Best Hammock Top Quilts
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On this page
- Best hammock top quilts compared
- The best top quilts for hammock camping
- How we chose the best hammock top quilts
- What makes a good hammock top quilt?
- Pairing your top quilt with an underquilt
- Choosing a temperature rating for hammock camping
- Hammock top quilts for backpacking: weight and packability
- How to use a top quilt in a hammock
- Best hammock top quilt by hammock style
- Top quilt vs sleeping bag in a hammock
- Down or synthetic for a hammock top quilt?
- Common hammock top quilt mistakes
- Which hammock top quilt should you buy?
- FAQ
Quick answer: The best hammock top quilt for most people is the Hammock Gear Burrow 20°F, designed with hammock campers in mind and easy to pair with Hammock Gear underquilts. For a fully custom build choose the UGQ Bandit; for a hammock-native system the Warbonnet Diamondback; and on a budget the Hammock Gear Economy Burrow or ENO Spark.
A hammock top quilt solves the awkward problem of getting into a sleeping bag while suspended between two trees. The best top quilt for hammock camping drapes over you, tucks along the hammock walls, and keeps your feet sealed in a footbox — while an underquilt handles the cold below. This list focuses on quilts that work especially well in a hammock, including the best hammock top quilts for backpacking where weight and pack size matter.
If you sleep mostly on the ground, see our general best top quilts roundup instead. New to hammocks? Read the hammock top quilt guide and hammock insulation guide first.
Best hammock top quilts compared
| Quilt | Best for | Insulation | Approx. weight (20°F) | Footbox | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammock Gear Burrow | Best overall | 850 FP down (950 in Premium) | ~20–22 oz | Sewn or zip/snap | $$$ |
| UGQ Bandit | Best custom | 800–950 FP down or Apex | ~20–23 oz | Sewn, zip or drawcord | $$$ |
| Warbonnet Diamondback | Warbonnet hammock owners | Down | ~21–24 oz | Check current design | $$$ |
| Enlightened Equipment Revelation | Hammock + ground | 850/950 FP down or APEX | ~20–22 oz | Zip + drawcord | $$$ |
| Hammock Gear Premium Burrow | Lightest hammock quilt | 950 FP goose down | ~18–20 oz | Sewn or zip/snap | $$$$ |
| Hammock Gear Economy Burrow | Best value | 800 FP duck down | ~25–28 oz | Sewn or zip/snap | $$ |
| Kammok Firebelly | Retail down option | Down | ~1.5 lb (30°F class) | Snap/drawcord footbox | $$$ |
| ENO Spark | Budget / warm weather | Synthetic | ~1.5–2 lb (warm-weather rating) | Drawcord footbox | $ |
Specs vary with length, width and options, and cottage makers update their lineups and prices regularly. Always check current details with the maker.
The best top quilts for hammock camping
Best overall hammock top quilt
Hammock Gear Burrow 20°F
- Fill
- 850 FP duck down
- Weight
- ~20–22 oz (regular, standard width)
- Price tier
- $$$
- Best for
- Most hammock campers, from weekenders to thru-hikers
Hammock Gear started as a hammock insulation company, and it shows. The Burrow comes with a choice of sewn or zip-and-snap footbox, a neck snap and drawcord, and widths that suit the hammock (narrower, lighter) or the ground (wider). Pair it with a matching Hammock Gear underquilt and you have a balanced system from one maker. See our Burrow review.
Pros
- Designed with hammocks in mind
- Many temperature, width and footbox options
- Ready-to-ship stock often available
Cons
- Popular sizes can sell out
- Custom orders take longer
Best custom
UGQ Bandit
- Fill
- 800, 850 or 950 FP down, or Climashield Apex
- Weight
- ~20–23 oz (20°F, options dependent)
- Price tier
- $$$
- Best for
- Experienced hangers who know exactly what they want
UGQ Outdoor builds each Bandit to order with an extensive option list: baffle direction, overfill, footbox style, draft collar, and dozens of fabric colors. It's a favorite among hammock campers who want their top quilt and underquilt to match precisely. The trade-off is time — build queues of several weeks are normal. Read the UGQ Bandit review.
