Quilt Camping in Patagonia. Photo courtesy of Hammock Gear
Best Backpacking Quilts 2022
If you want the best possible backpacking sleep system for the best possible price, then you need a camping quilt. Beyond any shadow of doubt, quilts categorically outperform traditional sleeping bags at every juncture, and it’s not even close. In summary, quilts are warmer, lighter, comfier, more versatile, and more affordable than sleeping bags. And contrary to popular misconception, quilts do not leak heat.
Looking for a traditional backpacking sleeping bag? Check out our Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags for Backpacking 2022
Why is Our Backpacking Quilts Guide Better?
1) We Make Sure You Sleep Warm
To make sure you sleep warm, this guide is grounded in an additional layer of product analysis — that is, we have a more accurate comfort temperature rating for quilts. Our proprietary temperature rating system, which is backed up by field testing, uses a multi-variable equation to represent down puffiness volume as a universal base with which to accurately estimate comfort ranges so a +20 F quilt will actually keep you warm at +20 F (sadly not the case for many sleeping bags out there).
2) Best of the Best Backpacking Quilts
The best of the best quilts, the ones in this guide, are designed intelligently, have high warmth-to-weight ratios, and are cost-effective. Many of our high-end, high-performance quilts cost far less than you would expect. And they outperform conventional sleeping bags by every measure — weight, cost, and performance. See our Rating / Specifications Chart to see by how much they beat out sleeping bags.
3) We Have More Price Options| Including Budget Quilts
Not everybody has the big bucks $ for ultra-high performance & not all people need it. To further ease buyers, we break our selection out into price categories: Performance, Value, and Budget. Pick the quilt that meets your needs and your budget! (And for those on the fence between quilts and sleeping bags, we even include final option of some Hybrid Quilts | Hoodless Sleeping Bags)
4) Don’t Forget the Right Sleeping Pad!
Sleep cold?, it might be your pad that’s the problem and not your bag. You will sleep cold if your sleeping pad is not R4.8 or better (and most pads are not close!). This is because the temperature ratings of sleeping bags and quilts assume an R4.8 sleeping pad, the same pad that is used to test the temperature rating of sleeping bags. So don’t forget to check out our Guide to the Best Sleeping Pads to make sure your pad will keep you warm at night. Good pad + good bag = a warm and happy camper!
Full Video | Best Backpacking Quilts
If a picture is worth 1,000 words what is a comprehensive video on our backpacking quilt picks worth? There’s stuff in here that we can’t begin to cover in words.
Best Performance Quilts, Highest Warmth to Weight Ratio
Warmth to weight ratio is often the most important category for thru-hikers, long distance backpackers, or backpackers that prioritize lightweight yet efficient gear. Quilts inevitably have a higher warmth to weight ratio than sleeping bags, because they use significantly less material in strategic spaces so warmth is not sacrificed while the weight is shaved by half a pound or more.
Rating / Performance Stats for Quilts
Look at our Rating / Specifications Chart so see how these quilts perform against each other for weight, warmth & value. And we even have a few popular and highly regarded sleeping bags in there so you can see how they stack up against the quilts.
Hammock Gear Premium Burrow 20
Top Pick | Best Overall Performance
Weight: 21.7 oz | Price: $340
Down: 900 Fill Power RDS goose down
Fabric: 10D Nylon Ripstop with DWR
Modeled Comfort: +20 F
Warmth-to-weight: 5.1 | Warmth-to-cost: 5.0
Pros: Ultralight. Very high warmth-to-weight. Good value.
Cons: 3oz heavier than other top quilts.
Our pick for best value among high end ultralight backpacking quilts, the Hammock Gear Premium Burrow 20 is also the quilt with the second highest warmth-to-weight ratio. This is a win-win where price meets performance. Premium Burrow is in a near four-way tie for best performance with three other ultralight backpacking quilts, the EE Enigma, Zpacks Solo, and HMG 20 Degree Quilt. But it is by far the least expensive, so an obvious award winner for best value.
Optimal specs for the stock Hammock Gear Premium Burrow are 900 fill power down, wide girth (necessary for ground sleepers), and 10D nylon. Both are great, but not using 950 fill power down or 7d nylon are what keeps this from being the very quilt on the market. We also prefer a sewn-closed footbox which reduces weight, and increases warmth-to-weight, relative to zippers. The only feature is a neck cinch and snap. Which is great, simple is best.
