Our team of outdoor experts has spent thousands of nights in the backcountry testing a wide variety of backpacking quilts based on warmth, comfort, weight, packability, and features. Lead gear analyst Heather Anderson has logged 50,000 foot-miles and holds self-supported fastest known times on multiple long-distance trails, needing gear like these quilts to support her goals.
From brands like Enlightened Equipment, Zpacks, Feathered Friends, HMG, and more, we’ll share what we’ve learned through rigorous field testing to help you find the best backpacking quilt for your needs.
To round out your ultralight adventure kit, we’d also recommend taking a look at our guide to the best ultralight tents, as well as our favorite hammocks for backpacking.
And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:
Quick Picks for Backpacking Quilts
Check out this quick list of the best backpacking quilts, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorites with in-depth reviews.
*Prices vary by level of customization
Best Backpacking Quilt Overall: Western Mountaineering AstraLite ($510)
Warmest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt: Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt ($499)
Best Budget Backpacking Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 ($315)
Best Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for Warm Weather: REI Magma Trail 30 ($329)
Ultralight Stock Backpacking Quilt: Zpacks Classic 20 ($469)
Best Ultralight Two-Person Backpacking Quilt: ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt ($579)
Versatile & Warm Quilt/Sleeping Bag Hybrid: Loco Libre Operator Series Ghost Pepper 20 ($380)
Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for Warm Weather: UGQ Bandit 20 ($415)
More Affordable than Similarly Warm Backpacking Quilts: Hammock Gear Burrow 20 ($240)
High Quality Introductory Quilt: Katabatic Flex 22 ($454)
Excellent Quality Backpacking Quilt for Two with Premium Details: Katabatic Flex 22 ($454)
What’s new
There have been some big changes to our quilts list with new additions, more detailed reviews, and an overhauled list order:
- The Western Mountaineering AstraLite has been added to the lineup and is named Best Overall Backpacking Quilt.
- The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20 moves into second place and earns the title of Warmest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt.
- The ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt two-person quilt has been added and is ranked as our Best Ultralight Two-Person Backpacking Quilt.
Overall Testing Scores for Backpacking Quilts
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
The ultralight Western Mountaineering AstraLite stands out as both the lightest and warmest backpacking quilt we tested, making it an excellent choice for three-season backcountry adventures year-round. Weighing exactly one pound, this quilt kept our testers warm even when temperatures dropped into the 30s Fahrenheit during a late spring section hike along the Appalachian Trail.
The quilt’s slim-cut design, paired with a sewn-in footbox and a contoured neck baffle, reduces weight and bulkiness while providing optimal warmth. The easily adjustable pad straps effectively block out drafts. We appreciated their simplicity and practicality. Even our most restless sleepers had no trouble with the quilt shifting overnight.
For anyone seeking a versatile, three-season quilt, the AstraLite offers great value despite its higher price. However, if you prefer more space or need a dedicated summer quilt, exploring other options might be worthwhile.
Our testers found that the standard-length bag easily fit those up to six feet tall. Those over six feet should opt for the longer version.
Unfortunately, there are no additional customizations, which could be a drawback for some. Still, our testers appreciated the simplicity of this quilt, as it provided everything they needed without anything unnecessary.
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
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt ranks highly among our top quilts. This Editor’s Pick earned the title of our Warmest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for good reasons. With an impressively high fill power, this quilt is not only remarkably warm but also one of the lightest options we’ve tested. Thanks to the combination of ultralight materials and 1000 fill power down, it performed well in a variety of conditions during testing. It’s a great choice for a three-season sleep system, keeping you cozy and comfortable without extra weight.
During a late spring section hike on the Appalachian Trail through New York, our testers were impressed by the quilt’s ability to keep them warm during chilly nights that dipped into the upper 30s. The sewn-in footbox was spacious and warm, although we recognize that some people might prefer an adjustable closure and lay-flat design. We also appreciated the user-friendly pad straps; they are easily adjustable and kept the quilt securely in place, even as testers shifted in their sleep. Some quilts overcomplicate the design, and it was refreshing to easily clip and adjust these when needed.
One drawback is that it comes with a higher price tag; however, frequent campers seeking a three-season quilt will find that the investment pays off quickly, as you can use one quilt from spring through autumn. The Hyperlight quilt has a slim cut to save weight and improve heat retention. Still, some people may prefer more space. It is also available in three lengths, which helps achieve a better fit than some comparable quilts on the market. Overall, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Quilt is an excellent choice for most backpackers aiming to reduce pack weight without sacrificing performance.
