Hey there, adventure enthusiasts! It's time to dive into the world of sleep systems on the Appalachian Trail, and we've got some fascinating insights from the 2025 Thru-Hiker Survey. Let's get started with a bold statement: choosing the right sleep setup is crucial for a successful thru-hike, and we're here to uncover the secrets behind the most popular choices.
The Quilt Revolution: A Warm and Cozy Trend
In the world of long-distance hiking, quilts have become the new norm. Over half of the AT hikers in 2025 opted for quilts over traditional sleeping bags. We've explored the differences between these systems before, and it seems hikers are loving the comfort and warmth quilts provide. The trend is growing, with 58% of hikers choosing standard quilts, up from 53% in 2024. And get this: 67% of respondents used a quilt in some way, whether as a standalone or as part of a hammock setup.
Underquilts: The Hammock Insulation
For hammock sleepers, underquilts are a game-changer. These quilts provide insulation underneath the body, and 8% of hikers used them with their hammocks. That's more than double the number from the previous year, showing a growing trend among hammockers.
Sleeping Bags Still Have Their Place
While quilts are dominating, a good chunk of hikers (33%) still prefer the traditional sleeping bag. It's a personal choice, and both options have their pros and cons.
The Evolution of Quilt Usage
We've been tracking quilt adoption for almost a decade now, and it's been an interesting journey. Hammockers were the early adopters, but tent users are catching up. The gap is closing, as more tent hikers realize quilts offer lighter weight, less restriction, and adequate warmth. This year, 72% of hammockers and 63% of tent users chose quilts. However, the growth rate has slowed down, and it's hard to predict if this trend will continue or stabilize.
Switching and Upgrading: Temperature and Comfort
Now, let's talk about temperature ratings. We asked hikers about the ratings of their starting and finishing quilts or bags. The average starting temperature rating was a chilly 22.3°F, while the average finishing rating was a more comfortable 34.0°F. Most hikers started with colder-rated gear and switched to lighter, less insulated options as the weather warmed up.
The lowest temperatures experienced in these sleep systems were also recorded. The average low temperature endured in the starting bag was 27°F, compared to 31°F in the finishing bag. This shows hikers' adaptability and willingness to adjust their gear for changing conditions.
Insulation Choices: Down vs. Synthetic
When it comes to insulation, natural down is the clear winner, with 70% of hikers opting for it. Synthetic fill and water-resistant Dri-Down are also popular choices. The distribution of these options has remained fairly consistent over the years. But here's where it gets controversial: which insulation type is truly better? It's a debate worth having, and we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments!
Sleeping Pads: The Inflatable Dominance
Inflatable pads are the clear favorite among hikers, with 74.5% choosing them. Foam pads come in second at 13%, a consistent trend from last year. A small percentage (7.5%) used a combination of foam and inflatable, while 6% went without a pad (mostly hammock campers).
When it comes to pad replacements, over two-thirds of hikers stuck with their original choice throughout their hike. Only 22% needed to replace their pad, and most of them stayed with the same type. A smaller percentage (11%) changed pad types, showing a preference for familiarity.
The Top Brands and Models: A Quilt and Pad Showcase
Now, let's reveal the most popular brands and models for sleeping bags, quilts, and pads. Enlightened Equipment takes the top spot for quilts, with their Revelation model being the absolute favorite. REI's Magma sleeping bag and NEMO's Disco bag also made the cut. For pads, Therm-a-Rest and NEMO dominate the scene, with the NeoAir XLite and Tensor Ultralight Insulated pads taking the top spots.
Summary: Quilts, Pads, and the Future
Quilts have become the standard choice for most hikers, with 67% using them in some capacity. The early adopter phase is over, and future growth is likely to be slower and more incremental. Despite the popularity of inflatable pads, which are known for their potential to leak or pop, over two-thirds of hikers finished with the same pad they started with. This shows a high level of satisfaction and reliability with these pads.
The average temperature rating jump from 22.3°F to 34.0°F indicates hikers' flexibility and willingness to adapt their gear for changing weather conditions. Natural down insulation remains the top choice for most (70%), but Dri-Down and Synthetic fill are also common.
Enlightened Equipment continues to be the go-to brand for sleeping bags and quilts, with their Revelation and Enigma models leading the pack. Therm-a-Rest and Nemo Equipment dominate the sleeping pad scene, with the NeoAir XLite and Nemo Switchback as the top choices.
Thank you to all the Appalachian Trail hikers who shared their insights! Your experiences are invaluable for future hikers planning their adventures. Stay tuned for upcoming posts on AT hikers' backpacks and stoves/filters. And if you're planning an AT hike in 2026, don't forget to sign up for the survey! Your input will be a huge help to future hikers.
Sign up for the 2026 AT Thru-Hiker Survey: Link
Featured image: Graphic design by Chris Helm (https://chrishelmdesign.com/)
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