7 Best Backpacking Quilts

Have you been hiking or taking back country trip? Have you had to face a night in cold with chills and shivering?

If yes then you already know that you need something to keep yourself warm. If no then lets not wait for something like that to happen. Okay?

Well basically the choices are either a sleeping bag or a quilt.

But to be honest, sleeping bags are now a history. As my mum would say, it’s a thing for the ultra-heavy wimps.

So what’s for us? Well for us, the modern backpackers, is the ultralight backpacking quilt, which of course is warmer, lighter and better.

If you’re still thinking that quilts are for hardcore ultra-lighters, then hey! Time to think again. The backpacking quilts can come equally handy to the normal backpackers and hikers like us.

And worry no more, if you’re a first time quilt buyer then you’ve come to the right place.

To start off I’m going to say that there are a lot of choices available in the market. Yes there are!

And the even worst part of it is the fact that most of the mainstream producer’s quilt are of bad quality. So, that can create an overall negative impact for a first time buyer.

When I was buying my first quilt I even thought of dropping the idea mid-way because it was so overwhelming. But I went through all the way and bought one.

I haven’t regretted that decision ever.

If you’re looking forward to go hiking and the sleeping bag is adding to much weight, then a backpacking quilt is your perfect rescue. It is warmer and lighter and also occupies lesser space on your backpack.

Well it might seem too much, but quilts can also come in handy if you have to pee. It is easier to get out or eve extend an arm to grab some drink.

I absolutely hate it when I have to get out while sleeping and then when I get back its already cold. Well with quilt, I just love it.

If you use your warm clothing to extend the comfort temperature of the quilt then it’s nicer to get out of and you don’t lose all your insulation when you crawl out.

Also quilts are great if you adore sleeping right beneath the stars. You can just gaze at them and put yourself to sleep.

In case it gets a little cold you can turn your quilt into sleeping bag and create more insulation.

If you’re still confused about how and which quilt to choose well don’t worry. I got you covered.

Below mentioned are the seven best backpacking quilts with amazing features.

The 7 Best Backpacking Quilts in 2019

7 Best Backpacking Quilts Review in 2019

Now you know what to look for you look further down my review to see what choices you have.

If you want to enter the wilderness of web you’ll see a lot of choices but here I’ve narrowed it down to just 7 best backpacking quilts.

So go further and find your perfect one.

1. Therm-a-rest Corus HD Quilt

Therm-a-rest Corus HD Quilt is your perfect quilt for super amazing ultralight performance and home-alike comfort.

The last time I went hiking, the weather suddenly went haywire. I was so worried that I would die of cold and my Therm-a-rest Corus HD Quilt wouldn’t perform well.

But to my utter astonishment, Therm-a-rest Corus HD Quilt performed really well. I was well insulated throughout the night and didn’t feel a thing.

The Therm-a-rest Corus HD Quilt provides you most warmth per gram of any Therm-a Rest quilt or blanket. Yes, you can count on it.

Of all the nice features of Therm-a-rest Corus HD Quilt, I really liked the Nikwax Hydrophobic Down. Therm-A-Rest says it adds to the peace of mind and it really does.

Similarly Therm-a-rest Corus HD Quilt also comprises an elasticized insulated foot box.

This will ensure your feet are warm throughout the night. And for the added benefit, it also helps to keep your quilt in place.

So dream all you want, because cold can’t wake you up when inside Therm-a-rest Corus HD Quilt.

And this is not it.

The Therm-a-rest Corus HD Quilt includes external snap pocket, stuff sack and compartmental storage sack.

Yeah, the inside of quilt is all for you. No one to encroach your space. All of the goodies and stuffs can be stuffed in the storage pockets and you can just chill.

Also Therm-a-rest Corus HD Quilt has ThermaCapture seams which will retain heat for you to create extra warmth inside the quilt.

After a day of hard work and sweat a warm cozy sleep is what you rightfully deserve.

The Therm-a-rest Corus HD Quilt weighs only around 1.5 pounds, which means lighter backpack. And lighter backpack means more fun.

Not only lighter, Therm-a-rest Corus HD Quilt occupies least space in your backpack when packed. So forget the large bags, go small and light.