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20
Best Budget Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $315
Weight: 1 lb. 6.5 oz.
Fill Power: 850 or 950
Pros
- Ultralight
- Well-priced for the quality
- Packable
- Opens fully like a blanket
- Includes pad connectors
- Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified
Cons
- Many won’t find it warm enough for sub-freezing trips
- Custom orders have a long lead time
The Enlightened Equipment Revelation has been one of our top backpacking quilts for years because of its versatile design, excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, and great value for the quality.
The Revelation can be left open like a blanket on warm nights or cinched up tight when the temperature drops, making it a good choice for hikers who need something versatile for all but the coldest trips. We’ve found that the 20°F model keeps us warm down to around freezing or just a bit below, but cold sleepers might prefer the 10°F model for extra warmth.
CleverHiker Founder, Dave Collins, swears by the Revelation and has taken it on many of his most epic backpacking trips. From the chilly peaks of Glacier National Park to the much warmer twists of Marble Canyon in Death Valley National Park, the Revelation’s flexible design easily adapts to the conditions.
You can choose to custom-order a Revelation in your preferred color, size, and temperature rating. We recommend going up one size in length and width for full coverage on cold nights if you tend to sleep cold, or you might consider the EE Enigma quilt. The Enigma features a footbox that’s sewn closed (similar to a sleeping bag footbox), which helps it retain much more warmth than the Revelation. CleverHiker Managing Editor, Ben Van Apple, prefers the Enigma and has trusted it on many big backpacking trips – including his CDT thru-hike.
Quality like this will usually set you back a pretty penny, but the Revelation is an amazing deal compared to similar quilts. We’ve been using ours for years, and it remains one of the best investments we’ve made in our backpacking setup.
REI Magma Trail 30
Best Ultralight Backpacking Quilt for Warm Weather
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $329
Weight: 1 lb. 4.3 oz.
Fill Power: 850
Pros
- Ultralight
- Less expensive
- No upcharge for larger size
- Highly packable
- Wide cut
- Opens fully like a blanket
- Includes pad connectors
- Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified
Cons
- Not as warm as others
- Less durable
The REI Magma Trail 30 is our top pick for trips where nighttime temperatures stay in the 40s or higher. Its streamlined design keeps your summer base weight light, and it compresses small to make room in your pack for other essentials.
The latest version of the Magma Trail Quilt features a footbox with a zipper and cinch cord, allowing you to adjust the warmth based on conditions – a significant upgrade from the previous version with a sewn footbox. Since this is a summer quilt, we find it more useful to vent heat with an openable footbox rather than trapping it inside with a fully enclosed one.
CleverHiker founder Dave Collins loves packing the Magma Quilt for strenuous warm-weather trips when keeping weight low is key. He took the Magma on a tough trek in Wyoming’s Wind River Range and was very happy with its warmth-to-weight ratio.
Dave is a taller guy, and he really appreciates the roomier cut of the Magma. The standard width of this quilt is 58.5 inches – most others fall between 50-55 inches – making it a good choice for hikers who want more room to move. If you need even more space, there’s also an option to get an even wider model in regular or long length. Best of all, choosing a larger Magma doesn’t cost extra.
Since the Magma isn’t custom, buying one is simple and there’s no long wait, so you can get it quickly if you’re heading out for a trip soon. This is our top recommendation if you want a high-quality and easy option for warm summer adventures.
Zpacks Classic 20
Ultralight Stock Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $469
Weight: 1 lb. 2.8 oz.
Fill Power: 900
Pros
- Ultralight
- Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
- Highly packable
- Comes with DCF stuff sack
- Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified
Cons
- Expensive
- Many won’t find it warm enough for sub-freezing trips
- Not as durable
If keeping weight low is your main goal, the Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag should be at the top of your list. This quilt/sleeping bag hybrid offers ultralight warmth using high-quality, responsibly sourced materials.
The Classic differs slightly from other quilts, as it more closely resembles a hoodless sleeping bag. The three-quarter length zipper and fully enclosed footbox enhance warmth, while the absence of a hood reduces weight. We appreciate this design because most hikers carry a hooded down or fleece jacket to keep their head warm at night.
