This can be a gear evaluation of all of the Greatest Backpacking Quilts in 2023.
Lately light-weight quilts for backpacking have grow to be standard amongst ultralight thru-hikers and make an incredible selection for these eager to lighten the load of their backpacking gear.
With a lot good gear on the market the Greatest Ultralight Backpacking Quilt Critiques under ought to enable you determine which mannequin to buy. All of those had been chosen for his or her high quality, light-weight, insulation, and small pack dimension. I’ve examined and used many Backpacking Quilts through the years and consider these are the perfect of the perfect.
Not on the lookout for an ultralight climbing quilt? Then take a look at the Full Information to the Greatest Ultralight Sleeping Bag or do you want a really chilly climate, Winter Sleeping Bag?
Greatest Ultralight Quilt for Backpacking 2023
The Greatest Ultralight Quilts for Backpacking in 2023 are:
Greatest Quilt for Backpacking – Total
Katabatic Sawatch 15F Overview
At 24.7oz (700g) that is an ultralight backpacking quilt with a really small pack dimension contemplating the temperature ranking of this quilt.
There’s the choice to have this quilt full of both 850+ or 900+ down fill energy, Hyperdry down, and in addition an choice to have it overfilled with further down. My choice is 900+ Hyperdry down fill energy with 1-2 oz of overfill.
The Katabatic Sawatch makes use of the perfect sleeping pad attachment system of all of the quilts on this evaluation. And this is likely one of the primary causes that that is the perfect available on the market proper now.
This can be a standard quilt for somebody who needs the lightest and most compact quilt that cash should buy with an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Extremely-light hikers love this bag. Like all the opposite quilts it has no hood so most backpackers use both a down or fleece beanie for insulation to maintain the top heat on chilly nights. It additionally comes with a stuff sack.
Extremely-light hiker Micheal ‘Grizzly’ Ivey loves the Katabatic Sawatch which is rated at 15F (-9C). He loves the craftsmanship on this quilt and has by no means had a chilly spot.
He has used this quilt on the Colorado Path (3 Occasions), Pacific Crest Path, and Superior Mountaineering Path. And after many nights of use, the backpacking quilt continues to be going sturdy. Observe his journeys on his Instagram Web page – @grizzly_hikes
Total, this is likely one of the greatest backpacking quilts available on the market and greatest suited to the ultralight thru-hiker or backpacker. There’s a good purpose why this is likely one of the hottest quilts for thru-hikers. There are usually not too many dangerous issues to say about this ultralight quilt.
Greatest Inventory Backpacking Quilt 2023
Sea to Summit Ember EB3 Quilt Overview
The Sea to Summit Ember is likely one of the lightest and warmest quilts available on the market. They use premium responsibly sourced 850+ down and extremely gentle outer shell supplies. It is usually provided with a small stuff sac that compresses the bag to a really small 5L.
The bag is rated to 14F /-10C within the restrict zone with 25F / -4C being the snug ranking. I examined this quilt at these temperatures and located it heat and comfy. The Ember quilt solely weighs 25.5oz /725g which could be very light-weight when contemplating it has 17.7 oz / 500 g of down fill energy. That is greater than all the opposite self-tested quilts made by different corporations on this evaluation. Because of this, once I examined this backpacking quilt I trusted the insulation of the quilt in colder temperatures greater than among the different quilts on this evaluation.
Like the opposite Quilts, it is extremely versatile in the best way it may be used, particularly when the climate is hotter. It is usually out there in different temperature scores.