I think you’ll really like its long side baffles. It easily drapes over the sleeping pad and stays in place. Not only that, it’ll keep the drafts out for you.

I really liked the pocket at the end for keeping my air mattress in place. It kept my feet warm and made everything stay together.

Well I also think that you’ll like it very much.

The only tradeoff for all these features is that it doesn’t perform very well in super cold temperatures below 30’F. You might want to grab warm clothes.

However if packing size is what concerns you, then there’s no competition.

So if the features and price both fits you then hurry up.

Features I like:

2. ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters – Vesta Top quilt

Hey there! Are you a hiking enthusiast? Are you up for unplanned anytime hiking? Then ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters – Vesta Top quilt is your perfect solution.

It works super well for all four seasons and will be your perfect hammock.

The ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters – Vesta Top quilt is the perfect hammock for you, firstly because it’s too quick and easy to set up.

With the help of the shock corded suspension rails, you can set up your hammock in a jiffy.

Also you can reposition or adjust your hammock just lying inside it. Yeah you won’t even have to get up.

In addition, I really love the PrimalLoft Synergy insulation. It is constructed of both fine and ultrafine denier continuous filament fibers.

These fibers form tiny air pockets that will trap your body heat and keep out the cold. You can trust ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters – Vesta Top quilt for warmth even when the temperature goes down to about 35 – 45 degree Fahrenheit.

So anytime you feel like backpacking, just grab your ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters – Vesta Top quilt and you’re set to go.

Similarly the Vesta Under quilt features a ripstop nylon shell that has a durable water repellent coating. This will help you shed the moisture and keep you dry inside.

If you remember what I said earlier, I really prefer water repellent quilts over dry-quilt.

The ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters – Vesta Top quilt weighs only around 28 ounces, which is pretty light actually.

Not only does it reduce your backpack’s weight, it also reduces your backpack size. Yes you can compress your ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters – Vesta Top quilt down to only 14” *7”.

With a small and light backpack you can have all the fun you want and have the time of your life.

If you are a hiker, you certainly must be an environmentalist too. Because no more forests, no more hiking.

Well on that note, ENO attempts to reduce the potential waste as much as possible. For that purpose they use every bit of fabric available.

This might mean that sometimes the color of the stuff sack and the stitching might vary from what is pictured.

But sometimes there are things that matter more than just looks.

So is ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters – Vesta Top quilt the one you were looking for? If yes then below is the link to your quilt of dreams.

Features I like:

3. Big Agnes – Kings Canyon UL Quilt

Hikers are generally perceived as rough and tough. Personally I’ve hiked most of my life but even time I go to sleep I seek softness.

I like to feel like I’m sleeping with clouds. Don’t you?

If you do too then Big Agnes – Kings Canyon UL Quilt is your heaven. It is the softest quilt I’ve ever touched.

The Big Agnes – Kings Canyon UL Quilt features Pertex rip-stop nylon, which is weighs like a feather. In addition it uses high thread-count fabric, which is soft as silk.

So at the end of the day when you lie down you’ll feel the softest quilt that’ll bring you dreamy goodnight’s sleep.

Similarly given the high quality material used, the Big Agnes – Kings Canyon UL Quilt can be packed to a very small volume, which occupies least space in your backpack.

Not only that Big Agnes – Kings Canyon UL Quilt is lightweight and functional too. It weighs only around one pound, which is a life saver when it comes to backpacking.

Well when it comes to backpacking, the destinations vary but it’s not economically feasible to buy different quilts for different purpose.

However with Big Agnes – Kings Canyon UL Quilt, you don’t have to worry no more. It can be perfect for road trips, desert campouts and even music festivals.

I think you’ll really like that it has WR surface treatment. This’ll help you to repel water and keep yourself dry and warm inside.

When it comes to design, Big Agnes – Kings Canyon UL Quilt depicts perfect simplicity. It is a simple cover that you can tuck around yourself using the top corner hand pockets.

Similarly you can totally trust Big Agnes – Kings Canyon UL Quilt to keep you warm through the night.

