UGQ Outdoor is a cottage quilt manufacturer that makes top quilts, underquilts, and tarps for backpackers and hammock campers. The quality of their products is excellent and they’ve grown rapidly by word of mouth as the popularity of quilts has grown. The Bandit is their most popular top quilt and is offered in two forms, as an economical Fast-Track Top Quilt with a limited set of options, or a Custom Top Quilt, available with a much larger range of premium features and materials.
UGQ Bandit Quilt
Warmth
Weight
Comfort
Features
Versatility
Premium Top Quilt
While UGQ Outdoors makes excellent top quilts for backpacking, we're excited to see them offering more performance enhancements for ground sleepers including the wafer-based sleeping bad attachment system and Dynamic Tension Control System we review above. These new features help position the Bandit as one of the most sophisticated backpacking top quilts available for ground sleepers.
When shopping for a top quilt you’ll quickly discover that there are two types of backpacking quilt manufacturers: those whose initial focus was on hammock sleepers, like Hammock Gear, UGQ Outdoor, and Loco Libre Gear, and those that were originally focused on ultralight backpacking and ground sleepers like Enlightened Equipment and Katabatic Gear. They, in turn, helped spearhead the development of quilt-to-sleeping pad attachment systems and bivy sacks specifically for ground sleeper use. However, this distinction between manufacturers is starting to collapse as the companies originally focused on hammock users add features and capabilities to their product lines that also target ground users.
Better Features for Ground Sleepers
While we reviewed a Custom UGQ Bandit for hammock use fairly recently, UGQ has brought out some additional custom options that make the Bandit far more competitive for ground sleepers, including a strap and wafer buckle pad attachment system and what they call Dynamic Tension Control, a feature first pioneered by the quilt-maker Mid-Atlantic Mountains Works, which has since gone out of business. We examine these further below.
Wafer Buckle and Elastic Pad Attachment Straps
There are a variety of pad attachment systems on the market but we’ve always felt that Enlightened Equipment has the best because it uses wafer style buckles and wide elastic straps that are easier to manipulate in the dark. UGQ has added that capability as an option on the Custom Bandit. The static cord and toggle based system, which UGQ also offers, is much more difficult to manipulate and adjust on the fly while you’re lying on top of a sleeping pad.
If you select the wafer buckle and strap option when you order the Bandit (UGQ calls it the “Deluxe Pad Attachment Option”) your quilt will come with three sets of wafer clips along each side of the quilt’s back opening, a single continuous 1/2” elastic strap loop with wafer clip connections, and a single 1/2″ elastic flat strap. If the quilt is wide enough to fully encircle you, the wafer clips on the quilt can be fastened together to close the back of the quilt. Or the wafer clips on the quilt can be fastened to the continuous loop ½” elastic strap placed around your pad and the 1/2″ elastic flat strap placed under your back to provide an effective functional connection. UGQ also gives you the option to order a third elastic strap for a small fee. This is essentially identical to Enlightened Equipment’s Pad Attachment System and works equivalently in use.
But the problem with pad attachment systems, in general, is that they can leak drafts between the points where the wafers or toggles meet the sleeping pad. To prevent this, you need to narrow the quilt’s back opening along the entire length of the quilt. That’s where UGQ’s new Dynamic Tension Control feature comes into play.
Dynamic Tension Control
UGQ’s Dynamic Tension Control makes it possible to shrink the rear quilt opening to bring the sides closer together to prevent heat-robbing drafts. It doesn’t completely replace the need for a pad attachment system, but it makes one much more effective on cold nights. If you select this option, elastic webbing is sewn into channels running lengthwise along the left and right edges of the quilt in the torso. The elastic webbing is completely concealed in the edge of the quilt and unnoticeable when you lie inside it. It’s tensioned with two small cord locks located at the bottom of the rear opening near the snap at the top of the footbox.
On colder nights you can tension the elastic webbing to compress the edges of the quilt and draw them under you. This has the effect of drawing the sides of the quilt closer together to seal out the cold night air. When used in conjunction with the pad strap system it also provides for a better seal between the quilt and your sleeping pad.
