[Outdoorsman Toolkit]

Hey fellow bikepacking enthusiasts! With the days getting shorter and the nights getting chillier, I’ve been diving deep into the world of ultra-light (UL) quilts for bike camping. Let’s face it: there’s nothing quite like the feeling of being cocooned in a cozy quilt after a long day on the trails—especially when you’ve packed it all on your trusty steed! So, I thought I’d share my thoughts on a few of my favorite UL quilts that have kept me warm and snug without weighing me down like an overstuffed pizza.

Today, I’ll be sharing three mini reviews of my top picks, followed by a handy little buyer’s guide to help you find the perfect quilt for your bikepacking adventures. Because let’s be real, nobody wants to be that person shivering in their tent while dreaming of warm, snuggly happiness. Buckle up; it’s going to be a cozy ride!

• 🛌 Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 °F
• 🌙 Therm‑a‑Rest Vesper 32 °F
• 🔥 Hammock Gear Economy Phoenix 30 °F

[Outdoorsman Toolkit]

Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 °F

When it comes to choosing gear for bikepacking and those chilly nights on the trail, I have a few essentials that never leave my side. One of them is my trusted sleeping companion, the Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 °F quilt. Yes, we’re on first-name terms by now.

I know what you’re thinking: a quilt for camping? Sounds like something my grandma would knit, right? Wrong! This thing is more like a five-star burrito wrap for humans. Sure, it doesn’t come with extra guac, but it does keep me toasty on those freezing nights when I’m out in the wild pretending I’m Bear Grylls (you know, minus the camera crew and survival team hiding behind the bushes).

Why do I love it? Let me list the ways:

• Weight (or lack thereof): At just about a pound, it’s the perfect addition to my bikepacking gear. I’ve tried heavier bags before, and let me tell you, those extra ounces feel like pounds when you’re grinding up a hill, swearing you’ve seen that same rock 5 times already.
• Packability: When packed, it takes up less space than a large burrito (I warned you about my food analogies). This means more room for snacks, and let’s be honest, that’s the real priority.
• Temperature Regulation: I’ve used it from early spring to late fall, and the versatility is impressive. It’s like my very own portable climate control. You can open it up on warmer nights or cinch it down when the temps drop. Just be careful, my first night with it—let’s just say, I spent 10 minutes trying to figure out the drawstring while my fingers were slowly freezing. Pro tip: practice at home when your fingers aren’t icicles!
• Customization: You can choose your colors! Mine is a questionable mix of neon green and orange, which I call “Don’t Shoot, I’m Just Sleeping”. Great for those rare “I need to find my gear at 3 AM after realizing I forgot to hang my food bag” moments.

So, if you’re in the market for a quilt that makes you feel like you’re snoozing in your very own cocoon of warmth, give the Revelation a whirl. Your future camping self will thank you. Plus, it makes a great conversation starter when everyone else whips out their standard sleeping bags. Just don’t start talking about it mid-trail; odds are, you’re going to run out of breath real quick and then nobody’s going to believe your story about the mountain lion you may (or may not) have seen.

[Outdoorsman Toolkit]

Therm‑a‑Rest Vesper 32 °F

So there I was, knee-deep in planning my next epic bikepacking adventure. You know, one of those trips where you’re not really sure if you’re more excited for the ride or for the campfire stories afterward. Anyway, in my quest to find the perfect ultralight sleeping solution, I stumbled upon the Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32 °F quilt. Spoiler alert: it’s like being warmly hugged by a cloud.

First off, let’s talk about packability. If Mary Poppins ever decided to go bikepacking, this quilt would definitely make it into her carpet bag. It compresses down to a size that’s shockingly small, leaving me with plenty of room in my pack for, you know, snacks and other crucial biking essentials (like more snacks). For its weight, this quilt keeps me toasty on those chilly mountain nights like a bear in a balmy cave.

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: “What about those ever-present feral squirrels and their insatiable taste for all things human comfort?” Worry not, fellow trail warriors. The Vesper’s fabric manages to withstand the surprise attacks from nature’s smallest mercenaries, giving me one less thing to worry about when I’m out perfecting my rendition of a sleeping burrito.

One of my favorite features is the footbox. Why does it feel like everything in life should have one of these? Curling up in this quilt is like slipping into a warm, soft pocket of happiness. It’s perfect for ensuring that no unexpected drafty gusts sneak in when you’re trying to dream about conquering that one notorious trail.

A little tip for my fellow bikers: invest in a decent sleeping pad to pair with this quilt. Not only does it enhance the overall coziness, but it also keeps your backside from feeling like it’s sleeping on a partially inflated tire tube. Trust me, your back will thank you in the morning.

If you’re still on the fence, check out some more detailed reviews on Therm-a-Rest’s official site. Overall, the Vesper has officially booted my old sleeping bag out of the gear rotation and earned a permanent spot in my adventure arsenal. It’s small, warm, durable, and doesn’t mind the occasional squirrel stare-down. Plus, after a long day on the trails, who doesn’t want to be enveloped in a cozy cocoon of warmth?

