Vaude Kiowa 900

Minimalist

In warm weather, do you really need much more than a blanket? Nope, says a tester who used this high-tech quilt in the jungles of El Salvador and while hammock camping in North Carolina’s Appalachians. Verdict: For temps down to about 45°F, the RS 1+ offers ounce-counters a way to save weight and money, plus it gives wet-weather ultralighters more peace of mind than a down sack.

Insulated with a recycled synthetic fill, the quilt has two adjustable straps to hold it steady atop a pad. Testers deemed the design best for small- to average-size sleepers who don’t thrash around a lot (movement can cause gapping and drafts along the sides). The 50-denier ripstop polyester shell and liner fabric never felt clammy, even in jungle humidity. Squeezing into a small pack? The RS 1+ compresses down to the size of a roll of Charmin.

Green bonus: GoLite uses Tier 1 recycled material, which earned an Editor’s Choice Green Award this year. The only downside: “It’s tricky to adjust the straps underneath your pad while you’re inside the bag,” another tester reports. “Which means that bathroom breaks are a real hassle once you’re nestled in.” $120; 1 lb. 7 oz.; 40°F