Total, I’m a giant fan of this quilt. I just like the pad attachment system however it’s not so good as the fashions from Katabatic and Enlightened Gear. However when the temperatures drop I consider this is likely one of the greatest quilts for backpacking. If you would like a inventory quilt that’s out there to buy immediately with out having to attend weeks or months then this is likely one of the greatest choices for you. To not point out that that is full of numerous high-quality down.
Greatest Ultralight Quilt for Via Mountaineering
Enlightened Gear Revelation 20F Overview
At 19.98 oz / 566 g and full of 950+ down this quilt is a superb light-weight choice for somebody wanting the lightest quilt for through climbing or backpacking. The weights quoted are for the common dimension with ultralight material and the excessive fill energy choice of 950 excessive fill energy goose down which is a really top quality insulation.
This quilt is available in quite a few dimension choices each in size and width so will be customised to the scale of the person. Desire a wider choice with extra room to maneuver, this quilt offers you this feature. The sleeping pad attachment techniques utilized by Enlightened Gear can be superb.
Additionally they have an choice to make use of a good lighter exterior shell material that may be a 7 denier weave, the within may also be 7D when you select. And the foot field is a mixture of a zipper and drawstring so when the climate warms up it is possible for you to to open the quilt. If you would like ultralight, this can be your quilt. Make sure to add the draft collar to cease chilly drafts from getting in.
The 20F / -7C ranking of this quilt is a self evaluation from the corporate. The 10F / -12C can be a greater choice for chilly sleepers. They are often made in customized colors when you select.
Total, this is likely one of the greatest ultralight backpacking quilts for through climbing or for backpackers wanting a customized quilt and the perfect heat to weight ratio out there for his or her ultralight gear.
Greatest Zippered Backpacking Quilt
Feathered Mates Flicker UL 20 Quilt Overview
Weight – 25.2 oz / 715 g
Down – 950+ down
Fill Weight – 14.7 oz / 417 g
Packsize – 8L
Execs:
> Light-weight
> 950+ down,
> Can be utilized on heat and chilly nights
> Is available in extensive and tall variations.
Cons:
>No hood
> Barely heavier than most Quilts on this evaluation
At 25.2 oz / 715 grams the Feathered Mates Flicker UL 20 is a pleasant light-weight 20F (-7C) quilt. It’s full of the very best grade 950+ down fill energy which contributes to the light-weight and high quality of the quilt.
To assist regulate the temperature there’s a full-length zip down the middle of the quilt. There’s additionally a draw strap on the base. The complete-length zipper and the draw strap can be utilized to manage the temperature on heat nights while you don’t want a lot insulation. Simply go away it unzipped and use the complete quilt as a blanket when it’s hotter.
These options make this a pleasant versatile quilt that can be utilized in a wide range of temperature scores. Nice for winter climbing within the desert and summer season climbing within the mountains.
It additionally is available in a large model for these with massive bones and a tall model for these over 6ft. This quilt can be excellent for somebody wanting a light-weight quilt that can be utilized each in chilly climate and on heat summer season nights.
Total, this is likely one of the greatest zippered down quilts available on the market for the time being and is likely one of the most versatile quilts to make use of in chilly climate and heat climate. Additionally they make some nice sleeping baggage.
Greatest Funds Backpacking Quilt
REI Magma Path Quilt 30 F