Adding the Dynamic Tension Control System to a quilt only adds 0.5 oz of weight to it. But if there’s a downside to using it, it’s that the quilt becomes narrower and you might want to add a few inches of width to your quilt if you prefer a roomier fit.
Other Bandit Features
While we’re bullish about the Bandit’s new sleeping pad straps and Dynamic Tension Control System, there are a lot of other reasons to like a Bandit Top Quilt for ground and hammock use. Many of these are increasingly available on competitor’s quilts, but we still feel that they’re important from a functional standpoint if you want a high-quality backpacking quilt.
For purposes of explanation, here is the spec of the UGQ Custom Bandit Quilt we tested in this review.
- Fill Power: 850
- Temperature Rating: 20*F/-6*C
- Width: 55″ (140 cm)
- Length: 72″ (183 cm)
- 850 Overstuff ($10): 1 oz 850FP
- 850 Overstuff Footbox: No Thanks
- Inner Shell Color: M10 Black
- Outer Shell Fabric: M20 Green Tea
- Taper Style: Full Taper
- Draft Collar Neck Line ($20.00): Yes
- Foot Box Style: Zipper and Draw
- Dynamic Tension Control: ($10.00): Yes
- Pad Attachment Options: ($5.00): Yes
- Spare Strap (1)($3.00): Yes
- Down Fill Amount: 13.36 oz
- Total Weight: 23.2 oz (weighed)
Baffle Design
All UGQ Bandits are fully baffled and not sewn-through to prevent heat loss through the seams. They also use horizontal baffles in the foot area and vertical baffles for the rest of the quilt to prevent down shift and keep the down on top of your torso and feet. They work great.
Draft collar
A key feature of this Bandit quilt is the draft collar. A draft collar is a horizontal baffle across the top of the quilt beyond the drawcord, which serves to both prevent the escape of heat at your neck. We view them as an indispensable element of any serious cold weather quilt or sleeping bag for that matter. There’s a cord lock on the front of the quilt to tighten the draft collar, which is easily accessible for hammock or ground sleepers.
Ultralight shell materials
Premium quilts reduce weight by using ultralight fabrics. The Custom Bandit we tested uses M10 for a liner, a 0.66 oz/square yard, 10 denier calendered nylon taffeta fabric; and MRS20 for the shell, a 1.1 oz/square yard, 20 denier calendered nylon mini-ripstop fabric. Both have DWR (durable water repellent) coatings while also being breathable. They feel silky smooth to the touch and are very comfortable.
Footbox
The Bandit quilt we received has a zipper and drawstring footbox which opens up completely flat like a comforter, or zips closed and cinches up at the end. This is a great option to extend the utility of a 20-degree quilt for warmer weather use if you can only afford to purchase one quilt for your gear closet. Most such footboxes leave a small hole in the middle that can let drafts enter, but UGQ includes an extra snap at the end to help block the hole and enable maximum heat retention.
Recommendation
While UGQ Outdoors makes excellent top quilts for backpacking, we’re excited to see them offering more performance enhancements for ground sleepers including the wafer-based sleeping bad attachment system and Dynamic Tension Control System we review above. While these new features help position the Bandit as one of the most sophisticated backpacking top quilts available for ground sleepers, it should be noted that they are only available on UGQ’s Custom Bandits and not on the company’s Fast Track Quilt models. If you check the quilt spec listed above, these options add surprisingly little cost to the Bandit and are well worth the extra price.
Disclosure: SectionHiker.com received a quilt from UGQ Outdoor for this review.
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Hi Philip ! Do you know if it’s possible to retrofit an older Bandit quilt with this new dynamic tension control ?
You’ll have to ask the guys at UGQ. They actually make the gear here on-shore, so I don’t see why not.
I just saw on Reddit a guy said they can retrofit it & he had it done to his wife’s Bandit & “it wasn’t a crazy amount of money”. So call them. Hope that helps.
Rainy Pass Repair in Seattle can do almost anything. I just received a new UQG 10 degree but I can literally see day light through 2 of the baffles in the chest area. And I paid for an oz. of overfill. I’ll send it to Rainy Pass for a few more oz’s- they’ve done excellent work in the past on other gear.
And UGQ didn’t offer to do it?
