Bottom Line
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt is one of our Editor’s Picks and has been rated as our Warmest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for good reason. It’s one of the lightest and warmest options we’ve tested because of its higher-than-average fill power (1000) and ultralight materials. This makes it a great three-season choice.
During a late spring section hike on the Appalachian Trail, our testers appreciated its warmth on nights when temperatures dropped into the upper 30s Fahrenheit. The quilt’s slim-cut design and sewn-in footbox minimized bulk without sacrificing warmth. We found the pad straps to be user-friendly and easily adjustable. They kept the quilt securely in place even for active sleepers.
If you’re looking for a versatile quilt to use all year round, this one might be just right. Despite its relatively high price, you’ll get plenty of use out of it. However, if you want more room, prefer a lay-flat quilt, or are simply looking for a summer quilt, you should consider other options.
If you’d like to see more of our favorites, check out the best backpacking quilts gear guide.
How We Tested
Our testers used the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt during a section hike along the New York part of the Appalachian Trail. They experienced a variety of weather, from chilly and rainy days to warm, humid ones, making the adventure even more memorable.
Quick Specs
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt
Warmest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $499
Weight: 1 lb. 1.1 oz.
Fill Power: 1000
Pros
- Ultralight
- Highest fill power of quilts tested
- Warm for its weight
- Simple pad straps
Cons
- Expensive
- No customization
Warmth
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt was one of our favorite quilts we tested. It performed very well during our testing on the New York section of the Appalachian Trail in early summer, keeping us warm and comfortable all night. On our first night out, temperatures were unusually low (into the 30s and with two inches of rain). Despite this, we felt snug and cozy. We prefer a sewn-in footbox, which the HMG quilt has. The easy-to-use adjustable pad straps helped ensure there were no drafts.
While the following nights were much warmer, we didn’t find this quilt to be too hot. It was easy to skip the straps and ventilate the quilt as needed in the milder temperatures. Overall, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt was incredibly versatile and one of our top performers with a fairly accurate temperature rating and excellent loft.
Comfort
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt is a very comfortable sleeping choice. It offers plenty of space in the footbox for those who like a little extra movement there.
Similar to the Western Mountaineering AstraLite, this quilt has a slimmer, heavily tapered design compared to many others we tested. While this helps reduce weight, some might find it slightly restrictive or wish for more coverage, especially if you choose not to use the pad straps. HMG offers this quilt in three lengths, allowing it to fit users of various heights.
Overall, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt effectively balances lightweight design with functionality, making it a reliable choice for anyone seeking a warm, lightweight, three-season sleep system.
Weight & Packability
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt has a slim, tapered design that significantly reduces volume when packed into a stuff sack, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize space and weight in their gear.
While it isn’t the lightest among the similarly rated quilts we tested, we found it to be more accurately rated than most, making it our pick for the Warmest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt.
During our testing, we used common ultralight backpacks where space is limited. This HMG quilt easily fit into our 50L Gossamer Gear backpack, unlike some of the bulkier quilts we tested.
However, with 1000 fill power down and a design similar to the Western Mountaineering AstraLite, we believe this quilt could be lighter. Still, it remains an excellent option for anyone looking to reduce their base weight without sacrificing warmth and performance.
Features
Our testers were pleased with the performance of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt despite its simplicity. As a stock-only quilt, it offers limited features with no options for customization beyond length. While this quilt is fairly basic in its features, we were satisfied with all it provides. That said, experienced quilt users might want to explore more customizable brands if they have specific preferences.
Pad straps are common in backpacking quilts, but they are often fussy to use. The HMG 20-Degree Quilt features easy-to-use, adjustable pad straps that are simple to operate when needed.
We also liked the sewn-in footbox; it was spacious enough and provided good insulation. While some might prefer an adjustable closure for flexibility, we valued the weight savings that come with this simpler design (and honestly, our feet are rarely too hot).
Should You Buy The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree?
If you’re looking for a quality three-season backpacking quilt, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt is a solid choice. Although it is priced on the higher side, its versatility, top-tier quality, and impressive performance make it worth every penny. It offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio along with simple features and a remarkably lightweight design, making it perfect for thru-hikers, fast-packers, or anyone aiming to keep their base weight low while maintaining high performance.
However, if you want a quilt with customization options, prefer a lay-flat design, or need a bit more space, you might find better alternatives in our gear guide.
What Other Backpacking Quilts Should You Consider?
If the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt isn’t for you, check out our gear guide to best backpacking quilts to see all of the options we tested.
Western Mountaineering AstraLite Quilt Review: Our Editor’s pick for the Best Overall Backpacking Quilt offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any quilt we tested and weighs just 16 ounces.
Loco Libre Operator Series Ghost Pepper 20 Review: Our top pick for a versatile sleeping bag hybrid features a slightly roomier fit that allows more movement without sacrificing warmth. Those seeking an adjustable foot box will find it here.
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 Review: This quilt is one of our team favorites. It offers an impressive range of features that make it a versatile and affordable choice. Besides being budget-friendly, it is quite warm for its weight and has a highly packable design.
