Well, I guess I’m a quilt guy now, thanks to the REI Co-op Magma 30 Down Trail Quilt.

Let me back up for a second. Over the past few years, quilt has become a buzzword in the backpacking world.

But what exactly is a backpacking quilt?

It’s pretty similar to a traditional mummy-style sleeping bag, with one major difference: The top half of a quilt wraps around your sleeping pad instead of underneath you.

This design gives you more room to move around, so it feels less constrictive and more like a real bed.

This design tweak was enough to get me curious about trying out a quilt, so I got my hands on this one from REI Co-op ($329).

After trying it out on various camping trips — many of which were related to my job as a river guide for Big Muddy Adventures — I have some (mostly positive) thoughts.

First off, it comes in four sizes (most sleeping bags and quilts offer two — regular and long).

This means you can fine-tune the fit for your body and sleeping pad without carrying unnecessary bulk or weight.

The REI trail quilt: better than a sleeping bag? (REI Co-op)

I’m just over 6’2” and use a wide sleeping pad, so I went with the “long wide” option.

It’s super roomy but still packs down to about the size of a loaf of bread.

Another cool feature is the drawcord at the bottom of the footbox. You can open it up for airflow and mobility or cinch it tight to trap in warmth.

As a river guide, most of my season happens during warmer months, so being able to vent from the bottom has been a huge plus.

I also really like the material. I hate that crinkly, plasticky feeling you get from some sleeping bags — it’s like being wrapped in a tent rainfly.

The Magma uses an ultralight, super-soft ripstop nylon that feels great. And, of course, down is always more cozy. I can be hard on gear, but even though the quilt is lightweight and soft, I haven’t had any durability issues.

Overall, I’ve loved this thing. That said, I don’t think it’ll replace my down mummy bag in every situation. Because of the way quilts wrap around your pad, they can let in cold drafts.

This quilt is rated to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but I started to feel chilly closer to 40 degrees. So for truly cold nights, I’ll still pack my trusty old mummy bag.

But for the majority of my trips, the Magma is coming with me.

Author: Mark Malkowicz is the manager of outfitting and a river guide at Big Muddy Adventures.

Top image: Courtesy of REI Co-op.