In case it gets extra cold, you can use the webbing loops and shock cord to lace the sides of the quilt together.

Whenever you buy a Big Agnes product, you can just be sure to get quality and thoughtful design. And same is with the Big Agnes – Kings Canyon UL Quilt.

It also comes with a discrete pad sleeve, so when you’re sleeping you won’t be feeling like you’re sliding off of your pad.

With features like these and the price at which you’re getting Big Agnes – Kings Canyon UL Quilt, it’s totally worth it.

Features I like:

4. Thermodown Ultralight Cold Weather 3 Season Quilt

The Thermodown Ultralight Cold Weather 3 Season Quilt is the most versatile quilt you can get on the market.

You can open it up when it’s warm or close it up completely when it’s super chilly.

You can use it for backcountry camping. You can use it for backpacking. You can use it in hammocks. Name it and Thermodown Ultralight Cold Weather 3 Season Quilt will give you the versatility it owns.

With the Thermodown Ultralight Cold Weather 3 Season Quilt, you can have all the uses you want and in addition you’ll have to make no compromises.

Yes, you won’t need to make any compromise on size as well as weight.

It is not the lightest quilt but weighs only around 2 pounds and 3 ounces, which is still lighter compared to most sleeping bags.

Similarly the Thermodown Ultralight Cold Weather 3 Season Quilt can be packed down to 10 * 7 inches only. So it won’t be eating up much space on your backpack either.

The last time I used Thermodown Ultralight Cold Weather 3 Season Quilt, the feature I liked the most was the large baffled construction. It kept me warm and really cozy.

I also liked the 22 ounce of high loft 700 fill-power down. It provided me the temperature rating down to 15 degree Fahrenheit.

So if you’re planning to go hiking or backpacking some place really chilly, I bet Thermodown Ultralight Cold Weather 3 Season Quilt will be your perfect rescue.

The Thermodown Ultralight Cold Weather 3 Season Quilt comes along with sleeping pad straps, which will help you secure your quilt to an insulated sleeping pad.

It is not only lightweight but will also provide you compact sleeping system.

With all these exciting features, you still won’t have to compromise on durability. The 20D ripstop nylon fabrics will ensure that the Thermodown Ultralight Cold Weather 3 Season Quilt will last you many adventures and will create many memories with you.

The durability of Thermodown Ultralight Cold Weather 3 Season Quilt is maximized further by its compression sack. It can be used on the trail to store the quilt and a lightweight mesh storage bag to use between adventures.

The beauty of Thermodown Ultralight Cold Weather 3 Season Quilt is that they can be adapted to suit almost everyone in almost every situation.

Also they will offer you an outstanding size to heat ratio. It warms up quicker and conforms better to your body, which mean less cold spots and more comfortable sleep.

The Thermodown Ultralight Cold Weather 3 Season Quilt are sized 78 inches long and 56 inches wide, which should be generously enough to accommodate you.

I really liked the two pad straps that came with the quilt. It helped me secure the quilt using some clips and also helped in avoiding drafts.

You can also open the optional footbox of Thermodown Ultralight Cold Weather 3 Season Quilt when it gets too warm outside.

You can also pull the draw string on the top to tighten the quilt around your shoulder and eliminate any draft points.

So given the overall feature, the price only seems fair. If you think it matches your preference then hurry before the stock runs out.

Features I like:

5. Outdoor Vitals Aerie 30’F Down Under quilt, Sleeping Bag or Double Bag

Are you in a desperate need of an under quilt, a pod system, a technical blanket, a sleeping bag and a double sleeping bag but don’t have enough budget for all 5?

Well in that case Outdoor Vitals Aerie 30’F Down Quilt is your 5-in-1 rescue.

Yes, no kidding!

The Outdoor Vitals Aerie 30’F Down Quilt will perform all those five features for you.

You can use it as a single bag. You can use it as a double bag. You can use it as a hammock underquilt. You can use it as a hammock sleeping pod.

To add with that, Outdoor Vitals Aerie 30’F Down Quilt has excellent fill-power of 800, which is one of the ultralight highest quality quilt you can get.

The 800+ fill-power will also provide you the highest weight-to-warmth ratio.

