If you are a first-time hammock camper, don’t make the rookie mistake of using a traditional sleeping bag instead of a top quilt.
The problem with using a regular sleeping bag is that while you’re lying down, the pressure between you and the hammock compresses your sleeping bag insulation until it no longer insulates.
This will cause the dreaded “cold-butt” syndrome, and you’ll end up tossing and turning all night.
Normal sleeping bags are also notoriously difficult to get into when one is sleeping in a hammock.
Along with that, fighting with a full-length zipper that keeps slipping underneath the weight of your body is uncomfortable, frustrating, and rage-inducing.
I don’t want to experience any of those emotions at night.
That’s why I’ve created this list of the best hammock top quilts.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned hammocker looking to up your game, this list has a top quilt for you.
In a Hurry? Here's My Top 3 Picks
Best Hammock Top Quilts
Paria Thermo Down Sleeping Quilt
The Paria Thermo Down is a premium choice for a hammock. If you want to feel like you’ve fallen asleep on a cloud, you’ve found the right quilt.
It weighs 38 ounces and contains 700-fill power white duck down. The interior lining is nice and soft, being made from 320T polyester pongee, while the outer layer is made from 20D ripstop nylon.
This down quilt can close up tighter on extra cold nights. Turn it into a mummy sleeping bag by cinching up the foot box and snuggling into the draft collar to keep warm.
Despite stretching 78” wide and 56” long, this top quilt compacts down into a 10”x7” bundle. It comes with a durable compression stuff sack to ensure that it gets as small as possible.
If you’re using this quilt for regular camping, you can use the single strap to secure it to a sleeping pad.
Read also: Best Sleeping Pads for Hammocks
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to 15° with a base layer of clothing
- Easily packable in a backpack
- Dries quickly
- Large size
- Great for side and belly sleepers
Cons:
- Can be challenging to get situated in at first
Kammok Firebelly
The Kammok Firebelly is my top choice because it is a versatile 4-in-1 trail quilt that can be used as a top quilt, hammock underquilt, comforter, or sleeping bag.
It is water-repellent, 30°F rated, and made with Downtek, which is a down that dries 60% faster than untreated down if your quilt does happen to get wet.
The Firebelly also features Insotect Flow insulation, which is a honeycomb structure, ensuring there will be no cold spots.
On top of all that, it’s made from 15D nylon ripstop, which means this quilt is durable and long-lasting.
The quilt has many different uses. If you would like to use it as a traditional sleeping bag, you can easily attach the Firebelly to a sleeping pad with the included sleeping pad straps.
It weighs 33 ounces and is larger than an average top quilt, spreading 88” wide.
However, even at its extra-large size, it still compacts down to 7” x 12” in its stuff sack.
Pros:
- Versatile
- High quality
- Extra-wide
- Packs down small enough for backpackers
Cons:
- This is a big quilt, so if you’re petite, you might have trouble getting warm in below-freezing weather
OneTigris Featherlight
A full hammock sleeping setup can be pricey. If you want to keep the price down while getting the best bang for your buck, the OneTigris Featherlight sleeping quilt is for you.
This hammock quilt has a temperature rating down to 41°F, is filled with synthetic polyester, and is 79”x33”.
While the size is a bit narrow, the OneTigris has a unique hollowed back design that you can use with sleep mats to reduce that claustrophobic sleeping bag feeling.
This design also helps balance the down distribution and heat retention.
Pros:
- Great value for high quality
- Synthetic filling performs better in wet conditions
Cons:
- Narrowness might limit your space
Paria Outdoor Thermodown 30°
Don’t worry—you don’t have deja vu. Given its remarkable similarity to my Best Overall pick, the Paria Outdoor Thermodown 30° also had to be on my top 13 list.
This Thermodown might be a better choice for you if you don’t need as much insulation as the Thermodown 15°.
Because this quilt has a higher temperature rating, it will be lighter in insulation, packing weight, and packing size.
Still measuring 78” x 56”, it packs down to 9” x 6.5” and weighs 35 ounces. Those measurements make this quilt friendlier for the 3-season backpacker.
Pros:
- All the benefits of my Best Overall Choice
- An excellent option for backpackers
Cons:
- Not suitable for side sleepers
ENO Ignitor Ultralight Top Quilt
ENO makes this list multiple times for a good reason—its hammock top quilts are great options.
