Why I Stopped Using Quilts For Backpacking

Do you know what the most overrated and flawed piece of backpacking gear is (for me)? Sleeping quilts.

Yep...the ultralight sleeping quilt has a major flaw that people don't often talk about because they're so obsessed with how lightweight quilts are. They fail to be objective about their backpacking gear because they've either spent too much money on it, researched it for far too long to where they believe it works, or they're just unwilling to be honest about their gears' performance.

I've used a sleeping quilt for backpacking on and off for the past few years and have decided they're not for me. I like bags, have no issues with them, and I think they're a far better choice than a quilt.

Before you go buying yourself that fancy new ultralight sleeping quilt, watch this video and then ask yourself if you REALLY need that quilt after all. Maybe you do, maybe you don't.

If you DO decide to go through with it, be objective and don't go into this thing thinking your quilt will be the best purchase you've ever made because there's a chance it won't be.

FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO:

ABOUT ME:
👋 My name is Emory, and I love helping people learn how to backpack, so I've dedicated this channel to offering practical tips and techniques, down-to-earth perspectives on gear, and general outdoor commentary to help you improve your experience in the backcountry.

Emory, By Land

P.S. Don't forget to check out my beginner backpacking course!

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WHERE TO SHOP FOR BACKPACKING GEAR:

[AJHart-egys]

I think most UL hikers just cover their bodies with a combination of Dynema, Smartwater bottles and cut-in-half toothbrushes while wearing a full merino wool union suit, down hoodie and a pair of athletic shorts they bought in the girls department at Goodwill.

[HansenFT]

I'm not an ultralighter by any means.. but if you are a person that hate sleepingbags b/c they're so restrictive, then a couple of straps isn' even close to being the same. Much easier to change sides for a side sleeper such as my self. I always used bags like quilts anyways, and I know many who did the same. So it's more like free weight for us!

[YoungGunzBass]

I definitely prefer quilting when it’s above freezing out.

Below freezing I always want a bag.

[DanBecker]

100%!! Yep I went back to a bag and love it. Still love a quilt in the right scenario though. Great video!

[BackcountryPilgrim]

Right gear for the right job. I think too many people search for THE perfect piece of gear for all applications and it doesn't exist. :) New sub, good stuff!

[KevinRStrauss]

Awesome job highlighting a different side of quilts. I've been backpacking for 24 years and with all of the videos about quilts, I feel like there really is "pressure" to change. But I love your arguments about losing the warm air if you adjust position through the night. I'll stick with my bag for the foreseeable future. Cheers!

[expatadventureturkey]

While I do enjoy a sleeping quilt, I must admit its used during Spring through early fall climates low of 25 April/early May and a high of 75/80 “am/pm” not the middle of day temps. Winter camping changes my thoughts on gear used and definitely the sleeping system. Oct-March “sleeping bag” just my thoughts. Great content as always, have a great week every one…😉🤙🏽

[TheFraziers]

These are definitely some valid points. I've definitely experienced similar problems but ultimately have found a solution that works for me which actually was as simple as using an extra-wide quilt. With an extra-wide, I can attach the sides of the quilt together and close off drafts really well while still having enough room to toss and turn. I really wish there were inexpensive quilts people could try out before purchasing. Most of the high-end quilts are upwards of $400. Even the more budget-friendly ones I make still cost a lot more than a cheap sleeping bag.

[adventureswithfrickandfrack]

I love my quilt. I tend to get tangled and feel claustrophobic (even in a rectangular bag). The quilt needs to be wide enough to cut down on drafts. My first quilt was not wide enough and I was cold. My second quilt was a 10° EE Accomplice shared with my hubby and I was cold. I now have a 20° Thermarest Vesper quilt. It only weighs 19 ounces and I am warm now. For me this was a lesson in getting the thing you really want the first time lol. 2 Foot Adventures is great, my husband got a Lite AF pack from them last year.

[bmboats]

Thank you for being the first to say all the things I've been thinking it would be like owning and sleeping with a quilt.

[SummitSeeker]

Been a long time BA 20° Lost Ranger Down sleeping bag lover. However as I started to looks at ways to cut weight a buddy had me try his quilt. Fell in love with it. For the longest time I would tolerate cold spots from my bag. I thought I was cold yet most of my body was warm. I soon deduced that as I rolled from one side to the other, the top shoulder and upper hip were compressing into the bag causing the down to lose its loft. Thus giving me a cold spot. A quilt is perfect for a side sleeper. To complete the sleep system I recommend the Thermarest NeoAir Xlite R/W Pad (the wide 25” is best), a Silk Cacoon (soft, comfy, add’l warmth), a pillow w/pillowcase or a buff puff. I find the Silk Cacoon does just that; cacoons you inside your quilt preventing any compression against the down which creates cold spots. It also reduces the risk of drafts, increases the overall R value, and puts a comfortable barrier between you and the sleeping pad. Win, win, win! Quilt wins! 😝

[marnieandnoelle]

THANK you. I have not stayed warm in my quilt in the backcountry. Drafts here, drafts there, drafts everywhere. I just received a new sleeping bag that I think will be wonderful.

