Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Ultralight backpacking gear is becoming increasingly popular. One of the items people look to replace is their sleeping bag for a quilt. The question is, should you? I'm using the Thermarest Vespa quilt to compare against the Thermarest Hyperion sleeping bag. These are two top-end pieces of camping gear.
My summary is as follows:
Go with a backpacking quilt if:
You backpack in 3-season conditions.
You want to minimise weight and bulk.
You are an experienced or ultralight backpacker.
You sleep warm or have a good insulated sleeping pad.
You are a side sleeper or front sleeper.
Go with a sleeping bag if:
You’re camping in cold or freezing conditions.
You’re new to backpacking and want simplicity.
You value full-body warmth and ease over weight savings.
You are a back sleeper.
If you are into your hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK
Thanks, Andy.
#ultralightgear #ultralightbackpacking #backpackinggear
Ultralight backpacking gear is becoming increasingly popular. One of the items people look to replace is their sleeping bag for a quilt. The question is, should you? I'm using the Thermarest Vespa quilt to compare against the Thermarest Hyperion sleeping bag. These are two top-end pieces of camping gear.
My summary is as follows:
Go with a backpacking quilt if:
You backpack in 3-season conditions.
You want to minimise weight and bulk.
You are an experienced or ultralight backpacker.
You sleep warm or have a good insulated sleeping pad.
You are a side sleeper or front sleeper.
Go with a sleeping bag if:
You’re camping in cold or freezing conditions.
You’re new to backpacking and want simplicity.
You value full-body warmth and ease over weight savings.
You are a back sleeper.
If you are into your hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK
Thanks, Andy.
#ultralightgear #ultralightbackpacking #backpackinggear