Ultralight gear often needs a little extra care to keep it performing well over multiple seasons of adventure, and the Classic is no exception. Its thin fabric and less sturdy hardware can wear out faster if you’re not careful, but we’ve kept our Classic in adventure-ready condition for years by always clearing our campsites of sharp debris before setting up and storing the quilt in a large bag at home to maintain the loft.
The CleverHiker team has spent over 100 nights in our Classic Sleeping Bag, including Senior Gear Analyst Casey Handley’s thru-hike of the Colorado Trail, and it still insulates as well as it did the first time we used it. We’ve spent several nights just around freezing in this quilt, and we’d say warm sleepers will find it adequate in these conditions. However, cold sleepers who often encounter temperatures in the low 30s Farenhiet should consider upgrading to the 10°F model or choosing a warmer quilt from our list, such as the Loco Libre Ghost Pepper or Hammock Gear Burrow 20.
The Classic is among the pricier quilts on this list, but there’s no better option if weight savings is a top concern. That’s why many thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers who travel long distances choose it.
ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt
Best Ultralight Two-Person Backpacking Quilt
CleverHiker Rating: 3.9/5.0
Price: $579
Weight: 1 lb. 11.9 oz.
Fill Power: 900
Pros
- Ultralight
- Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
- Great value over separate quilts
Cons
- No pad straps
- No neck baffle
The ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt is our top choice for hiking pairs looking to lighten their load. Double quilts are a popular way to reduce base weight (and cost) by sharing one sleeping quilt. The ZPacks Twin features 900 fill power down insulation and a sewn-in footbox, which maximizes warmth while cutting weight compared to two individual sleeping bags or quilts. The affordable price is also a benefit. Since it costs less than buying two standard quilts with similar ratings, it offers excellent value for those who can share their bedding comfortably.
Although, this highlights the biggest caveat of double quilts in general. If partners tend to toss and turn independently or grab blankets, a double quilt might be a tough adjustment. It’s recommended to try it on a low-stakes overnight before committing to an extended trip. Aside from that, there are only a couple of considerations with the Twin itself. Unlike most other options on the market, this quilt lacks pad straps, which can be a hassle when two people shift and turn throughout the night.
Our testers found that the pads drifted apart and had to be adjusted in the middle of the night to keep using the quilt effectively. Additionally, there’s no neck baffle to seal out drafts, which could be an issue on colder nights. However, for our testers who used the Twin on relatively warm spring nights on their mid-Atlantic section of the Appalachian Trail, these issues didn’t really matter much. Couples seeking a more fully featured double quilt can check out the Enlightened Equipment Accomplice.
Loco Libre Operator Series Ghost Pepper 20
Versatile & Warm Quilt/Sleeping Bag Hybrid
CleverHiker Rating: 3.8/5.0
Price: $380
Weight: 1 lb. 5.5 oz.
Fill Power: 950
Pros
- Ultralight
- Highly customizable
- Chevron baffles keep down from moving
- RDS certified
Cons
- No pad straps
- Custom ordering process can be confusing & can take a while to ship
The Loco Libre Ghost Pepper 20 is one of the warmer quilts we tested in this range, making it a good choice for those looking for a three-season option. While we did not find it to be comfortable down to its 20 degree rating, our cold sleeping testers were pleased with it into the 30’s.
One thing that makes this quilt warmer than others is the unique chevron baffles—they’re very effective at preventing the down inside from shifting away from areas where you need that heat-trapping power the most. Choose the insulated “Hot Box” footbox option—a footbox that’s sewn closed to trap heat—if you’re preparing for frigid conditions to increase the warmth even more. And for those who go out in extreme cold, the Ghost Pepper is one of the few quilts on the market available in sub-zero temperature ratings.
There are many custom options available to fine-tune the best warmth-to-weight ratio for your needs, along with a wide range of color and accessory choices. The many customizations on the Ghost Pepper can be a bit overwhelming for first-time quilt users, but we guarantee it’s worth the effort to achieve exactly what you want from this cozy warm quilt. Loco Libre’s Operator Series Ghost Pepper is a slightly simplified version with fewer options for hikers who prefer a straightforward approach. Just remember that the Operator Series doesn’t have a sewn footbox option, so it won’t be as warm as the standard model.
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
The UGQ Bandit 20 offers many customization options, and UCQ has one of the widest ranges of color choices we’ve ever seen. All of these options can be a bit overwhelming if this is your first quilt, but the Features tab on the ordering page provides a lot of helpful information to assist you in making your decisions. If you have a little extra cash to spend, one upgrade we recommend is the neckline draft collar for added warmth.
