Sleeping bags differ from sleeping quilts in one significant way.
Top quilt vs sleeping bag.
It can oftentimes attach to your sleeping pad so that you can tuck yourself in when it s colder out.
Quilts are generally between 20 and 30 lighter than their sleeping bag equivalents.
Quilt vs sleeping bag.
They wrap fully around and enclose your body whereas quilts generally cover only your top and sides more on this below.
Quilts are almost always lighter than sleeping bags.
Many ultralight sleeping bags use a zipper to cinch all the way closed while others like the feathered friends tanager drop the zipper for a simple slip on tube.
The main benefit of a quilt is that it weighs less than an equivalent fully enclosed sleeping bag.
In fact the average sleeping bag on our list of top picks is 366 whereas the average quilt is 318.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of a quilt vs sleeping bag is the weight.
The quilt takes care of insulation on the top while the pad takes care of insulation on the bottom.
Essentially the main difference between a sleeping bag and quilt is that a quilt is like the ultralight sibling of the sleeping bag.
A quilt can easily be opened up flat in warmer weather.
But both have their place.
A down quilt simply removes the down under you and the fabric enclosing it saving nearly half a pound vs a sleeping bag.
The quilt has a foot box just like a mummy bag and is thrown over you like a blanket.
This is a huge plus for anyone who prefers to keep their pack lightweight.
It s your sleeping pad that keeps your under body warm.
Backpacking quilts are rapidly gaining popularity among lightweight backpackers and for good reason.
But a well designed quilt can also be more versatile.
Designed to be lightweight highly compressible and incredibly simple quilts are great for the ultralight hikers among us who need the lightest and most compact pieces of gear.
Bikepackers are increasingly choosing quilts over traditional mummy bags largely because they re lighter simpler and less bulky.
Whether you re bike packing thru hiking or simply prefer lightweight trekking eliminating extra weight can almost always be helpful.