Pros
- Unmatched customization
- Down or synthetic
- Coordinates with UGQ underquilts
Cons
- Long lead times
- Many decisions for beginners
Best for Warbonnet hammocks
Warbonnet Diamondback
- Fill
- Down
- Weight
- ~21–24 oz (20°F class)
- Price tier
- $$$
- Best for
- Owners of the Warbonnet Blackbird or Ridgerunner
Warbonnet's top quilt is built by a company that designs hammocks first, and it's shaped to sit naturally in an asymmetric hammock lay. It's a logical companion to Warbonnet's Wooly Bully, Wooki and Yeti underquilts. Owners report a comfortable cut and solid construction; it's less customizable than UGQ or Hammock Gear. See our Diamondback review.
Pros
- Designed by a hammock-first company
- Pairs with Warbonnet underquilts
- Quality construction
Cons
- Fewer custom options
- Availability varies by season
Best for hammock and ground
Enlightened Equipment Revelation
- Fill
- 850 or 950 FP treated down, or Climashield APEX
- Weight
- ~20–22 oz (20°F, regular)
- Price tier
- $$$
- Best for
- Hikers who switch between a hammock and a tent
The Revelation's zip-and-drawcord footbox opens into a flat blanket, which is ideal in a hammock on warm nights and for getting in and out. Because it's also popular with ground sleepers, it's the safest pick if you haven't committed to hanging full-time. The Revelation review covers sizing and options.
Pros
- Opens fully flat
- Great on the ground too
- Synthetic APEX version available
Cons
- Footbox drawcord can leak a little air
- No matching underquilt from EE's core line
Best ultralight hammock quilt
Hammock Gear Premium Burrow
- Fill
- 950 FP goose down
- Weight
- ~18–20 oz (20°F, regular)
- Price tier
- $$$$
- Best for
- Hammock backpackers counting every ounce
The Premium Burrow uses the Burrow's proven pattern with 950 fill power goose down and lighter fabrics, shaving ounces and pack volume. For an ultralight hammock setup, it's one of the best top quilts for hammock camping backpacking trips where carrying a full insulation system matters. The cost premium over the standard Burrow is significant for a modest weight saving.
Pros
- Very light and compressible
- Same hammock-friendly options as the Burrow
Cons
- Expensive for the ounces saved
- Thinner fabric needs more care
Best value
Hammock Gear Economy Burrow
- Fill
- 800 FP duck down
- Weight
- ~25–28 oz (20°F, regular)
- Price tier
- $$
- Best for
- New hammock campers who want real down without the premium
The Economy Burrow keeps the Burrow's design and swaps in sturdier, heavier fabrics and slightly lower fill power, landing at a much friendlier price. For car camping, weekend hangs and first thru-hikes it's an easy recommendation, and it pairs with Hammock Gear's economy underquilts. Read the Economy Burrow review.
Pros
- Excellent price for cottage-made down
- Durable fabrics
- Matching budget underquilts
Cons
- Heavier than premium quilts
- Larger packed size
Best retail down option
Kammok Firebelly
- Fill
- Down
- Weight
- ~1.5 lb (30°F class, approximate)
- Price tier
- $$$
- Best for
- Kammok hammock owners and buyers who prefer retail availability
Kammok's Firebelly trail quilt is designed to work in a hammock or on the ground, with a footbox that can be closed or opened and attachment points for hammock or pad use. It's a polished, widely available option that ships immediately, though it costs more per ounce of warmth than cottage alternatives. See the Firebelly review.
Pros
- Easy to buy and return
- Versatile hammock or ground design
Cons
- Less warmth per dollar than cottage quilts
- Few size options
Best budget
ENO Spark Top Quilt
- Fill
- Synthetic insulation
- Weight
- ~1.5–2 lb (approximate)
- Price tier
- $
- Best for
- Summer hammock camping and beginners
The ENO Spark is an inexpensive synthetic top quilt designed for ENO hammocks, with a drawcord footbox. It's best treated as a warm-weather quilt: synthetic fill is bulkier and heavier than down, and the rating is suited to mild nights. As a low-cost entry into hammock camping, though, it's hard to beat. See our ENO Spark review.
Pros
- Low price
- Synthetic fill tolerates damp
- Easy to find in stores
Cons
- Warm-weather use only
- Bulky for backpacking
How we chose the best hammock top quilts
We didn't lab-test these quilts. Our picks are research-based: we compared published specs, studied hammock-relevant design features (footbox style, width options, neck closures, pairing with underquilts), and weighed widely reported feedback from hammock-camping communities and long-distance hikers. We gave extra weight to makers with a long hammock-insulation track record. Details are on our research methodology page.
