Review
Publication date: 03 Nov 2025
I’m not someone who usually jumps on trends. When quilts started showing up more on the trail, I wasn’t sold. They looked too minimal and too lightweight to do the job. But I brought the Therm-a-Rest Vesper quilt on the Transcaucasian Trail this past summer, where we had 80+ days of hiking and camping across Georgia and Armenia, and came out the other side a convert.
This thing held up. Kept me warm enough and cool enough simultaneously, packed down small, and didn’t get in the way.
Elmar Teegelbeckers
Not long ago, Elmar published the book (in Dutch) Hiking Trails – best long-distance trails in Europe. With this book, website and socials, he hopes to inspire and shape an inclusive community for hikers all over world. No matter your speed, experience or level, you can get out there to enjoy the trails and connect with the heartwarming hiking community. Life is so much better outside and he hopes to inspire hikers to take their first, or next, step on the trail.
You can reach Elmar at info@hiking-trails.com.
Testing the Therm-a-rest VesperThe trail threw a mix of everything at us: dry heat, alpine chill, wind, sweat, dust, and more sweat. Nights weren’t freezing, but they weren’t soft either. I sleep warm, so I didn’t need much insulation, but I still needed something dependable. And the Therm-a-rest Vesper definitely struck the balance.
I used it every night for nearly three months. No zippers to break, no hoods to fuss with, just a system that worked. I’d pair it with a decent sleeping pad (hello Therm-A-Rest Neo Air), clip it in, and that was it. No cold spots, no drafts, no wrestling at 2 a.m. to get comfortable. For something so light, it held its shape and performance. It didn’t compress over time, and it didn’t lose loft.
It also dried quickly. There were a few nights where gear got damp from condensation, wet grass, you name it. The Vesper never held on to moisture the way heavier bags do. I’d just air it out in the morning while we made breakfast and then move on with the day.
About Therm-a-RestTherm-a-Rest has been leading the industry since the ‘70s. They’ve built a reputation on functional sleep systems, stuff that’s simple, durable, and reliable in the backcountry. They’re not chasing gimmicks. The fact that they make most of their gear in-house (U.S. and Ireland) says a lot. They have better control over quality, less shipping around the globe, and a smaller footprint. They also run a really great repair program, which more brands should be doing.
I had a chance to tour their Irish factory a few years back and was impressed with the work they’re doing. It was a great chance to see the process behind so much of my favorite gear and made me want to support them even more. Knowing that they care so much about the manufacturing and quality of their gear was very reassuring to see.
The Therm-a-rest Vesper is built with 900-fill Nikwax hydrophobic down. It’s treated to handle moisture better than untreated down, and it delivers. Even after humid nights or unexpected dampness, the quilt didn’t flatten out. It’s rated to 20°F/-6°C, but it works best in milder conditions, especially for warm sleepers. If you’re expecting frost every morning, bring something else. But for late spring through early autumn, this is enough.
There’s a box baffle design that helps keep insulation in place. That matters more than it sounds like, as it keeps cold spots from forming when you move. The clip system is basic but effective, keeping the quilt sealed around your pad without turning it into a straightjacket.
It packs down small, roughly the size of a 1L bottle, and weighs barely more than a fleece. I kept it at the bottom of my pack and barely noticed it was there during the day.
| Therm-a-Rest Vesper | |
| Weight | 360g |
| Shell fabric | 10D Nylon Ripstop w/ DWR |
| Lining fabric | 10D Nylon Ripstop |
| Recommended temperature limit | -6°C |
pro's
Lightweight and compressible
Holds warmth well for its size
Easy to pack, set up, and dry out
Durable over extended daily use
No zippers or bulk
con's
The toe box can feel tight if you move around a lot
Not ideal for very cold sleepers or sub-zero nights
The clip system can take a few tries to perfect
The price is high for casual users
The Vesper changed my mind on quilts. After three months of consistent use on the Transcaucasian Trail, I didn’t miss my sleeping bag once. It’s not built for winter, but for three-season hikers who like to move light and sleep well, this one checks every box. If you’ve been skeptical about switching to a quilt, this is a solid one to try first, and probably the only one you’ll need.
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