Although the most exciting parts of hiking are exploring the great outdoors and stopping to smell the roses, sleep is a major aspect of a successful trip. Making the right choices when picking an appropriate sleeping setup is paramount to getting the most of your trail based adventures. With newer options for sleeping entering the market such as quilts, it can be hard to know what the right choice is!
Before we get into the minutiae of whether a sleeping bag or quilt is right for you, it's important to understand a sleeping bag/quilt is part of a full sleep system, with either option requiring an insulated mat to be used in moderate or cold climates.
The Science Behind Quilts
Down insulation works by trapping air in its fluffy clusters, creating "loft." This trapped air acts as an insulating layer that keeps warmth close to your body. When down is compressed, like when you lie on it, it loses its loft and the ability to trap air. Without trapped air, the down loses most of its insulating properties. In most sleeping systems, insulation from below is provided by a sleeping pad rather than the sleeping bag itself.
Because compressed down doesn't insulate well, quilts eliminate insulation on the bottom entirely, relying on the pad to provide warmth from below.
Considerations When Buying a Quilt
There are many positives and negatives to buying a quilt, but we've summarised some of the key points for you.
Advantages:
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Weight: Quilts are usually lighter than a sleeping bag matched with the same quality of down because they have less material, particularly on the underside where insulation is compressed and less effective.
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Packability: Quilts usually pack down smaller and are more compact in your hiking bag compared to a sleeping bag. This is once again due to the absence of material on the underside, unlike traditional sleeping bags.
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Internal room: Due to how a quilt attaches to the sleeping mat, quilts offer greater internal room compared to a sleeping bag. This can be a big positive to side sleepers, those who move a lot when they sleep and those who feel claustrophobic in a sleeping bag.
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Versatility: Quilts are very versatile, easily allowing for different setups depending on temperature conditions. Quilts can be fully opened up and used as a blanket, or cinched in depending on how much airflow you want through the quilt.
- Price: Compared to sleeping bags, quilts are often either a little cheaper or a similar price. This means you won't be paying extra for adopting a lighter sleeping solution.
Disadvantages:
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Setup time: Quilts can take longer to set up at camp compared to a sleeping bag, due to the pad strap system needed to attach the quilt to a mat.
- Learning curve: There can be a small learning curve with quilts to set them up properly on your mat, requiring a little bit of experience compared to a sleeping bag.
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Accessibility: Not everywhere sells quilts, and it can sometimes be hard to find a place that stocks them to allow for a hands on test.
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Possible drafts: Quilts can have air movement between the quilt itself and the mat, called a draft. If a quilt isn't set up properly, it can result in drafts and a potentially cold sleep. Some quilts combat this with side, head and toe box draft collars, however these features aren't standard on all quilts.
- No hood: Most Quilts don't have a hood like sleeping bags do. This means if you want to keep your head warm on chilly nights it might be worth bringing a beanie. Something like the Montane Windjammer Halo Beanie is a great option that can be used on trail and in the tent.
So... Why Buy a Quilt?
When buying a quilt, it's important to get a hands-on feel for what they’re like and if you’re willing to make the plunge. At Backpacking Light, we stock many a range of different quilts for you to try! These include the Enlightened Equipment Revelation, the Neve Gear Waratah, the Sea to Summit Ember, and the Big Agnes Fussell UL Down Quilt. These encompass a range of temperature ratings, weights, and sizes. In addition, if a quilt isn't your go to sleeping solution, we also stock a range of high quality, low weight sleeping bags.
As mentioned, a quilt or sleeping bag needs to be matched with an insulated sleeping mat to ensure a cozy night sleep. Our team recommends the Nemo Tensor All Season, Big Agnes Rapide or Thermarest Neoair Xlite NXT Max as great places to start.
More questions on whether a quilt is right for you? The team at Backpacking light has you covered. Our experienced staff know the ins and outs of sleep systems. Come visit at 373 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 or contact us via sales@backpackinglight.com.au for tailored advice on gear for your adventure.
