Thermarest Pulse UL 20/30 Down Quilt

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UOG TOP PICK – For Versatile Three-Season Warmth and Comfort: With high-loft 1,000-fill ExpeDRY down, a smart baffle design, and a well-sealed foot box, the NEMO Pulse UL 20/30 Quilt delivers reliable insulation and adaptable.

Nemo says: 

The perfect complement to our elite ultralight kit, Pulse is built for the spec-conscious thru hiker who`s willing to make sacrifices in favor of swiftness. This quilt-style sleeping bag design capitalizes on the insulating power of NEMO sleeping pads and offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio in its category with 1,000 FP ExpeDRY gold-infused down. (The down stays evenly dispersed within Karo Step baffles, a construction decision that uses roughly 45% less material.) Pulse`s enclosed footbox keeps feet cozy overnight while included elastic straps can be used to securely attach the bag to a sleeping pad for either casual coverage or a snug seal from the cold. Premium Cohaesive® hardware pairs with a plush collar baffle to further block drafts overnight. Made with 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a PFAS-free DWR coating, Pulse is part of the fully recyclable Endless Promise® collection and is designed to stay out of the landfill forever. When its adventures are over, just send it back to NEMO — we`ll handle the rest.

Our Verdict

At 545g for the regular size, the Pulse isn’t the lightest quilt available, but it offers a commendable balance between weight, warmth, and sustainability. The 1,000 fill power ExpeDRY down provides excellent loft and insulation, and the Karo Step baffle construction ensures even distribution, reducing cold spots. The quilt maintained consistent warmth during early spring outings, even when temperatures dipped below freezing.

The enclosed foot box is well-executed, keeping feet warm without feeling restrictive. The draft collar is plush and effective at sealing in heat, though the external cinch cord can be a bit fiddly to adjust, especially when the quilt is secured to a sleeping pad. Using flat webbing straps, the pad attachment system offers a secure fit but requires some initial adjustment to dial in the fit.

I found the Pulse reliable across three-season conditions when paired with a warm enough sleeping pad. It offers the flexibility to handle everything from chilly early spring nights to the milder days of late autumn.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

In-depth Reviews:

• Nemo Pulse UL Down Quilt Review – ”It’s a solid choice for those who prioritise insulation quality, environmental impact, and adaptable comfort over chasing the absolute lowest weight.”

Features

• Elite quilt-style sleeping bag design scales back insulation to only where you need it.
• Insulated with RDS-certified, gold-infused 1,000 FP ExpeDRY down, which stays drier <iand</i dries faster than standard down.
• Includes an insulated, enclosed footbox to trap heat and keep feet warm overnight.
  Karo Step baffle construction prevents cold spots, keeps down evenly distributed, and weighs less than other methods.
• Made with 100% recycled ripstop, treated with a PFAS-free water-resistant coating.
• NEMO takes full responsibility for all Endless Promise® products, from production to end of life, and designs them for total recyclability to stay out of the landfill.
• Offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio in its category.
• Optional, adjustable straps (included) attach to your pad and hook onto the quilt to tuck in tight and prevent draft.
• Premium Cohaesive® hardware pairs with a plush collar baffle to cinch tight and further block drafts overnight.
• Protected by the NEMO Lifetime Warranty.

Specifications

• Temperature Rating: 20F / -7C
• ISO Comfort: 34F / 1C
• ISO Lower Limit: 23F / -5C
• ISO Extreme Limit: -8F / -22C
• Fill power: 1000

Regular

• Weight: 545g
• Fits to: 6′ (183 cm)
• Paked Size: 8.0 x 5.5 in dia / 20 x 14 cm dia
• Fill weight: 0 lb 12 oz / 330 g
• Shoulder Circumference: 57 in / 145 cm
• Hip Circumference: 57 in / 145 cm
• Knee Circumference: 61 in / 155 cm

Long

• Weight: 613g
• Fits to: 6’6″ (198 cm)
• Paked Size: 10.0 x 6.5 in dia / 25 x 16 cm dia
• Fill weight: 0 lb 14 oz / 385 g
• Shoulder Circumference: 60 in / 153 cm
• Hip Circumference: 58 in / 147 cm
• Knee Circumference: 63 in / 160 cm

Material & Construction

• Shell Material: 100% Recycled Polyester Ripstop w/ C0 DWR
• Lining Material: 100% Recycled Polyester Ripstop w/ C0 DWR
• Footbox Material: Waterproof/breathable w/ C0 DWR
• Insulation: 1000FP ExpeDRY Gold Infused Water Resistant Down

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Lightweight Sleeping Bags
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Sleeping Bag
• NEMO Equipment – Meet the Team
• About Nemo
• Nemo Video Resources
• Recycled Content in Outdoor Gear
• Sleeping Bag Shapes & Sizes
• Down Quality
• All About Down
• Hydrophobic Down
• Responsible Down Standard