Gear Analyst Heather Anderson tested the Bandit during her hikes in the coastal Pacific Northwest. This fluffy quilt provided comfortable sleep on warmer nights, and the weight was hardly noticeable in her pack when it was time to move again.
The baffle design of the Bandit prevents down from shifting away from your core and makes this quilt feel fluffier than many others. And while this isn’t the smallest quilt when packed away, the bulk isn’t too bad. Hikers who are tight on space in their packs or who sleep on the colder side may want to splurge on the more expensive 950-fill-power down. This option still costs under $400 and will save you a significant amount of weight and bulk.
Backpackers seeking the luxury of a custom quilt will definitely love the Bandit. This quilt keeps pack weight light for adventurous trips, and the extra loft helps you rest your best on summer nights.
Hammock Gear Burrow 20
More Affordable than Similarly Warm Backpacking Quilts
CleverHiker Rating: 3.3/5.0
Price: $240
Weight: 1 lb. 9.1 oz.
Fill Power: 850 or 950
Pros
- Warmer than many others
- Less expensive
- Durable
- Customizable
- Ordering process is simple & straightforward
- RDS certified
Cons
- Custom orders can take a while to ship
- A little heavier / bulkier than some
If you’re aiming to maximize warmth without spending too much, the Hammock Gear Burrow 20 is a more basic option with an accessible price tag. This quilt is among the warmest and most durable on our list, making the low price even more appealing.
The Burrow provides a simplified list of custom options, making it easier if you’re shopping for your first backpacking quilt. You still choose the essentials—like length, width, and footbox style—but finer details, such as stitching color, are left out. Hikers seeking the warmest build should opt for a sewn footbox, and you might want to add an ounce or two of down overfill to keep loft in key areas where you want to lock in heat.
When Senior Gear Analyst Casey Handley was customizing a Burrow to test on the northern 500 miles of the Arizona Trail, she chose the 20-denier nylon taffeta fabric for both the outer and inner surfaces. This material is thicker and more durable than the low-denier ripstop used on most other quilts, so it performed well when cowboy camping on the rocky ground of the Sonoran Desert. While this option results in a slightly higher weight and bulk, it is also more affordable and still packs down small considering how warm it is.
For those willing to spend a bit more to save weight, the Burrow UL is a great option. It offers the same user-friendly custom ordering process but is a full six ounces lighter and much more packable.
Katabatic Flex 22
High Quality Introductory Quilt
CleverHiker Rating: 3.0/5.0
Price: $454
Weight: 1 lb. 7.9 oz.
Fill Power: 850 or 900
Pros
- Well-priced for the quality
- Opens fully like a blanket
- Good pad attachment system (included)
- Stash pocket
- RDS certified
Cons
- Custom orders can take a while to ship
- A bit heavy
- Some won’t find it warm enough for sub-freezing trips
We love the versatility, warmth, and comfort of the Katabatic Flex 22, and we’re impressed with its trail performance. It offers several temperature ratings, all arranged in a simpler ordering process than many other quilts on this list.
Katabatic adds value by including a highly effective pad attachment system, a storage bag, and a stuff sack. Another feature that sets the Flex apart from the competition is its highly water-resistant down fill. The ExpeDRY treated down helps the Flex retain loft in damp conditions and also allows the feathers to dry faster, making this quilt a good choice for backpackers who live in wet climates.
Having said all that, the Flex still ranks slightly lower than similar options because of its higher cost, weight, and bulk. We also favor the baffle design of many other quilts over that of the Flex.
The Flex has horizontal continuous baffles that can make it harder to keep fill in place where you need it most. Continuous baffles allow you to shift the down in your quilt to pile it up where you need it most. Many modern quilts use this design to help keep costs lower for users, but quiltmakers often add different patterns to help prevent the down from shifting too much during the night as you toss and turn.
Hikers who tend to stay still while snoozing likely won’t see this as a problem. Those seeking premium features at a price that won’t cause sticker shock will appreciate the water-resistant design, the highly effective pad attachment, and the handy internal stash pocket.
Enlightened Equipment Accomplice 20
Excellent Quality Backpacking Quilt for Two with Premium Details
CleverHiker Rating: 2.9/5.0
Price: $690
Weight: 2 lb. 5 oz.
