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Reddit Reviews
I use a REI magma 30 degree quilt for pretty much all my trips. It’s very light, very warm, and love the flexibility of a quilt. I bought a cheap liner for the really cold nights but so far it’s totally worth the price (and on sale currently)
I like the REI Magma Trail Quilt as a first quilt. It is rated at 30 degrees and is a decent weight. The REI returns policy makes it a no-risk first quilt.
Second the Magma 30 quilt. Incredibly small, light and ive never gotten cold with it (until I took it out into freezing temps, which is on me).
I bought the REI Magma 30 quilt in a large, where I would usually buy a medium. It has a sewn footbox. As a side sleeper, with the extra length and width, it works excellent for those warmer nights as it's long enough I don't have to put my feet in the box. Also, I lay the top out flat when I get warm and cinch up the upper when it's cold. I'm sure this is no real revelation for many, but OP may appreciate the versatility. For me, I've slept in it down to 30 with light weight base layers, and have found I can stay comfortable up to high 60s. Humidity does impact that upper end comfort.
Switching to a down quilt (REI Magma30) with a pad was game-changing. I realized somewhere along the way that I always ended up unzipping my bags and just using them as a blanket… so why not just embrace it?
I’ve got an REI Magma 30º Trail quilt (original, lighter version) in short available! BPL review here: https://backpackinglight.com/rei-magma-trail-quilt-30-review/
Many disagree, but I love my REI Magma 30 Quilt
I too side sleep, I must have read your mind because I decided to use a quilt. REI magma 30 down quilt and REI helix large/long blow-up mattress (3" inflated, keeps my boney hips off the ground). I figure a squished bag underneath doesn't help much, i'd rather have more insulation on top. better on warm nights too because it's easy to ventilate. that's also the downside, have to be a little careful to not get a draft when it's colder.
The price has gone up a LOT (mat 47%, quilt 67%) since I bought mine 2 years ago. Maybe they'll have a sale or use the REI 20% coupon. I remember them being relatively inexpensive but you might want to shop around. The quilt concept seems pretty solid though, especially with a modern sleeping pad underneath.





