I have to admit, I was late to the game when it comes to down comforters and the newer sleeping bag systems, but I’m here now—and I’m never going back!
It all started roughly 17 months ago while camping up in Big Bear, when a good friend showed me a bag that, by comparison, looked the size of a cantaloupe. He claimed it housed the warmest, most comfortable sleeping bag he’d ever used. To be fair, that’s not exactly what Outdoor Vitals calls it—it’s actually their “StormLoft” down sleeping system—but that’s how he phrased it.
I’ll be honest. At first, I called BS. How could something so compact be worth a second glance? Up in my rooftop tent, I had a traditional-style sleeping bag that cost a small fortune and took up six to seven times the space. Surely nothing could top that, right?
Well, a few weeks after that conversation, I happened to be discussing gear with one of our editors, and the topic of Outdoor Vitals’ “StormLoft” came up again. Apparently, it’s something of a hot topic among our site’s readers, so I decided it was time to take a closer look.
I reached out to Outdoor Vitals, and they were kind enough to send me some samples to test. Now, let me be clear—I’m not one to throw around the term “game changer.” It’s overused and often overhyped. But in this case, you’ll just have to imagine harp music playing and clouds parting as the sun bathed me in golden light the morning after my first night using their gear. It was exactly as my friend had described—lightweight, incredibly warm, and far more compact than anything I’d used before. Best of all, it was incredibly easy to pack up, too!
With that said, this article walks you through three of Outdoor Vitals’ products that I’ve had the chance to test. I’ll share my honest thoughts and tell you exactly why this gear has earned a spot in my overlanding kit. So, buckle up—it’s going to be a good one!
Table of Contents
- Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Down TopQuilt
- Outdoor Vitals Aerie 0° to 45°F Underquilt/Sleeping Bag
- Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Non-Slip Stretch Pillow
- Outdoor Vitals for the Win!
Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Down TopQuilt
The Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Down TopQuilt is one of those pieces of gear that really made me rethink my entire sleep setup…
I wasn’t always a believer in quilts, but after giving it a shot, I’ve realized this quilt is a game-changer. Available in temperature ratings of 0°F, 15°F, and 30°F, it offers a lightweight, packable, and versatile solution to staying warm whether you’re ground sleeping, on a cot, or hammock camping. One feature I love is the color-coding for these temperature ratings—red for 30°F, blue for 15°F, and green for 0°F (as shown above). It makes picking the right one for the job effortless.
Warmth and Comfort
The quilt uses 800+ fill power hydrophobic down, responsibly sourced and treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR). This treatment helps resist moisture, making it reliable in varied outdoor conditions. The warmth distribution is smartly managed with vertical baffles along the torso and horizontal ones in the footbox—keeping your body and feet toasty even in cooler temperatures. Trust me, you’ll notice just how well it performs on a chilly night. The first time I used it, I was seriously impressed by how the footbox kept my feet warm—no cold spots at all.
Another design win is how well this quilt works with sleeping pads. It has clips and straps that secure it to your pad, helping prevent drafts from creeping in. As someone who gets cold easily, this is huge. I also appreciate that, unlike traditional sleeping bags, the quilt isn’t restrictive. For someone like me, who can feel claustrophobic at times, this open, adaptable design is a major bonus.
Lightweight and Packable
Weighing around 27.8 ounces for the 15°F version, the StormLoft Down TopQuilt is definitely on the lighter side. When I’m packing for a trip, space is always at a premium, and this quilt packs down impressively small—almost the size of a small oatmeal container! For comparison, my old sleeping bag felt like a space hog. The 10D ripstop nylon helps keep the weight down without sacrificing durability, which is a nice balance when you’re trying to go lightweight without compromising performance.
Versatility
One thing I really like about the StormLoft is its versatility. It’s great for sleeping, but I’ve found that you can easily use it as a blanket while hanging around camp. Whether you’re lounging or tossing and turning in your sleep (as I tend to do), this quilt gives you the freedom to move around. It feels far less constricting than a traditional mummy bag, making it a much more comfortable option for restless sleepers like myself.
Final Thoughts: Outdoor Vitals StormLoft
If you’re trying to shed weight from your pack without sacrificing warmth, the StormLoft Down TopQuilt is worth every penny. Sure, it may not have all the bells and whistles of some premium bags, but its balance of performance, packability, and cost makes it a solid investment for campers and backpackers alike. The lightweight design, paired with its impressive warmth, makes it a piece of gear I’ll continue using for a long time.
One more thing… I’ve been fortunate enough to test both the Outdoor Vitals StormLoft™ and Aerie systems over the past 16 months, and while I genuinely enjoy both, I have to say I prefer the StormLoft—but only by a small margin. The Aerie system is incredibly versatile, and when I leave the top unzipped, I get close to that same sense of freedom that the StormLoft provides, with equally amazing heat retention.
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Outdoor Vitals Aerie 0° to 45°F Underquilt/Sleeping Bag
The Aerie 0° to 45°F sleeping bag is one of the most versatile pieces of gear I’ve tested, perfect for overlanders, hammock campers, and ground sleepers alike. Its multi-use functionality allows it to shift between being an underquilt, a hammock pod, a sleeping bag, a technical blanket, and even a double sleeping bag when paired with another Aerie. I found this adaptability extremely handy, whether I was camping in varied terrains or needing a quick shift in my sleeping setup.
Temperature Ratings and Color Coding
Much like the StormLoft, the Aerie series offers color-coded temperature ratings: 0°F (green), 15°F (blue), and 45°F (orange). Again, this system makes it easy to pick the right gear for your trip. When I was heading out for colder trips, the 0°F version kept me well insulated, while the 45°F version is great for more mild conditions. I found this color-coding especially useful when planning multiple trips back-to-back, as it took the guesswork out of my packing.
