Bottom Line
It’s hard to find flaws with the Western Mountaineering AstraLite. It’s both the lightest and warmest backpacking quilt we tested, making it an excellent choice for backcountry trips from spring through summer and into autumn.
Our testers took it on a late spring section hike on the Appalachian Trail and were pleased with its warmth on nights that ranged from the upper 30s to mid 40s. Its slim-cut design and sewn-in footbox reduced bulk without sacrificing warmth. The contoured neck baffle seamlessly kept out drafts, and the pad straps were easy to use, highly adjustable, and kept the quilt in place even with a lot of tossing and turning.
People looking for a single quilt to use all year will find plenty of value here, despite the high price. However, those needing a bit more space or a summer-only quilt might want to look elsewhere.
Explore more of our favorites in the best backpacking quilts gear guide.
How We Tested
Our testers used the AstraLite during a week-long section hike of the New York part of the Appalachian Trail. The weather varied from cold and rainy to hot and humid.
Quick Specs
Western Mountaineering AstraLite
Best Overall Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $510
Weight: 1 lb.
Fill Power: 850
Pros
- Ultralight
- Excellent warmth to weight ratio
- Simple
- Adjustable pad straps
- Contoured neck baffle
Cons
- Expensive
- Slim cut may not be roomy enough for some people
Warmth
The Western Mountaineering AstraLite Quilt performed excellently during testing on the Appalachian Trail, keeping us warm all night. On our first night using it, the temperatures were unseasonably low–dipping into the 30s Farenheit—and it rained two inches. We stayed cozy thanks to the contoured neck baffle, sewn-in footbox, and adjustable pad straps, which worked together perfectly to block out the cold air.
Subsequent nights were milder, making it easy to adjust the quilt for the temperatures. Overall, the AstraLite lived up to expectations and was one of the few quilts we tested that seemed to have an accurate temperature rating, making it an excellent choice for a three-season quilt.
Comfort
We found the AstraLite to be a comfortable quilt with plenty of room in the footbox. However, it has a slimmer cut than many of the other quilts we tested, which contributes to its lightweight design for the warmth it provides. Some bodies may find this design restrictive or may have issues with drafts, especially if the pad straps aren’t used.
Western Mountaineering offers this quilt in two lengths, accommodating heights up to 6’ 6”. Our users who move around a lot while sleeping found this option to be comfortable and non-restrictive, allowing for plenty of movement.
Weight & Packability
Hands down, the Western Mountaineering AstraLite is a top choice for weight and packability. It is the lightest backpacking quilt we tested—almost 3 ounces lighter than the next lightest option (the ZPacks Classic 20). Its slim design also results in minimal volume when packed into a stuff sack.
Hardcore ultralighters could save a few more grams by removing the pad straps, but our testers were happy to maintain versatility while still having a quilt that weighs only 16 ounces. We use standard ultralight backpacks for our testing, and space was limited.
The AstraLite easily fits into our 50L Gossamer Gear backpack and helped keep our base weight below 10 pounds, even on an early summer trek. Those aiming to lower base weight without sacrificing warmth will find this quilt very effective.
Features
Our testers admired the simplicity of the Western Mountaineering AstraLite. As a non-customizable quilt, we found that it provided everything we needed without any extras. However, some long-time quilt users might prefer more customizable options if they seek specific features.
Pad straps are a common feature on backpacking quilts, but their ease of use is often lacking. The AstraLight has high-quality, easy-to-use, and adjustable pad straps. We found them to be the least finicky (along with the HMG 20) among all the ones we tested. They also stayed secure and performed as expected—an easy win.
The sewn-in footbox was adequately spacious and well-insulated which we liked. Obviously, some will prefer an adjustable closure and want to look elsewhere, but we appreciated the weight savings that come with simplicity.
Another feature our testers appreciated was the contoured neck baffle. Although modest, it offered just the right amount of extra warmth during chilly nights.
Should You Buy The Western Mountaineering AstraLite?
If you’re looking for a three-season backpacking quilt, the Western Mountaineering AstraLite is a fantastic option. While its price tag is a bit daunting, its versatility, quality, and performance ensure you’ll get value for your money.
With a great warmth-to-weight ratio, simple features, and very lightweight design, this quilt meets all the essential needs for thru-hikers, fast-packers, or anyone aiming to keep their base weight low while maintaining high performance. However, those looking for a summer-only quilt, a lay-flat design, extra room, or maximum customization will find better options in our gear guide.
What Other Backpacking Quilts Should You Consider?
If the Western Mountaineering AstraLite isn’t for you, head to our gear guide to best backpacking quilts to see all of our top picks or check out these alternatives.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt Review: Our Editor’s pick as the Warmest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt keeps you warm without the weight and bulk due to ultralight fabrics and 1000 fill power down.
Loco Libre Operator Series Ghost Pepper 20 Review: Our top pick for versatile sleeping bag hybrid offers a slightly roomier cut that will allow for more movement without making it hard to heat. Those looking for an adjustable foot box will find it here.
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 Review: This quilt is one of our team favorites. It has an impressive array of features that make it a highly versatile option that won’t break the bank. In addition to being affordable, it is relatively warm for the weight and offers a highly packable design.
