REI Magma 30 Trail Quilt Review

Bottom Line

The REI Magma 30 Down Trail Quilt is perfect for ultralight backpackers camping in warm conditions. This is one of CleverHiker Founder, Dave Collins’ favorite quilts for its tiny packed size, low weight, and good coverage, and it’s been his go-to for years of summer backpacking trips in places like the Wind River Range, Enchantment Lakes, and Goat Rocks Wilderness. Its roomy and versatile design suits every sleeping position, and its small packed size and very low weight will appeal to minimalist hikers looking to reduce base weight without sacrificing performance.

That said, like most quilts, it falls short in temperatures below 40°F, so cold sleepers and folks looking for a shoulder season sleep system will want to keep looking. Still, for folks who want an ultralight quilt at an outstanding price, the Magma 30 is one of our all-time favorites for staying warm in the backcountry.

Warmth

The Magma 30, like most quilts, can be a bit drafty and cold in overnight temperatures below 40°F, so you’ll want to save this one for the warmer climates and months. Temperature regulation is no problem thanks to the simple pad attachment system that uses two cords wrapped around a sleeping pad to keep the bag centered and tucked underneath your body to retain heat on cool nights. And when the mercury drops overnight, the Magma 30 couldn’t be easier to adjust: customize airflow by using the quarter length zipper and thick cinch cord to completely close-off the footbox, or open it up to use as a light blanket on warm, humid nights. The high-quality 850-fill-power down not only adds warmth but makes the quilt feel airy and soft, and draft tubes at the foot and head help keep drafts out. Whether you’re doing a quick weekend trip or thru-hiking, this model is a great option for trips from late June to early September.

That said, we don’t recommend the Magma 30 for temperatures below 40°F. Even when paired with a warm sleeping pad and a base layer, Gear Analyst Ian Krammer finds this quilt is drafty and chilly when approaching freezing. If you’re heading into colder weather during your next backpacking trip, we highly recommend going with a traditional sleeping bag with a full-length zipper and an official EN comfort rating to retain heat better. That said, for the occasional cold night, the quilt does fine, but keep in mind it doesn’t have a mummy hood, so you’ll want to cinch the neck closure tight and wear either a hood or a beanie to keep your dome warm.

Comfort

One of the main reasons we recommend the Magma 30 so often for summer backpacking is because it’s so darn cozy. REI packs lofty, high-quality 850-fp goose down into a durable 15-denier ripstop nylon shell, which makes for a sleep sack that’s soft to the touch, light, and long-lasting. A draft collar around the neck and another in the footbox gives the Magma 30 a plush feel on cool nights all summer long, from short weekend trips to thru-hikes. We’re also big fans of the Magma’s wide cut. Where many quilts are a bit narrow at the elbow and knees, which can let cold air in when you toss and turn, the Magma’s broad shape helps minimize heat loss and makes it a comfy choice whether you’re a stomach, side, or back sleeper.

The only downside of the Magma when it comes to comfort are the sleeping pad cords. They work well to keep the quilt attached to just about any sleeping pad, but Gear Analyst Ian Krammer found them a bit cumbersome to attach and detach, especially by headlamp in the middle of the night.

Weight & Packability

At only 1 pound, 6.3 ounces for the long size, the Magma 30 is the definition of ultralight and dominates other sleeping bags with its exceptional weight and packability. This is one of the lighter and more affordable sleep systems, so if you’re counting ounces, you can’t go wrong here. The 850-fill-power down not only provides a top-tier warmth-to-weight ratio, but it also compresses efficiently into a very compact stuff sack – measuring only 6 inches by 11 inches – leaving plenty of room in your pack for other essentials. Its airy, lightweight design can help dramatically reduce your overall carry weight, making long treks and multi-day hikes more manageable.

Its lightness and compressibility are awesome, but the downside is it’s not as durable as heavier,burlier sleeping bags. We find the ultra-light materials used to make the Magma require a bit of extra attention to avoid punctures and tears in the material, so you’ll want to be vigilant when handling the quilt, and it might not hold up as well in more rugged conditions. Also consider that it’s a very lightweight quilt because it’s got a narrow temperature range, so you’ll want to make sure most nights won’t dip below 45°F, and you’ll want to stick with milder summer conditions in general.

Features

The Magma Trail Quilt has an easy-to-use and versatile feature set designed for warmth and efficiency, which is why it remains such a strong contender in ultralight backpacking. The pad-attachment system keeps the quilt secure and draft-free even if you are a restless sleeper. The cinch cord at the top of the bag tightens easily around your neck, and we love the cord garage that keeps the rope from dangling in your face while you sleep. The same cinching mechanism at the footbox keeps cold air out, and paired with the quarter-length zipper, it’s a breeze to make a roomy, ergonomic footbox. And, the bag also has decent-sized draft collars around the footbox and neck closure to trap body heat when it matters most.

But this quilt doesn’t have some of the features that other heavier bags offer, like a mummy hood to keep your head and shoulders warm, bigger draft tubes, lower temperature ratings, or a stash pocket for small items. Still, these are small complaints. When it comes to versatile and lightweight quilts for summer backpacking, the simplicity of the Magma 30 is its best feature.

Should You Buy the REI Magma 30 Down Trail Quilt?

The REI Magma 30 Down Trail Quilt is perfect for ultralight backpackers and warm-weather adventurers who want a versatile quilt / sleeping bag hybrid with an incredibly low weight and small packed size. With its higher comfort rating, this thing is best suited for summer trips and milder shoulder season adventures. Both warm and cold sleepers will appreciate its wide design, simple pad attachment system and adaptable foot box to dial in the bag to your exact needs. The cinchable footbox and collar offer versatile options for temperature control, making it an excellent choice for those who value both warm sleep and packability.

We don’t recommend the Magma for cold sleepers or those expecting weather conditions below 45°F. Despite the extra ounce of down fill in the latest version, it’s not warm enough for typical overnight spring or fall temps. If your backpacking adventures take you into colder, more unpredictable climates, or if you require a bit more insulation, you might want to consider other options that offer greater warmth and security.

What Other Backpacking Sleeping Bags Should You Consider?

Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 Review: The Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 is a direct competitor for the Magma, offering a comparable weight, feature set and versatility to the REI Magma Trail Quilt 30. However, the Revelation has five ounces more fill weight, making it a slightly better choice for those seeking more warmth without adding extra weight, and it’s colors and fabrics can be customized to tailor the quilt to your specific needs, and for a comparable price.

Zpacks Classic 20 Review: The Zpacks Classic 20 is lighter than the Magma Trail Quilt 20 by several ounces, has a slightly higher fill weight and fill power, and features a sewn footbox and full-length zipper. It’s just as compressible, perfect for ultralight backpackers who want to shave every possible ounce, although it’s more expensive.

Sea To Summit Spark 15 Review: For folks who want a more traditional sleeping bag including a hood, full-length zipper, and better warmth, the Sea To Summit Spark 15 is a great alternative thanks to its mummy bag design. It’s only a few ounces heavier, but has a much higher fill weight. It’s also more expensive than the Magma.