The Top Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Pads on the Appalachian Trail: 2025 Thru-Hiker Survey
I'm back with another installment of the 2025 Appalachian Trail survey, focusing on sleeping bags, quilts, hammocks, sleeping pads, and more. Sleep systems are crucial gear choices for hikers; staying warm and comfortable is essential during a thru-hike.
This year, we surveyed 279 hikers from the AT Class of 2025. If you're planning your 2026 hike, sign up for the survey to contribute to future trail planning.
Sleeping Bags and Backpacking Quilts
Quilts are the preferred choice for over half of AT hikers, with a 58% increase from 2024. 67% of respondents used quilts, and 8% used underquilts with hammocks.
Only 33% of hikers used full sleeping bags.
Quilt adoption is growing, especially among hammock users and tent campers. The gap is narrowing as tent users discover the benefits of quilts.
Sleeping Pads
Inflatable pads are the most popular sleeping pad type, with 74.5% of hikers choosing them. Foam pads are second at 13%, and 7.5% used a combination of foam and inflatable pads.
Over two-thirds of hikers kept the same sleeping pad throughout their hike, despite the popularity of inflatable pads.
Top Brands and Models
Enlightened Equipment is the top sleeping bag and quilt brand, with the Revelation and Enigma models leading the way.
Therm-a-Rest and Nemo Equipment dominate the sleeping pad market, with the NeoAir XLite as the top model.
Summary
Quilts are becoming the standard choice for hikers, with growth expected to be incremental.
Hikers are flexible with their gear, swapping sleep systems based on weather conditions.
Natural down insulation is popular, but synthetic options are also common.
Thank you to all hikers who participated in the survey!
