Bottom Line
The UGQ Bandit 20 offers a wide range of customization options. UCQ has many color choices. If you’re ordering for the first time, it might feel a bit overwhelming, but the Features tab on the ordering page is full of helpful information to guide your decisions. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, consider adding the neckline draft collar for extra warmth.
The baffle design effectively keeps the down securely in place, giving the Bandit a fluffier feel compared to some other quilts. While it may not be the most compact option for packing, the bulk is manageable. For backpackers looking to save space or who tend to sleep colder, the 950-fill-power down upgrade is worth considering. I am running a few minutes late; my previous meeting is running over.
If you’re a backpacker looking for the comfort of a custom quilt, the Bandit provides that while keeping your pack lightweight.
Check out best backpacking quilts gear guide for more backpacking quilt options.
How We Tested
Gear analyst Heather Anderson took the Bandit on weekend backpacking trips throughout the coastal Pacific Northwest.
Quick Specs
UGQ Bandit 20
Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for Warm Weather
CleverHiker Rating: 3.5/5.0
Price: $415
Weight: 1 lb. 6.3 oz.
Fill Power: 850 or 950
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Less expensive
- RDS certified
Cons
- Custom ordering process can be confusing & can take a while to ship
- Not as packable as some
- Warmth rating is overstated
Warmth
The UGQ Bandit was the least warm of the similarly rated quilts we tested. Our testers took it on spring trips in the Coastal Cascades where overnight lows were in the low 40s Fahrenheit. We found the quilt comfortable at that temperature, but as the mercury dipped into the 30s one night, we struggled to stay warm.
Adding a neckline draft collar and opting for overfill will help significantly, especially if you’re a cold sleeper. Another option is to get the overstuffed footbox if cold feet tend to be a problem for you. Overall, this bag would be good for late spring, summer, and early autumn, or for those who anticipate steady overnight lows well above freezing.
Comfort
We loved the fluffy comfort of the UGC Bandit 20. Not only was it a great quilt for sleeping, we also enjoyed snuggling in it during our pre-sleep camp activities. This quilt is loftier than many others we tested, partly because of the baffle design. It made it especially inviting after a long, wet day of hiking in the Pacific Northwest rainforest.
The fabric felt soft against the skin without feeling sticky like some competitive models. We also found that it hit the ideal size for most people. It was roomy enough not to feel tight, even for our active sleepers, but it wasn’t so big that we had trouble heating the space.
Weight & Packability
The UGQ Bandit 20 is right in the middle, weightwise, of the quilt models we tested. At its temperature rating and price point, it is slightly heavier and bulkier than similar models. Part of this can be offset by choosing a higher fill power (available in 950 as well as 850) and a full taper shape. However, opting for the tapered design reduces some of its versatility.
While it easily fits into a fairly standard ultralight backpack, it occupies a good amount of space, which could be a concern for some, especially those using minimal volume packs. Despite these considerations, the Bandit remains a solid choice for anyone looking for a lightweight quilt that delivers good performance.
Features
Honestly, the customization options for the UGQ Bandit 20 can be overwhelming, especially for first-time quilt shoppers. However, for those who know exactly what they want, it’s possible to fine-tune it to your specific specs. We appreciated that the Bandit 20 can be laid completely flat on warmer nights or cinched up on colder ones. This also made it easier to use as a blanket when in camp before bed. Because it doesn’t have a sewn footbox, our testers were able to snuggle in it during chilly nights while eating.
However, we found the pad straps and closures to be a bit odd in their design. Simple clips or elastics would be better than the notched tabs with thin cord. We loved the ability to partially unzip the bottom to form a footbox that could then be fully cinched shut. Our toes stayed warm with this system.
Should You Buy The UGQ Bandit 20?
If you’re looking for a highly customizable quilt for summer backpacking, the UGQ Bandit 20 might be the right choice. Those who sleep cold or plan to be out in temperatures close to the rating may want to choose a different quilt or go for overstuff, as we found the rating to be somewhat too generous.
With two fill options, available overfill, multiple footbox styles, various lengths and sizes, plus numerous color choices, this is one of the most customizable quilts we tested. While this variety might be overwhelming for some, experienced quilt users who know exactly what they want in their ideal sleep system will appreciate the options.
Unfortunately, all this customization comes at a cost; the Bandit sits right in the middle of our options. Those on a budget may want to consider other choices.
What Other Backpacking Quilts Should You Consider?
If the UGQ Bandit 20 isn’t for you, there are many other options in our gear guide to best backpacking quilts.
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.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt Review: Our Editor’s pick for the Warmest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt keeps you warm without the weight and bulk thanks to ultralight fabrics and 1000 fill power down.
Loco Libre Operator Series Ghost Pepper 20 Review: Our top choice for a versatile sleeping bag hybrid features a slightly roomier design that provides more space to move without sacrificing warmth. Those seeking an adjustable foot box will find it here.
