Best Budget Hammock Underquilts of 2023

Without a sleeping bag and pad, an underquilt is an ideal way of staying warm when hammock camping. These are types of quilts that attach to the bottom of your hammock providing warmth to your body. Since they attach underneath the hammock, there’s no need to worry about compressing the loft, which is a common problem with sleeping bags. A good underquilt should weigh low, provide enough insulation, and pack down small. However, with all of these features, the underquilt is going to be expensive. But for an average camper, a budget-friendly quilt is going to work in most situations.

So here is the list of top underquilts for hammocks that provide good insulation at an affordable price.

1. ENO Ember

Weight: 1 lb. 11 oz.
Rated to: 40-60°F
Insulation: Synthetic
Dimensions: 82 x 48 in.

Eagle Nest Outfitters Ember is designed to extend the warmth of your hammock to 3 seasons making it a convenient solution for chilly nights. It offers a custom fit and it attaches underneath your hammock for better insulation. This eliminates the worry of compressing the loft with bodyweight and it is going to provide a lot more thermal efficiency. The setup is super easy and it attaches to the carabineers of your hammock. This underquilt is also compatible with most ENO hammocks, which is a great thing if you already have an ENO hammock. There are stretchy drawcords on either side that kind of hug your hammock from the bottom proving maximum warmth.

The ENO Ember features synthetic insulation and a nylon ripstop material shell. There’s also DWR coating on the outside so it’s going to shed some light rain showers. Since it is synthetic, it’s going to provide warmth even when wet. If it does become wet, it is going to dry out fast. The underquilt measures 6 ft. 8 in. long and it does pack down small so you can throw it in your backpack and take it into the backcountry. If you are in a very cold temperature, I’d suggest pairing it with a blanket or a top quilt for better warmth in a colder condition.

What I like: Lightweight, great for backpacking, keeps you warm, stays put quite well

What I don’t: Requires adjustment but once properly cinched, you are cozy.

See the ENO Ember

2. Wise Owl Outfitters Flare

Weight: 1 lb. 12.32 oz.
Rated to: 40°F
Insulation: Poly-Fill Synthetic
Dimensions: 94 x 46 in.

Wise Owl Outfitters Flare is a cheap underquilt designed for hammock campers who want to spend a night under the stars. This underquilt is going to keep you warm because it’s got insulation. It’s got synthetic poly-fill insulation that is rated to 40°F. It’s going to work in all three seasons and even some winter nights when paired with a sleeping bag. The shell of the quilt is made of 20D ripstop nylon, which is strong and has some reinforced stitching. This shell also features a water-repellent coating so it’s going to shed some light rain. The overall construction is made to withstand all weather conditions.

The Flare underquilt is lightweight and compact and it weighs around just 1.77 pounds when packed. It also packs down super small in its stuff sack so you can throw it in your backpack easily. This underquilt comes with customizable tighteners for a perfect fit. The Flare is both single and double underquilt so it’s going to work well with both single and double hammocks of all shapes and sizes. One of the downsides of this quilt is its limited durability and it’s going to last only a couple of seasons. Also, even though it is advertised as a 3-season underquilt, it is best suited for summer use only.

What I like: Fairly lightweight, warm, and compact for the price.

What I don’t: The shock cords lose elasticity over time and you can’t change it because it’s sewn into the quilt.

See the Wise Owl Outfitters Flare

3. ENO Vulcan

Weight: 1 lb. 13 oz.
Rated to: 35-45°F
Insulation: PrimaLoft Synergy
Dimensions: 82 x 48 in.

The Vulcan underquilt provides an easy way to extend your hammock camping into three seasons. It features synthetic, PrimaLoft Synergy insulation with a DWR treatment on the outside. This coating protects against morning condensation or if you are in a humid or damp condition, it is not going to absorb a lot of water. If it does get wet, it is going to dry out faster. The Vulcan packs down pretty small and it weighs around 1.8 pounds, which is not the lightest option but reasonable. ENO also included a nylon stuff sack so that you can compress it to a small size for throwing in a backpack.

The Vulcan underquilt is about 6 feet 10 inches long and 4 feet wide when completely spread out. You get enough coverage from head to toe. Since it hangs beneath your hammock, it is going to stretch the length of your hammock. There are stretchy drawcords on each side. The one drawcord connects to the carabineer of your hammock and there’s a separate drawcord that goes around each edge and it allows you to cinch it up around your feet. You can also cinch it around your head and that just provides a little bit more insulation. It’s rated to 35 to 45 degrees and it is meant to use in tandem with a sleeping bag or a top quilt.

What I like: Quality materials, good insulation, compatible with most ENO hammocks

What I don’t: Not very budget-friendly

See the ENO Vulcan

4. Grand Trunk 360 ThermaQuilt

Weight: 1 lb. 12 oz.
Rated to: 40°F
Insulation: Synthetic
Dimensions: 80 x 64 in.