Their sizing tool suggests for “Ground” use and “Average” build get 60 wide which is an XL. They have another method of measuring for side sleepers to decide on a width. Presumably at 72/55 you ordered the quilt size they recommend? How did you find the fit?
Also any thoughts on the no taper option or is the taper generous enough?
Why did you choose 850 rather than 900 fill power and 1oz overfill but not for the foot box?
Amother quilt I am considering is a FF Flicker 20. I think you have a 40. Any thoughts on how they compare in use.
Thanks
I just ordered a 55″ inch because that’s what I always order and because I use quilts on the ground and in a hammock. The dynamic tensioning does make things a bit more snug though so you might want to size up but I’d suggest you contact them and ask their opinion.
Taper was fine for me.
I chose the 850 because I try to minimize the cost of the free samples that vendors send me, while focusing on the specific features required for
the review. They put the overfill into the bag. It wasn’t something I requested.
Calling the Flicker a “quilt” is marketing. It’s actually a hoodless sleeping bag with a draft caollar, full length zipper, and a drawstring foot box that can be opened up and used like a quilt. I love my 40 degree Flicker and its definitely a great option if you want all the benefits of a quilt without the hassle of sleeping pad straps to block drafts.
Speaking of quilt pad straps, I am a little concerned about them. I lent my almost new Xlite pad to someone who used a Katabatic quilt. I would say they are competent and careful but somehow they managed to puncture the pad and they think it was some fixture on the quilt straps. They were able to patch the pad and finish their trip but!!!…Not sure if this was a fluke, something specific to Katabatic, or a general problem with pad straps. Do you see anything about the clips used by UGQ that might have that problem?
Thanks
Never heard that happening before. But no, I don’t see that as an issue with either of UGQ’s pad attachment systems.
I have a Katabatic Flex and their pad straps have what I would describe as “rounded, yet mildly pointy” corners. I’ve worried about them puncturing my quilts lining, but never my pad. I have never had an actual issue, but it’s something I’ve noticed before. I like the KG pad strap system. I think it works pretty well at keeping the quilt tucked under you.
If that caught the pad just right or they leaned into it the wrong way, that could’ve been what happened.
As Philip said, the waffle clips that the UGQ uses are much different than the KG connectors though.
I got a 30* Bandit with 3oz overfill, DTC and zippered footbox for Christmas this year and I love it. I’ve only used it two nights so far but the Dynamic Tension Control is a really great feature. I just cinched both sides up and it tucks you right in. It took me a minute to figure out the pad strap but it worked as intended. Bonus points for being made in my home state.
Thanks for the review Philip. UGQ wasn’t really on my short list (EE & Katabatic were) until I read this. First I was leaning toward the EE Enigma, then kept running into the rave reviews of Katabatics. But frankly, I don’t have an unlimited budget as I whittle the kit weight down – & I’ve got to decide what (critical) equipment gets the most funds (tent, pad, quilt, pack) – the the Katabatic seems sweet, but expensive! I’m a pretty cold sleeper & have had my share of unpleasant nights in the Cohuttas, so what I need is what I need. Appears UGQ is making for the upper right quadrant so timing might be right —- do you think their quality is comparable, or approaching EE & KG? Sounds like the attachment system is & seems the company & customer service is top notch. I’m now considering doing a custom Bandit, 10 degree, etc. It’s important to note that I do not want to cheap out on my sleep system of all things – so do you think the Bandit is solid enough? (Maybe with the Notch Li, SO Flight One & S2S Etherlight or Nemo Alpine). Thanks!!
They make great quilts. I’ve sold or given away the quilts I’ve gotten or purchased from EE and KG, but held on to the two I own from UGQ. They’re keepers.
Thank you. Just the kind of insight I was seeking! PS – I saw a knee brace on one of your pics somewhere. Any recommendations?
Cho-pat for knee. Google it.
