Ultimate Backpacking Quilt Guide: Why I Use a Quilt Instead of a Sleeping Bag for 3-Season Backpacking
I went on my first backpacking trip in 2019. Prior to that trip, I had zero backpacking gear, so I started my backpacking kit from scratch. My partner had thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail the previous year and told me all about ultralight backpacking gear, including that I should get a quilt instead of a sleeping bag. I had never heard of a quilt before and didn’t know what it was. However, I'm so happy he recommended it. Since 2019, I have backpacked over 200 nights with quilts, covering over 6,400 miles across the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Arizona Trail, and John Muir Trail. I’ve used quilts in all sorts of conditions—from freezing temperatures in October in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado to cowboy camping in the high alpine of the Sierra Nevada in California.
Sleeping quilts are extremely popular among thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers for many reasons. For three-season backpacking (spring, summer, and fall), I prefer using a quilt over a sleeping bag. In this post, I'll go into detail about what a sleeping quilt is, discuss the differences between sleeping quilts vs. sleeping bags, and outline the advantages of quilts for backpacking and thru-hiking, including technical considerations and brand recommendations.
Here is an overview if you want to jump ahead to a particular section:
What is a Sleeping Quilt? How is a Quilt Different from a Sleeping Bag?
The Advantages of Sleeping Quilts for Backpacking and Thru-Hiking
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a small percentage of every purchase at no additional cost to you. Read more about my affiliate policy here.
What is a Backpacking Quilt? How is a Quilt Different from a Sleeping Bag?
What exactly is a sleeping quilt? Sleeping quilts are minimalist, ultralight alternatives to traditional mummy sleeping bags. They are designed without a back, hood, or full-length zipper. Unlike traditional sleeping bags, quilts lack a back because compressed down does not provide insulation. When you lie on a sleeping bag, the section of the bag underneath you compresses, rendering the down ineffective. To stay warm underneath, you rely on your sleeping pad's insulation, which is represented by its R-value. By eliminating the back, quilts reduce both weight and volume, which helps keep your pack weight down and improves the fit in your backpack.
Sleeping quilts feature various footbox designs, including a sewn footbox or a zippered footbox that allows the quilt to open completely like a blanket. This versatility makes them ideal for three-season backpacking (spring, summer, and fall). While a traditional mummy sleeping bag might be better suited for winter conditions, I find that the flexibility and reduced weight of a quilt perfectly match the needs of spring, summer, and fall adventures.
The Advantages of Sleeping Quilts for Backpacking and Thru-Hiking:
Lighter Weight:
Since quilts don't have hoods or a full back, they weigh less than a sleeping bag with a comparable temperature rating. Therefore, they typically weigh less overall. Sleeping quilts lack a back because compressed down does not provide insulation. When you lie on a sleeping pad, the part of the bag you are lying on is completely compressed, meaning the down in the back isn’t generating any warmth. Quilts eliminate the back and just have an open back design because the back doesn’t serve a functional purpose.
For example, the REI Co-op Magma 30 Down Trail Quilt in size Medium weighs 1 lb 4.3 oz (20.3 oz), while the REI Co-op Magma 30 Sleeping Bag in size Medium weighs 1 lb 8.4 oz (24.4 oz). That’s a difference of 4.1 oz, making the quilt about 17% lighter than the sleeping bag. While a few ounces might not sound significant, every ounce counts in backpacking gear and can quickly add up. As the saying goes, "Ounces lead to pounds, and pounds lead to pain."
Less Volume and Better Packability:
Due to the absence of a back and hood, quilts have less volume and therefore compress more efficiently than sleeping bags, saving valuable pack space. I personally do not use a stuff sack for my quilt because quilts can compress significantly and using a stuff sack may prevent it from compressing as much as it could when freely stuffed into a pack, molding around other gear. I typically place my food (that I won’t be eating during the day, i.e., future days’ food) in my backpack first, since it is usually the heaviest. I then either position my quilt on top of or behind the food against the back of my pack to create a sort of cushion. Finally, I stuff the rest of my gear on top of the quilt, which helps it compress even more.
Comparable Warmth:
When used correctly with an insulated sleeping pad that is suitable for the conditions you are backpacking in, a sleeping quilt can provide warmth equivalent to that of a sleeping bag. The key is to properly attach your sleeping quilt to your sleeping pad to prevent drafts. Typically, each quilt brand provides a video on their website with instructions on how to use the pad attachment kit. When my quilt is properly attached to my sleeping pad, it keeps me very warm. Refer to the "Sleeping Pads and Sleeping Pad Attachment Kits" section to learn more about sleeping pads and attachment kits.
