Sleeping | Quilts

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A QUILT

If you're looking for a sleeping bag without the bag, quilts are an excellent alternative to traditional sleeping systems. Quilts provide a lightweight, compact solution that can offer greater comfort and versatility for camping and hiking. They are designed to be less restrictive, giving you freedom of movement while still providing ample warmth. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing a quilt for your next adventure.

Weight and Packability: One of the primary benefits of using a quilt is its weight savings. Quilts are generally lighter than sleeping bags because they eliminate the insulation found on the underside of traditional sleeping bags, which gets compressed by your body weight and provides minimal warmth. This makes quilts ideal for ultralight backpacking or long-distance hiking where every gram counts. When selecting a quilt, check its total weight and pack size. A high-quality quilt can often weigh under 1 pound (450 grams) and pack down to the size of a small water bottle, making it easy to fit in your backpack.

Temperature Rating: Quilts come with a temperature rating that indicates the lowest temperature at which they will keep you warm. Choose a quilt with a rating that matches the conditions you expect to encounter. If you're camping in warmer climates or during summer, a quilt rated between 30°F to 50°F (around 0°C to 10°C) may suffice. For colder conditions, such as alpine regions or shoulder season camping, look for quilts rated between 10°F to 30°F (-12°C to 0°C). Remember, quilts are typically more versatile than sleeping bags, allowing you to adjust their coverage to suit a wider range of temperatures.

Insulation Type: Quilts are filled with either down or synthetic insulation, each with its pros and cons. Down insulation, made from the plumage of ducks or geese, offers superior warmth-to-weight ratio, compressibility, and longevity. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to minimize weight and maximize packability. However, down loses its insulating properties when wet, so if you’re camping in damp or wet conditions, you may want to choose a quilt with hydrophobic down treatment or consider synthetic insulation. Synthetic insulation, made from polyester fibres, retains warmth even when wet and is generally more affordable, but it is bulkier and heavier than down.

Shell Fabric and Durability: The outer fabric of your quilt plays a significant role in its durability and performance. Most quilts are made from lightweight nylon or polyester fabric, often with a Denier rating (D) that indicates thickness. Lower denier fabrics (e.g., 10D to 20D) are lighter and more packable but can be less durable. Higher denier fabrics (e.g., 30D or above) offer greater abrasion resistance, making them more suitable for rugged environments. Look for a quilt with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating to provide some resistance against moisture, light rain, or condensation.

Size and Fit: Quilts come in different lengths and widths to accommodate various body types and sleeping styles. Make sure to choose a quilt that provides enough length and width to cover you comfortably, particularly if you are a restless sleeper. Some quilts also offer customizable sizing, allowing you to select options based on your height, shoulder width, and desired coverage. When buying a quilt, it's essential to try it out or check the manufacturer’s sizing guide to ensure you’ll have sufficient coverage and comfort.

Attachment System: Unlike sleeping bags, quilts don’t wrap entirely around your body. Instead, they are designed to be used with a sleeping pad, and many come with an attachment system to secure the quilt to the pad. This helps prevent drafts and keeps the quilt in place as you sleep. Look for quilts with adjustable straps, clips, or snap systems that can easily be fastened to your sleeping pad. Some quilts also have a foot box that can be cinched or closed with a zipper to provide added warmth around your feet, which is often where heat is most easily lost.

Versatility and Comfort: One of the biggest advantages of quilts is their versatility. You can adjust the coverage to regulate temperature—tucking it in for warmth on cold nights or draping it loosely in milder conditions. Quilts also offer greater freedom of movement than traditional mummy bags, which can feel restrictive, especially if you tend to toss and turn. Look for quilts with customizable features such as foot boxes that open and close, draft collars, or neck baffles for added comfort and adaptability.

Price and Value: Quilts can range significantly in price depending on the brand, materials, and features. While high-quality quilts, particularly those filled with premium down, can be more expensive, they often provide better warmth-to-weight ratios and longer lifespans. If you are new to using quilts, start with a mid-range option that offers a balance of quality and affordability. Consider the conditions in which you’ll be camping and invest in a quilt that meets those needs.

Seasonal Use and Conditions: Think about the environments where you will be using your quilt most often. For summer backpacking, a lightweight, less insulated quilt may be all you need. For winter camping or higher altitudes, a quilt with a lower temperature rating and more robust insulation will provide better protection. In Australia, where conditions can vary from hot, humid rainforests to cool alpine regions, having a quilt that adapts to a range of temperatures will give you greater versatility and comfort.

NEED HELP CHOOSING YOUR NEXT QUILT? CONTACT US TODAY

If you have a particular quilt in mind but would appreciate some additional advice. Simply get in touch with our friendly sales team – they’re always up for a chat. You can contact us by calling our Tumut store on (02) 6947 4062 or by email.