You probably already have your new quilt by now but I thought I’d give additional comments that echo Philip’s. I’ve owned all three of those plus Nunatak and borrowed a Cedar Ridge and Hammock Gear for test weekend trips. Hands down I would pick Nunatak for a down quilt but he can get expensive and sometimes a long wait but you do get absolute true customization options in virtually any and every apsect (if it isn’t shown as an option but you have an idea, just ask him). That said, the quality of UGQ is fantastic and in my limited sample experience the three UGQs have been a bit nicer in some ways than any of the Enlightened Equipment. Katabatic is on par with these two with a good design but mostly an off the shelf buying option. I was less impressed with the Cedar Ridge and Hammock gear in some ways but honestly they were not bad products at all and fully serviceable to use. When UGQ brought out the Bandit I bought one of the first at their special pricing and it has been fantastic, much better than their previous Flight Jacket. I have two Bandits now and I think they are the best bang for the buck available anywhere now. They give enough custom options (and may consider more if you contact them before ordering) and the price is fair, good fabrics too. But again, it’s the little details or options that set some companies’ quilts apart because most available now are very nice.
I contacted UGQ and they were extremely helpful, will be ordering a 20 degree Bandit with zipper/snap footbox. I was unsure of sizing and I’m 6’3 220 lbs toss and turn a lot and ground sleeper. They recommended XL Bandit long/wide at 84 length and 60 width. I did choose full taper though. I’m really looking forward to getting it after selling my EE Revelation..
Huge quilt for a big guy. Enjoy!
Beware of the cancellation and return policy. Buying an item is more than just the quality of the product. I would not recommend doing business with them.
It’s custom gear. No different than having a tailor make you a suit. What did you expect?
Was really glad to see UGQ offer Dynamic Tension Control. I sewed a couple of 20* down quilts 3 years ago and included side tensioning based on your Mid-Atlantic Marcy 20 review. Nobody else was offering at the time, he was closing up shop, so that was the thing that tipped the scales to go all in with MYOG. I both hammock and ground camp and don’t see it as an optional feature for ground use. It just does too good of a job protecting against drafts. I have an EE quilt that lacks it and I will only use that for hammock now.
I was wondering whether UGQ down was hydrophobic or not? I live in the UK and it is very wet here unfortunately. Many thanks
I’m pretty sure they don’t but you could contact them and ask at [email protected].
Most cottage quilt makers have moved away from using it, including Enlightened Equipment, because it doesn’t insulate as well as natural down (according to them).
Hi. Great revue this is..everything but the price !
How does UGQ bandit compares to Nunatak ARC 20? Both seem to have dynamic tension control, tapered cut and other similarities.
The biggest difference is that UGQ has the sewing capacity to deliver on your order in this century. Nunatak has had a pretty spotty delivery schedule in recent years.
Thanks Philip! UGQ uses differential cut?
Some of their quilts do. But it’s also pretty rare on top quilts and somewhat pointless because they lay flat anyway. Where it makes a difference is in underquilts.
I’m researching quilts to switch from a Nemo Mummy bag. I love having the hood over my head. Even at home, I sleep with my blanket/comforter covering my head in the summer. I’m 5’3″ and am debating whether to get a regular size quilt instead of a short length so I can cover my head, instead of sinching the quilt at my neck. I’m willing to carry the few extra oz. for the longer length. Is this not recommended, since I’ll have extra room in the quilt to “heat up”? Please advise with your experience and knowledge about quilts. Thanks! :o)
You kind of defeat the purpose of having a quilt if you pull it over your head, in part because you will let all kinds of drafts in around the shoulders. I would suggest wearing a down hoodie instead, which is what I do. This keeps you head warm and seals the area around your shoulders and neck to prevent drafts from entering. Alternatively, Sierra designs makes a hooded quilt – actually it’s a quilt with a face opening that works marvelously well. Here’s a review. https://sectionhiker.com/sierra-designs-nitro-quilt-800-35-degree-review/
Thanks for your response Philip. I also thought how having my head inside the quilt would create unwanted moisture. After lots of research & procrasination I finally bought a Katabatic Flex 22 quilt (through your site!) in a short size and will purchase a down hoodie as you suggested. Do you have any favorites for down hoodies? Thanks again!
Montbell makes a nice one.
Hi, by chance do you have review comparison between the UGQ bandit 0/10 vs FF women’s Petrel 10 UL vs WM Versalite 10?
Sorry, no.