[jpriddle]

I have some of the same draft issues with EE quilts. Now that I have a Katabatic with elastic binding around the bottom, a catenary cut and differential cut baffles, drafts are eliminated. Attached to the pad, this keeps everything in place whereas a sleeping bag conforms (the restrictive feeling) to my body and slides around on the pad in weird ways for me.

The other big benefit of a quilt for me is the versatility of laying it out in warmer temps and then cinching it down when it is closer to its temp rating. I also factor in wearing mid and puffy layers to add warmth, so my 30F comfort rated quilt is effective from the mid 20s all the way up to the 50s.

Critical to the system is pad and head warmth. Unfortunately, I think a lot of folks have a bad experience with quilts because they don’t boost these elements of the system. A 1oz beanie in warmer weather or 2oz down balaclava when colder are more flexible than a fixed sleeping bag hood. And still lighter when paired with the 21oz quilt. If you sleep cold with an insulated pad like an xLite, then switch to a 4 season pad like an xtherm and you’ll notice the difference right away.

None of this is meant to argue your main point about objectivism. Absolutely, any piece of gear should be evaluated on its performance in different conditions, not because of marketing or popularity. Objectively, I prefer a quilt in those temp ranges because it is the most effective for me. ✌️

[danos]

Thanks for your video. However, i would like to ask you what kind off sleeping pad are you using? You should point out to your audience that the sleeping pad is EXTREMELY important in maintaining heat, ESPECIALLY if you use a quilt, (iny experience). For example, i have a foam sleeping pad, AND a very thin (5 cm) mummy inflatable sleeping pad that i use with a aegismax wind hard quilt and it's been great (even down to less than 0C). But if i use it without the foam pad it will be cold. I also have 2 different foam pads that i use interchangeably depending on the weather. One, a full length (190cm) full width (70cm) foam pad, and a second, cut up foam pad (50cm width, 165 length) and here again, i can detect a difference in warmth in colder situations. In short, while i appreciate your suggestion to ask ourselves why we do things, i did not hear advice to your audience, (which inexperienced hikers i think should hear this) that quilts require a good sleeping pad system for cold weather use. Otherwise, they don't work as intended.

[Stutz]

Totally agree with the "be objective" advice. I'm still satisfied with my quilt for the type of backpacking I do, which is casual and usually warm weather. I have had it in the cold a few times and been fine with it. I am a side sleeper that switches sides a few times a night, and I still like the quilt because I can sort of tuck it in behind me under my shoulder. I have found with some bags that the round shape of the bag itself can sometimes make that hard, and then I have a draft on my back. I had the same issue when I tried pad straps with my quilt: they just pull the quilt off my back and make it colder.

[kevinjacobs]

Good info man! I'm looking at the kuiu 30 degree bag and was wondering how low of temps you have slept in it with down jacket and pants?

[jonb]

100% agreed. I got into UL a few years ago and went the same route. They are fine for spring and fall but I suffer the extra weight every time when the nights are below 40*F

[wildlinesau]

Great explanation of your experience. I personally have an EE quilt that I got for my hammock but swallowed the pill that it was the bees knees for all hiking. Always slept colder with it, still have to tie and cinch everything up like a bag in cooler weather so have upgraded to a bag again. Most bags zip half or the full way down anyway, and weight is negligible. In warmer weather I'll still take the bag now and use a lighter pad unless I'm back in the hammock

[scotthopkinshikes]

I bought a 20 degree quilt when I had to replace an old sleeping bag. It's been nice, but when it's chilly, I end up cinching up the footbox and zipping up the quilt into a bag, one that doesn't have a hood. For the slight weight savings, it's not worth the downsides, so I'll be selling the quilt and getting a bag again, at least for colder temperatures.

[dougmerrill]

I keep hearing about the weight savings for quilts but they normally only save a few ounces compared to a quality lightweight down bag at the cost of an integral hood and the bottom of the bag that traps heat. That is a steep price to pay for a few ounces. For those few extra ounces, I have the advantage of a quilt or a sleeping bag depending on temperatures. I can open up my bag and use it over me as a quilt without strapping it around me because the extra fabric compared to single purpose quilts allows the sleeping bag to drape on the ground sealing me from most drafts and without the constriction of quilt straps. I also tuck my feet into the footbox which doesn't feel too confining to me. But when the temps drop lower, up comes the zipper and the hood to warm me in a down cocoon. Less space to warm, no drafts from the side, and very easy to seal off drafts from the top with a draft collar or midlayer loosely wrapped around my neck. Very versatile system. Always tailored to my needs rather than tailoring my needs to a quilt.