The 360 ThermaQuilt is a 3-in-1 option from Grand Trunk that can be used as a sleeping bag, an over quilt, or an underquilt of course. The shell is made of nylon and it comes in two beautiful colors; red and blue. When you use it as a sleeping bag, it provides warmth in temperatures up to 40 degrees so it is going to work fine during the summer nights. If you already got an underquilt, you can use it as a top quilt for maximum warmth. Since it is a versatile option, it saves some weight in your backpack. You can also use it in the backyard hammock.

ThermaQuilt has synthetic insulation so it can be washed in the washing machine safely. It also packs down small in its included stuff sack. It also comes with shock cords to fasten the quilt with your hammock or straps. There are cinch cords at each end that creates a snug fit around each end of your hammock. There’s a full-length zipper that can be unzipped to make this quilt a versatile Tech Blanket. Talking about versatility, it works with any parachute nylon single or double hammock and is compatible with most hammock brands such as ENO, Kammok, Sierra Madre, etc.

What I like: Super versatile, can also be used as a top quilt, blanket, and sleeping bag

What I don’t: Cheap materials

See the Grand Trunk 360 ThermaQuilt

5. OneTigris Hideout

Weight: 2 lbs.
Rated to: 41°F
Insulation: Polyester cotton
Dimensions: 110 x 48 in.

OneTigris Hideout is a 3-season underquilt that fits pretty snugly around most modern hammocks. The shell of the quilt is 210T Terylene shell with 300T polyester pongee lining. It’s got a 700g polyester cotton fill that is very soft and keeps you warm. The quilt has a big size and it measures 9.2 feet long and 4 feet wide, which makes it work with almost all hammock shapes and sizes. For winter camping, you can combine your quilt with a sleeping bag for even more warmth. The setup is really simple and straightforward. It comes with pre-assembled elastic straps and short bungee cord loops for an easy and fast setup.

The Hideout underquilt is pretty lightweight weighing around just 2 pounds. OneTigris also includes a stuff compression sack so you can compress it to a small size for packing in a backpack. It comes in two nice color options i.e. camo and coyote brown. It is rated to 41°F, which makes it suitable for 3-season use. Overall, it’s a perfect option for someone new to hammock camping because it’s easy on the wallet. For serious campers, it may not provide the desired performance because it is thin and the bungees are not adjustable and feel flimsy.

What I like: Effective, good value, easy to set up even without instructions

What I don’t: Cords are a little too short but can be replaced.

See the OneTigris Hideout

6. ENO Blaze

Weight: 1 lb. 12 oz.
Rated to: 30-40°F
Insulation: 750-fill-power down
Dimensions: 82 x 48 in.

The Blaze underquilt by Eagles Nest Outfitters provides enough insulation with 750 fill power DownTeK down to keep you warm in temperatures as cold as 30 degrees. It uses down insulation inside a water-resistant nylon shell. This down has been rated to 750 fill power, which means that it is very compressible while just as warm. It’s DownTek, which means that it won’t lose all its insulating properties when wet and dries out much faster. The cut is designed to work the way your body lays in the hammock. This cuts down on any cold spots.

Don’t worry; you won’t rip the underquilt if you sit down in your hammock improperly. The rails have been made elastic with a shock cord so the Blaze can move freely. An underquilt is really important if you plan on sleeping in your hammock in cold weather. A sleeping bag won’t cut it because the loft underneath you will flatten and cold air passing below can get right through. If you’re ready to take your game to the next level and be toasty and warm regardless of the season, try the Eagles Nest Outfitters Blaze underquilt because it will keep you warm and toasty all night long.

What I like: Premium materials, down insulation, very warm, and lightweight

What I don’t: Expensive

See the ENO Blaze

7. AYAMAYA Underquilt

Weight: 2 lbs. 9.6 oz.
Rated to: 20°F
Insulation: Synthetic
Dimensions: 98 x 51 in.

AYAMAYA is a single and double underquilt option for hammock camping. It’s got a 20D nylon shell, 300T lining, and 300g polyester fill for insulation. The shell also has a DWR coating so it’s going to resist some water. The materials are pretty high quality considering the price, which also makes it last a bit longer. The 300T pongee lining feels soft against the skin and there’s enough insulation inside for summer nights. The underquilt has a fairly large size measuring 98 inches long and 51 inches wide enough to wrap around any hammock. You can also pair it with a sleeping bag for maximum warmth.

There are elastic straps and short bungee cord loops on both ends that are easy to set up. You can easily attach it to your hammock. Also, the take-down is simple and quick. AYAMAYA also included two large carabiners if you prefer to use them. This underquilt is rated to 20°F and it is advertised as a 4-season underquilt. AYAMAYA claims that this underquilt can be used from spring to summer, to autumn, or even on warmer winter days. It also packs down reasonably small and weighs around 2.6 pounds, which is a little on the heavier side. It’s not an ideal option for backpacking but you can use it for car camping, family camping, or in the backyard.

