Quilt Temperature Rating Calculator
Quick answer: Start from the coldest night you realistically expect, subtract about 10°F, then adjust for how warm you sleep and what you wear. Pair the quilt with a pad or underquilt rated for the same conditions.
How the rating is calculated
- Buffer: 10°F below your expected low, because most quilt ratings sit closer to a lower limit than true comfort. See how quilt ratings work.
- Sleeper type: cold sleepers add 10°F of warmth; warm sleepers can take 5°F off.
- Clothing: sleeping in a puffy jacket is worth roughly 5°F. Read our guide to sleep clothing for quilts.
- Exposure: sleeping under an open tarp in wind costs a few degrees compared with a tent.
The result is rounded down to the nearest 5°F, since quilts are usually sold in 10°F steps (40, 30, 20, 10, 0°F).
Don’t forget what’s underneath
A top quilt insulates only your top. On the ground, warmth below you comes from your sleeping pad’s R-value; in a hammock it comes from an underquilt.
| Expected low | Suggested pad R-value | Typical quilt rating |
|---|---|---|
| Above 50°F | 2+ | 40–50°F |
| 32–50°F | 3+ | 20–30°F |
| 15–32°F | 4–5 | 10–20°F |
| 0–15°F | 5–6 | 0–10°F |
| Below 0°F | 7+ | -10°F or colder |
Ready to shop? Browse the best 20°F quilts, best 30°F quilts or the best winter top quilts.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature quilt should I buy for three-season backpacking?
For most of the US, a 20°F quilt covers spring through fall, while a 30°F quilt suits summer and lower-elevation shoulder seasons. Cold sleepers should lean toward 20°F.
Why does the calculator subtract 10 degrees?
Quilt ratings are usually closer to a survival limit than a comfortable night, and forecasts are often wrong on the low side. A 10°F buffer below your expected low is a widely used rule of thumb.
Does my sleeping pad change the quilt rating I need?
Yes. A quilt only insulates your top; an under-rated pad or underquilt will make you cold regardless of the quilt. Match pad R-value or underquilt rating to the temperature.