This is another very customizable backpacking quilt. The buyer also has the option for short, standard, or long lengths, as well as 1-4 oz of down overfill. And we definitely wouldn’t say to no to once extra ounce! It adds warmth and increases the lifespan.
Hammock Gear has been making some of the very best performance backpacking quilts for hammock and ground sleepers, and they absolutely smash the competition when it comes to value. This is high end quilt at a mid-tier price.
Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20
Top Pick | Best Overall Performance
Weight: 18.4 oz | Price: $440
Down: 950 fill power goose down
Fabric: 7D Nylon with DWR
Modeled Comfort: +21 F
Warmth-to-Weight: 5.0 | Warmth-to-cost: 4.7
Pros: Ultralight. Best warmth-to-weight.
Cons: Slightly delicate. Down isn’t hydrophobic.
When optimized with 950 fill power goose down and 7D nylon, The Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20 weighs only 18.4 oz, and is the backpacking quilt with the highest warmth-to-weight ratio, and our go-to ultralight quilt. The innovative and iconic U-shaped baffles keep the plumes where they’re needed most. This is a simple backpacking quilt with a sewn-closed footbox, which keeps the most possible heat in – extra perfect for those with cold feet. Its only major feature is the neck snap and cinch. Which is actually perfect, because that’s all you really need.
What’s also great is how customizable this backpacking quilt is. You can downgrade slightly to 850 fill power down and 10D Nylon to save $100 and add just three ounces. It also comes in short/regular/long lengths, and regular/wide widths.
This is an exemplary ultralight quilt, and no other model does the basics quite as well as the Enigma. Because the basics are what matters most, we recommend this quilt highest of all.
If you want to save the most possible weight and be as warm as possible in the backcountry, no backpacking quilt does better than the Enlightened Equipment Enigma.
And it’s a smidge lighter than the Hammock Gear Premium Burrow. As such, the Enigma is a perfect blend of Value and Performance. Featuring a unique “U” shape baffle to minimize down migration Enlightened Equipment quilts also offer an optional draft collar upgrade. The regular length version of these quilts (which we used for comparison) are 72”, however, for those who need greater length a “long, 78 inch” version is also available with a minimal .67 ounces added weight. The Enlightened Equipment website also provides a very good sizing chart if you are in doubt about what is best. With a 51” shoulder girth, this quilt does run on the narrow side.
Zpacks Solo Quilt 20
Weight: 18.3 oz | Price: $429
Down: 900 fill power RDS goose down with DWR
Fabric: 7D Ventum ripstop nylon with DWR
ISO tested comfort: Unrated | Modeled comfort:
Warmth-to-weight: | Warmth-to-cost:
Pros: Ultralight. High warmth-to-weight.
Cons: Slightly delicate.
Zpacks Solo Quilt 20F is one of four ultralight backpacking quilts in a class of their own at the top of the performance rankings, roughly in a four way tie. That group is comprised of Zpacks Solo, the EE Enigma, HG Premium Burrow, and HMG Unbound. Solo Quilt employs ultralight 7D nylon stuffed with 900 fill power hydrophobic goose down. It is the same minimalist chassis as the others: vertical top baffles and horizontal footbox baffles. The footbox is sewn-in to maximize insulation, and this quilt has one of the very highest possible warmth-to-weight ratios.
At 18.3 oz, it might be the lightest, but there is enough variation between individual products that it’s ultimately hard to say. If we had to pick something that made the Zpacks Solo Quilt stand out from the its ultralight peers, we would have to say that it has the best colorways. Color matters little to us compared to performance, but it’s worth noting as a tiebreaker. We absolutely love the azure blue, the lime green, and the marigold orange. They’re bright, beautiful, fun, and would uplift the mood in any tent.
Lastly, we love that Zpacks Solo quilt comes with a complimentary Dyneema dry bag – a $30 value!
Zpacks Solo is a seriously premium option and you cannot possibly go wrong with such an excellent ultralight backpacking quilt.