Weight – 19 oz / 539 g
Down – 850 fill energy down
Fill Weight – 10.5 oz / 298 g
Packsize – 3L
Execs:
> Economical Value
> Light-weight Backpacking Quilt
> Small Pack Measurement
>High quality 850 loft down
Cons:
>Solely rated to 30 F so not as heat as among the others
REI Magma Path Quilt is a 30F rated down backpacking quilt that has been constructed with top quality however supplied at a funds worth. If you happen to don’t have a lot to spend then this may very well be the most suitable choice for you.
The REI Magma Path Quilt makes use of high-quality 850 fill energy down that’s water-resistant. And the outer shell is comprised of high quality Pertex Ripstop Nylon with a DWR coating added. So this bag will maintain is designed to do an excellent job in damp circumstances.
There’s a good pad attachment system and for the worth, it’s a very engaging choice. It is just out there within the 30 F temperature ranking which implies this can actually solely be used as a summer season quilt for backpacking journeys.
Total, the REI Magma Path Quilt is likely one of the greatest funds quilts for backpacking 2023.
Greatest Hybrid Sleeping Bag & Quilt
Zpacks 20F Zip Round Sleeping Bag

Total Weight: 21.6 oz / 612 grams (customary width / medium size)
Shell Weight: 7.1 oz / 200 grams
Down Fill Weight: 15.7 oz / 446 grams
Execs:
> Ultralight
> Will be unzipped and used as a quilt
> Small pack dimension
> Excessive-quality 900 Fill Energy Water Resistant Goose Down
> Overstuffed baffle with 30% extra down
>Include a water-proof stuff sack
Cons:
>No Hood
>No Lofting Bag
Half Sleeping Bag, half Quilt. That’s how you may describe the brand-new Zpacks Zip Round Sleeping Bag. Just like the Traditional Sleeping Bag talked about above, it’s a hoodless sleeping bag. It’s not solely an ultra-lightweight sleeping bag, but it surely contains a full-length zip that will increase the flexibility of the bag by permitting you to completely unzip the bag, thus turning it right into a quilt. Excellent if you end up on a backpacking journey that features each scorching climate and chilly.
I examined the Zpacks Full Zip Sleeping Bag in heat climate. It was nice to have the ability to absolutely unzip the bag and use it as a backpacking quilt.
The complete-length zip will increase the load of the bag barely in comparison with different Zpacks different sleeping bag fashions, however that improve in weight additionally will increase the flexibility of the bag. And when you ever considered shopping for a backpacking quilt however by no means dared to attempt, then that is for you.
The zip and neck space has a draft tube to maintain the warmth in when wanted and the zip has a strip of webbing to forestall snagging. Once I examined the bag I discovered the anti-snag zip labored effectively and as promised.
The Zpacks Zip Round Sleeping Bag is available in a Dyneema stuff sack that’s waterproof and barely outsized to make packing simple. Wish to compress the stuff sack? Simple, simply sit on it after you packed it up.
It is available in 4 coloration selections, 2 width selections, and is accessible in a 10F, 20F, and 30F temperature vary.
Total, the Zpacks Zip Round Sleeping Bag is the perfect full zip sleeping bag for 2023 and some of the versatile sleeping baggage or sleeping quilts you should purchase.
Extra Backpacking Quilts
Therm-a-Relaxation Vesper 20F Quilt

Weight – 19 oz / 550 g
Down – 900 fill energy down
Fill Weight – 12 oz / 360 g
Packsize – Unknown
Execs:
> Very Light-weight
> Small Pack Measurement
> Good pad attachment system with the sleeping pad
Cons:
>Not as heat as among the different quilts
>Extra like a 25F quilt
The Therm-a-Relaxation Vesper 20 F Quilt is a really ultralight sleeping quilt. With tremendous high-quality 900 fill energy waterproof down and a shell made with light-weight ripstop nylon, there’s a lot to love.
The Therm-a-Relaxation Vesper Quilt could be very compact and packs to a really small dimension which is ideal for the ultralight backpacker.
However this small dimension and low weight come at the price of the inner room which generally is a little bit of a decent squeeze. If you’re a smaller construct then this is a matter, however bigger our bodies could discover it too small. And it could be higher for again sleepers than aspect sleepers.
Though rated at 20F it is perhaps higher to say this quilt is extra like 25F as it might not maintain you as heat as among the different quilts.
Total, the Therm-a-Relaxation Vesper Quilt is likely one of the lightest backpacking quilts for 2023 however is a little bit of a decent match and may very well be hotter.
Tier Gear Quenda 20F (-7C) Overview

Weight – 22 oz / 624 grams
Down – 850+ down
Fill Weight – 424g
EN Rated – No
Packsize – 2.5 Litres (Compressed)
Execs:
> Ultralight
> Moderately priced
> 850+ down
> Excessive High quality
Cons:
>No Hood
>Lengthy ready instances
At 22oz / 624 grams this is likely one of the most extremely gentle quilts on this evaluation. Tier Gear is a small area of interest model from Tasmania, Australia is a superb choice for antipodeans wanting to purchase an area model. It’s effectively made and can swimsuit anybody wanting to noticeably loosen up their gear.
Like many of the different manufacturers it makes use of 850+ fill energy responsibly sourced water repellant down. It additionally has the smallest pack dimension of the quilts or sleeping baggage on this evaluation, packing right into a tiny 2.5L compression stuff sack.
If you happen to dwell in Australia or New Zealand this may very well be your only option for a light-weight quilt. It definitely is best than or equal to the very fashionable Katabatic Sawatch or Sea to Summit Ember 3.Â
The one drawback, and this can be a massive one, is the wait instances which will be very lengthy. It may be as much as a number of months earlier than you will note your ultralight backpacking quilt. Could be faster to order a purchase an off-the-shelf Sea to Summit or one other model which might arrive a lot faster.
The Quenda can be out there in many alternative lengths and temperature scores: -1C, -7C, -12C.
Total, these are a sensible choice with a excessive construct high quality however it’s essential preplan your buy because of their lengthy waitlist that may fluctuate from weeks to months. For that purpose, it’s arduous to advocate this product.

