The Otimos UL850 Hybrid Down Quilt is a serious contender for anyone looking to lighten their load without sacrificing warmth. Designed for backpackers, wild campers, and long-distance hikers, it’s built to handle everything from chilly spring nights to frosty winter bivvies. With premium materials, clever features, and a price that’s refreshingly reasonable, the UL850 is quickly becoming a favourite among UK adventurers and beyond.
Materials and Build
Let’s start with what’s inside. The UL850 uses 850 fill power duck down—ethically sourced and RDS-certified—which means it’s not only warm and lofty but responsibly produced. The down is held in place with box baffle construction, which helps eliminate cold spots and keeps the insulation evenly distributed. That’s a big win for anyone who’s spent a night shivering in a bag with patchy warmth.
The outer shell is made from ripstop nylon with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating. It’s lightweight but tough enough to handle rough ground and condensation. The quilt comes in two sizes—Regular and Large—both weighing under 850g including the stuff sack. That puts it firmly in the ultralight category, ideal for backpackers and bikepackers who count every gram.
Warmth and Temperature Range
Rated to around -4°C, the UL850 is built for four-season use in temperate climates. It’s warm enough for winter wild camping in the UK, especially when paired with a good sleeping pad and base layers. The quilt includes draft collars at the neck and foot box, which help trap heat and block out cold air. These collars are adjustable, so you can fine-tune your setup depending on the conditions.
One of the best things about using a quilt instead of a traditional sleeping bag is the flexibility. On warmer nights, you can unzip the foot box and use it like a blanket. On colder nights, cinch everything down and use the pad straps to keep it snug against your sleeping mat. It’s a versatile system that adapts to changing weather and personal comfort.
Features That Matter
Otimos has clearly put thought into the details. The pad strap system is simple but effective—it keeps the quilt in place and helps seal out drafts, especially useful for side sleepers or anyone who moves around a lot at night.
There’s also a small internal pocket for stashing valuables or keeping electronics warm. If you’ve ever woken up to a dead phone battery in freezing temps, you’ll appreciate this feature.
The quilt comes with both a silnylon compression sack and a lofting storage bag. The compression sack packs it down to a compact size (about 30cm x 18.5cm for the Regular), while the lofting bag helps maintain the down’s loft when stored between trips.
Comfort and Sleep Quality
This is where the UL850 really shines. The quilt is roomy—147cm wide at the top and 106cm at the foot—so you won’t feel restricted. The nylon shell is soft and comfortable against the skin, and the down lofts quickly after unpacking, creating a warm cocoon that feels luxurious after a long day on the trail.
Users consistently report great sleep quality, even in damp or windy conditions. The quilt’s ability to adapt to different sleeping positions—back, side, or stomach—makes it a favourite for people who find traditional mummy bags too confining.
Packability and Weight
Weighing under 850g and packing down small, the UL850 is perfect for ultralight setups. It fits easily into most rucksacks and leaves room for other essentials. The included compression sack is well-designed, with built-in straps that make it easy to cinch down without needing extra gear.
Despite its low weight, the quilt doesn’t compromise on warmth or durability. That balance is hard to find, especially at this price point.
Durability and Quality
Otimos has built a solid reputation for quality gear at fair prices, and the UL850 continues that trend. The stitching is clean, the zippers are smooth, and the materials feel premium. The ripstop nylon shell holds up well to abrasion, and the DWR coating adds a layer of protection against moisture.
The quilt has been tested in a range of conditions—from frosty hillsides to damp woodlands—and consistently performs well. It lofts quickly after compression and retains its shape and warmth over time. The lofting bag is a nice touch, helping preserve the down’s performance between trips.
Value for Money
Priced between £219.99 and £239.99 depending on size, the UL850 offers excellent value for a four-season quilt with premium materials. Comparable quilts from bigger brands often cost £100–£200 more, and Otimos includes extras like the pad straps, compression sack, and lofting bag—items that are often sold separately elsewhere.
Add in responsive customer service and a growing reputation in the UK outdoor scene, and it’s easy to see why the UL850 is gaining traction.
What Users Are Saying
Feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive. People love the warmth, comfort, and compact size. Side sleepers and taller campers appreciate the roomy design, and many note that the quilt performs better than expected in colder conditions.
One reviewer mentioned staying warm even when their tent was pitched on wet ground, and the quilt dried quickly the next day. Another used it on the Coast to Coast walk and found it warm enough even when temperatures dipped unexpectedly.
The quilt’s adaptability is a recurring theme. Whether zipped up tight or used as a loose blanket, the UL850 suits a wide range of sleeping styles and conditions. That flexibility makes it a reliable companion for multi-day treks and unpredictable weather.
Compared to the UL700
The UL850 builds on the success of the UL700, Otimos’ three-season quilt. Key upgrades include:
- Higher fill power (850FP vs. 700FP)
- More down for better insulation
- Added draft collars at the neck and foot
- Improved pad strap system
- Better compression sack
While the UL700 is great for spring through autumn, the UL850 extends your camping season into winter, making it the better choice for year-round use.
Final Thoughts
The Otimos UL850 Hybrid Down Quilt is a well-designed, high-performance sleep system that delivers warmth, comfort, and versatility in a lightweight package. It’s ideal for backpackers, wild campers, and anyone looking to upgrade their sleep setup without breaking the bank.
With ethical down sourcing, durable materials, and thoughtful features, the UL850 is built to last—and built to keep you warm. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend bivvy or a multi-week trek, this quilt is ready to go.
