The fastest way to ruin a weekend hike or multi-day backpacking trip is to choose the wrong type of quilt and not get a decent amount of sleep during the night. There are so many options on the market that travelers can easily get overwhelmed with the abundance of choices. Here are five of the finest and most reliable backpacking quilts of 2021.

1. UGQ Outdoor Bandit – The King of Customizable Quilts

Few quiltmakers can rival Michigan-based company, UGQ Outdoors, in terms of customization. The Bandit can be customized with 16 different features, which gives buyers total control over the quilt’s weight, price, and warmth capabilities. For optimal warmth, travelers should opt for the insulated foot box, side tension system, and draft collar. The inside of the quilt is always made from 10d nylon taffeta inner lining while the shell can be fabricated from different materials.

2. Enlightened Equipment Revelation – Hikers Favorite

Enlightened Equipment is one of the original brands to popularize backpacking quilts and its latest model, the Revelation, gives justice to the company’s excellent reputation. It weighs approximately 19 ounces and buyers have the option for either 850 or 950 fill insulation. The foot box comes with a 20-inch zipper and a shock cord that allows to tighten the bottom for better seal heat. The quilt is 54 inches in width, which is narrower than most of its counterparts, but wider options are available upon request.

3. Katabatic Flex 30 – Perfect for Side Sleepers

The Flex 30 is a “blanket style” quilt produced by Katabatic. It features a base-to-foot box zipper, which allows users to unzip it for more ventilation on warmer nights. It offers plenty of shoulder room and has a secure pad attachment system that minimizes airflow when sleepers are changing their positions.

4. Feathered Friends Flicker UL 20 – The Versatile Option

Manufactured by Feathered Friends, the Flicker UL 20 is stuffed with 15 ounces of 950+ fill goose down. Its overall weight is 25 ounces, which makes it heavier than most quilts, but compensates with its unparalleled comfort and versatility. Apart from being used as a sleeping bag, the Flicker can be converted into a blanket or used as a hammock underquilt due to its webbing strap attachments.

5. Therm-a-Rest Vela Double 20 – Ideal for Couples

Couples who wish to share the same quilt during their trips should not hesitate to invest in the Double 20. It’s 82 inches wide and 80 inches long and features stash pockets at both top corners. It has 650-fill Nikwax hydrophobic insulation, which offers a decent level of comfort.

These five different types of backpacking quilts are a safe bet for travelers who wish to have a memorable experience instead of a forgettable one.

Many people dream to fly private, and for a good reason. It’s a stylish way of travel that offers a myriad of perks such as no security lines, boarding groups, and rigid flight schedules. It’s seen as an expensive and luxurious traveling option that very few people can truly afford.

What if there is a way to fly private without mortgaging your house or spending all your savings? Empty leg flights are a great way to find discounted private charters and travel like a rockstar. But how do they work?

What Are Empty Leg Flights?

Empty legs are flights that are scheduled to depart without any passengers. They occur when an aircraft needs to reposition or return for a charter. According to several studies, between 30% and 50% of all private jet charters happen without any passengers on board. Such flights are also known as “dead-heads”, repositioning legs”, and “ferry flights”

This type of flight can be as cheap as 75% of standard charter fees. Furthermore, some private jet membership plans offer their users highly discounted or complimentary access to different empty leg flights.

Private charters are costly, which is why operators try to avoid having empty leg flights. As a result, their availability is often kept from travelers until the very last minute. But with proper research, you can find amazing deals that will change your perception of flying.

Downsides of Empty Leg Private Flights

While flying private is amazing, empty legs flights do have their disadvantages. For one, the routes are limited and there is no way to predict availability. This means that you must be prepared to pack your bags and leave on short notice.

Another downside is that you can book one direction at a time. Meaning, you’ll have to find your own way back. Last but not least, empty legs can get canceled at any time and the operator won’t be responsible to get you to your destination.

With all that being said, empty leg flights are an amazing way to save on private flying but you must be flexible to take advantage of the options that are presented to you