different ultralight quilts to be Reviewed
Notice that there are a lot of different quilts available on the market that aren’t on the checklist. Within the coming weeks and months I can be including extra to the checklist.
Listed below are some upcoming quilts so as to add to the checklist of greatest backpacking quilts. I’m within the technique of reviewing:
- Zpacks Solo Quilt – The Zpacks Solo Quilt is an extremely light-weight quilt that is available in round 18.3 oz / 520 g which could be very light-weight and may have an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.
- Hammock Gear Economic system Burrow – The Hammock Gear Economic system Burrow is likely one of the most cost-effective quilts out there and may make the checklist as one of many Greatest Funds Backpacking quilts. Hammock Gear Overview coming quickly.
- Therm-a-Relaxation Vesper – The Therm a Relaxation Vesper is one other notable quilt to be added to the evaluation quickly.
Consumers Information
Right here is all the data you will want to find out about Mountaineering quilts.

Why Improve to a Backpacking Quilt
Latest years have seen the load and pack dimension of Backpacking Quilts cut back and the standard rise. For anybody who nonetheless has a cumbersome, heavy or poor high quality conventional Sleeping bag it’s time to think about throwing down some cash on an improve to an extremely gentle weight quilt.
The quilts listed symbolize the perfect available on the market for the time being. All of the Quilts for through climbing are below 2lb (900g). If you’re planning to lighten your for a protracted distance through hike such because the Pacific Crest Path – Continental Divide Path – Appalachian Path – Te Araroa Path or any of the opposite nice climbing trails on the planet, then a light-weight sleep system is considered one of your first selections.

Sleeping baggage Vs Quilt for Backpacking
Ultralight Mountaineering Quilts have many benefits over ultralight sleeping baggage. They’re often cheaper as they use much less down and fewer materials to offer the identical heat. Excluding the foot field space there’s often no down on the underside aspect of the quilt. They use straps for the sleeping pad attachment system.
Light-weight Quilts are a favourite of Via-Hikers who’re aiming for lighter-weight gear for his or her multi-week or multi-month thru-hike. However they aren’t with out points that you must find out about.
The temperature the place the individual makes use of the Ultralight backpacking quilts will play a giant think about deciding which one is greatest. For temperatures of 30F (-1C) and above, a quilt is the most suitable choice. They’re often cheaper, lighter, and pack up a lot smaller.
When the temperatures drop under 30F (-1C) it’s higher to decide on probably the greatest ultralight sleeping baggage to maintain within the heat barely higher than a quilt. Temperature scores of 20F (-7C) and under a mummy bag is a method higher choice than a down quilt, in truth, don’t take a quilt in temperatures decrease than this.
And when it will get actually chilly you want the heat of a 4 Season Winter Sleeping Bag for winter tenting. The mum-style sleeping bag of winter bag is best suited to the chilly.
There aren’t any hoods on the down quilts. This isn’t a difficulty until the nights are under freezing. Sporting a beanie can be sufficient for many to maintain the top heat and most hikers carry one with them on all however the hotter nights.
On very chilly nights a down balaclava can be an incredible light-weight addition that may also be worn when within the camp or when climbing on these loopy chilly mornings.

