Comforter vs. quilt vs. sleeping bag for hiking: Which is better? Through this head-to-head comparison post, we’ll help you. Let’s read on to explore!
Top Rated Best Budget Hiking Sleeping Bag
Top Rated Best Budget Hiking Quilted Sleeping Bag
Top Rated Best Budget Hiking Comforter Sleeping Bag
Comforter vs. Quilt vs. Sleeping Bag for Hiking: Comparison Table
| Comforter | Quilt | Sleeping Bag | |
| Pros |
|
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
|
Comforter vs. Quilt vs. Sleeping Bag for Hiking: Main Difference
Comforter
Comforters are large patches of fabric filled with soft fibers, such as silk, cotton, wool, or polyester. They tend to be less fluffy and flatter than the duvet, their European counterpart.
Duvets are typically filled with down, while comforters can be produced with many different fillings.
Some comforters may be filled with down or down alternatives, but they have less fill. They are also quilted to maintain the filling firmly in place.
These beddings offer several benefits. They are budget-friendly, come in many colors and patterns, and are easy to care for.
A comforter usually consists of three layers or more, making it heavier than a blanket which typically has a single layer of fabric. It is warmer than blankets but is a tough choice to carry when backpacking or hiking.
Quilt
Camping quilts are sleeping bags without unnecessary parts, making them as compact and lightweight as possible. Their minimalist design is ideal for hikers who prefer to reduce the bulk and weight of their sleep system.
Quilts cut bulk and weight by unnecessary underside fabric and insulation from the underside of the bags.
Rather than wrapping around hikers’ bodies, quilts are left open underneath so that they lie on their sleeping pads and drape the quilt.
Although designed with minimalism in mind, quilts do not sacrifice warmth as down. Quilts only provide insulation on the sides and top of your body, and the sleeping insulates you from the ground.
Most quilts also do not have the full-length zipper and hood to minimize weight. Rather than coming with a hood, many quilts have a neck collar or drawstring to reduce heat from escaping around your neck. Also, you will need to sleep in a hat to keep your head warm.
In most cases, the foot box or bottom 1/3 of the quilts will surround your feet and lower legs to preserve heat.
Their foot boxes are either buttoned, sewn, or zipped. Meanwhile, their bottom typically seals up with a drawstring.
Most quilts are manufactured for hiking, trekking, and camping and feature some attachment system to hold these quilts in place on the sleeping pad and prevent drafts.
These are typically simple straps with buckles and clips that attach to the sides of these quilts and wrap around the underneath of the pad.
Sleeping Bag
Traditional hiking sleeping bags feature a mummy shape, which means they are wide around your shoulders and taper down around your feet. They are enclosed systems, holding warm air in and preventing drafts.
They have a hood to cover your head. A zipper running down the side will open up so that you can get in and exit the bag. Several modern ultralight bags shorten the zipper and eliminate the hood to save weight.
The main difference between sleeping bags and the rest of the options is that they wrap completely around your body instead. That way, you will be completely surrounded by insulation. They also cover your head.
Pros And Cons
Comforter
Pros
- Often come in matching bed sets.
- No assembly is required.
- Ready to use right out of the bag.
- Available in many style options and patterns.
- The filling is built-in and evenly distributed.
- It is unnecessary to wash them as often as blankets.
- One of the warmest selections available as a top cover.
Cons
- Not light and might be bulky.
- It can be too hot.
- Comforters usually flatten over time.
- Some models are not machine washable.
- Some requests to be dry-cleaned, especially down-filled.
- They might not be warm enough during the winter months.
Quilt
Pros
- Light and compact.
- Affordable price, even cheap.
- More freedom of movement.
- Better temperature modulation.
- Better moisture control.
- Quilts can be custom-made to order.
- More compact/less bulky, containing less material.
- Feature a better warmth-to-weight ratio.
Cons
- Colder.
- Quilts do not have hoods, meaning you must sleep in a hat.
- There is a learning curve.
- Attaching a quilt to a sleeping pad is a hassle.
- Getting your quilt can take time, usually four to eight weeks, as most quilts are made to order.
Sleeping Bag
Pros
- Sleeping bags are warmer, eliminating drafts as they are enclosed.
- They have a hood, keeping your head warm.
- Easier to use, meaning there is no learning curve.
- Ready to use right out of the bag.
- Sleeping bags are usually cheaper as they are mass-produced.
Cons
- Poor moisture control.
- Less customizable.
- Useful in a narrower range of weather conditions.
- Sleeping bags are heavier as they usually have more material to wrap around you.
- Sleeping bags are larger as they have more material, taking up more space in packs.
- They are more expensive as they have more materials.
- Sleeping bags tend to be less comfortable since they are a bit more constricting and tighter.
FAQs
Are Quilts Good for Backpacking?
Yes. They are smaller and lighter, making them appeal to space-saving and gram-counting backpackers/hikers. But you must remember that they do not have hoods, meaning you must sleep in a hat.
Can You Use a Quilt Instead of a Sleeping Bag?
Quilts are more versatile, lighter, take up less space, and typically cost less than sleeping bags. However, sleeping bags are necessary for extremely cold places as they are fully enclosed systems, holding warm air in and preventing drafts.
Why Are Quilts Lighter Than Sleeping Bags?
The reason is that they utilize less insulation and materials than sleeping bags.
Why Are Quilts More Expensive Than Sleeping Bags?
Most quilts are made to order while sleeping bags are usually mass-produced.
Are Backpacking Quilts Worth It?
For backpackers, thru-hikers, or anyone looking to travel fast and light, an ultralight quilt is a no-brainer purchase.
Is Comforter the Same as a Blanket?
The answer is no. A comforter usually consists of three layers or more, making it heavier than a blanket which commonly has a single layer of fabric. It is warmer than blankets but is a tough choice to carry when hiking or backpacking.
When Should You Use a Comforter?
Comforters usually consist of three layers or more, making them heavier than blankets. So they will be useful if you go hiking in cold weather.
Is Comforter Good for Winter?
The short answer is yes. However, we would recommend the sleeping bag to those who go hiking in winter as they are fully enclosed systems, holding warm air in and preventing drafts.
Are Quilts Good for Side Sleepers?
Quilts provide greater freedom of movement, especially useful if you are a side sleeper
