# Topquilts - alfred's Gemini capsule


A common ultralighter recommendation is to replace your sleeping bag with a topquilt. 

Besides saving weight from having no zipper (or hood), the idea is that you also don't need insulation (except a pad) under you. Because your body weight compresses the bag's underside insulation, it cannot loft and therefore does no good - thus, you only need insulation on the top and sides. 

However, this ignores cold drafts that occur when turning over at night. To combat this, topquilts often have strap systems to keep them flush against the sleeping pad. But I've found these systems fiddly and dubious. 


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Last edited: 2025-09-20