The Outdoor Vitals Aerie 30’F Down Quilt weighs only around 1.7 pounds and can be compressed down to 9 *7 inches only. So you can save space and weight on your backpack.

If you’re up for a fun hiking then, you need to look no more.

Similarly the Outdoor Vitals Aerie 30’F Down Quilt features the highest quality light weight ripstop fabrics, YKK zippers and a compression sack.

These features will also make sure that your quilt is durable and will accompany you in many adventures.

The Outdoor Vitals Aerie 30’F Down Quilt is one of the lightest 30’F quilt at such affordable price.

It also comes with a drawstring, which you can use to tighten the quilt around your face and avoid the cold from getting in and warmth from getting out.

For such a light quilt, the Outdoor Vitals Aerie 30’F Down Quilt will provide you amazing warmth, thanks to the hollow filament synthetic fill.

With the Outdoor Vitals Aerie 30’F Down Quilt, you also won’t have to suffer from cold spots. It features a grid design that locks down into individual compartments, which will keep out the cold and insulate the inside.

Similarly it has unique VitalDry DWR coating which will repel the water off of the shell of the quilt keeping you warm and dry inside.

Finally, for a double sleeping bag, you can zip a pair of Outdoor Vitals Aerie 30’F Down Quilt together and voila.

Also you can use the custom hanging loops on both sides to hang the bag around your hammock. No more storage problem.

The Outdoor Vitals Aerie 30’F Down Quilt has pretty good stitching and includes stuff sack for storage, which makes the whole carrying work more easier.

In addition the double mouth system of the sack will aid you in easily repacking the Outdoor Vitals Aerie 30’F Down Quilt.

Given all the features, the price is really fair.

Features I like:

6. ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters – Spark Top quilt

Looking for a perfect cool weather hammocking solution? Look no further.

ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters – Spark Top Quilt is the perfect choice to spend a cool hammocking chill out.

Often while hammocking, entry and exit can be real trouble. But with ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters – Spark Top Quilt, it’s real smooth.

The Velcro controlled convertible footbox makes it really easy and quick to enter and exit the hammock.

I personally likes the nylon taffeta lining. It was really soft against my skin and I had true pleasure sleeping inside it. Well I bet you too will find a bit of heaven inside of the Spark Top Quilt.

The Spark Top Quilt comprises DWR finish, which will repel moisture and will keep the stains at bay. So say hello to dry and warm four season hammocking with Spark Top Quilt.

Adding on to the list, the Spark Top Quilt includes a nylon compression stuff sack, which you can use for storing the quilt when not in use.

It’ll make your backpack more organized and also will also add to the durability of the quilt so that you can enjoy your Spark Top Quilt for longer.

The Spark Top Quilt has a 50’F temperature rating, which is neither too good nor too bad, so I think it’s a so-so feature.

However to add on the dimension of qualities, the Spark Top Quilt weighs only 27 ounces and can be stuffed to a size of 14*7 inches. So apparently you can save both weight and space in your backpack.

Like the ENO’s Vesta Top Quilt, Spark Top Quilt is also made with full consideration of the environment and attempts to minimize the potential waste. So the color of stuff sack and stitching might vary.

So if the features fit your preference and price fit your pocket then hurry up and grab before the stock runs out.

Features I like:

7. ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters – Ember 2 Under quilt

Are you looking for a quilt that is specifically built for hammock? The ENO’s Ember 2 Under Quilt is the one you’re looking for.

Since it is specifically built for hammock, the cut ensures excellent insulation for your hammock camping.

The shape of Ember 2 Under Quilt also provided insulated fit and eases the process of entering and exiting the hammock.

When I was using Ember 2 Under Quilt, I really liked the fact that I could set up my hammock quickly and easily and trust me I’m a really clumsy person.

Given that fact I’m sure you can set it up in lesser time. Your set up process will also be made easier with the help of the shockcord at each end of the hammock.

You can also buy a polyester filled quilt that surrounds the sides and bottom of your hammock. It will give you extra insulation for winter’s chill.