Warbonnet Custom Diamondback Camping Quilt 20F
20.2 oz | $290 MSRP
Modeled Comfort: +26 F
Warmth to weight: 4.6 | Warmth to cost: 4.2
The Warbonnet Custom Diamondback Camping Quilt 20F (Sewn Footbox) is a close competitor to Enlightened Equipment and Hammock Gear and worth a hard look. With 850 fill DWR goose down and a 10d nylon shell, it has one of the highest warmth to weight ratios for a reasonably priced quilt. Warbonnet has done some innovative things. They have restricted down movement in the longitudinal baffles, added a draft collar option, and adjustable side Elastics that cinches for maximum coziness. And of course there is a 950 fp down option. This quilt has a narrower fit, with 51” of shoulder girth.
BEST FOR: Customers looking for an affordable, high warmth to weight ratio quilt that is both aesthetic and functional.
NOT AS GOOD FOR: For those looking for the very lightest camping quilt. Restless sleepers, or those who prefer to stick to a traditional sleeping bag
Where are Nunatak & Katabatic Quilts?
We ran the Nunatak and Katabatic quilts through our model, and while they did decently, they were not competitive with our top picks for the “Best Performance Quilts.” In summary, they scored OK for Warmth to Weight but they were still about a point under our top pics. And their high prices and subsequent low Warmth to Cost numbers make them not a great value. That is, you can pick up a better performing quilt for about $100 less. We have added a Nunatak and Katabatic quilt to the end of our Rating / Specifications Chart so you can see for yourself.
All warm and cozy in an Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt in the High Sierra.
Ultra Performance Quilts | Cost is no Object
When you need the most warmth for the absolute minimum of weight, these are the quilts to go with. BUT you will pay for this performance, and the 7d fabric requires more care than heavier fabrics. As such the non-Ultra, “Best Performance Quilts” are a better value for a slight reduction in Warmth to Weight performance. Bottom line, these Ultra Premium Quilts are for experienced backpackers, and climbers who know what they need and are willing to pay for it.
Custom Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20 950 FP
Staff Pick | Ultra Performance Quilt
18.4 oz | $440 MSRP
Modeled Comfort: +22 F
Warmth to weight: 5.9 | Warmth to cost: 3.2
Meet the quilt with the highest warmth to weight ratio of any sleeping bag/quilt in this guide! The Custom Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20 with upgrades to 950 fill power down and 7D shell fabric represents the limits of ultralight camping quilt technology. At a warmth to weight value of 5.9, it exceeds the upper limit of 5 for our scale. When used properly, this quilt will give you true 20F sleeping comfort at just over a pound and with a 51” shoulder girth. When cost is no object, it doesn’t get any better than this!
Note: This quilt is in the guide for two reasons. 1) Using 950 fill power down and 7D shell fabric, it is meant to compare to the “+20 Best Hybrid Quilts – Hoodless Sleeping Bags” which also use these expensive materials. 2) It is an insanely light true +20 comfort temperature sleep option for cold hikers or those venturing into areas where temperatures are expected to be quite cold.
SIMILAR +30 F MODEL: The similar Custom Enlightened Equipment Enigma 30, 900 fill power down & 7D shell fabric has a 5.1 W2W making it the highest rated +30 comfort quilt in this guide — if you are willing to pay the price.
BEST FOR: Those looking for the lightest true 20F degree quilt, and who have the budget to pay for something that is extremely light for the warmth it delivers.
NOT AS GOOD FOR: Budget conscious hikers who are unlikely to be in sub +20 F conditions. People who prefer DWR treated down.
Photo courtesy of Hammock Gear
Best Value Backpacking Quilts | Most Warmth for the Lowest Cost
Most people would prefer to buy a great quilt at a great price, which is why this category is devoted to the highest value options on the market. Here you’ll find the best blend of cost to warmth to weight. Performance-wise, these quilts are equal to or better than the highest performance traditional sleeping bags money can buy, meaning you’ll have a truly excellent product that will last many years.
Hammock Gear Economy Burrow 20
Top Pick | Best Value Quilt
Weight: 25.5 oz | Price: $285
Down: 850 fill power RDS down
Fabric: 20D nylon taffeta DWR
ISO tested comfort: Unrated | Modeled comfort:
Warmth-to-weight: | Warmth-to-cost:
Pros: Incredible value. Good warmth-to-weight. Very lightweight.
Cons: Heavy side of ultralight.