[Outdoorsman Toolkit]

Hammock Gear Economy Phoenix 30 °F

Alright, fellow biking enthusiasts, gather ’round the virtual campfire because I’ve got a tale to tell about my recent adventure with the Hammock Gear Economy Phoenix 30°F! Imagine, if you will, a cozy burrito but for humans – that’s exactly what this underquilt is, and boy, did it make my bikepacking trip one for the books.

First things first, let’s talk setup. After a long day of trail biking and trying (unsuccessfully) to pretend those energy gels taste like anything but regret, I finally got to test this little piece of cloud nine. Installation was a breeze. With just a few clips and adjustments, it snugged underneath my hammock like my cat attempting to claim my lap on a winter’s night.

Here’s a humble brag: I survived a chilly night in the great outdoors without transforming into a human popsicle, thanks to the Economy Phoenix. It boasts a 30°F rating, but to me, it felt like lounging in the tropics. Alright, that might be a slight exaggeration, but you get the vibe. I even woke up once because I thought someone had turned on central heating – spoiler alert, that someone was me, thanks to this underquilt.

• Pros:
  • Lightweight: Perfect for those of us who overpack and justify it as “being prepared.”
  • Compact: It squishes down to the size of a burrito (I promise it doesn’t taste like one, though).
  • Cost-effective: Your wallet will thank you, and frankly, it deserves a break after purchasing yet another bike accessory.
• Cons:
  • Maybe not the best option if you’re venturing into the Arctic, but who does that willingly?
  • The temptation to stay in bed forever is real.

Pro tip: Pair this with a decent sleeping bag, and you’re golden.

In conclusion, I’d say the Hammock Gear Economy Phoenix 30°F is the long-lost pack buddy you never knew you needed. Whether you’re a bikepacking newbie or an old-timer with enough trail tales to start a podcast, this gear will help elevate your outdoor sleeping game. So, throw it in your pack and hit the trail – just be prepared for a night of dreams about hammocks and quilts gallivanting through fields of daffodils. Or was that just my experience?

[Outdoorsman Toolkit]

Best Bikepacking UL Quilts Buyer’s Guide

Hey fellow bikepackers!

One of the most critical pieces of gear you’ll want to consider for your adventures is the quilt you’re going to wrap yourself in after a long day on the trail. Let me take you on a little journey, sharing my experience and the essentials of choosing the best ultralight (UL) quilt for your bikepacking escapades.

Why Quilts Over Sleeping Bags?
Let’s start with why you might choose a quilt over a traditional sleeping bag. The short answer? Weight and versatility. Quilts are generally lighter than sleeping bags because they eliminate excess material—less is truly more when you’re counting every ounce for your long trek. Plus, they pack down smaller, which leaves more room in your pack for those gourmet camping meals or, let’s be honest, extra snacks.

Key Features to Consider:

• Temperature Rating: Always overshoot this one. If you’re like me and get cold just thinking about a brisk evening, opt for a quilt that offers a lower temperature rating than what you expect to encounter. After all, no one likes waking up at 3 a.m., shivering like a mountain squirrel.
• Weight: Our mantra is “lighter is better,” but remember you still need some warmth. Striking a balance here is crucial—cutting too much weight may leave you regretting your level of comfort. Not an easy trade-off, but worth considering.
• Fabric and Fill: I’d advise going for a down quilt if the budget allows. It’s lightweight and packs down nice and neat. Synthetic fills can be good, especially if you’re expecting wet conditions, but they often don’t compress as well.
• Footbox and Straps: Consider how easy the quilt attaches to your sleeping pad and whether it can cinch down around your feet. Cold toes are a bummer, my friend. Your feet deserve to feel like they’re swaddled in a cozy, fluffy heaven.

My Top Picks:

These are quilts I’ve either personally tested or have been whispered about by other adventurers around campfires. Check them out!

• Enlightened Equipment Revelation – A classic favorite among the UL crowd. It’s customizable, lightweight, and as versatile as they come.
• Therm-a-Rest Vesper – Think of this as the sports car of quilts: sleek, efficient, and downright warm!
• Feathered Friends Flicker – If you’re willing to splurge for serious coziness, this one’s like wrapping up in a cloud.

Pro Tips:

“Strap management is key, folks. Nobody wants to be ensnared in a tangle of quilt tapes at 2 a.m. Practice makes perfect.” – Me, after a notable struggle during my first quilt endeavor.

“Always pre-test in your backyard or living room if you can—better to learn its quirks within reach of a warm shower.” – Probably every seasoned bikepacker ever.

One last thing: always remember a good quilt is an investment. It may not win you races, but it’ll win you comfort, and that’s a victory you can celebrate every chilly morning out on the trail. Happy trails, and may your visions of endless switchbacks be dreamy and warm.

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