Similarly the Ember 2 Under Quilt comes with a nylon compression stuff sack for easy storage. Also it weighs only 25 ounces which is a considerably lightweight backpacking quilt.

Not only this, the Ember 2 Under Quilt can be stuffed down to 15*8 inches which will occupy least space on your backpack. The lesser space, the better right?

Like all the other ENO quilts, this Ember 2 Under Quilt is also environment friendly. And that is one of the reason why I prefer ENO quilts.

The Ember 2 Under Quilt uses nylon ripstop and DWR coating that will repel moisture for you and keep you warm and dry inside.

This will also ensure that the drafts don’t get you and will give you a cozy sleep despite winds and cold.

Mostly when in hammock, the part that faces most of the cold is your back. So with the Ember 2 Under Quilt you can warm up your back and have a nice warm night.

I really loved the construction of Ember 2 Under Quilt. It is sturdy and robust too. In addition the synthetic fill is very even which makes the whole experience of hammocking very comfortable.

Furthermore the temperature rating of Ember 2 Under Quilt is 50’F, which given the price range is totally justifiable.

So given all these features, you now decide if this is what you want.

Features I like:

Why do You Need a Backpacking Quilt?

First of all, you can halve your sleeping bag weight by switching to quilt and go light on your backpack.

On our way to comparing quilt with a sleeping bag, it is also more comfortable. This is coming from experience.

They aren’t restrictive as mummy bags and you’ll find that nearly every sleeping position is more comfortable in a quilt.

After a daylong hiking get inside your quilt and you’ll get your heavenly feeling back home in a comfy bed. Toss and turn. Have a time of your life.

Well it doesn’t stop there. You can also save a lot of space with quilt. It can compact down much farther than most sleeping bags do.

Another reason why you need a backpacking quilt, is its amazing temperature regulation. You can stay warm or cool, based on how you need it.

So when you’re hiking in summer you can spread your legs out and keep yourself cool and if you’re hiking in cooler weather than you can tuck yourself cozily inside and keep warm.

I really really like quilt over sleeping bags primarily because of it multipurpose. It can be a top quilt, under quilt or hammock and even as a coat that is if you get one with a head hole.

Well the quilt is a perfect combination of weight, comfort and cost.

How to Choose a Backpacking Quilt?

Now that you have a set of choices, you will also have to consider a set of features before selecting the right backpacking quilt for you. Some of those most important features to look into are:

Weight:

Well in general quilts are lighter than sleeping bags but you might also want to know that weights among the quilts themselves also vary.

The weight of a quilt mainly depends upon the material used and the quality of down. In market you’ll see that the heavier quilts are usually the one made of low quality materials.

The price might appeal, but the weight in going to be on your shoulder. So think twice.

Well a useful benchmark for avoiding overly heavy quilts is to aim for under 20 ounces or 567 gram for a 20’F quilt. If you’re looking for a 10’F quilt than 24 ounces can be your ideal weight.

A little over and under doesn’t make such huge difference as these are the lowest you can get.

So you can get fair weighted quilt by trying to move towards these numbers.

Pad Straps:

Pad straps will help you secure your quilt around your sleeping pad and keep it from shifting too much through the night.

You’ll find some quilts come with straps or loops for fastening the straps into the quilt.

In case the quilt you bought doesn’t have straps or strap-loops, you can simply tuck the quilt underneath your body to keep it in place.

That’s a hack I learnt from experience.

Also if you don’t shift much in sleep the avoiding straps can save you some weight on your backpack too.

Down Fill Power (FP):

It is actually the quality of the down used in the quilt. The higher the FP, the higher the quality of down.

Well to give you a picture, when I say high quality FP it means less weight, durable, better heat retention and more fluffiness.

So a high quality can assure you a night with luxury. After a day of hike who wouldn’t like that?

FP is basically measured in cubic inches per ounce. One ounce of a typical 850 FP down will fell approximately 850 cubic inches of volume.

This means higher the FP of the down, higher the cost too. Well there’s always a trade-off., but

Water repellent down:

Would you like to spend a night soaked and wet? Of course no.

So water repellent quality is a must in quilts, but these days it also has raised the question of environmental coating because of its polymer coating.