If you want the most possible bang for your buck, Hammock Gear Economy Burrow 20 is the best possible value, and the singular best performing backpacking quilt (or sleeping bag) for under $300. It uses the same minimalist design as other top backpacking quilts, and exactly the same as its sibling the Premium Burrow. The horizontal footbox baffles provide structure, while vertical torso baffles prevent cold spots. There are no other features besides a hood cinch and clasp. The optimal configuration is broad width and a sewn footbox.
The quality of the materials used range from good to great, but none are top notch, as the name ‘economy’ implies. The 20D nylon taffeta saves money, and is certainly durable enough, but slightly too heavy in our opinion. Ten years ago 850 fill power would have been considered premium, but after a decade of optimization creep, it’s merely considered a good value down fill. This backpacking quilt has a very solid modeled comfort rating and they are generous with the down fill.
The Hammock Gear Economy Burrow costs only $300, but performs as well as most sleeping bags and quilts in the $400-500 range. It smokes the competition in terms of value, and we recommend it highly.
Enlightened Equipment Accomplice 2 Person Quilt 20
Weight: 33.9 oz | Price: $615
Down: 950 fill power RDS goose down
Fabric: 10D nylon with DWR
ISO tested comfort: Unrated | Modeled comfort:
Warmth to weight: | Warmth to cost:
Pros: Best warmth-to-weight possible. Lowest total weight per person. Snuggles.
Cons: Expensive. Not DWR down.
Reclaim the lost camping snuggle and maximize warmth-to-weight with an Enlightened Equipment Accomplice 2 Person Quilt! Compared to two individual quilts, it weighs less and is significantly warmer, thanks to fewer side walls and shared body heat. Sharing is not just caring, it also leads to the highest possible warmth-to-weight ratio. This is the most efficient system for two backpackers, and our preferred quilt for heading out with a partner.
It is plenty spacious, so you needn’t worry about constantly bumping each other or blanket stealing – there’s plenty to go around with the 86″ girth. That said, if either sleeper is more restless than average, this may not be an ideal option.
While we normally prefer minimalist quilts, we love the features that come with the Enlightened Equipment Accomplice. That includes the proprietary draft blocker which prevents heat from escaping from gap in between shoulders. It snaps closed and cinches around the neck for maximum heat retention, or can be opened up by either camper for individualized climate control. We also use the sleeping pad connectors to turn two individual pads into one super pad.
This is the backpacking quilt we always recommend to couples, and it delivers an incredible warmth-to-weight ratio that isn’t even possible with two individual quilts.
Snuggled up for coffee on a cold Utah morning in a cozy and super warm backpacking quilt from Enlightened Equipment
Best Budget Backpacking Quilts: Under $200
This category highlights the most affordable lightweight backpacking quilts on the market, the cheapest options that we’re still proud to recommend. While even cheaper options that market themselves as camping quilts do exist, please don’t be fooled, they are simply blankets and aren’t actually suitable for backpacking.
Paria Outdoor Products 15 Degree Down Sleeping Quilt
35.0 oz | $180 MSRP
Modeled Comfort: +20 F
Warmth to weight: 3.2 | Warmth to cost: 8.2
The Paria Outdoor Products Down Quilt is an excellent option for three season backpacking on a budget. The 20d nylon shell is packed with 22 ounces of 700 fill-power down, and has a cinchable foot box that can be closed or opened depending on the weather. The fit is average, with a 57” shoulder girth. The quilt snaps closed around your body, with one strap that helps it stay connected to your pad to prevent sliding around. It’s also incredibly lofty, so if plush comfort is your priority then this is a great option.
BEST FOR: Backpackers who want a quilt suitable for cold weather with a limited budget and do not mind carrying a bit of extra weight.
NOT AS GOOD FOR: Ultralight backpackers or thru-hikers who prioritize warmth to weight ratio.
Featherstone Moondance 25 Degree Down Quilt
23 oz | $190 MSRP
EN/ISO Tested Comfort: + 36 F
Warmth to weight: 2.3 | Warmth to cost: 3.8
The Featherstone Moondance 25 Degree Down Quilt is a fully featured sleep system suitable for three seasons, for under $200. Wow! Though it’s a bit on the heavier side for ultralight products in this temperature range, its low price tag still makes it a great value pick. Furthermore, Featherstone uses 850 fill power down to make the quilt plush and lofty. The 10D nylon shell isn’t the strongest on the market, but it’s typical for ultralight backpacking quilts.