The Significance of a Sleeping Pad for Quilts
You have to one of many Greatest Sleeping Pads if utilizing a down quilt. As they lack the total enclosure of a sleeping bag a sleeping mat that’s heat sufficient is much more essential.
As soon as temperatures drop to 30F or under it’s simpler for a chilly draft to enter a quilt and make it cooler inside, due to this fact, in colder temperatures a quilt is just not all the time the most suitable choice. And if utilizing a quilt in chilly temperatures it’s extra essential to have an excellent sleeping pad and an excellent pad attachment system to make sure you have good insulation or face a chilly evening’s sleep.
f you don’t have a sleeping pad rated for chilly temperatures and you might be utilizing a quilt the warmth can be misplaced by the sleeping pad and you’ll be chilly. For further consolation, you may think about a Backpacking Pillow. I began utilizing them just a few years in the past and have by no means regarded again.
Backpacking Quilt Temperature Ranking
Let me get one factor out within the open. Most corporations don’t scientifically take a look at their quilts to substantiate the temperature ranking assigned to them. Most of those quilt producers have self-determined the temperature scores of their baggage.
Whereas these guides are pretty correct it’s as much as you to know your self effectively sufficient to know if you’re a chilly sleeper or not. Additionally, typically talking, girls sleep colder than males and virtually all endure from colder ft than males. So regulate your buying choice to fit your personal physique.
The industry-recognized temperature scores customary for the sleeping bag {industry} is EN 13573 scores or the higher and newer ISO 23537-1:2022 Requirements. This take a look at determines the proper temperature scores for sleeping baggage in a standardized scientific method however is just not but out there for quilts as but.
The fill weight or quantity of down insulation fill contained in the quilt for climbing varies a bit between all of the producers. For instance, the fill weight of the main quilts varies between 12.5oz – 17.5oz, regardless that they’re all rated round 20F (-7C). Positive the loft of the down insulation has a bit to do with the load discrepancy.
This won’t appear to be a lot however it might make a distinction to the insulation of the quilt. It will be simple to assert that the width or type of the inner baffling may lead one producer to have a aggressive benefit over one other, and that could be the case.
The best way inner baffles are constructed additionally impacts the temperature ranking. In some ultralight quilts, the down insulation will be moved inside the inner baffles to the place it’s wanted most. I discover this characteristic very annoying.
I wish to unzip my bag to manage the temperature, not get up in the course of the evening and attempt to shuffle down insulation inside the baffles.
The Greatest Light-weight Backpacking Quilts within the evaluation are rated at round 20F (-7C) which is an efficient practical temperature vary that can be utilized in all however the coldest and warmest of climate. As talked about earlier quilts don’t perform at their greatest when the temperature falls under freezing. When it will get chilly, mummy-style sleeping baggage can be higher for heat and be price the additional weight.
In the intervening time artificial insulation doesn’t fairly have the identical warmth-to-weight-to-compressibility ratio as down. So down continues to be the perfect materials inside all the perfect backpacking quilts.
In my view, an excellent evening’s sleep in chilly climate is extra essential than saving cash and weight on a bag unsuited for the chilly evening, even when they don’t happen each evening.

Stuff Sacks for Quilts
Conserving a sleeping bag dry whereas climbing is critically essential. Heavy rain, a leaking backpack, or a fall when crossing a river could make for an uncomfortable evening’s sleep at greatest and a life-threatening state of affairs at worst.
Through the years I’ve used a Thermarest fleece stuff sack, which doubled as a pillow, and the Sea to Summit dry bag. Each have labored effectively and served their objective.
Latest years have seen many ultralight hikers make the swap to Dyneema stuff sacks resembling these from Hyperlite Mountain Gear. These Uber light-weight, sturdy and waterproof stuff sacks are available in a number of configurations and dimensions to suit any sleeping bag and an excellent funding to maintain your down bag dry. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear is the popular selection of Backpacking Quilt stuff sack.

Pack Measurement
Extremely-light Quilts are extra packable in each dimension and weight in comparison with sleeping baggage. In truth, if you’re studying this you most likely wish to improve to a quilt for backpacking journeys since you need one thing not solely lighter however with a smaller pack dimension than your sleeping bag.
All the perfect climbing quilts on this evaluation pack to a really small dimension in both the stuff sack provided or into your aftermarket stuff sack. I’ve tried to checklist the packing dimension in liters when out there.