Fill Power: 850 or 950
Pros
- Ultralight for two
- Cheaper than buying two UL quilts
- Includes pad connectors
- RDS certified
Cons
- Less versatile than some (impractical to use on solo trips)
- Bulky
- Can feel drafts between sleeping pads
- Custom ordering process can be confusing & can take a while to ship
The Enlightened Equipment Accomplice is an option for couples seeking a shared sleep system to minimize pack weight.
It’s one of the few double backpacking quilts available, offering great value compared to buying two separate quilts or a heavier double sleeping bag. It’s also slightly lighter per person than most other quilts on our list. Usually, one person carries the quilt while the other carries the shelter to balance the load.
This quilt would also work for car camping—and honestly, it might be better suited there. It’s luxurious enough for the frontcountry, and while it’s light enough for backcountry use, its bulk isn’t ideal—especially if you’re using an ultralight backpack. However, the price might justify it.
One issue with this spacious sleep system is that it can be harder to stay warm, especially if you plan to use it alone. It also requires you to sleep cooperatively with your partner. We recommend always bringing the included pad connectors to remove gaps between your sleeping pads and prevent cold spots. Additionally, test it out in a low-stakes environment to ensure you and your partner can share it comfortably.
The Accomplice can be ordered as a ready-to-ship stock quilt, or you can customize it to your preferred specifications if you’re not in a hurry to receive it.
Product Comparison Table
| oSort | Product | Price | Weight | Fill Power | Warmth | Comfort | Weight & Packability | Features | 0 |
Western Mountaineering AstraLite View at Western Mountaineering View at Amazon 
|
$510 | 1 lb. | 850 | 5.0 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 4.4 | 1 |
Zpacks Classic 20 View at Zpacks |
$469 | 1 lb. 2.8 oz. | 900 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 2 |
Hammock Gear Burrow 20 View at Hammock Gear 
|
$240 | 1 lb. 9.1 oz. | 850 or 950 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 3 |
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt View at Hyperlite
|
$499 | 1 lb. 1.1 oz. | 1000 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4 |
REI Magma Trail 30 View at REI
|
$329 | 1 lb. 4.3 oz. | 850 | 3.3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 5 |
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 View at Enlightened Equipment View at Garage Grown Gear
|
$315 | 1 lb. 6.5 oz. | 850 or 950 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 6 |
UGQ Bandit 20 View at UGQ |
$415 | 1 lb. 6.3 oz. | 850 or 950 | 2.0 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 7 |
Loco Libre Operator Series Ghost Pepper 20 View at Loco Libre Gear |
$380 | 1 lb. 5.5 oz. | 950 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 8 |
Katabatic Flex 22 View at Katabatic Gear |
$454 | 1 lb. 7.9 oz. | 850 or 900 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 9 |
ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt View at Zpacks |
$579 | 1 lb. 11.9 oz. | 900 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 3.0 | 10 |
Enlightened Equipment Accomplice 20 View at Enlightened Equipment |
$690 | 2 lb. 5 oz. | 850 or 950 | 2.7 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 3.7 |
|---|
How We Test & Methodology
Our team tests each quilt for warmth, comfort, weight and packability, and features. We assess every quilt over multiple nights to identify its limitations and benefits.
WARMTH
We test backpacking quilts for warmth through controlled temperature rating tests that simulate typical backpacking conditions, assessing how effectively each quilt retains heat and maintains comfort. We also take them out on chilly nights to ensure they keep us warm in different weather conditions and times of the year, confirming manufacturer claims in real-world situations. We carefully evaluate the warmth-to-weight ratio and consider insulation distribution, with top performers offering excellent loft and thermal efficiency, effective baffle design, and durable materials. Quilts with cinch cords, reliable closures like zippers and buttons, and pad-attachment straps are also tested to block out icy air.
COMFORT
Finding the most comfortable quilt involves testing the softness and feel of the fabric against the skin, considering breathability, ventilation options, and moisture-wicking properties. We assess the quilt’s dimensions and shape to determine how much coverage and freedom of movement it provides. We also check how easy or difficult it is to feel potentially uncomfortable elements of the quilts like zippers, buttons, or straps while sleeping.
WEIGHT & PACKABILITY
To evaluate how light and compressible quilts are, we perform several compression tests. We pack them as tightly as possible, see how they fit into included stuff sacks, and measure how much space they occupy in our packs. Before hitting the trail, we also take precise weight measurements to verify manufacturer claims and understand how each quilt affects the overall pack weight.
