Tuesday, October 01, 2024

Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 Quilt Review

Article by Markus Zinkl 

Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 Quilt ($429.00)

Introduction


In this review, I’ll be sharing my experience with the Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt, a piece of gear I’ve relied on throughout this season. As someone who prioritizes lightweight, versatile equipment for outdoor adventures, this quilt has been an integral part of my setup. From its performance in different weather conditions to the little details that stood out, I’ll cover all aspects of how it has worked for me in the field.


Pros

  • Lightweight: Quilt weighs only 596g (1.31 lbs), and with the stuff sack and pad straps, the total comes to just 630g (1.39 lbs).

  • Versatile temperature control: The drawstring footbox allows for venting in warmer weather, while the draft collar and adjustable pad straps keep out drafts in colder conditions.

  • Great loft and warmth-to-weight ratio: 950fp Grey Goose Down provides excellent insulation without adding bulk.

  • Highly adjustable: Footbox and neck closure allow for fine-tuning of warmth.

  • Ethically sourced down: Uses RDS-certified goose down, ensuring humane treatment of animals.

  • Compact and easy to pack: Compresses well into a Silnylon stuff sack for easy carrying.


Cons


  • Footbox hole: The drawstring closure leaves a small hole, reducing warmth without additional insulation.

  • Delicate shell material: The 10D fabric is thin, and occasionally down pokes through.

  • Cold feet: Footbox design doesn't always keep feet warm, especially without additional layers like down booties.


Technical Specifications


Weight (measured):

  • Quilt: 596g (1.31 lbs)

  • Stuff Sack: 14g (0.49 oz)

  • Pad Straps: 20g (0.71 oz)

Fill Power: 950fp Grey Goose Down, ethically sourced (RDS certified)

Fabric:

  • Outer Fabric: Navy 10D fabric with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish

  • Liner Fabric: Charcoal 10D fabric with DWR finish

Footbox: Adjustable 20” (50 cm) zipper and shock cord combination for venting and closure

Draft Collar: Included for extra protection against cold drafts (optional)

Baffle Design: U-shaped continuous baffles for optimal down distribution

Accessories: Includes Silnylon stuff sack, cotton storage bag, and two elastic pad straps (0.4oz each)


Features


  • Footbox with adjustable closure: The 20” (50 cm) zipper and shock cord allow you to customize your foot coverage depending on the temperature. Venting on warmer days is easy, while on cold nights, the footbox can be cinched tight to trap warmth.

  • Pad attachment system: The elastic straps and clips secure the quilt to your sleeping pad and help lock out drafts. One strap attaches the quilt directly to the pad, while the other wraps around your body for added security.

  • Snap and drawcord neck closure: This allows you to adjust the quilt’s fit around your neck and shoulders, preventing any cold air from creeping in.

  • Draft Collar: I chose the version with the draft collar, and it makes a noticeable difference in warmth, especially around the neck and upper body. It seals the gap between the quilt and your skin, stopping cold air from flowing in.

  • U-shaped continuous baffles: These baffles run along the length of the quilt, keeping the down evenly distributed. This is particularly helpful in preventing cold spots during the night as the down doesn’t shift or clump.

  • Packability: The quilt comes with a Silnylon stuff sack that compresses the quilt down for easy storage. A cotton storage bag is also included for long-term storage to maintain the loft of the down.

  • Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Finish: Both the outer and liner fabrics have a DWR finish, which helps shed light moisture—perfect for those early morning condensation scenarios.


My Experience


The Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt has been my go-to for mountain trips this season, and I have been very impressed with its performance. 


Weighing just 596g (1.31 lbs) for the quilt alone and weighing 630g (1.39 lbs) with the stuff sack and pad straps, it’s very lightweight, making it ideal for backpacking adventures. Despite its low weight, it’s warm enough for temperatures approaching freezing, making it suitable for various weather conditions.


My test sample was  the 950 fill power version. It offers excellent warmth-to-weight efficiency. The loft is impressive, and the U-shaped baffles keep the down in place all night long, preventing any cold spots. The down is ethically sourced from an RDS-certified supplier-which should be the standard anyway these days.

What sets this quilt apart for me is its versatility. The adjustable footbox is a standout feature. On warmer nights, I can open it up for ventilation, while on colder nights, I can cinch it shut. 

However, there is a small downside—the drawstring footbox closure leaves a small hole, which can be problematic in colder temperatures. Without stuffing it with socks or covering it with my insulation jacket, my feet can get a bit cold, so I usually wear down booties to keep them warm.

The pad attachment system is another great feature. It consists of two elastic straps—one that attaches the quilt to the pad and another that wraps around my body. This keeps the quilt securely in place and locks out drafts, even on particularly windy nights. It’s a simple yet effective design that enhances comfort without adding complexity.

One feature I’m particularly happy with is the draft collar. I opted for this version, and it has made a significant difference. 

It seals in warmth around my neck and upper body, preventing any drafts from sneaking in. Combined with the snap and drawcord neck closure, it allows me to fine-tune the fit, which is especially useful when temperatures drop close to freezing.


The shell material, made from 10D fabric, is incredibly thin and lightweight. While this helps reduce the overall weight, it does come with a trade-off—occasionally, some down pokes through the fabric. It’s not a major issue as it’s easy to pull the down back in from the other side. You should not pull the down out, which could leave a bigger hole in the delicate fabric. 


The DWR finish on the fabric helps protect against light moisture, such as morning dew or condensation inside a tent, which is another nice touch.


In terms of warmth, the quilt performs well, but as I mentioned earlier, the small hole in the footbox can let in cold air. The quilt is rated for 20°F (-6°C), but without blocking that hole, I find it slightly chilly at the lower end of its rating. Despite this, the quilt remains warm and comfortable for most conditions.

The Quilt comes with a nice storage bag, which keeps the down lofted.

It also comes with a stuff sack, where it packs down pretty small for the temperature rating. 


Conclusion


The Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt is a fantastic option for those looking for a lightweight, packable, and highly versatile sleep system for their outdoor adventures. While the footbox design could be improved to prevent drafts, the overall performance is excellent. Whether I’m dealing with near-freezing temperatures or milder nights, this quilt has been reliable, warm, and comfortable. Its lightweight build and high-quality down make it a top choice for anyone who values both warmth and weight savings.


The Revelation 20 Quilt is Available at Enlightened Equipment


Tester Profile

Markus Zinkl: I’m 34 years old and live in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. I started hiking and backpacking 5-6 years ago. Coming from trail running and with light and fast in mind, I started hiking and fast packing with ultralight gear. Over the years I tried and tested a lot of gear, always in search of weight savings. Although still trying to stay out of the ultralight rabbit hole. I spend most of my days off from work on the trail, with at least one 2-3 week thru-hike. Among the more well known trails I have hiked over the last few years are the GR221, WHR (Walker’s Haute Route), TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc), TC (Tour du Cervin-Matterhorn) and Via Alpina Switzerland. As you probably notice by now, I’m at home in the mountains. So if I’m not running or thru-hiking a longer trail, I’m probably somewhere in the Alps checking out some shorter trails.


The products that are the basis of this test were provided to us free of charge by Enlightened Equipment. The opinions presented are our own.


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