To keep my head warm when sleeping, I also almost always sleep with a beanie and a pullover fleece that has a hood I can put up, if needed. If you are sleeping in very cold conditions, you can always bring a down hood. I used a down hood in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado during my Continental Divide Trail thru-hike. The temperatures often dropped into the 20s or teens at night, but I remained warm with the following setup: a Katabatic Gear Sawatch 15°F Quilt, a Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad, and a Hammock Gear Down Hood.
Versatility:
The beauty of sleeping quilts is their versatility. A quilt can be used as a blanket when unzipped or opened up to air out on warmer nights, or it can be secured to your sleeping pad with a pad attachment kit for warmth on chilly nights. If it’s really cold, you have the option to bring along a down hood, or you can choose to forgo these on warmer nights. My Hammock Gear 20°F Burrow Quilt has been with me on over 5,200 miles of backpacking, enduring everything from freezing cold nights to summer heatwaves. It’s an incredibly adaptable piece of gear that excels in various conditions. Additionally, quilts are ideal for different sleeping positions. As someone who prefers to sleep on their side, stomach, and move around, I find that a quilt suits my needs well.
Price:
Assembling your first backpacking kit, whether for a weekend backpacking trip or a multi-month thru-hike, can be overwhelming due to the cost of gear. Quilts, however, often are a cheaper option than sleeping bags of comparable quality from reputable brands because they require fewer materials due to the lack of a back and hood. I purchased my Hammock Gear 20°F Burrow Quilt in 2020 and have used it extensively - over 5,200 miles between the John Muir Trail in 2021, the Pacific Crest Trail and Arizona Trail in 2022, and the Continental Divide Trail in 2023. This investment has proved worthwhile, as the quilt has demonstrated remarkable durability. Storing your quilt properly—uncompressed and either hung or placed in the large storage bag it typically comes with—and regular maintenance, such as washing it with a down wash, can significantly extend its lifespan.
Customization:
Depending on the quilt brand you choose (see my quilt recommendations below), there are numerous customization options available. These typically include quilt width and length, temperature ratings, fill powers, footbox style (sewn or zippered), colors, and fabric deniers. These options enable you to tailor your quilt to meet your specific needs. For instance, I'm 5’4”, so I always select the short length option. Additionally, I prefer sewn footboxes, so that's my go-to choice.
Hammock Gear 20°F Burrow Quilt on my Pacific Crest Trail Thru-hike in 2022
Hammock Gear 20°F Burrow Quilt on my Pacific Crest Trail Thru-hike in 2022
Technical Considerations When Choosing a Quilt:
Sewn vs. Zippered Footbox:
Quilts either have a sewn or a zippered footbox. A sewn footbox is fully enclosed and fully insulated, which means no drafts or openings for air to get through. A zippered footbox allows the quilt to be fully unzipped and opened up like a blanket, but when cinched at the bottom, it may potentially have a small gap, although some quilt designs ensure better cinching or have a draft collar. Generally, sewn footboxes are warmer than zippered footboxes. I personally prefer the sewn footbox because they are warmer, lighter, and less drafty. However, I can see the appeal of a zippered footbox and being able to use it more like a blanket in warmer conditions. I usually backpack in places where it could potentially get pretty cold at night and haven't really had any nights where I wished I had a zippered footbox, so for now, I’m going to stick with sewn footboxes.
Fill Power and Fill Weight:
Fill power is a measure of the loft of down, typically used to describe the quality of down insulation in quilts and sleeping bags. It indicates the volume occupied by one ounce of down (in cubic inches) when it reaches its maximum loft after being compressed. Higher fill power indicates higher quality down, which means the down clusters have larger, more resilient fibers that can trap more air and provide better insulation. Generally, the higher the fill power, the lighter and smaller the quilt will be for the same warmth/temperature rating.
The most popular fill powers for quilts are 850, 900, and 950, each offering different levels of insulation efficiency and weight:
850 Fill Power: This fill power is very efficient, offering a balance between warmth and weight. It is suitable for most three-season backpacking conditions, providing good insulation without being excessively bulky. The 850 fill power down compresses well, allowing quilts to pack down relatively small. 850 fill power is typically cheaper than the higher fill power options.