FEATURES
Top performers in the features category include pad attachment straps or clips that secure the quilt to your sleeping pad, preventing drafts when tossing and turning at night. We look for bags with draft tubes and collars around the openings to reduce heat loss at the neck and shoulders. We consider whether a quilt can be used in different configurations, such as a fully open blanket or closed like a sleeping bag, thanks to cinched closures at the head and footbox. Other essential features include storage options like pockets and mummy-style hoods.
Why Trust CleverHiker?
Having logged thousands of nights under the stars, the CleverHiker team has extensive experience camping in the wilderness. Heather Anderson, Gear Analyst, brings over twenty years of expertise from completing the Triple Crown (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail) three times as well as many other thru-hikes, including the Wonderland, Oregon Desert, Benton Mackaye, and Arizona Trails. She has rigorously tested dozens of sleep setups to determine the best options for various climates or conditions. Her knowledge of long-distance hiking and mountaineering helps her make recommendations that will benefit almost anyone.
Analysis & Results
VALUE
Top performance is crucial when testing backpacking quilts, but we also seek hidden gems – quilts that offer excellent value for their price. With options from budget-friendly to high-end, there’s something for every backpacker.
The best-value backpacking quilts on our list are the Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20, REI Magma Trail 30, and Hammock Gear Burrow 20. Each of these models combines high-quality materials, excellent design features, and competitive pricing with strong performance. They’re durable, comfortable, and highly functional without adding weight or sacrificing packability, making them the best value for backpackers who want reliable gear without draining their savings.
The Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 is notable for its customizable features: select the insulation type, temperature rating, length, and width for the perfect personalized fit. The REI Magma Trail 30 provides an ultralight design, inclusive sizing options, and top-quality down for an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and packability. Additionally, the Hammock Gear Burrow 20 stands out with multi-directional baffles to eliminate cold spots, extensive customization options, and multiple available upgrades.
WARMTH
The Western Mountaineering AstraLite and Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt are our top choices for warm backpacking quilts. Both models offer excellent warmth due to their high-loft, high-fill power down insulation – the HMG 20 uses 1000 fill, and the AstraLite 20 uses 850. Both quilts effectively reduce cold spots and maximize heat retention because of their sewn-closure footboxes that keep drafts out. They also use clips to secure the quilt around your body and attach to your sleeping pad for better thermal efficiency.
The ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt deserves special mention in this category because it is a two-person quilt, so it can feel much warmer (or colder) depending on you and your partner’s sleeping styles. Although it lacks a draft baffle or clips, it offers plenty of space to snuggle and stay warm. However, it’s recommended that you use straps to keep your pads together to prevent a cold gap from forming.
COMFORT
The most comfortable quilts on our list are the Western Mountaineering AstraLite and Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt. Adjustable closures, roomy footboxes, and soft, gentle materials make them feel cushy on the skin and ultra comfy night after night.
The Western Mountaineering AstraLite is our favorite because it features a spacious sewn-in footbox and a contoured neck baffle for maximum warmth. Both provide easy-to-use pad attachment systems, ensuring comfort in various weather conditions.
WEIGHT & PACKABILITY
The lightest and most packable backpacking quilts we tested are the Western Mountaineering AstraLite, Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt, REI Magma Trail 30, and the ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt. These four quilts lead the pack for incredibly low weights per person and compress to a very small size without sacrificing warmth, making them our top choices for ultralight adventures. These models boast very high fill power down insulation and industry-leading warmth-to-weight ratios.
The ZPacks 20F Twin Quilt stands out for its two-person size and minimalist design, removing unnecessary features like zippers and a hood to keep the weight to a minimum, at just 14 oz each.
The Western Mountaineering AstraLite is the lightest solo quilt we tested at 16 oz, notable for its generous loft and excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20 offers a good balance between minimal bulk and protection with its water-resistant shell that keeps the down dry, and it weighs only 4.1 oz more than the AstraLite.
Rounding out our top performers is the REI Magma Trail Quilt 30 at 1 lb. 4.3 oz. These bags represent the peak of ultralight, packable warmth for serious backpackers.
FEATURES
The Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 and the Loco Libre Operator Series Ghost Pepper 20 are the most feature-forward quilts on our list with premium materials and thoughtful design elements like adjustable closures and efficient insulation layouts.
