Best Backpacking Quilts for Camping and Hiking in 2020

Need to lighten your load when you hit the trail? Want a warm blanket in addition to your sleeping bag? Or maybe you’re just tired of having to hop around the campsite in your sleeping bag because you want to stay warm?! The best backpacking quilts can add a level of versatility to your sleeping set up when camping and backpacking that can be invaluable both from a comfort and practical point of view.

• The 11 best backpacking and camping quilts
• Why choose a camping or backpacking quilt?
• Backpacking quilts buying guide
• Features of the best backpacking quilts

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The 11 best backpacking quilts and camping quilts in 2020

Responsibly sourced down

All the down quilts on our list are filled with ethically and responsibly sourced down.

United by Blue Plaid Quilted Bison Blanket

Eco-conscious: Filled with recycled polyester and sustainably sourced bison down, has organic cotton and recycled polyester underlayer, and UBB removes 1 pound of trash for every product purchased

At around 2.6lb, the United by Blue Plaid Quilted Bison Blanket may lose some Brownie points for being a little overweight, but it sure makes up for it in the sustainability stakes. Created by the wonderful folk at UBB — who are already doing great things for the planet — this cosy camping quilt is filled with BisonShield Fill. This is a combo of recycled polyester and bison down, which is sustainably sourced. Plus, the colourful plaid underside is made of 58% organic cotton and 42% recycled polyester to create a soft flannel layer to snuggle under. The result is a hardy blanket — with a tough nylon outer shell — that is ideal for car camping in cooler conditions. The bison down is also naturally anti-microbial and temperature regulating. Measuring 50 x 70in / 127 x 178cm, it is one of the smaller quilts on our list and more suited to one sleeper or two loungers.

Want to see more eco-friendly stuff like this? Check out our favourite United by Blue products.

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United by Blue

Western Mountaineering Cloud 9 Comforter

The Western Mountaineering Cloud 9 Comforter is a soft, comfortable backpacking quilt. It’s a little heavier than a quilt like the Enlightened Equipment Enigma, but it’ll be sure to keep you warm with 800 fill Eastern European Goose down, which is more insulation than most other quilts we compared. It’s also machine washable for easy maintenance. The down camping quilt has box stitching to keep the insulation in place. It’s available in three different sizes—a twin, king, or queen. It also has corner ties for versatility. If you need a large backpacking quilt for any reason, the king size Cloud 9 Comforter might be the best choice for you.

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Amazon | Backcountry

Rumpl Down Puffy Blanket

The Rumpl Down Puffy Blanket is a good, middle of the road option for people who want a high-quality down backpacking quilt that is machine washable and durable. There’s a good selection available in three different sizes (throw, single, and double) and the smallest of them weighs 1 lb. For those of you that camp in less than optimal weather, it has a waterproof, ripstop nylon shell. Dog owners will appreciate the fact that it resists stains, pet hairs and odours. It’s rated to 40ºF/4ºC, and the single size compresses to 7 x 7in / 18 x 18cm.

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Amazon | REI | Backcountry

Kammok Firebelly Trail Quilt

Eco-conscious: PFC-free DownTek

The Kammok Firebelly Trail Quilt is a good choice for someone looking for versatility. You can buy it with either synthetic or down insulation. This backpacking quilt measures 75in/191cm × 52in /132cm, and has drawcords, snaps, and elastic that allow it to be used as a standalone sleeping bag or bag cover for really cold adventures. Like the Rumpl camping quilt we talked about, it’s also made of ripstop, water repellent nylon. What is different about the Firebelly? Kammok claims that their ATMOS fabric has thermal reflective properties, which is designed to retain body heat and eliminate cold spots in the quilt.

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REI | Amazon | Kammok

Therm-A-Rest Proton Blanket

The Therm-A-Rest Proton Blanket is one of the best camping quilts for someone who wants economy, affordability, and versatility. It has a drawcord so you can snug up the bottom to keep out drafts, and the synthetic insulation and liner keep you warm even if the quilt gets wet. If you own other Therm-A-Rest products like another quilt, blanket, or mattress kit, the Proton Blanket will work with them. It has a tapered shape, and packs into its own pocket.

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REI | Amazon | Backcountry

Enlightened Equipment Enigma Stock

Eco-conscious: PFC-free DownTek

If you know what you want and need a custom backpacking, bikepacking, canoe camping, or kayak camping quilt then the Enlightened Equipment Enigma Stock is for you. It’s hand-sewn in Minnesota, USA, and can be custom ordered to your specifications — length, width and warmth. With a sewn bottom similar to a sleeping bag, this quilt is intended for a sleeping bag user who is looking to cut down on weight and bulk. The quilt is made of 10D nylon fabric, and is filled with ethically sourced DownTek treated moisture resistant down insulation. If you’re looking for a minimalist version of a sleeping bag, then this is the quilt for you.