900 Fill Power: At this higher fill power, the down expands more, creating more trapped air and therefore increasing insulation. This makes 900 fill power down lighter than 850 for the same warmth, making it a favorite among ultralight backpackers who prioritize weight savings. With higher fill power, 900 fill power down compresses even more efficiently than 850, allowing quilts to pack down incredibly small and take up minimal space in a backpack.
950 Fill Power: Representing some of the highest quality down available, 950 fill power is extremely lightweight and compressible. It offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio, ideal for those looking to minimize their pack weight while maximizing warmth. However, quilts with 950 fill power can be significantly more expensive, reflecting the premium nature of the down. 950 fill power down compresses to an incredibly small size, allowing quilts to be easily stored in a backpack without compromising on insulation.
While fill power indicates the quality and loftiness of the down, fill weight refers to the actual amount of down used in the quilt, determining its warmth, temperature rating, versatility, and durability. Both factors should be considered together when choosing the right sleeping quilt for specific needs and conditions. When choosing a quilt and looking at different quilt brands, I recommend comparing the fill weights. If one brand offers significantly lower overall quilt weight or fill weight for the same temperature rating, don’t assume it will provide the same warmth. Consider the possibility that it may not be as warm as advertised. Both fill power and fill weight are important factors to consider to make sure the quilt meets your specific warmth and weight needs for your backpacking trips.
Comfort vs. Survival Temperature Rating:
When choosing a sleeping quilt, it's important to understand the difference between comfort and survival temperature ratings. The comfort rating indicates the lowest temperature at which the average user will remain comfortable throughout the night, whereas the survival rating refers to the minimum temperature at which the quilt will keep a user alive, though not necessarily comfortable. Make sure to check what the brand’s temperature rating means and whether it is for comfort or for survival. For example, here are a few brands and their current temperature rating descriptions:
Katabatic Gear: “The temperature ratings for each bag are considered to be comfort ratings for most people.”
Enlightened Equipment: “Typically, the quilt temperature ratings we claim fall between the Comfort Ratings and the Lower Limit Rating for quilts that have undergone testing using the EN 13537 standard. Our aim is to declare temperature claims that are more conservative than the industry standard, ensuring that our customers feel comfortable in our quilts at the temperatures we specify.”
REI Co-op: “The 30°F rating represents the lower limit when this quilt is used in combination with an insulated sleeping pad with at least a 5.38 R-value and the person is wearing a base layer with socks.”
Hammock Gear: “Customizable temperature rating built for comfort, not survival like most brands.”
It's important to select a quilt with appropriate temperature ratings based on the expected weather conditions and your personal tolerance for cold. Everyone is different and sleeps differently, so also consider whether you are a cold or warm sleeper. Opting for a quilt with a comfort rating that aligns with the lowest temperatures you expect to encounter will help you have a more enjoyable and safer backpacking trip.
Sleeping Pads and Sleeping Pad Attachment Kits:
The effectiveness of a sleeping quilt is also dependent on the use of a suitable sleeping pad, as the sleeping pad provides insulation from the ground. Selecting the right sleeping pad, particularly one with a high R-value (insulation measure), is essential for maximizing the warmth of the quilt. Depending on the conditions, I typically backpack with either a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad (inflatable, R-value: 4.5) or the NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad (closed-cell foam, R-value: 2). When it’s colder, I always take the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad because it has a higher R-value, meaning it is more insulated and will keep me warmer. The NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad has an even higher R-value of 7.3, if you’re looking for an even warmer sleeping pad.
Many quilts feature sleeping pad attachment systems that secure the quilt to the pad, ensuring that it stays in place and minimizes drafts during the night. These systems typically include straps or clips that can be adjusted according to the pad’s width and the user's movement during sleep. Usually, the brand you purchase your quilt from will have a video or pictures describing how to use their pad attachment system properly.