The ENO Ignitor Ultralight Top Quilt is rated at 30°F and is insulated with 750-fill power down with Downtek technology.
The quilt is also DWR (durable water repellent) treated with a 20D ripstop nylon shell. The DWR makes for a cozy night’s sleep.
Like other ENO Top Quilts, it comes with a convertible foot box and a zipper-free closure.
This 78” x 48” quilt packs down to 7” x 12” and weighs only 23 ounces, making it an excellent option for backpackers.
Pros:
- Great option for backpackers
- Convertible foot box
- Warm, cozy, and great quality
Cons:
- You might receive a different color than what you ordered
Hyke & Byke Crestone
The Hyke & Byke Crestone top quilt makes the list as the best 4-season winter hammock quilt.
With a temperature rating of 0-30°F, horizontal baffles, and WR 650 fill power duck down insulation, this top quilt is bound to keep you warm on the coldest nights.
Hyke & Byke designed this top quilt with backpackers in mind and made sure to establish a great weight-to-warmth ratio.
So, while this quilt is a bit on the heavy side, at 61 ounces, this is necessary to keep you safe in freezing temperatures.
This quilt also might end up saving you some space because it can function as a winter underquilt and top quilt all-in-one by completely surrounding your hammock.
A bonus is its use of waterproof fabrics, such as the 400T 20D ripstop nylon outer shell.
Pros:
- An underquilt and overquilt all-in-one
- Comes in multiple sizes for different heights
- Packs down fairly small for its size
Cons:
- Material can tear quickly
- Exterior of bag becomes fairly sticky from condensation
ENO Vesta
The ENO Vesta is a great choice for a hammock top quilt and if you have a smaller hammock.
This top quilt is 72” x 48”, which is great if you have a 9-foot hammock or if you are petite. Because of its small size, the ENO Vesta weighs just 28 ounces.
This top quilt is appropriate for early spring to late summer camping because it should be used only above 45°F.
ENO advertises that this top quilt is temperature-rated to 35°F, but most reviewers say this is too generous of a rating.
Due to its water-repellent ripstop nylon shell and its synthetic fill, the ENO Vesta will do great if you’re in an area of bad weather.
This top quilt is also easy to adjust or re-position without having to get completely out of your hammock.
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Zippered foot box
- High quality for a reasonable price
Cons:
- Not suitable for cold climates
Therm-a-Rest Corus Down Backpacking Quilt
The Therm-a-Rest Corus Down Backpacking Quilt makes the list because of its extreme comfort and softness.
This hammock quilt is made from Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, which is extra durable and lofty and has a temperature rating of 20°F.
The outside of the shell is made from 20D polyester with a durable water repellent finish. The lining is 20D polyester taffeta, which is extremely soft.
This quilt measures 79” x 49.5” and has the unique feature of special mesh walls that maximize the loft to minimize cold spots. (This is called box baffled construction.)
Along with that, the quilt has a comfy foot box, side baffles, and a snap neck closure to keep everything nice and toasty in cold weather.
The Therm-a-Rest quilt weighs only 26 ounces and packs down fairly small.
Pros:
- Great for side sleepers
- It fits easily over sleeping mats
- It dries three times faster than regular down
Cons:
- The down seems to move slightly during the night and might need adjusting
SnugPak Insulated Hammock Quilt
Rated for 45°F and weighing 38 ounces, the SnugPak Insulated Hammock Quilt is a great option for summer campers on a budget.
The SnugPak also offers some unique features, such as synthetic Travelsoft insulation, which helps keep in body heat, even if the quilt is wet.
The outer shell of the hammock is made from Micro Diamond and Paratex polyester. The outer shell has also been treated to be antibacterial, antimicrobial, and water repellent.
A bonus of these materials is that the quilt is easily machine washable.
The quilt features insulated flaps that you tuck into the sides once you are laying down and comfy.
These flaps help block drafts and cold spots. You can also slide your legs into the foot pocket, which reaches to the knee.
Think of this as an adult hammock swaddle; sounds comfy to me!
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Wraps around the body extra tight
- Water, wind, and bacteria repellent
Cons:
- Suitable for back sleepers only
Sierra Designs Nitro Top Quilt
The Sierra Designs Nitro Top Quilt is a fantastic option due to its overall performance in insulation, fill power, comfort, and durability.