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Enlightened Equipment

Big Agnes Kings Canyon UL Quilt

The Big Agnes Kings Canyon UL Quilt is a versatile choice for the casual camper or outdoor enthusiast who wants a good quilt for warm weather. This great value backpacking quilt is insulated with synthetic PrimaLoft, and the webbing loops and shock cord allow it to be used as a blanket or sleeping bag. It has a built-in pocket at the foot of the bag so you can slide your pad into it and keep everything from shifting around. Unlike the Nemo Siren, it folds out fully making it a great choice for a camping quilt that you can store in your car and bring to outdoor events, and beach parties. It’s ideal for wherever you might need a blanket or a sleeping bag, but don’t want to carry a lot of extra weight.

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Amazon | Backcountry

Nemo Siren Down Ultralight Quilt

The Nemo Siren Down Ultralight Quilt is a three season 30 degree down quilt that is cut to a mummy shape. It’s 71in / 180cm tall, 53in / 134cm wide at the shoulders, and 39in / 100cm at the knees. Like the Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt, it’s a good choice for the serious backpacker who wants the lightest quilt that will still keep them warm at night. The quilt is cut similar to a mummy bag without a bottom, and is best used with a similar shaped sleeping pad tucked inside the bag.

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Amazon | REI | Backcountry

Katabatic Gear Palisade

Eco-conscious: Bluesign approved water-resistant down

The Katabatic Gear Palisade is a good three season quilt, filled with 900 fill down insulation. If you get cold easily or camp in extreme conditions, you can add some extra insulation to your quilt with a custom order from Katabatic. The Palisade Quilt is designed to strap on top of your sleeping pad and eliminate drafts. You’ll benefit from the flexibility of its system of cord clips that allow you to have a loose-fitting mummy bag on warm nights, and a tight fitting one when it’s cold out. Like the Rumpl Down Puffy Blanket, the quilt is available in a range of sizes: small, regular long, regular wide, and long wide. If you’re taller or just want more room, this quilt might be the best choice for you.

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Katabatic Gear

Therm-A-Rest CORUS HD Camping Quilt

If you tend to be a bit lax with your gear maintenance and storage, then the Therm-A-Rest CORUS HD camping quilt may be for you. You can throw it in the washing machine to clean it, and you can restore the Hydrophobic down insulation’s water repellency with Nikwax brand waterproofing in that same washing machine. It comes in two sizes. The regular measures 48 x 76in / 122 x 193cm. It weighs 1.4lb / 640g, and packs to 7 x 10in / 17 x 25cm. It has side baffles for draft protection to keep you warm on chilly nights. It’s a nice choice — not the top-of-the-line quilt like the Enlightened, Kalabatic, or Cloud 9 quilt, but a good quality quilt that will help you cut down on weight.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry

Mountain Hardwear Bozeman Quilt

The Mountain Hardwear Bozeman Quilt is one of the least expensive quilts in our review. This is a synthetic backpacking quilt, and it has 120 g/sq. meter of synthetic ThermalQ insulation. A good choice for a weekend backpacker or those of you who want to try out a quilt but don’t want to break the bank. Compared to quilts like the Rumpl Down Puffy Blanket, it’s not the lightest quilt. It would probably be best suited for short backpacking trips, boating, canoe or car camping, or home and cabin use. It’s a rectangular cut (92in/234cm x 54in/137cm) and makes a good blanket for cool nights by the campfire or relaxing in the cabin.

Find the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry

Why choose a camping or backpacking quilt?

Chosen properly, the right camping quilt can serve many purposes. In many scenarios a quilt can replace a sleeping bag altogether, whilst in others, it makes a superb addition to your sleeping set up.

• Backpacking

  Opt for a lightweight, compressible down quilt that provides plenty of warms but cuts down on weight compared with a sleeping bag.

• Bikepacking

  When your load needs to be as compact as possible, a backpacking quilt can save precious space in already stuffed bike packs. Opt for compressible down.

• Winter camping

  If carrying capacity isn’t an issue then a quilt can add an extra layer of warmth to your existing sleeping set up.

• Summer camping

  Quilts are ideal for camping in hot weather as a replacement to your sleeping bag. You can stick your legs and arms out easily to cool off. Plus you can snuggle under quilts with another person if you like!