Backpacking Quilt Recommendations
Front of quilts - in order from left to right: Katabatic Gear Sawatch 15°F Quilt, Hammock Gear 20°F Burrow Quilt, Hammock Gear 30°F Burrow Quilt, Enlightened Equipment 40°F Enigma Quilt
Back of quilts - in order from left to right: Katabatic Gear Sawatch 15°F Quilt, Hammock Gear 20°F Burrow Quilt, Hammock Gear 30°F Burrow Quilt, Enlightened Equipment 40°F Enigma Quilt
My Recommended Backpacking Quilt Brands (alphabetical order):
Enlightened Equipment - Customizable, Budget-Friendly Options, Synthetic & Down Options
Enlightened Equipment’s quilts are some of the most popular quilts among thru-hikers. They have some more budget-friendly options, lots of customization options, and lots of color choices. Enlightened Equipment is also unique in that they have both down and synthetic quilt options, unlike the other brands listed here. A synthetic quilt is a great option if you are vegan, if you’re backpacking in very wet/humid environments, or if you’re allergic to down.
Hammock Gear - More Budget-Friendly Options, Comfort Rated, Reliable
Hammock Gear used to be even more budget-friendly, but it seems they have raised their prices a bit. However, their quilts are still good quality and they often have sales offering discounts of 20-30% off. They also offer a variety of custom options, including colors, width, length, fill-power, etc. I have used my Hammock Gear 20°F Burrow Quilt for over 5,200 miles of backpacking across the John Muir Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Arizona Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. It is a warm, comfort-rated, durable quilt that was definitely worth the investment.
Katabatic Gear - Premium, Super Well-Designed, High-Quality, Durable & Long-Lasting, Comfort Rated
Katabatic Gear makes some of the best quilts available. They are very well designed and the temperature rating is comfort rated. My Katabatic Gear Sawatch 15°F Quilt kept me warm at over 10,000 ft in October in Colorado, even when my sleeping pad popped. I particularly appreciate the design elements of Katabatic Gear quilts, such as the horizontal baffle design, internal pocket, and neck collar. While they may be pricier, Katabatic Gear truly delivers on quality.
REI Co-op - Budget Option, REI Member Coupon Eligible, Great Return Policy
My first quilt was the REI Co-op Magma Quilt that I got back in 2019 with one of the REI Co-op Member coupons. It was my first experience with a quilt, which was a great opportunity to test if I liked the style and if it suited my needs.
Western Mountaineering - Premium, Mostly Makes Sleeping Bags, Durable & Long-Lasting
My partner recently started using a Western Mountaineering quilt and has nothing but good things to say about it. Their quilts have a distinctive, unique style, are lightweight, durable, and made with good design and craftsmanship.
My Top Pick: The Best Backpacking Quilt Recommendation
All of the brands I recommended above are great options, but if I were to recommend a single best backpacking quilt, it would undoubtedly be Katabatic Gear’s Elite Quilt Series. This series includes the Chisos 40°F Quilt, Palisade 30°F Quilt, Alsek 22°F Quilt, and the Sawatch 15°F Quilt, offering options for different temperature ranges you might encounter when backpacking. The Elite Quilts have a sewn foot box, but the Flex Quilts offer a zippered footbox.
I used the Katabatic Gear Sawatch 15°F Backpacking Quilt for half of my Continental Divide Trail thru-hike (~1,500 miles) in the colder months of September, October, and November, as well as at elevations exceeding 12,000 ft. It proved to be a truly exceptional and remarkably warm quilt, living up to its comfort rating. At one point, my sleeping pad popped in the middle of the San Juans, so I didn’t have a working sleeping pad in the coldest temperatures I experienced on trail (probably in the 10-15°F range at night), but the Katabatic Sawatch kept me alive and warm. I can’t say enough nice things about this quilt.
Here are some features I like about it: I particularly like its horizontal baffle design, which, in my experience, prevents down migration. Additionally, the quilt's mummy shape and differential cut enhance its functionality. A differential cut, characterized by a smaller inside circumference than the outside, prevents down compression, ensuring that pressure on the inside liner doesn't affect the tautness of the outer liner. This design maximizes the loft from the down, thereby optimizing its insulation properties. The down-filled neck collar cinches snugly and comfortably around your neck, providing warmth and preventing drafts. Moreover, the internal pocket is perfect for keeping essentials like my phone, battery, or water filter warm and preventing freezing. While Katabatic Gear quilts may come at a slightly higher cost, in my opinion, they are worth the investment and are built to last.
Conclusion:
While quilts may not suit everyone, I wanted to introduce the concept and explain why I personally prefer them for backpacking and thru-hiking. They require some adjustment and proper attachment to your sleeping pad for optimal warmth, which can be a bit finicky. I encourage you to conduct your own research and choose the gear that enhances your backcountry camping experience, whether it's a quilt or a sleeping bag. Happy hiking!
