Double down on warmth and packability with this versatile custom-made quilt from Kiwi Ultralight.

Quilts are a common sleep system for long-distance hikers, particularly in the US, and are gradually becoming more popular here. Among other benefits, they’re a great way to reduce base weight. 

By placing all the insulation atop the sleeper and eliminating a long zip and hood, a typical quilt weighs roughly 20–30 per cent less than a sleeping bag of equivalent warmth. But the positives don’t stop here.

Quilts are more packable and are better suited to a wider range of temperatures – a versatility that would benefit any tramper walking from New Zealand’s sub-tropical north to the chillier south. They also allow you to curl up or change position without restriction.

We’ve been testing the Ultralight Down Quilt from Kiwi Ultralight. This Nelson-based business was founded by Debra and Cody Howell, who have applied their 15,000km of thru-hiking experience to refine their made-to-measure quilt, notable for its adaptable foot box.

Quilts are generally best for three-season camping in conjunction with an R3–4 mat. With the right fill-weight and a higher R-value mat, they can also be used in winter, but are draughty in a strong wind and lack head cover for severe cold. I used the 0°C Ultralight for a mid-autumn Fiordland trip with temperatures ranging from quite mild to a few digits below freezing. I didn’t miss having a hood, and appreciated being able to switch from full ‘duvet mode’ to utilising the sleeping mat fastenings and zip-up foot box for full insulation.

Trail specs

Kiwi Ultralight Down Quilt

Price $610

Temperature rating 0°C (comfort)

Weight 605g

Fill 850+ fill-power hydrophobic DownTek goose down

Fill weight 413g

Fabric 10D nylon outer shell

Variants Also available in 5°C and -5°C and double sized, all made to measure. 

Key features we like

Down where it counts

Down that’s compressed underneath you, as it is in a sleeping bag, is wasted insulation because it can’t trap air. Quilts optimise that down by putting it on top where it can loft freely, and rely on the base insulation of a suitably warm sleeping mat instead. For three-season use, an R3–4 mat is recommended, but a higher R-value mat will extend the comfort range.

Wriggle proof

In hot weather you simply drape the open quilt duvet-style over your sleeping bag liner and mat. If conditions are cool or draughty, elastic straps can be connected that hold it in place on your mat. Straps are also available to wrap around a hut mattress.

Fully adjustable foot box

Quilt designs vary from having a basic enclosure for the feet to a non-opening foot box that extends to the knee. This model has a versatile foot box design. You can taper it with a single snap closure and drawcords, or zip the foot box closed for leg-wrapping cosiness. It has a snap and drawcord to cinch the bag around the neck, too.

Custom sizes, boxed baffles

Kiwi Ultralight quilts are custom-made based on your height and desired temperature rating so you get maximum value from the 850+ fill-power hydrophobic down. Boxed baffles (rather than sewn-through) provide a 3D profile to avoid cold spots and are 20 per cent overstuffed for longevity.  

Three temperature ratings 

The Ultralight is available in three temperature ratings (5⁰C, 0⁰C, -5⁰C). Note that these are comfort ratings (for an average woman), not limit ratings, which are    usually used as the claimed warmth rating for a sleeping bag. The limit rating for the Ultralight is approximately 6⁰C cooler.   

Wilderness verdict

Quilts have convincing packability and comfort benefits. With its adaptable footbox, this custom-made design lets you stretch out in summer or lock in the warmth when temperatures drop.