• Hammock camping

  Quilts are ideal for hammock camping as you lose all the insulating properties of the bottom of your sleeping bag in a hammock. Be sure to couple your quilt with a good sleeping pad to keep your backside warm!

• Camping and backpacking with dogs

  Opt for a synthetic quilt with a tough outer shell to let your pub snuggle on top of, or under(!) your quilt with you.

• Days at the beach

  If you like to linger at the beach past sunset then a quilt is ideal for snuggling under once the air cools. It’s also great to warm you up after cool dips in the sea.

• Picnics

  Lay down a water resistant quilt at your next picnic for zero risk of damp backsides! You can then wrap up in it’s warmth if the weather changes.

• Campfires

  Quilts are so much more convenient than sleeping bags when sitting round the campfire on a chilly night. You can wrap it round your shoulders and just place it over your knees. Cosiness either way!

The best camping and backpacking quilts buying guide

As with almost all outdoor gear, the best backpacking quilts don’t all come cheap! So make sure you know what you want before you click on the “buy now” button. Backpacking and camping quilts can be anything from an ultralight mummy bag, similar to a sleeping bag, or they can be a rectangular shape similar to a blanket or comforter that you would have on your bed at home.

Weight

Some types of backpacking quilts are basically ultralight stripped-down versions of sleeping bags. Their absence of hardware like zippers make them both lighter and smaller than a traditional sleeping bag.

The best backpacking quilts should be as light as possible and will usually be insulated with down to also be compact.

The best camping quilts are often synthetic so as to be more versatile in wet or damp conditions, and also more durable.

Insulation/warmth

When shopping for a backpacking quilt, you’ll often read about fill power. This is the measurement of the loft or “fluffiness” of down. If the fill power number is higher, it will trap more air and have more insulation ability. Higher fill powers generally are higher quality. They should keep you warmer without increasing weight, and they should retain their fluffiness longer. Higher fill powers will also increase the price of the backpacking quilt, so, if you’re an occasional summertime camper, it may not be worth the extra cost.

Modern synthetic insulation can be a good alternative to down insulation. It’s often cheaper, inherently water resistant, and low maintenance.

For more information on insulation read our guide to the benefits of down versus synthetic.

Water resistance

Hydrophobic down or treated down can make the down insulation more water resistant. Treated down quilts dry faster, and most can be machine washed when you get home or during a long through hike. Look for brands with Downtek or Nikwax Hydrophobic Down fill.

Packability

Packability can be very important to through hikers and cyclists, and of little importance to car campers and canoe campers. Often, warmth, comfort, and economy are sacrificed when packability is the focus, so figure out what you really need before you opt for the heaviest, least expensive backpacking quilt available!

Durability

The treatment of the insulation along with the construction of the shell and lining are the most important indicators of a quilts durability. You may want to consider things such as water repellency ins the form of a DWR coating, stitch type (some quilts are heavily compartmentalised so the insulation doesn’t move around), and breathability. Water repellency may be a big focus for you if you hike with your dog near the coast, and it may not be a big deal if you spend most of your time in the desert.

Size/shape

Hikers who are looking for a lightweight sleeping bag replacement may opt for a mummy bag style quilt. Other campers might be looking for a multipurpose blanket-like replacement for their sleeping bag, and probably would want to choose a rectangular camping quilt.

Features of the best quilts for backpacking and camping

• Drawcord

  To enable the quilt to perform more like a sleeping bag, some quilts have a draw cord that runs the length of one of the shorter edges. When cinched in this creates a food box to the quilt that helps keep the warmth in.

• Sleeping pad pocket

  Some quilts have a built-in pocket that is large enough to fit one end of a sleeping pad into. This is a really useful feature that helps keep the quilt in place while you are sleeping.

• Storage pocket

  An nice little feature of some of the best backpacking quilts is the addition of a small pocket for storing essentials in that you want to keep close to you while you sleep.

• Fasteners

  Most of the best backpacking quilts have a tabs/snaps/loops or fasteners that allow one side of the quilt to be secured to the other to form a sort of sleeping bag. Some are also designed to be attached to sleeping pads of the same brand.

There are a lot of different types of backpacking quilts on the market. The term “quilt” can mean anything from an ultralight high-tech piece of equipment for a through hiker or adventurer, or it can mean a blanket-like accessory for a casual camper or outdoor enthusiast. Almost anyone who spends some time outdoors could find a use for a camping quilt, so, if you buy one, make sure you choose the right one for your needs.