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Sleeping Bag vs Quilt: Which Should You Bring Camping?

Both pack ample warmth and comfort for outdoor adventures. So which one wins out?

a woman in a tent Zenbivy

By Hayley Helms

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What do you really need to go camping? For years, sleeping bags probably topped your short list, but an emerging category of quilts that prioritize comfort and versatility are challenging their place in many campers’ kits. Are these breezy newcomers really superior to the tried-and-true sleeping bag? Here’s everything you need to know.

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The Case for Quilts

Down quilts are all the rage among ultralight backpackers, but their benefits go far beyond saving ounces on the trail, making them an excellent option for myriad campers. Unlike your typical sleeping bag, quilts are less restrictive, easier to carry and a breeze to pack down. Don’t go thinking they’re just insulated, over-engineered blankets, either. Many come with tethering and attachment options for active sleepers who toss and turn in the night.

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Sleeping Quilt

Whether you want to go the custom route or keep things stock, the Revelation has you covered. Stock options are available for immediate purchase online and come with pad connectors, an adjustable cinch cord footbox, a quarter-length zipper at the bottom of the bag and a variety of fabrics to choose from. Go custom, and your ideal bag — with all the bells and whistles — will ship in three to five weeks.

Therm-a-Rest Vesper 20

One of the most packable quilts on the market, the Vesper 20 packs down to the size of a burrito. (Okay, a large burrito.) It features RDS-certified, 900-fill-power-down, includes pad connectors and is ultralight at 1 pound, 3 ounces. The cut is a little narrow, but it’s comfy regardless.

REI Magma Trail Quilt 30

If you’re simply feeling a little bit curious about the camp quilt lifestyle, REI has a model that’s certainly worth trying out. The Magma features water-resistant 850-fill-power goose down, a corner snap and an insulated, adjustable top draft tube, all meant to keep the drafty cold out and the delightful warmth in.

Editor’s Note: The REI Magma Trail Quilt is no longer offered on REI’s site, but you can still find it on resale sites like ebay.

Stick with the Bag

Just because camp quilts are up-and-coming doesn’t mean sleeping bags are fading into obscurity. Modern iterations are better than ever, and today’s best options boast responsible manufacturing, superior design and remarkable comfort — plus, fill that can defy almost any chill. If you’re the type of snoozer who wakes up in the same position you fell asleep in, a sleeping bag is going to be just as comfortable as a down quilt.

Nemo Riff 30

NEMO’s Riff 30 has fine-tuned engineering that offers a bit more comfort than your classic mummy bag. The Spoon design is a great option for side sleepers, or really anyone who likes a bit more room around their knees and elbows. The gills featured on the top of the bag add an extra option for temperature control and breathability — they allow just enough air through to make an impact.

Big Agnes Torchlight UL 30

Whether you stuff or roll this sleeping bag up, it remains ultra-packable. Weighing in under 2 pounds, the lightweight bag is great for backpacking, but its convenience won’t go unnoticed during more casual camping. While I’ve found other similar, lightweight sleeping bag materials can trap enough heat to wake you up sweating in the middle of the night, this bag stayed breathable.

REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag

The synthetic fill in this rectangular bag will keep you warm — down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit — in climates wet or dry. At just over 4 pounds, this certainly isn’t a lightweight option. But that extra weight is thanks to the roomy fit of the bag, so if you’re car camping, you’ll be comfortable. Dual zippers allow the top to be completely zipped down, folding like a sheet.

Split the Difference

Can’t decide between a quilt or sleeping bag, but don’t want to buy both? Brands like Zenbivy are paving the way when it comes to sleeping bags that prioritize comfort as much as they do warmth.

Zenbivy Bed 25

Ah, the best of both worlds. If you’re waffling between bag and quilt, don’t worry: the Zenbivy is here to take away decision paralysis. Available in three sizes (regular, large and extra large), the sleep system comes with a sheet below and a quilt above. A closed toebox mimics the warmth of a traditional mummy, without the constriction. This kit includes the fitted sheet, convertible top quilt and large mesh storage bag. It does not include a mattress, pillow or dry sack.

a stack of gear patrol magazines on a tableBrad Trone

A version of this story first appeared in Gear Patrol Magazine. Learn More.

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