Sleeping Bags and Quilts: What’s the difference?
A sleeping bag is synonymous with camping, but there is a growing trend of people opting to use quilts in place of their tried and true sleeping bags. So, what is the difference between a sleeping bag and a quilt and how do you choose one over the other?
The main difference between a sleeping bag and quilt is that a quilt has an open back, reducing material and weight, while a sleeping bag envelops your body completely and usually has a full-length zipper.
As for price, a quilt will generally be a little bit cheaper than a sleeping bag made of the same materials, such as a down quilt compared to a down sleeping bag. This is because a quilt uses less material than a sleeping bag since there is no back, which also means less fill is required.
Choosing between a sleeping bag and a quilt can be a difficult choice, but I’m going to highlight the benefits of each, and hopefully you will be able to make a decision that is best for you.
How are sleeping bags and quilts similar?
Sleeping bags and quilts are designed for the same purpose: to keep their users warm, typically when sleeping outdoors. They are filled with an insulating material that is referred to as “fill”, which usually consists of synthetic materials or down.
A sleeping bag or quilt that has synthetic fill is usually cheaper than down filled bags and quilts, but they are heavier than their counterparts and don’t compress down as much. However, synthetic fill is more water resistant and can hold its insulating properties better when wet than down.
Down-filled sleeping bags and quilts are usually more expensive. This is because demand for down is higher than synthetic materials because the warmth to weight ratio is superior. Most long distance hikers choose down fill because of this.
All sleeping bags and quilts have temperature ratings that are used to determine at what temperatures their products will keep you warm at. Some people sleep colder than others, so these ratings should be treated as a general guideline only and not definite.
Temperature ratings are tested in a lab the way a sleeping bag or quilt is intended to be used. This means having a base layer of clothing and using a sleeping pad to insulate you from the ground.
Why choose a sleeping bag over a quilt?
One of the biggest advantages of using a sleeping bag over a quilt is the variety. You can find sleeping bags in various shapes, with or without hoods, and some bags can even be zipped together to sleep more people.
Speaking of hoods: Having a sleeping bag with a hood scores major points when it comes to keeping you warmer because it does not allow as much heat to escape from your head. When using a quilt, you’ll need a toboggin or another article of clothing to keep your head warm.
Another advantage a sleeping bag has is that you are less likely to experience a draft since the bag surrounds your body, while a quilt has an open back that can potentially allow cool air inside. You are also unlikely to roll out of a sleeping bag after it is zipped up because the bag is zipped around your body, unlike a quilt.
Why choose a quilt over a sleeping bag?
The most notable advantage a quilt has over a sleeping bag is lower weight. This is simply because quilts have an open back, meaning less material which leads to less weight. But why do quilts have an open back?
In order to keep you warm, whatever fill your sleeping bag uses needs loft. Loft allows more warm air within your bag’s inner and outer shells and this air helps to insulate you. But when you lay on the back of your sleeping bag, all that fill is compressed, thus it loses its insulation value making the back of your sleeping bag almost useless when it comes to keeping you warm.
So, someone somewhere at some point came up with the idea to eliminate the back of a sleeping bag and call it a quilt. This weight reduction has led to a surge of long-distance backpackers choosing to go with a quilt over a sleeping bag.
But what other advantages does a quilt have versus a sleeping bag?
Well, less material means quilts can generally be compressed more than a sleeping bag. This leaves more space in your backpack for other important necessities you’ll need (or want) out on the trail. Combine less weight with less volume and you have a winning recipe as far as backpackers are concerned.
Quilts are also friendlier to active sleepers, or those of us that tend to move around in our sleep. A mummy sleeping bag can be restrictive and wants to move as you do, but a quilt can stay in place as you roll over from side to side during the night keeping you asleep rather than you waking up and having to readjust your bag. This is also aided by some quilts having straps that fasten underneath your sleeping pad, which also helps to eliminate drafts.
Things to consider before purchasing your sleeping bag or quilt
When choosing to make your next purchase on a sleeping bag or a quilt, there are a few things you should consider to help you make the best choice.
First, are you just camping or are you backpacking? If you are just camping, then the weight savings of a quilt may not be worth it to you. In fact, you may be just fine with a bulky and heavier synthetic sleeping bag. But if you plan to hike miles before setting up camp and are looking for ways to make your backpack lighter, then a down quilt will save you the most weight.
You should also take into consideration the space a sleeping bag gives you versus a quilt. Some people like being cocooned in their sleeping bag while others prefer the maneuverability of a quilt. But keep in mind that a sleeping bag that is more restrictive probably holds in heat better. If you are a cold sleeper, a down mummy sleeping bag with a hood may be your best option, or you can go for a down quilt with an even lower temperature rating than you suspect you need if you are nervous about a quilt keeping you warm.
If you want a built-in hood to keep your head warm, then a sleeping bag is your winner. However, with a quilt you can always use a toboggin, balaclava, or something else designed to keep your head warm.
Regardless of whether you are using a sleeping bag or quilt, a sleeping pad should be used, but quilts are designed specifically to be used in conjunction with them. So, if for any reason you are absent a sleeping pad and don’t plan to purchase one (even though basic ones can be less than $10), then a sleeping bag might be the way to go since they are not open in the back. But for the sake of your comfort, purchase a sleeping pad! To maximize your comfort, get an inflatable one.
If you are having a hard time deciding on what will work best for you, REI has an excellent rental program you can take advantage of. Some local outfitters may also have rental options available so drop in to your nearest store for more information.
Where to buy sleeping bags or quilts
You can always check out the big box stores like Wal-Mart or Academy Sports, but their selection is usually limited to sleeping bags more ideal for camping purposes. I personally have never seen a quilt or any down sleeping gear in either of these stores.
REI or your local outdoor outfitter store is probably your best bet for an in-store shopping experience, but Amazon has a few worthwhile deals to check out as well at hard to beat prices.
And then you have your online companies for sleeping bags and quilts, most notably enlightenedequipment.com and zpacks.com, but there are some other excellent options such as ugqoutdoor.com and hammockgear.com.
Looking for a new ultralight sleeping bag or quilt? Check out my Top 10 UL Sleeping Bag and Quilt Recommendations.
Sleeping bags vs. Quilts: Who wins?
This question depends on, as I said earlier, whether you are just looking to camp or if you are backpacking/hiking.
If you are just camping, then a synthetic sleeping bag will likely suit you well. Weight won’t be a driving factor and the cost of a synthetic sleeping bag can be much cheaper than anything of an equivalent temperature rating filled with down. If I was only a camper, this would likely be what I choose.
But if you are like me and love overnight hiking trips or backpacking, then spare your body the aches of carrying the extra weight and go with the lightest configuration possible. Quilts offer excellent warmth to weight ratio, plus if you sleep from side-to-side during the night, the spaciousness of a quilt will allow you to turn without issue.
Conclusion
Everything listed above, to me, are the most notable differences between sleeping bags and quilts and it will likely be an ongoing debate of which is better. But there doesn’t have to be a cut and dry answer to the question beyond the cliché of “using what works best for your needs.” After all, isn’t that always the case considering we are all individuals with different tastes? So, as long as you assess your needs, the question will ultimately answer itself and you’ll find yourself with a brand spanking new sleeping bag or quilt you’re sure to be happy with.
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