Paria Thermodown vs Hammock Gear Economy Burrow
TopQuilt is reader-supported. Some links go to Amazon, and we may earn a commission at no cost to you. How we make money.
On this page
Quick answer: The Paria Thermodown is the cheapest way into a real baffled down quilt, ships fast from Amazon and is easy to return. The Hammock Gear Economy Burrow costs a bit more but is usually lighter and packs smaller thanks to higher fill-power down, and you can choose width, length and temperature rating. If you can wait for an order and spend a little more, the Economy Burrow is the better long-term quilt; if price and speed matter most, get the Thermodown.
When hikers and hammock campers ask for a budget top quilt, two names come up more than any other: the Paria Outdoor Products Thermodown and the Hammock Gear Economy Burrow. Both use treated duck down and cost a fraction of premium quilts, but they take very different approaches. This comparison summarizes their published specs, design and owner feedback. We research and compare; we haven't lab-tested either quilt.
Side-by-side comparison
| Paria Thermodown | Hammock Gear Economy Burrow | |
|---|---|---|
| Down | Treated duck down, ~700 FP class | Treated duck down, ~800 FP class |
| Ratings | 15°F and 30°F | Several, from warm-weather to cold-weather |
| Approx. weight (around 20°F-class) | About 2 lb (15°F) | Roughly 1.5 lb (20°F, regular) |
| Sizing | Limited standard sizes | Choice of widths and lengths |
| Footbox | Convertible (drawcord and snaps) | Convertible (opens flat) |
| Pad straps | Included | Available |
| Shell | Ripstop nylon with DWR | 20D-class nylon with DWR, color choices |
| Where to buy | Amazon, Paria | Direct from Hammock Gear |
| Lead time | Fast shipping | Stock items ship quickly; custom builds can take weeks |
| Price tier | $ to $$ | $$ |
Figures are approximate. Both brands adjust specs, and Hammock Gear frequently updates options and lead times, so check current listings.
Down and weight
Both quilts use treated duck down, but the Economy Burrow uses a higher fill power. Higher fill power means more loft per ounce, so the Economy Burrow needs less down to reach a given rating. That's the main reason it's typically several ounces lighter and packs smaller than a Thermodown of similar warmth. For weekend trips the difference is minor; over a long hike or in a small pack, it adds up. Read down fill power explained and fill power comparison.
Sizing and fit
This is where the two differ most. The Thermodown comes in a limited set of sizes, and average-sized hikers usually get on well with it. The Economy Burrow lets you choose width and length, which matters a lot for tall hikers, broad shoulders and side sleepers who need more fabric to tuck in. If you've ever felt drafts in a narrow quilt, being able to order wider is a big advantage. Use our width and length sizing guide or the quilt size calculator.
Temperature ratings
The Thermodown comes in two ratings, and owners generally treat them as optimistic: many find the 15°F comfortable into the mid-20s°F and the 30°F into the low 40s°F. The Economy Burrow is offered in more ratings, so you can pick a closer match to your trips. Hammock Gear's ratings are also brand estimates, and cold sleepers commonly size up one step. Neither quilt is ISO/EN tested; see top quilt temperature ratings.
Footbox and versatility
Both quilts can close into a footbox or open flat, which makes them flexible in hammocks and on warm nights. The Thermodown uses a drawcord and snaps; the Economy Burrow's design also opens flat for use as a blanket. In everyday use, both are comparable. Our footbox guide explains the trade-offs of convertible designs.
Hammock use
Hammock Gear started as a hammock-focused brand, and the Burrow line is designed with hangers in mind. The Economy Burrow's sizing options let you order a quilt that wraps well in your hammock. The Thermodown is also a very popular starter hammock top quilt, especially for people who want to try hammock camping without a big investment. Whichever you choose, you'll need insulation underneath: an underquilt or pad. Both brands sell underquilts, so you can build a matched system. See the hammock insulation guide.
Buying experience
The Thermodown's biggest practical advantage is availability: you can order it on Amazon, get it in days and return it easily. That makes it a low-risk first quilt. The Economy Burrow is sold only by Hammock Gear. Stock configurations can ship quickly, but custom choices sometimes involve a wait, especially in spring when demand peaks. Return policies for custom builds are typically more limited than Amazon's, so measure carefully before ordering.
Value over time
The Thermodown wins on upfront cost. The Economy Burrow often wins on long-term value because it's lighter, sized to you and likely to remain your main quilt longer. Many hikers start with a Thermodown, learn what they like, then order a custom quilt and keep the Thermodown for car camping or as a backup. If you already know you love quilts, skipping straight to the Economy Burrow can save money in the long run. Read custom vs stock quilts for the bigger picture.
Shell, construction and durability
Both quilts use baffled construction, so neither suffers from the cold stitch lines of sewn-through budget quilts. The Economy Burrow's 20D-class shell is a sturdy choice for hammock use, where quilts rub against suspension and hardware, and Hammock Gear lets you pick colors for the inner and outer fabric. The Thermodown's ripstop shell is also durable enough for regular use, and owners rarely report structural problems with normal care.
Duck down in both quilts occasionally pokes through the fabric. That's normal and not a defect: pull the feather back in from the opposite side rather than plucking it out, which enlarges the hole. For more on fabrics, read quilt shell fabrics; for construction, see sewn-through vs baffled quilts.
Pad attachment and ground use
On the ground, keeping a quilt's edges sealed against your pad is the difference between a warm night and a drafty one. The Thermodown includes elastic pad straps in the box. Hammock Gear offers pad straps as an accessory, and many Economy Burrow owners add them for tent trips. Either system works; the key is using them on cold nights. See pad attachment systems and, if you like to tinker, DIY quilt pad straps. Match your pad's R-value to the season with our R-value guide.
Who should choose which
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want the lowest price | Thermodown |
| Need it within days | Thermodown |
| Are tall, broad or a side sleeper | Economy Burrow |
| Care about weight and packed size | Economy Burrow |
| Want a specific rating | Economy Burrow |
| Are trying quilts for the first time | Thermodown |
| Want a quilt you'll keep for years | Economy Burrow |
Care
Both quilts use treated duck down and care for them is identical: store loose, air out after trips and wash with a down-specific soap when loft drops. Follow how to wash a down quilt and how to store a quilt.
The bottom line
The Paria Thermodown is the best low-cost, low-risk way to get into down quilts: cheap, fast to arrive and easy to return. The Hammock Gear Economy Burrow is the better quilt if you can spend a little more and wait a bit, with lighter higher-fill down and sizing that fits you. For full details, read our Thermodown review and Economy Burrow review, or browse best budget top quilts.
Check Thermodown price on Amazon · See the Economy Burrow at Hammock Gear
Frequently asked questions
Is the Economy Burrow worth the extra money over the Thermodown?
For many hikers, yes: it's typically lighter for the same rating and you can choose width, length and rating. If your budget is tight or you need the quilt this week, the Thermodown is still excellent value.
Which is better for hammocks?
Both work well. The Economy Burrow comes from a hammock-focused brand and offers hammock-friendly sizing, while the Thermodown's convertible footbox and low price make it a popular starter. Pair either with an underquilt.
Where can I buy each quilt?
The Paria Thermodown is sold on Amazon and through Paria. The Economy Burrow is sold direct by Hammock Gear and isn't on Amazon.
Do both use duck down?
Yes, both use treated duck down, but the Economy Burrow uses a higher fill power, which is a big part of why it's lighter. See duck vs goose down.