The Revelation offers pad attachments in the form of elastic straps and clips, a snap and drawcord neck closure, and also includes a stuff sack, and storage bag. For those who choose to customize their quilt, you’ll also have the option to add a draft collar.
The Loco Libre Operator Series Ghost Pepper 20 is our other top choice because of its incredible customizability – choose from fill power, temperature rating, taper, length, shell colors, foot box style, and more – including the option to add pad attachments – that makes this one of the most feature-rich options out there.
While many of the quilts on this list offer similar features, we think these two models execute these details the best in their overall design.
How to Choose a Backpacking Quilt
CHOOSING A TEMPERATURE RATING
Choosing the right temperature rating isn’t an exact science. Many factors influence warmth, such as sleeping pad insulation, clothing, hydration, nutrition, and altitude.
For this list, we selected quilts with temperature ratings that we believe are suitable for most 3-season trips. Most quilts here will keep an average user comfortable when temperatures drop to freezing or just below. However, hikers who tend to sleep cold should consider choosing a higher temperature rating to make their quilt more versatile.
WARMTH
If you’re using your quilt in a tent instead of a hammock, it’s smart to buy a pad attachment system (if it’s not already part of your quilt) when you place your order. Attaching your quilt to your pad reduces chilly drafts that can drain warmth through the open sides.
Always wear a warm hat or a down jacket with a hood to bed, since quilts don’t have hoods. You can also sleep in base layers, gloves, and down booties to stay warmer. Other tips include eating a high-calorie snack right before bed, staying well hydrated, putting a hot water bottle inside your quilt at your feet, and sleeping with a warm sleeping bag liner.
SIZING
The length and width you select depend on your body measurements and sleeping style. Make sure to choose a quilt long enough to comfortably cover you from your feet to your chin.
Measure your shoulder girth to determine the right width; we recommend sizing up one if you’re a side sleeper or tend to toss and turn.
If you’re a cold sleeper, it might be helpful to choose a quilt that’s one size longer so you can pull it over your head on chilly nights.
WHERE DOES DOWN COME FROM?
Down is the soft, small feather layer found beneath the outer feathers on ducks and geese. These tiny fibers insulate the birds and keep them warm in cold weather. Most down is a byproduct of the meat industry.
AVOIDING INFERIOR QUALITY AND POOR ETHICS
Sometimes affordable backpacking quilts contain synthetic fill mixed with the down feathers or are filled entirely with synthetic insulation. For the best insulation value and warmth-to-weight ratio, look for backpacking quilts made with 100% duck or goose down. If the fill power isn’t listed, it’s probably a lower-quality quilt that won’t compress as small.
Cheap down bags are also sometimes made with materials that are ethically sourced. To avoid supporting harmful practices like force-feeding or live plucking, check if the company is Traceable Down or Responsible Down certified. Companies committed to good practices are usually proud of it and make this clear to customers. For us, spending a bit more for peace of mind is worth it.
DOWN FILL POWER
The fill power (fp) of a down quilt indicates the quality of the down insulation. Higher-fill-power down costs more but is lighter and compresses more than lower-fill-power down. Although a higher fp offers more warmth for the same weight, fill power alone does not determine warmth. This is where fill weight—the actual amount of down in a quilt—comes into play. That’s why it’s important to consider both fill power and fill weight when assessing how warm a quilt will be.
Generally, 800-fill-power and above is regarded as high-quality down. Anything below that is more affordable but won’t offer as impressive warmth-to-weight performance.
DWR
Durable water repellent (DWR) is a treatment that causes water to bead up on the outer shell of a quilt rather than soak in. This treatment doesn’t make a quilt waterproof, but it does provide some protection in damp conditions. It will wear off over time and needs to be reapplied, but don’t worry, re-treatment is simple.
WASHING & STORAGE
Down is a durable material, but it can lose some of its loft if not stored properly or if it becomes oily or dirty over time. With proper maintenance, a down quilt can last for many years. For details on down care, visit our article on How to Repair, Wash, Store, & Care For Your Sleeping Bag.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer ultralight minimalism or luxurious warmth, the right backpacking quilt is essential for a good night’s sleep in the backcountry. When searching for the perfect backpacking quilt, the most important factors to consider are the warmth rating, comfort, weight, packability, and the features that matter most to you—top quilts find a balance that ensures cozy nights and easy packing on the trail.