While it is still a topic of research, companies have already brought dry-down into the market.

It won’t help much in direct rain and water but it sure will keep you warm in humid conditions.

Well if it’s available, I think water repellent is the best choice in all seasons.

Baffles:

The baffles on your quilt will either be sewn through or boxed/3D.

The sewn through baffles sew both the inner and outer shells of the quilt together to control the down. The demerit is that it leaves cold spots without insulation.

The cold can make it inside your quilt easily and the warm can escape too.

On the other hand, boxed baffles control the down by using vertical pieces of material to join the inner and the outer shells of the quilt. It will create no pinch-zones or places for loss of insulation.

However if you’re looking for a summer quilt, then sewn through baffles can give you perfect air flow. But if otherwise boxed baffles are best.

Material:

Well obviously you’ll be looking for a high quality quilt but sometimes budget comes in the way.

When the pocket’s tight we might also settle on something mediocre that’ll serve the purpose.

Most of the quilts these days use tightly woven, down-proof material that won’t allow down to penetrate it and leak out.

However look for the quality for yourself too.

If you prefer lightweight materials then a 10 or 15 Denier ripstop nylon will be the best choice. If it also has water-resistant DWR coating then that’s a plus point.

Boxing The Feet or No

Footboxes are in the bottom of your quilt designed to hold your feet. It can be either sewn-in or optional footboxes.

A sewn-in footbox is the one you see in sleeping bags. Whereas optional footbox, as the name itself suggests is optional. You can either create a footbox or lay the quilt out flat like you would on a bed.

Well there’s not much technicality in this one.

The choice of footbox depends upon your preference and how you like you spread your legs while asleep.

It also depends upon the type of weather there is.

If it’s cold then sewn-in footbox will provide you more warmth while optional is good for any season.

On another note, sewn-in footbox will help you hold the quilt around your body more securely.

Quilt size

Finding a perfectly sized quilt is like finding the perfect life partner.

Having an appropriately sized quilt will keep you warmer, keep out the drafts, give you more adaptability in different temperature conditions, and even allow you to stay more comfortable.

So yeah size is not just about the fitting.

To find your perfect size, you can size your quilt slightly larger than your measurements dictate.

Start with the length of your quilt. Normally quilts are meant to come up to and cover your shoulders, but I think it’s beneficial to have a little extra length to tuck your head in too.

Secondly comes the width. The width of your quilt depends upon you size and the sleeping style too. So consider your size and then add a little room to play. This should be your ideal width of the quilt.

Temperature rating:

If you’ve already bought a sleeping bag, then temperature rating is quite similar in quilt too. The only difference is that the quilts have the ability to adapt to both warm and cold conditions.

Well you know what this means, right?

It means you can choose a winter-temperature rated quilt and still use it in summer temperature by venting or draping it over you and vice versa.

Temperature rating is especially important for you if you’re a thru-hiker. With an all-season quilt you can easily manage throughout the thru-hike.

If you haven’t bought one already then you need to know how to choose your temperature rating.

It basically depends upon the personal preference, climates you hike in and a combination of other factors.

That taken care of, my general recommendation is to go for a 10’F temperature rating.

This is because people usually don’t hike around in freezing areas and 10’F quilt will keep you reliably warm throughout all 3 seasons.

However if you’re thinking of hiking near mountains then consider a little warmer temperature rating quilt.

Also the most common temperature for a summer quilt is 45’F, though choices may vary.

The Best Pick

When it comes down to finalizing one, it’s always hard. While shopping, you want all but the budget comes in the way. Always!

But that being covered you can now choose among these 7 best backpacking quilts, which will best fit your need and preferences.

Besides budget you also need to consider all the specifications of the tent and see which one fits you perfectly.

If I were to choose among these 7, then I’d go for Therm-a-rest Corus HD Quilt. It is lightweight, compact, gives you incredible warmth and weather protection. Also in addition it is easy to set up and provides excellent insulation.

I would specifically choose this quilt also because of the snap pocket and storage sack. It actually has everything I’d be looking for in a backpacking quilt.

So pick your best before the stock runs out and have a wonderful time hiking or camping, whichever you prefer most.