Inventory vs Customized
Once you check out the quilts on this evaluation it’s possible you’ll discover that many corporations provide customized backpacking quilts and a few don’t. Some provide each customized and inventory. So, which one do you select.
Customized Quilts
Many quilt corporations provide the power to make a customized backpacking quilt. The customized quilts typically have the selection of shell material colours, fill energy of down, draft collar or no draft collar, the power to overstuff the quilt with down, customized sizing with the chest and ft, drawstring foot field or sewn footbox…….. the checklist goes on.
All these customized choices are superior and for my part, the additional worth you pay is price it. Give it some thought. Your favourite coloration is scorching pink, so why not get a sleeping bag in that coloration! or no matter coloration you select.
If there’s an choice for including further down fill energy, or overstuffing is a good suggestion too. Positive it might add an additional ounce however that further ounce can be price it when you’re in damp circumstances and the down is not going to clump as a lot.
However there’s a down aspect. Time. These customized quilts take time. And the time will be from weeks to months. If you’re planning a visit or wish to improve then you definitely may have to plan months upfront to verify your quilt arrives on time.
Inventory Quilts
Most corporations have their inventory quilt vary. And most have them out there off the shelf able to ship. When you’ve got a backpacking journey arising subsequent week and desire a quilt, they are going to be your go-to choice.
Footbed Form and Design
On the subject of quilts for climbing and backpacking there are a number of foot mattress shapes and designs that will affect your buying choice. Would you like a sewn in foot mattress, draw twine or zip.
The sewn-through footbed design of quilts is often the most affordable technique however not all the time the most affordable. Most corporations who provide this have the entire backside part of the quilt sewn collectively to maintain your ft heat. This makes the closed-foot containers smaller in dimension and weight in some instances and similar to mummy baggage. Additionally, it makes it not possible to open up or vent warmth from the ft throughout these heat summer season nights. Total, that is the strategy of design I desire.
One other technique is to make use of a zipper to open or shut the footbed. The zip is typically all the best way to the underside, generally not and different instances it’s mixed with a drawstring on the very backside. Utilizing zips makes the quilt extra versatile when the climate is hotter through the summer season months.
Some corporations use a drawstring on the very backside of the quilt which is useful to vent warmth when the climate is a bit hotter. Many individuals love this however I discover it a waste of time and like a completely sewn foot field. Having stated that, when the climate warms up you’ll respect this characteristic. Additionally, to not many sleeping baggage have this characteristic.

Quilt Value
The Greatest Light-weight Mountaineering Quilts can price some huge cash however it’s cash effectively spent. It’s not uncommon to maintain a top quality quilt for 10 years. I stored a top quality winter sleeping bag for 20 years earlier than I made a decision to promote it. It was nonetheless in near-perfect situation.
Generally, it’s not solely cash effectively spent, however probably the greatest investments you can also make. All the baggage listed ought to final a minimum of 10 years or effectively over 1000 nights of use.
The very best price in these quilts is the fill energy ranking of the down. 950+ loft will price much more than 800 loft.
Guarantee and Return Coverage
Earlier than buying a Ultralight Backpacking Quilt make sure to test the return coverage. Be sure you can return it when you ordered the unsuitable dimension or it simply doesn’t give you the results you want. Bear in mind that you simply won’t be able to return or change a used Backpacking Quilt until there’s some type or manufacturing subject.
Easy methods to wash a Sleeping Bag or Quilt
After getting bought one of many Light-weight Sleeping Baggage or Quilts listed above it’s time to take care of it. You’ll be able to maintain it clear and even improve the heat of the quilt by utilizing a Sleeping Bag Liner. However I desire to make use of a Merino Base Layer as a substitute.
Check out the Information on Easy methods to wash a down sleeping bag for all the main points on the perfect strategies and merchandise to make use of.
Conclusion
The Katabatic Sawatch can be tremendous superior with the perfect pad attachment system of all of the quilts. It’s the greatest backpacking quilts of 2023 by a small margin.
The Sea to Summit Ember 3 has the very best quantity of down fill by weight within the quilt and can maintain you heat when the temperatures drop. For that purpose I like this quilt.
The Enlightened Gear Revelation, Feathered Mates Flicker are additionally nice.
The REI Magma is at an excellent worth level.
Actually, you may’t go unsuitable with any of those quilts.
The Tier Gear Quenda is the one of many lightest of all quilts on this evaluation and is taking up the larger area of interest corporations with its top quality product. Total, it’s a sensible choice for Australian and New Zealand hikers in 2023 however the waitlist is simply method too lengthy to make this product viable for most individuals.
The backpacking quilts should be used along with a top quality, light-weight sleeping pad. Learn the entire evaluation of the Greatest Light-weight Sleeping Mats for extra info.
Regularly Requested Query
The Greatest Backpacking Quilt Manufacturers are Katabatic Gear, Enlightened Gear, Feathered Mates, Zpacks, Sea to Summit, and Tier Gear
Usually, Backpacking Quilts are nice for temperatures all the way down to 20F / -6C. Beneath that the weight-saving advantages of getting a backpacking quilt are decreased and a sleeping bag is a greater choice.