Unlike sleeping bags, which are often bulky and require lots of fabric and insulation to provide adequate warmth, quilts take up less space in a backpack and compress much smaller. As a result, they’re lighter to carry and a great choice for backpackers that prioritize lightweight gear and efficiency over comfort and versatility.
In recent years, REI has been quietly adding backpacking quilts to their lineup – a move that’s sure to catch the eye of lightweight hikers. The REI Co-op Magma Trail Quilt 30 is one of the most versatile quilts we’ve ever tested and can easily go toe to toe with a 30-degree sleeping bag in terms of warmth rating. The quilt doesn’t include the typical hood or draft collar found in some other bags, but it has a draft tube that can be snapped together and cinched around your head to prevent warm air from blowing up your sides or chilling you through the top of the bag.
The Quilt also includes a footbox that doesn’t transform into a blanket, but it’s toasty and cozy when tucked in. We also like that it uses continuous baffles, a pad strap system, and a long cinch cord to keep warm air from escaping at your feet or neck during sleep. However, it does have one minor drawback: the cinch cord at the bottom of the footbox can sometimes lay right on your face when you’re snoozing, which is annoying.