What makes a good hammock top quilt?
Almost any quilt works in a hammock, but a few features make the best hammock top quilt noticeably better than a generic one.
Footbox that's easy to get into
Entering a hammock with a closed footbox takes practice. Many hangers prefer a zip, snap or drawcord footbox so they can sit in the hammock, swing their legs in and close it once settled. A sewn footbox is warmer and lighter, so if you're comfortable with the technique it's a fine choice. Our footbox guide compares the options.
Width tuned for hammock use
The hammock walls act like the sides of a bag, so drafts are much less of a problem than on a pad. Many hammock campers can save weight with a standard or even narrow width. Side sleepers and people who roll a lot should still go wide. See quilt width and length sizing.
Neck closure
A snap and drawcord at the neck turns the quilt into a sealed tube around your shoulders, which keeps warm air from escaping as you shift. Some makers offer a draft collar for colder use — see the draft collar guide.
No need for pad straps
Pad straps matter on the ground, not in a hammock. In a hammock you simply tuck the quilt edges between your body and the hammock fabric. If you also sleep on the ground, look for a quilt with attachment loops so you can add straps later.
Pairing your top quilt with an underquilt
A hammock top quilt only handles half the job. Without bottom insulation, your body weight compresses whatever is under you and wind strips heat away — the infamous cold butt syndrome. An underquilt hangs beneath the hammock and stays fully lofted.
- Match ratings, or go warmer underneath. Many experienced hangers run an underquilt about 10°F warmer than their top quilt, because cold from below is harder to fix with clothing.
- Consider full length vs 3/4. A 3/4 underquilt saves weight but needs a sit pad or extra insulation under your feet. See full vs 3/4 underquilt.
- Use the same maker if you can. Hammock Gear, UGQ and Warbonnet all sell coordinated systems, which simplifies sizing.
Compare models in our best underquilts roundup and learn the setup in how to hang an underquilt.
Don't rely on a sleeping pad alone in a gathered-end hammock in cold weather. Pads shift and leave your shoulders exposed. They can work in a pinch — see using a sleeping pad in a hammock — but an underquilt is far more comfortable.
Choosing a temperature rating for hammock camping
Hammocks are colder than tents for the same air temperature because air moves around you on all sides. Pick a top quilt rated 10°F below the lowest temperature you expect, and add a top cover or tarp doors in wind. Quick rules of thumb:
- 40°F quilt — summer hangs in mild climates.
- 30°F quilt — late spring to early fall in most of the US.
- 20°F quilt — the most versatile three-season choice and the best hammock top quilt for backpacking most US trails.
- 0–10°F quilt — winter hammock camping; see our winter top quilts list.
Our hammock temperature guide covers wind, humidity and tarp choice in more detail.
Top quilt ratings are rarely ISO/EN tested. Ratings from cottage makers usually assume good bottom insulation and a sleeper wearing base layers and a hat. Read how top quilt ratings work before you compare brands.
Hammock top quilts for backpacking: weight and packability
On a backpacking trip, your insulation system (top quilt plus underquilt) is often the heaviest part of a hammock kit. Down quilts in the 850–950 FP range keep a 20°F top quilt around 20 ounces, while synthetic or budget down can push it closer to 30 ounces. That gap matters more when you're also carrying an underquilt, suspension and tarp.
If weight is your priority, choose down, a standard width and a sewn footbox. If you camp in very wet conditions, a synthetic top quilt is a reasonable trade — compare options in our synthetic top quilt list. For a complete lightweight kit, see the hammock gear checklist and our backpacking hammocks roundup.
How to use a top quilt in a hammock
Lie diagonally in a gathered-end hammock to flatten your lay, slide your feet into the footbox, then pull the quilt up and tuck the edges between your shoulders and the hammock fabric. Close the neck snap and cinch the drawcord. On cold nights, wear a hat or a down hood, since quilts have no hood. Our step-by-step guide on how to use a top quilt in a hammock covers getting in, staying sealed and avoiding drafts.