What I like: Very warm, easily compressed, great value

What I don’t: Heavy

See the AYAMAYA Underquilt

Best Budget Hammock Underquilts: Comparison Table

Critical Hammock Underquilt Considerations

When you are hammock camping, you need some sort of bottom insulation because a hammock itself does not provide enough insulation. So, you need an underquilt to stay warm even in the summer. There are plenty of options available on the market and choosing the right for you can be a hassle. Below I have described some critical key aspects that will help you choose the right quilt for your hammock adventures.

Fill Type

There are two main types of fills available when it comes to insulation; i.e. synthetic and down. A fill is basically an insulating material that traps and retains your body heat to keep you warm. There are pros and cons to each type but the main difference is the price. Down fill tend to be expensive but it provides more warmth and packs small while synthetic fill tends to be cheap but it provides comparatively less warmth and doesn’t pack super small. One of the advantages of synthetic fill is that it keeps you warm even wet; something that down can’t do. There’s treated down also known as hydrophobic down available on the market but it’s very expensive and beyond the scope of this article.

Deciding which fill to choose can largely be a personal preference and your needs. If you are willing to spend some extra cash and your main goal is to camp in a dry climate area, choose the down fill because it’s very warm, comfortable, lofty, and feels premium. On the other hand, if you are on a tight budget and planning to hammock camp in the rain or humid conditions, choose an underquilt with synthetic insulation because it’s going to keep you warm in those damp conditions.

Length and Width

Underquilts come in a variety of sizes such as half, three-quarters, and full-length. A full-length quilt is what most people choose because it provides full coverage from head to toe for maximum warmth. They are extremely warm and if you pair them with the right temperature sleeping bags, they will keep you warm even in the winter. A three-quarters underquilt can also be a good option if you want to save some weight. Make sure to bring a small sleeping pad for your feet or wear thick socks to keep your feet warm. Finally, half underquilts are made for thru-hikers to shave as much weight as possible.

When it comes to width, most underquilts are four feet wide and it is enough to wrap around most hammocks. There are underquilts designed for double hammocks so do check the sizing if you are purchasing one for a double hammock.

Weight

The weight of the quilt is important if you are planning to backpack with your quilt. Most underquilts are designed to be lightweight but some quilts (usually synthetic) can be a little too heavy to backpack with. So consider weight before making a decision. A backpacking underquilt should ideally weigh between 1.5 to 2 pounds. Anything heavier than this is going to add unnecessary weight to your shoulders. Also, choosing the lightest quilt is not just enough because it may not provide the desired warmth. You should choose a quilt that strikes a good balance between weight and warmth. For car camping where weight is not critical, you can choose the warmest and loftiest quilt out there and it will keep you warm throughout your adventure.

Temperature Rating

A temperature rating is the lowest temperature that you can sleep in a given underquilt without getting cold. Since hammock camping is a summer adventure, most underquilts are designed to be used in summer. These underquilts are usually rated to 30 to 40°F and they work fine for most people. However, if you get cold easily or you are also planning to use your quilt in winters as well, you can a 20°F quilt and it will do the job. Remember, you can always pair your underquilt with a sleeping bag, a hammock sleeping pad, or a blanket to increase the warmth of your sleep system.

Water Resistance

Manufactures apply water-resistant treatment or coating to the shell so that the shell resists water. The most common treatment available is the Durable Water Resistant (DWR) coating that manufacturers apply to shells of the quilts, sleeping bags, jackets, etc. Gear with DWR coating is going to shed some water but it’s not completely waterproof. Keep in mind that this treatment is also different from the hydrophobic down mentioned earlier, which is applied to the individual plumes of the natural down. Gear with hydrophobic treatment absorbs less water and it dries out faster.

Shell Materials

Nylon and polyester are the two main materials for making the shells of the underquilts. Both types of materials have their pros and cons but choosing one can be a preference thing. The ripstop nylon material provides stretch, it’s tear-resistant and durable. However, nylon material absorbs water easily and your gear becomes heavy. So if you are planning to camp in damp conditions, you should avoid nylon. Always keep your nylon gear inside your tent to protect it from moisture.

Polyester, on the other hand, is very opposite to nylon. It does not absorb water but it is not as durable as nylon and it also lacks stretch. So polyester is a good choice for damp and humid weather. You can also treat these materials with silicon to add some sort of water resistance.

Attachment System

All hammock underquilts come with some sort of attachment system, which mainly includes a shock cord suspension. It allows your underquilt to attach to your hammock. It can also adapt to any sleep position. Check if this suspension system is adjustable because it makes your quilt compatible with your hammock. Talking about compatibility, there are quilts designed specifically for single and double hammocks. So do check the specifications before making a purchase. The compatibility is also critical to warmth because only a well-fitted system is going to retain heat and provide warmth all night long.