BEST FOR: Backpackers who want a three season quilt for a reasonable price and weight.
NOT AS GOOD FOR: Backpackers who want the warmest possible, or lightest possible quilt.
Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag 20
Top Pick | Best Hybrid Quilt
Weight: 18.8 oz | Price: $449
Down: 900 fill power RDS hydrophobic goose down
Fabric: 7D Ventum ripstop nylon
ISO tested comfort: Unrated | Modeled comfort:
Warmth-to-weight: | Warmth-to-cost:
Pros: Ultralight. Best warmth-to-weight. Great value.
Cons: Slightly delicate.
For those who feel untethered by hoods, Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag offers the single highest warmth-to-weight ratio among all zippered sleeping bag. The design is a best-of-both-worlds hybrid quilt-sleeping-bag. It has the weight of a quilt and can be used unzippered, just like a quilt. But when it gets cold, you can zip it up into a 100% draft-free sleeping bag mode and cinch down the neck to prevent any heat from escaping.
It’s constructed with 7D Ventum ripstop nylon which is comfortable, breathable, wind/water resistant, and we find it’s durable enough for most backcountry use. Its baffles are overstuffed (by 30%!) with 900 fill power RDS hydrophobic goose down. Overstuffing reduces cold spots due to down drift, and is a very desired feature that adds minimal weight. But like most ultralight sleeping bags, it’s a bit more delicate than average, but handle with care and it will last many years. The zipper runs along the bottom of the bag and isn’t very noticeable when slept on, but if it bothers you, you can always rotate the bag slightly to alleviate pressure points. This sleeping bag is so warm that you will probably use it unzipped more often than zipped.
We love the Zpacks Classic for its incredible low weight and incredibly high warmth-to-weight ratio. This is the closest you will get to a true quilt without sacrificing the zipper-enclosure.
Feathered Friends Tanager 20 CFL
18.6 oz | $399 MSRP
Modeled Comfort: +29 F
Warmth to weight: 4.1 | Warmth to cost: 2.7
The Feathered Friends Tanager 20 CFL (Crazy Freaking Light) has no side opening, making it a simple tube of 950 fill goose down and in fabric. This unique configuration definitely saves weight and prevents draft, so it’s warmth to weight ratio is quite favorable, despite the added fabric weight of it’s very generous 62” shoulder girth. This added width has purpose though, allowing extra room for sleeping in a down jacket, without compression, on very cold nights. Feathered Friends recommends pairing with the Eos Down Jacket for additional warmth. This feature and configuration is what sets this hybrid sleeping bag apart from the pack. The 7D nylon shell fabric is not the most durable, so mindful use is required to prevent small rips and tears.
BEST FOR: Those wanting to really push the weight limits for a 30F sleeping option to near 1 pound, who like the idea of more draft control with the enclosed design. And especially for those who like the “designed to be used with a down jacket” angle.
NOT AS GOOD FOR: Those that can’t deal with a zipperless bag. Those who are hard on their gear. Those on a budget.
Conclusion
Buying your first quilt can be intimidating. For those of us who are perpetually cold, sleeping with less insulating material around you may seem counterproductive. However, as thoroughly explained above, quilts actually have a much higher warmth to weight AND cost to weight ratios than full sleeping bags. Furthermore, quilts allow for a much greater range of motion while sleeping, and different warmth options for different temperatures. To illustrate, a 20 degree quilt typically will keep you comfortable close to that degree rating, while also allowing for more air flow when it’s warm outside.
We get that it can be scary, but you won’t regret your first quilt investment. Most of us here at Adventure Alan primarily use backpacking quilts for all our trips, whether it’s an ultralight summer trip or a winter expedition. This list features our favorites of the year, for whatever you have planned.
Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on the these links, a portion of the sale helps support this site at no additional cost to you. I do not receive compensation from the companies whose products are listed. For product reviews: unless otherwise noted, products are purchased with my own funds. I am never under an obligation to write a review about any product. Finally, this post expresses my own independent opinion.
Best Sleeping Bags & Camping Quilts 2022
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