Most camping sleeping gears are made up of a tent, a sleeping pad, and a type of camp bedding like a sleeping bag, just so you can sleep comfortably.
But a sleeping bag is not your only choice for camp bedding, you can also go for a camp quilt.
If you’re new to camping, you can check out our guide on camping trips as a beginner before choosing between quilts vs sleeping bags.
Both of them provide comfort and will keep you cozy and warm all through the night.
But they also have their advantages and disadvantages, so making a choice between quilts vs sleeping bags might be quite tricky.
But don’t worry, this guide contains the pros, cons, and some expert tips that will help you choose which is best for your camping trip.
Overview: Quilts vs Sleeping Bags
It’s possible you might have been confusing a quilt for a sleeping bag, cos they do look alike.
So, before you start choosing which you would prefer between a sleeping bag vs a quilt, it’s best for you to know where their similarities end and their differences start.
An important sleeping gear for every camper is a sleeping bag. It’s a fully enclosed bag that comes with a long zipper and a removable hood.
Most sleeping bags are either mummy or rectangular shaped and tight fitting, so they provide the most warmth even in cold weather.
Sleeping bags come in different models, and the latest model in 2025 is the ultralight sleeping bag.
Unlike the traditional model, these lightweight models come with thinner shell materials, shorter zippers, and smaller dimensions.
No matter the type, sleeping bags are cozy and easy to set up and use.
Now imagine a sleeping bag without the bottom layer of fabric- that’s a quilt.
The idea behind a quilt design is to provide insulation only on the front and sides of your body. This means it provides extra warmth like a cozy camping blanket.
So if you’re going backpacking in warm weather, you can lift one side of the quilt to receive fresh air and sleep properly.
Since it’s made with fewer materials, quilts are generally smaller and lighter than sleeping pads, which is good news for minimalist campers.
In fact, some models come with features like zippers, toe boxes, and rear closures that allow the quilt to be secured on a sleeping pad.
And just like sleeping bags, quilts come in versions for both camping and backpacking.
Suggested Reads- Air Mattress vs Sleeping Pad: Which One’s Better for Camping?
Comparison: Sleeping Bag vs Quilt
Warmth & Insulation
Normally, between a backpacking quilt vs sleeping bag in terms of warmth, a sleeping bag should be the choice cos it is a tightly cinched bag that comes with a hood.
Sleeping pads are given a higher R-value than a quilt. So if you’re a 3-season backpacker, you can get a sleeping bag with an R-value of 3-5, and if you’re going for winter camping, you can go for something higher.
Yes, sleeping bags are a good choice for when the weather is extremely cold and you want to be trapped in body heat.
But how often do you plan to sleep in such cold temperatures? You should know that quilts are very comfortable, especially when backpacking during the summer.
And although some quilts come with a pad attachment system, a sleeping bag is much warmer.
Temperature Regulation
Between sleeping bags vs quilts, a quilt can’t beat the temperature protection of a sleeping bag. However, both of them still have their strengths and weaknesses.
If you’re going camping in cold weather, you’ll love the fact that you can zip your bag past your neck, cinch your collar close, and snug your hood.
While on a warm night, you can turn your sleeping bag into a pseudo-quilt. But this is not true for all sleeping bags.
So, where sleeping bags are good temperature regulators on cold nights, quilts are better temperature regulators on warm nights.
And on these nights, you can simply drape your quilt on your body, and when it gets colder, you can cinch it close to your body just like a sleeping bag.
Hood
The matter of choice between a camping quilt vs a sleeping bag can’t even be debated. Cos almost sleeping bags come with a hood that you can pull over your head on a very cold night.
This helps retain heat on unplanned cold nights.
But if you are with a quilt on this cold night, you’ll have to have packed a hat, an aftermarket down hood, or a down hooded jacket just to keep your head warmer.
And if you didn’t pack any of these, you may have to sleep on the side so you can pull your quilt up over your head.
Weight & Packability
You already know if you’re to choose between a quilt vs a sleeping bag as a minimalist camper, you’ll be going for a quilt.
Cos it has less material, no hood, no zipper, less bulk, and less weight. Of course, there are still lightweight options for both sleeping bags and quilts, but quilts are way better.
Backpacking quilts have the best warmth-to-weight ratio more than any sleeping gear for campers.
This is cos quilts cut out the extra materials and place the downfill exactly where you need it, which is on top of your body.
Comfort & Versatility
Being comfortable enough to sleep is not just about being warm; it’s about how fitting, versatile, and flexible your sleeping gear is.
If you prefer to move around and don’t like to be constricted, then a quilt might be more comfortable.
But if comfort to you is being wrapped like a cocoon, then a sleeping bag is a better choice.
On very warm nights, your quilts can be fully opened and used like a blanket, while on cold nights, they can be cinched up tight like a sleeping bag.
And for more versatility, you can get quilts that come with optional foot box zipper and pad attachment systems.
Sleeping bags are less versatile, but they can also be used as a type of blanket on warm nights and fully zipped on cold nights.
Ease of Use
If it’s for how easy it is to set up and use, between quilt vs sleeping bag, sleeping bags have a better advantage.
Cos there is practically no setup required. You just roll out your sleeping bag, lay it on your sleeping pad, and lie down. Finish.
But as for a quilt, it will take more time to set up. And if it comes with pad attachment systems, it’s gonna require more time to secure it with the rear closures.
But with these attachments, you can also customize the comfort, temperature, and draft protection to your personal preference.
Price & Value in 2025
You can find several products of quilts and sleeping bags from different types of manufacturers, selling at different qualities and prices.
But since they’re made with fewer materials, quilts vs sleeping bags, quilts are slightly cheaper.
The average price of a quilt is about $410, while the average price of a sleeping bag is $440.
However, if you want quilts with more added features, you won’t find them in your local outdoor shop, so you’ll have to order them, which takes more time.
But most sleeping bags are made by mainstream brands, so they’re easier to find and buy. Just remember that it’s better to buy good-quality camping gear that will last for a long time.
Tips To Choose Between a Quilt and vs Sleeping Bag
To choose between a camping quilt and vs sleeping bag, depending on the type of camping and your personal preference.
But if you want to make the right choice, here are some things to consider:
With a sleeping quilt, you can go camping anywhere, but you’ll be more comfortable sleeping in a sleeping bag if the weather is extremely cold or humid. But if the weather is warmer and drier, then you’ll truly appreciate using a quilt.
Choosing which to bring between a quilt and vs sleeping bag also depends on the R-value of your sleeping pad. If your sleeping pad has a high R-value, then a full sleeping bag won’t be needed; a quilt will do just fine.
But if your pad has an itchy feeling and you don’t feel comfortable sleeping directly on it, then you’ll need a sleeping bag.
It’s funny, but the way you sleep should also be considered when choosing between a sleeping bag and vs quilt. With a quilt, you can sleep by the side or move around easily.
But if you love sleeping on your back or stomach, a sleeping bag will be a better choice.
This tip is mainly for backpackers and ultralight campers. Since quilts are way lighter, portable, and compact, they are a better choice.
But if you don’t mind the extra weight, particularly if you’re camping in a cold environment, then carry on with a sleeping bag.
Conclusion
Choosing between sleeping bags vs quilts for your next camping trip depends on your sleeping habits, the weather, and your camping style.
If you want to travel light and fast without any extra bulk, a quilt will do just fine, but if you know you’ll need the extra warmth a sleeping bag will provide, then that’s what you should go for.
Regardless of which you choose, always check features like the temperature rating, insulation type, and sleeping pad compatibility before you buy it. This will ensure you have a comfortable and safe camping experience.
