanket, or you can zip it up halfway so you only enclose your legs while giving the rest of your body freedom of movement. Many zippered footbeds offer the option of a drawstring, so you can tighten the quilts to fit around your legs for further insulation if desired.

On the left, a sewn footbed/footbox. On the right, a zippered footbed with a drawstring footbox.

Tips for First-Time Quilt Users

1. HOW TO ATTACH A QUILT TO A SLEEPING PAD

Using pad straps or clips can tighten the sides of your quilt on frosty nights, protecting against drafts and frigid air while still allowing the freedom of movement quilt users so love.

• Pad straps: By using the pad straps around your quilt and sleeping pad, you can create a secured, draft-free cocoon. Take the elastic straps (or cords) and place them around your sleeping pad underneath where your body will lay. Depending on how many straps you have, you may place one around the middle of the pad and one up by where your shoulders will be. Be sure to have the clips (or toggles) facing upwards and positioned at the outer edges of your pad. From there, you can buckle or loop the sides of your quilt to your strap pad attachments and adjust the girth of the quilt to whatever feels comfortable.
• Clips: Another option is to attach your buckles or clips between the two ends of your quilt. Doing this still leaves room for movement, but it turns your quilt into a secure yet roomier style of a sleeping bag.

Enlightened Equipment Pad attachment system.

2. WHAT SLEEPING PAD TO CHOOSE WITH A QUILT

Buying a quality sleeping pad with good insulation is important if you’re using a quilt. For super chilly climates, make sure you choose a pad that has a high “R-Value.” The higher the R-Value, the higher the level of insulation the pad will have.

Many sleeping pads range from an R-Value of 1-7. Most 3-season hikers can get by with an R-rating of 3 or higher. But, for winter hiking, it’s best to go with a minimum rating of 5. On especially frosty nights, it may seem like a great idea to put your sleeping pad inside your quilt. Not the best choice.

Quilts and sleeping bags aren’t made of the most durable, rip-resistant material. Having your sleeping pad underneath your quilt acts as a barrier between it and the ground floor, protecting it from abrasion. For more information on sleeping pads, check out our Ultralight Sleeping Pad Buying Guide.

Sleeping sideways with a quilt.

3. ANTICIPATING LEAD TIMES

Many quilts are made to order by small cottage gear companies, which can cause long lead times. Depending on the season and how many orders are ahead of yours, you may wait a few weeks to well over a month. Many brands have an ETA arrival date listed next to their products, so be sure to check this and allow plenty of time between placing your order and your trip's start date.

4. WHAT TO WEAR WHEN SLEEPING IN A QUILT

Since quilts don't come with a hood, you'll want to make sure your camp clothes include appropriate headwear, especially for sleeping in colder temps. Many quilt companies also sell down hoods you can buy to wear with a quilt, but if you’re going anywhere less than the arctic, a beanie or hooded thermal should work just fine.