Design and Features
One thing I love about the Aerie is how easily it transitions between ground sleeping and hammock camping. Whether I was in a hammock, cot or on a sleeping pad, this system worked seamlessly. The 800+ fill power down in the 0°F and 15°F versions, and the LoftTek synthetic insulation in the 45°F version, delivered the warmth I needed without adding bulk to my pack.
I also appreciated the grid baffle design, which helps prevent cold spots by keeping the down evenly distributed. This I have noticed can be a challenge with other sleeping systems. As an underquilt, the Aerie did a stellar job of avoiding the dreaded “cold butt syndrome,” something hammock campers will definitely appreciate.
Comfort and Performance
While I ultimately favor the freedom the StormLoft provides, the Aerie’s roomy rectangular shape made it a close second. I’m someone who tosses and turns at night, and the extra space in the Aerie compared to traditional mummy-style bags (which I admittedly struggle with) felt much more comfortable. Plus, leaving the top unzipped gave me a similar experience to the freedom the StormLoft offers, without losing any heat retention.
Packability and Weight
One of the Aerie’s standout features is its ability to compress down into a small stuff sack without sacrificing warmth. I’ve used the 0°F down version, which weighs around 2 lbs 11 oz, and found that it packed down small enough to easily fit into my backpack. The LoftTek synthetic version weighs a little more, but it’s a great option for wetter conditions where moisture resistance is important. It’s crazy how small these pack up, not to mention the speed it takes to stuff these in their bags is such a time saver!
Final Thoughts: Outdoor Vitals Aerie
While I lean towards the StormLoft, the Aerie is an incredibly close pick due to its sheer versatility. Whether you’re sleeping on the ground, a cot, in a hammock, or need an extra blanket for lounging, the Aerie delivers. It combines the best aspects of a sleeping bag, underquilt, and technical blanket, making it a fantastic addition to any camping setup. If you’re looking for a multi-tasking sleeping system that doesn’t compromise on warmth or functionality, the Aerie 0° to 45°F Underquilt/Sleeping Bag should be on your radar.
Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Non-Slip Stretch Pillow
I’ve got to be straight with you here: while I’ve used the Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Non-Slip Stretch Pillow on quite a few trips, it’s not my first choice when I’m fully loaded for a trip in my truck. When I’m home and packing my full kit, I always grab my HEST camping pillow—it’s simply the most comfortable camping pillow I’ve ever tested. That being said, the Outdoor Vitals pillow still has a place in my setup. When I’m flying out of town to film a trailer review or head out for a lightweight camping adventure, I turn to this ultralight pillow. It’s tough to beat in terms of space-saving. You can blow this thing up in seconds, and for its footprint, it’s incredibly efficient.
The Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Non-Slip Stretch Pillow is designed for backpackers and campers who prioritize lightweight, compact gear. At just 2.6 ounces (regular size), this pillow is perfect for anyone tired of using clothes as a makeshift pillow. Once deflated, it fits easily into your pack or even your jacket pocket, making it a practical choice for those who need to travel light. My son loves these pillows so I keep one stuffed into the Outdoor Vital Stormloft that he is using.
Design and Comfort
Made from 30D stretch nylon, the pillow has a soft, almost pillowcase-like feel against your skin. It contours well to your head and neck, whether you’re a back or side sleeper, providing a good level of comfort for its size. Plus, it has a non-slip silicone grip on the underside, which keeps it from sliding around while you sleep—a helpful feature if you tend to toss and turn at night. For a blow up pillow, it’s seriously comfortable.
Easy Inflation and Packability
This pillow is incredibly easy to set up. It inflates fully with just two or three breaths, thanks to a one-way valve that makes inflation quick and hassle-free. Once inflated, it offers just enough loft to give you a comfortable night’s sleep. The regular version measures 15.5 x 10 inches, and the elevated version offers a little more height at 4.25 inches, giving you a bit more support.
Practical Features of the Outdoor Vitals Stretch Pillow
What sets this pillow apart for me, especially when I’m traveling light, is how it stays put. It has non-slip dots and loops for securing it to a sleeping pad, so it doesn’t shift around in the middle of the night. This, along with its tiny carry sack (adding just 0.2 oz to the overall weight), makes it a no-brainer when packing for a lightweight trip.
Outdoor Vitals for the Win!
Here’s the deal—while the Outdoor Vitals pillow does a great job in the ultralight, space-saving department, it just can’t compete with the comfort of my HEST camping pillow when I’m fully geared up. That said, when space is at a premium and I need something that packs down super small, the Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Non-Slip Stretch Pillow is my go-to. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and doesn’t take up unnecessary space in my bag. If you’re an ultralight hiker or camper looking for a solid, compact solution, this pillow is definitely worth considering.
In the end, the Outdoor Vitals StormLoft™, Aerie, and Ultralight Non-Slip Stretch Pillow each bring something unique to the table, and all have earned their place in my gear lineup, albeit for different situations…
The StormLoft quilt remains my top pick for its lightweight design, warmth, and freedom of movement, but the Aerie is close behind, offering incredible versatility and comfort for multi-use purposes. And while the Ultralight Stretch Pillow can’t compete with my favorite HEST camping pillow in terms of sheer comfort, its packability and lightweight design make it a reliable choice for my lighter, on-the-go adventures.
Outdoor Vitals has proven themselves to be a brand that delivers on performance, innovation, and value, making them a top contender for any camper or backpacker looking to balance quality with practicality. No matter your preference or needs, their gear provides reliable options for both comfort and functionality in the wild.
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