Packed with 800 fill power DriDown and having a 21°F temperature rating, the Nitro Top Quilt can be used all year round if paired with a thermal underquilt.
The durability of this quilt stems from the fact that its outer shell is made from 15D ripstop nylon.
Even with this durability, the quilt weighs 25 ounces while being surprisingly roomy and oversized.
A neat feature is the hand/arm pockets, which help seal out drafts and add comfort while sleeping.
Pros:
- Lightweight but oversized
- Hand/arm pockets
- Hideaway hood
Cons:
- No sleeping pad straps
Featherstone Moondance
The Featherstone Moondance is a great choice for those seeking an amazing lightweight option.
Weighing in at only 23 ounces, with a temperature rating of 26°F, this quilt is surprisingly lightweight.
The quilt is filled with traditional duck down and has a fill power of 850, which makes it very fluffy.
The outer shell is made from 10D nylon, which helps bring down the weight.
With all of these great qualities, do consider that duck down performs the worst in wet conditions.
However, Featherstone uses Downtek, a water repellent, and ethical down.
Pros:
- Lofty padding, making it great for side sleepers
- Made from high-quality and ethical materials
- Lightweight for backpackers
Cons:
- The outer shell is thin and might rip easily
- Not suitable for sleeping on the ground or in a tent
Go Outfitters Adventure Top Quilt
The Go Outfitters Adventure Top Quilt is another oversized hammock quilt, at 84” x 53”.
A heavier weight accompanies this large size; this quilt will take up 47 ounces of your gear weight, which puts it out of range for backpackers.
However, the Go Outfitters quilt is filled with synthetic down and has a temperature rating of 20°F.
You can really snuggle into this large quilt with its adjustable foot box, controlled by shock cords and cord locks.
Also, you can use the side lease buckles to create a hood surrounding your pillow and head for extra warmth and comfort.
Pros:
- Oversized and snuggly
- Adjustable foot box
- Water and wind-resistant
Cons:
- Too heavy for backpackers and hikers
ENO Spark TopQuilt
The ENO Spark TopQuilt is perfect for summer-only campers. The temperature rating goes only to 50°F, which makes it a one-season quilt.
The ENO Spark is quite large, spreading 80” wide and 50” long, but it’s still a lightweight option, at 27 ounces.
It’s made from ripstop nylon and has synthetic polyester down filling.
The foot box is held together with hooks and loops along with a drawstring and Velcro.
Pros:
- Great for summer camping
- Polyester down and nylon outer shell repel water
Cons:
- Sometimes the Velcro comes undone on the foot box, letting in cold air
What Are the Benefits of Using a Top Quilt vs. a Sleeping Bag?
You might ask, “Why would I purchase or use a top quilt when I already have a sleeping bag?”
And while you might be tempted to try using a sleeping bag, read these benefits of a top quit first.
Designed for Hammocks
Top quilts are designed specifically for the shape of your body in a hammock.
This includes extra padding where you need it, like your feet (because you can’t tuck them in).
You will also have less padding on the back of the top quilt because your underquilt will warm your underside.
When you use a sleeping bag, the pressure from your body and hammock compresses your sleeping bag, which causes it to lose its insulative properties.
No amount of body heat will warm you up in a sleeping bag on cold nights.
Easier to Get In and Out
Top quilts have larger openings than sleeping bags do, which make them infinitely easier to get in and out of.
Hammock quilts are typically made without zippers, too.
If you’ve ever tried to deal with zippers in a hammock, you know the struggle, especially if the zipper ends up under you.
Quilts remove this literal pain in the tuchus, with Velcro, flaps, or other ways of closing the quilt around you.
Smaller Packed Size
Because the back of the quilt has less padding, you save a ton of space.
This will be extremely important for many campers because backpacking and hammocking go hand-in-hand.
Conserving all possible space is crucial when backpacking.
Potentially More Affordable
Especially for a 4-season option, a quilt can be cheaper than a sleeping bag.
If you’ve ever shopped for a sleeping bag that is suitable for backpacking, you know that some of them can reach the $1000 range.
Meanwhile, a high-quality 4-season quilt will cost you closer to the $400 range.