Best hammock top quilt by hammock style
The type of hammock you hang affects which top quilt features matter most.
| Hammock type | What to prioritize | Good matches |
|---|---|---|
| Gathered-end (most common) | Length for a diagonal lay; opening footbox for easy entry | Hammock Gear Burrow, EE Revelation |
| Asymmetric / flat-lay (e.g. Warbonnet Blackbird, Ridgerunner) | A cut that suits a flatter lay; matched underquilt | Warbonnet Diamondback, UGQ Bandit |
| Bridge hammock | Width, since you lie flatter and roll more | Wide Burrow or Bandit |
| Hammock with integrated bug net | Compressibility, since you'll pack inside the net | Premium Burrow, 950 FP builds |
If you're still choosing a hammock, read gathered-end vs bridge hammocks first, and if you're brand new to hanging, our hammock camping for beginners guide covers the full setup before you buy insulation.
Top quilt vs sleeping bag in a hammock
You can sleep in a hammock with a mummy bag, and plenty of people start that way. But a hammock top quilt beats a bag in three ways. First, getting into a zipped bag while the hammock sways is awkward, and the zipper often ends up under you. Second, the insulation on the back of a bag is crushed by your weight and does nothing, so you carry dead weight. Third, a quilt lets you vent by lifting an edge instead of fighting a zipper at 2 a.m.
Some hangers unzip an old sleeping bag and use it as a makeshift top quilt — a perfectly good way to try the system before buying. Once you're sure you like hammock camping, a dedicated quilt saves several ounces and noticeable pack space. Our top quilt vs sleeping bag comparison covers the details.
Down or synthetic for a hammock top quilt?
Down is the default choice for most hammock top quilts because it's lighter and packs smaller. A down top quilt hammock setup at 20°F typically weighs around 20 ounces, while a synthetic equivalent may run 28–35 ounces. Down also lasts longer before losing loft.
Synthetic insulation still has a place. Hammocks in humid forests — think the Southeast in summer — can expose a quilt to condensation and blowing mist under the tarp. Synthetic fill like Climashield Apex keeps more of its warmth when damp and dries faster. If you camp near water, paddle to campsites or hang in persistent drizzle, a synthetic quilt like the EE Revelation APEX or a UGQ Bandit with Apex is worth considering. Compare in down vs synthetic quilts and read about hydrophobic down, a middle ground.
Common hammock top quilt mistakes
- Underinvesting in the underquilt. A warm top quilt can't compensate for cold from below. Budget for both pieces together.
- Buying too short. In a diagonal lay your body is stretched out, and a quilt that only just reaches your chin leaves your shoulders exposed when you shift.
- Forgetting a hat. Without a hood, your head is your biggest heat leak. A light beanie or down hood adds a lot of warmth for an ounce or two.
- Ignoring wind. A tarp pitched high with no doors can make a 30°F night feel much colder. Pitch lower or use a top cover in wind.
- Storing it compressed. Leaving a down quilt in its stuff sack between trips slowly reduces loft. Store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh bag.
If you're cold in your hammock, check the underside first. Most "my top quilt isn't warm enough" problems turn out to be gaps between the underquilt and the hammock. Our why am I cold in my quilt guide walks through the fixes.
Which hammock top quilt should you buy?
For most hangers, the Hammock Gear Burrow 20°F is the best hammock top quilt: it's well priced, hammock-focused and easy to match with an underquilt. Choose the UGQ Bandit if you want full control over every detail, the Warbonnet Diamondback if you already hang in a Warbonnet, and the Economy Burrow if budget comes first. For summer-only hangs, the ENO Spark gets you started for very little money.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a top quilt for a hammock?
You need some top insulation, and a top quilt is the easiest option because you don't have to wriggle into a bag inside a hammock. You also need bottom insulation such as an underquilt, because a top quilt compresses beneath you just like a sleeping bag.
What width top quilt do I need for a hammock?
Hammock sleepers can often use a slightly narrower quilt than ground sleepers, because the hammock walls block drafts. Around 50–55 inches works for many people, but side sleepers and broad sleepers should still size up.
Should my top quilt and underquilt have the same rating?
Usually yes, or pick an underquilt rated slightly warmer. Cold from below is the most common hammock problem, so many hangers run their underquilt about 10°F warmer than their top quilt.
Is a sewn footbox or open footbox better in a hammock?
Many hammock campers prefer a zippered or drawcord footbox because it is easier to get into and can be opened in warm weather. A sewn footbox is slightly warmer and lighter, and works fine if you don't mind sliding your feet in once settled.