Review: REI Magma 30 Down Trail Quilt
REI’s Magma 30 Down Trail Quilt is a high quality option that is offered in multiple sizes for various body types and sleeping preferences.
REI’s Magma quilt is a versatile option that can be opened up and used flat like a blanket, or closed up at the footbox and attached to a sleeping pad with straps. It includes a draft collar, an effective cinch system that keeps the cord tucked away, and two pad straps with toggles for easy adjustment. In addition to a regular size, the Magma is available in a wide width and long length to accommodate varying body sizes.
After using this quilt on several backpacking trips with overnight temps in the 35-40 degree range, I feel that this bag is much warmer than its stated temperature rating – and I usually find the opposite to be true. A regular quilt user, I have experience with quilts from Enlightened Equipment, Outdoor Vitals, and Zenbivy.
Specs
- weight: 1 lb 6 oz (medium wide)
- sizes available: medium, medium wide, long, long wide
- dimensions, fully opened: 73.2 x 54.3 inches (medium wide)
- temperature rating: 30 degrees
- down: 850-fill-power water-resistant goose down (bluesign approved)
- fill weight: 12.6 ounces (medium wide)
- shell & lining: 15-denier recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign approved)
- price: $329
Features
The Magma quilt can be opened fully and used as a blanket, or zipped up at the end to close the footbox. I like the flexibility of being able to open the quilt and use it as a blanket for keeping warm outside of my tent versus quilts with a closed footbox.
Two cords are included to attach the quilt to a sleeping pad, with toggles on the back to adjust the fit based on the width of your sleeping pad. This works better with wider sleeping pads than most elastic straps that are better suited to narrower pads.
Adjustable toggles allow for changing how wide the quilt is on the pad. I prefer to close them up on cold nights, making the quilt smaller to hold in more warmth. On warmer nights, I open it up for a roomier fit so I don’t overheat. I find that this toggle system is easier to adjust than the buckles and straps used on other quilts, and since the toggles can be used on either side, you can place them so the quilt overlaps and effectively seals the bottom in frigid temps. (Note that the photo below shows the quilt without the sleeping pad attached in order to show how the toggles and cords connect.)
The top of the quilt has a draft collar that does a great job of sealing in warmth and is a feature I’d look for in all sleeping bags and quilts. The snap is helps keep the top of the quilt closed up, yet is easy to undo when needed. When cinching up the top of the quilt, the cord stows to keep it out of your face – a much needed upgrade from most quilts where the cord hangs in your face. This is the only quilt that I know of to use this type of cord system.
To form the footbox, the Magma quilt features a zipper to close it up, and a draft collar inside the footbox closes any gaps when cinching it shut.
Overall, I find that this quilt is very well made and quite warm for the 30 degree rating. And since it’s an REI brand product, it goes on sale often.
Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.