Taking a backpacking trip is the perfect way to clear your stressed mind and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. You’ll need to pack the essentials like food and water. Warmth, on the other hand, is a little more challenging to bring. You won’t have room for a full-sized blanket from home. And that’s where the best backpacking quilts come in handy!
A backpacking quilt is much lighter than a traditional blanket. And you can pack it tightly inside your backpack with room to spare. Keep reading to learn about some of the best backpacking quilts you can bring on your next trip!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Get Out Gear Down Camping Blanket
Budget Option
KingCamp Packable Lightweight Camping Blanket
Best for Cold Weather
Horizon Hound Down Camping Blanket
Best Overall
Get Out Gear Down Camping Blanket
The Get Out Gear blanket is the best backpacking quilt if you want something lightweight, water-resistant, and warm! The blanket itself weighs just one pound, with an extra one ounce if you include the carrying bag. It’s soft and silky with its nylon shell and will keep your teeth from chattering with its down feather fill.
You can expect it to block out all the chilly wind, dirt, raindrops, and even pet hair. Just shake it out and repack it after using it, and your backpack will stay dirt, grass, and hair-free!
This is one of the best backpacking quilts if you’re looking for good coverage. It even has clips to make it into a poncho! So you can go about your hike while staying warm and keeping your arms free.
When you pack the quilt up in its carrying bag, it is just one foot tall and five inches wide. It’ll only take up about a third or less of your backpack. This leaves room for all your other supplies like water bottles, snacks, first aid kits, and more!
Pros
- Ultra lightweight as it weighs one pound
- It has snaps to convert it into a blanket poncho
- Water-resistant
Cons
- It feels a little thin
- You can only wash it in top-load washers
Budget Option
KingCamp Packable Lightweight Camping Blanket
The KingCamp blanket is the best backpacking quilt for those who want packable, hypoallergenic warmth without a hefty price.
This quilt uses insulating nylon and a down alternative called fiber fill, which is a polyester material. It’s great for those who are allergic to real down, which contains real bird feathers. And it offers the same comfort as down feathers with a puffy and soft feel.
You can use this quilt in any kind of weather, as its water-repellent nylon allows raindrops to roll off. This feature also makes it one of the best backpacking quilts if you have kids or pets. Stains can easily get wiped away with a damp cloth, leaving the quilt as good as new.
Enjoy this quilt as a dry place to sit, a blanket for sleeping, or a buttoned poncho on the go. It’ll keep your body insulated on chilly backpacking trips. Or you can use it as a soft, comfy pillow when the quilt is hiding inside!
Pros
- It weighs just under a pound and is water-repellent
- The carrying bag can double as a pillow when the quilt is inside
- It uses a down alternative, which is excellent for people with allergies
Cons
- The buttons are a little flimsy
- It’s not the best quilt for hot sleepers, as there is minimal airflow
Best for Cold Weather
Horizon Hound Down Camping Blanket
There’s nothing worse than being on a fall or winter backpacking trip with a blanket that doesn’t keep you warm. Heat is essential in cold weather, as it can prevent hypothermia which starts when your body temperature falls below 95ºF. Luckily, the Horizon Hound blanket is the best backpacking quilt for insulation, as it’ll keep you comfortable down to 32ºF.
This machine-washable quilt holds in plenty of heat with its puffy layers of down feathers and outer nylon shell. Use it as a primary blanket when sleeping, or button it for a warm poncho to wear throughout the day. The water-resistant finish will keep you dry throughout your travels, which is another vital thing in the cold.
A blanket like this is one of the best backpacking quilts to use as a sleeping bag alternative. It’s light enough to move around comfortably while keeping your body heat contained. But it still allows some airflow if you’re a hot sleeper.
Pros
- Comfortable warmth down to 32ºF
- Machine washable
- Durable, water-resistant, and compresses into a sack that’s smaller than a loaf of bread
Cons
- It’s a little small
- The stitching can become frayed
Best for Versatility
USGI Industries Military Woobie Blanket
Do you like when your backpacking supplies can serve more than one purpose? Well, the USGI Industries blanket is the best backpacking quilt for you, as it can serve a list of purposes! It can be a tent cover, shelter, divider, hammock, rain catcher, carrying pack, sitting area, warm blanket, and more.
The combination of nylon and polyester fill makes this quilt extremely strong and offers quick-drying technology. You’ll be dry and comfy when using this quilt! It also has eight reinforcement straps so you can secure it to the ground or other objects. This quilt might be lightweight, but it won’t fly away on you!
Another reason this is one of the best backpacking quilts is that it can compress down to just 10 inches. Space is something you always need to be aware of when going backpacking, especially if it’s a long trip. Just keep in mind that it’ll only reach this size if you use the compressing storage bag.