Hammock Top Quilts Buying Guide
Reading all of these reviews and specs might be making your head spin.
Remember, the purpose of a top quilt is to use it alongside an underquilt, creating a full burrito of warmth.
You want a top quilt that best fits your needs and enhances your hammocking experience.
Temperature Rating
Most top quilts have a season rating and a temperature rating. These ratings are designed to let you know how cold the temperature can get before you start to physically suffer.
For example, a top quilt rated at 30°F means that you can survive in that quilt if the temperature drops to 30, but you won’t be comfortable.
For a general rule of thumb, add 15°F to any temperature rating and think, ‘That’s the lowest this can actually go.’
That way, you’ll never find yourself testing the limits of your gear in a dangerous situation.
For season ratings, you will see either 3-season or 4-season.
Basically, a 3-season quilt should be good from early spring to late fall or be able to keep you warm to 20°F.
A 4-season quilt should be able to protect you year-round and will be rated closer to 0°F.
Insulation Materials
For insulation, you have two options: down or synthetic.
Some campers swear by either goose down or duck down, while others will use only synthetic.
Here’s the difference:
Down
Down is made from the plumage found underneath the exterior feathers on waterfowl, such as ducks and geese. That’s why down feathers are so soft and fluffy.
Down insulation is light, easy to compress, long-lasting, and breathable, which makes it ideal for ultralight backpacking.
Down is also extremely durable. If properly taken care of, down quilts can last for decades.
One complaint about down quilts and products is that they do not do well in wet conditions.
Down takes a very long time to dry and does not have many water-repellent qualities.
The other negative aspect of down is that it is often more expensive than synthetic materials.
Synthetic Insulation
Synthetic insulation, typically made of polyester, fixes some of the problems of down by being quick-drying and insulating even when wet.
There is short-staple insulation, which feels much like down filling, and there is continuous-filament insulation, which is stiffer but will compress less and have fewer cold spots.
Along with being more water-resistant than down, synthetic is hypoallergenic and less expensive.
However, synthetic insulation is heavier and bulkier, making it less of a favorite among backpackers.
It also tends to not hold up as well as down and shows less durability the longer it’s used.
Fill Power
Fill power determines the insulation’s ability to trap heat, along with its loftiness and fluffiness.
A higher fill power requires less insulation to fill the space.
So, less down or insulation equals a lighter product.
Down will achieve ratings as high as 750 or 800.
Footboxes
Most quilts offer a footbox to provide extra comfort and heat for your feet.
Footboxes come in two different styles.
Three-season quilts and versatile quilts will offer a footbox that can be buttoned, zipped, or cinched to offer comfort on colder nights.
Four-season quilts will often offer sewn-in footboxes for maximum warmth for your toes in cold weather.
Dimensions
Hammock quilts come in many lengths and sizes.
When choosing a quilt, make sure it’s compatible with your hammock size.
There are three things to be extra careful of:
- Full Length: This is pretty much the standard size that will fit most adults and will cover head to toe.
- Extra-Wide: The quilt comes with extra space on the top to slide into. You might want or need this extra space, but remember that the wider your quilt is, the more space your body heat needs to warm up.
- Extra-Long: You might need this option if you are a taller camper or someone who wants extra coverage. Keep in mind that extra length will also mean a bulkier packing size.
Final Thoughts
I don’t know about you, but all of these quilts make me feel like snuggling up in my hammock with a warm cup of coffee and enjoying a crisp fall day.
Choosing a hammock top quilt can be challenging, but thankfully many options can fit your needs.
If you like the idea of having an extremely versatile top quilt, check out my top choice, the Kammok Firebelly.
Or, if you are more focused on getting the most out of your money, consider the OneTigris Featherlight hammock top quilt. You’ll get amazing quality for a great value.
If getting an excellent hammock top quilt overall is your main priority, the Paria Thermodown 15° Down Sleeping Quilt will fit your needs well.
No matter which hammock top quilts you choose, you are bound to have an incredible night’s sleep on your next camping trip.
More to read:
Kendall Casey
Kendall is a freelance outdoor adventure writer passionate about educating those who wish to explore the outdoors. When Kendall isn’t writing, she is exploring the woods of the US Northeast on foot or kayak.
