Hammock Camping Quilts 101
A comfortable hammock is only part of a good night’s sleep outdoors. You also need insulation beneath you and enough warmth above you for the conditions. This guide explains what hammock quilts do and how to start choosing your setup.
What is an underquilt?
An underquilt hangs beneath your hammock, insulating your back and sides. Its suspension holds it close to the hammock while allowing the insulation to stay lofted.
When you lie on a sleeping bag inside a hammock, your body compresses the insulation underneath you. That reduces its ability to keep you warm from below. An underquilt puts that insulation outside the hammock, where your body weight won’t flatten it.
When you lie on a sleeping bag inside a hammock, your body compresses the insulation underneath you. That reduces its ability to keep you warm from below. An underquilt puts that insulation outside the hammock, where your body weight won’t flatten it.
What is a top quilt?
A top quilt covers you from above. Most camping top quilts have a footbox to keep your feet enclosed, with an open upper section you can tuck around your body. It works much like a sleeping bag laid open over you, with less material underneath and easier entry and exit in a hammock.
Think of the two quilts as partners: the underquilt provides warmth underneath, and the top quilt provides warmth on top.
Think of the two quilts as partners: the underquilt provides warmth underneath, and the top quilt provides warmth on top.
Do I need both?
You need suitable insulation above and below you for the temperatures you expect, but you don’t have to buy both quilts at once.
If you already own a suitable sleeping bag, you can use it for warmth above you while an underquilt handles insulation below. A sleeping pad is another option for bottom insulation, though fit and staying in position can take some adjustment in a hammock.
Even a mild night can feel chilly underneath a hammock. Wind, temperature, and how warm or cold you sleep all affect what you’ll need.
If you already own a suitable sleeping bag, you can use it for warmth above you while an underquilt handles insulation below. A sleeping pad is another option for bottom insulation, though fit and staying in position can take some adjustment in a hammock.
Even a mild night can feel chilly underneath a hammock. Wind, temperature, and how warm or cold you sleep all affect what you’ll need.
Full-length or partial-length underquilt?
A full-length underquilt provides coverage for more of your body. Check its dimensions against your height and sleeping position rather than relying on the name alone.
A partial-length underquilt concentrates insulation around your core and can reduce weight and packed size. You’ll need to plan insulation for any uncovered areas, commonly your lower legs and feet. A small foam pad inside the hammock can provide that additional coverage.
A partial-length underquilt concentrates insulation around your core and can reduce weight and packed size. You’ll need to plan insulation for any uncovered areas, commonly your lower legs and feet. A small foam pad inside the hammock can provide that additional coverage.
How do I choose a temperature rating?
Start with the overnight low temperatures you expect—not the daytime high. Consider the season, elevation, exposure to wind, and whether you tend to sleep cold. Choose insulation with some margin for colder-than-expected conditions. Temperature ratings are a starting point, not a guarantee: quilt fit, clothing, shelter, and individual comfort all influence how warm you feel.
Read each product’s description for its available ratings and intended use. If you’re unsure, ask us before ordering.
Read each product’s description for its available ratings and intended use. If you’re unsure, ask us before ordering.
Will any underquilt fit my hammock?
Compatibility matters. Hammock shape, length, suspension, and your sleeping position can affect how an underquilt fits. Gathered-end and bridge hammocks may need different quilt designs.
Use our Quilt Fit Guide to narrow down your options. If your hammock isn’t listed, send us its make and model so we can help.
Use our Quilt Fit Guide to narrow down your options. If your hammock isn’t listed, send us its make and model so we can help.
How should an underquilt fit?
An underquilt should sit snugly against the underside of your occupied hammock without being pulled so tight that it compresses the insulation.
Check the fit while someone is lying in the hammock. Look for gaps along the sides and ends, and make small adjustments according to your quilt’s instructions.
If you feel a cold spot, check the fit before assuming you need a warmer quilt.
Check the fit while someone is lying in the hammock. Look for gaps along the sides and ends, and make small adjustments according to your quilt’s instructions.
If you feel a cold spot, check the fit before assuming you need a warmer quilt.
A Simple Way to Choose your setup
- Identify your hammock’s make and model.
- Check compatibility in our Quilt Fit Guide.
- Decide whether you want full-length or partial-length coverage.
- Choose a temperature option suited to your expected overnight conditions.
- Plan your top insulation and any additional coverage needed for your feet.
Need help choosing?
Tell us your hammock make and model, your height, the nighttime temperatures you expect, and your trip date. Let us know if you tend to sleep cold or already own insulation you’d like to keep using.