Pros
- Large size
- Multipurpose and machine washable
- It can compress down to 10 inches with its compressing carrying sack
Cons
- It feels a little thin
- The outer stitching might loosen over time
Wise Owl Outfitters Nylon Camping Blanket
The Wise Owl camping blanket has plenty to offer with its water-resistant nylon design and adaptability. Wrap yourself in it and connect the buttons for a warm and comforting feeling. It’s also one of the best backpacking quilts to use as a lightweight blanket for sleeping on summer nights.
Tightly-sewn corner loops allow you to secure it wherever you are. Some landscaping staples can do just the trick at securing it! It’s one of the best backpacking quilts for keeping you dry and comfortable on any ground surface.
And there’s no need to worry if you get grass or mud stains on it. Simply throw it in your washing machine and let it air dry to get it back to its original look. It’s easily foldable and stuffable into its carrying bag whenever you’re ready to use it again!
Pros
- It has corner loops to tie it down and buttons to make a poncho
- Water-resistant
- Machine-washable
Cons
- The width is a little small
- It’s on the heavier side at almost two pounds
Backpacking Quilt Buyer’s Guide: Things to Keep in Mind
Before purchasing your backpacking quilt, you should always consider your must-have features. Are you allergic to down feathers? Or do you need a specific size? Consider things like the insulation type, size, and weight to find the best backpacking quilt for yourself.
Insulation Type
There are two types of fillings inside some of the best backpacking quilts that are on the market. Down-filled quilts are the most popular option, as they hold in heat rather well and provide a fluffy feel. This type of insulation uses goose or duck feathers. However, this can be an issue for those who are allergic to animals. So, the other option is typically a polyester or cotton-based fill.
Polyester and cotton are great down alternatives, as they offer similar warmth and puffiness. It’s also much easier to wash a down-alternative quilt. The filler won’t compress after machine-washing, whereas down feathers can.
Size
How tall are you? This matters when picking the best backpacking quilt! You’ll want to get a quilt that’s large enough to cover your entire body. It won’t keep you warm if it doesn’t, as there will be room for drafts. Checking the measurements is a must when searching through your backpacking quilt options.
Another thing to consider with size is how big the blanket will be when it’s in its carrying case. You want to ensure it’s small enough to fit in your backpack with room to spare for other items.
Weight
The quilt’s weight is another vital thing to keep in mind when finding the best backpacking quilt. You don’t want to lug around a heavy blanket along with all your other supplies. It can put a strain on your back and shoulders, making your backpacking trip miserable. The closer your quilt is to one pound, the better.
Washability
Some backpacking quilts cannot go into a washing machine and may need to get hand-washed. Others will do just fine in the washing machine. The washing method typically has to do with the materials that your quilt uses. So, be sure to check out the washing instructions before purchasing to determine the best backpacking quilt for you.
Backpacking Quilt Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best material for a backpacking quilt?
The best materials for a backpacking quilt are nylon and down feathers. Coated nylon provides water-resistant properties, allowing your quilt to stay dry. And down feathers are very lightweight while still offering plenty of warmth. This means your back won’t hurt from carrying around this type of quilt. And you’ll be comfortable in chilly weather.
What’s the difference between a sleeping bag and a backpacking quilt?
Sleeping bags and backpacking quilts often use the same materials. This is because they’re both for keeping you warm and dry while you sleep. However, their primary difference is a simple zipper. Sleeping bags allow full coverage, as they have a zipper that keeps you inside. But quilts can leave you open to the elements.
Are backpacking quilts good for hot sleepers?
A backpacking quilt allows you to keep your legs and arms outside the blanket if needed. This makes it an excellent option for hot sleepers over something like a sleeping bag. It’s also much easier to maneuver when you get hot, as there is no zipper to unzip.
Wrapping Up the Best Backpacking Quilts
Backpacking quilts are an essential item that every backpacker and camper should have. They’ll keep you warm when needed and offer a dry, comfortable place to relax during your travels. So, if you’re in the market for one, the overall best backpacking quilt is the Get Out Gear blanket. It’ll offer you lightweight, soft comfort along with water, dirt, and pet hair resistance!
Are you looking for more ways to increase your comfort while backpacking? Check out The Best Camping Pillows to help reduce neck pain and improve sleep!
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Ashley Masiello
Ashley Masiello is a lover of the outdoors, video editor, artist, general freelance writer, and a writer for Apple Pie Media. She has a bachelor’s degree in film/media and two minors in writing and art.
She loves to go hiking, explore trails with her dogs, and generally spend time outdoors. There’s nothing like some quiet time and fresh air in the woods!
Ashley loves to share interesting hiking and camping finds with other outdoor lovers.
Ashely can be reached at ashleymasiello821@gmail.com
