Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX Quilt Review

Introduction

Enlightened Equipment is a cottage manufacturer known for their high-quality down quilts. They also offer a line of synthetic quilts, introduced in 2016. Enlightened Equipment synthetic quilts are cheaper than their down counterparts, with the added advantage of retaining insulating loft in response to moisture accumulation (a distinct advantage in wet and/or humid conditions). Specifically, this Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX Quilt Review summarizes nearly a year of evaluating the quilt. (FYI: The Revelation Apex was formerly known as the Prodigy).

Stock Photo: Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX Quilt (shown is the 2016 version, then known as the "Prodigy".)

Features

• Synthetic Climashield Apex insulation
• Affordable price compared to down
• Partially zippered, drawstring foot box to vent or seal in heat, as desired
• Loss of insulative ability is minimized when compromised by moisture (compared to down)
• Less negatively affected by sweat and oils than down for warm weather trips

Specifications

• CLIMASHIELD™ APEX 8.0 APEX synthetic insulation
• Partially zippered/drawcord foot box
• 10 Denier Ripstop Nylon with Durable Water Repellant shell/lining (lighter and heavier fabric options are available)
• Versatile, made-to-order, width/length sizing from Slim/Junior - Extra Large/Extra Wide

Included with the Product

• Quilt
• Silnylon Stuff Sack (.3 oz.-.8 oz./8.5 g - 22.7 g)
• Breathable Nylon Storage sack
• Elastic Straps x2 (0.4 oz./11.3 g each - One Straight, One Loop)

Review Context

The Enlightened Equipment Quilt will be traveling the Canadian Rockies, the Canadian West Coast Rainforest and the beautiful shores of New Zealand. In addition, closing commentary featuring Ryan Jordan's experience with his version of the same quilt (a 7d, Reg/Reg 50 deg F version) is offered in the context of two-quilt layering systems for both fringe and winter season pursuits.

Field Testing

Much to my excitement, Enlightened Equipment offers a synthetic version of their quilts. While this may seem less enticing to down lovers (typically, I am a down lover),  it excites me as much as making a trip through a coastal rainforest this year. Obviously, I need warmth retention if things get damp during unpredictable and exposed weather conditions. Synthetic fill becomes essential during winter trips and some of the exposed mountain routes I plan to do.

Performance Assessment

The Order

A dozen or so color/denier options and combinations made the prospect of ordering my quilt an enjoyable experience. Happily, I chose between 10 denier fabric (for ounce saving), 20 denier (for more weather protection), or a combination of the two fabric weights (update: 7d is now available as well).  Also, I was able to choose an insulation rating and a length and width, in particular. Apparently, my small frame appreciates not packing a longer, wider quilt than necessary.  I fit best in a youth length or X-short quilt. As I am slender and a restless sleeper, I chose the regular width. I determined I would not order the additional weather strips. In part, because I am short and I am unlikely to touch the edge of the tent. Also, the quilt dries faster without additional material.

In addition to a quilt, I ordered the matching Hoodlum. Also, I placed the order online, and I paid with PayPal. A custom quilt has a four to eight week waiting period. I placed an international order (I'm living in Canada) with the company on February 12, 2016. As predicted, the order shipped via USPS Priority Flat Rate, April 8, 2016. I received the package on April 20, 2016, after a short interruption by customs.

Emylene's Custom Quilt Order:

Weight: 27.43 oz. (777.6 g) (advertised) 26.50 oz. (751.2 g) (actual)

• Length: X Short - 5' (152.4 cm) user
• Width: Regular - 54" (137.2 cm)
• Temperature Rating: 20 ºF (-6 ºC)
• Internal Fabric: 10 DWR Charcoal Grey
• External Fabric: 10 DWR Purple
• Optional Weather Stripes: None
• Cost: 175.00 USD

The Delivery

As expected, the box felt light as air when I picked it up. When I opened the package (as advertised), I found: one stuff sack, one storage stack, one quilt, pad straps and the additional Hoodlum I ordered.

The storage bag felt tough and durable, but light enough to dry quickly. As I pulled the quilt out of the storage sack, I touched the ultralight but sturdy stuff sack. Ultimately, I pulled the Enlightened Equipment Revelation Apex quilt from the stuff sack. Happily, the 10 denier fabric felt soft and satiny to the touch. The thick fill lofted nicely once laid out. Zippers and snaps on the quilt felt sturdy. Unfortunately, the drawstrings seemed flimsy but adequate.  I thought I would probably have to replace them at a later date. Fortunately, the advertised weight for my quilt was 27.43 oz. (777.6 g), but the actual weight was 26.5 oz. (751.3 g).

Initial Trial

Upon the first use, I became aware the included stuff sack would be inadequate for most of the backpacking that I do. The drawstring can tighten. However, it instantly slides loose, exposing the quilt to elements. It was of no concern for me.  Fortunately, I have several UltraSil dry sacks which will be more appropriate for the high moisture conditions that I usually encounter.

The Enlightened Equipment Revelation Apex is my first quilt. Whether you'd expect it or not, there is a learning curve to sleeping in a quilt. However, aside from one rather chilly night attempting to figure out the best way to attach my quilt to my sleeping mat, I was warm and comfortable. Also, the freedom to roll around and kick my feet out the bottom of the quilt, proved enjoyable when I was uncomfortably warm.

Luckily, I found I could use the opened bottom quilt to wrap myself up and wander around camp.  Also, I found the "walkabout" mode of the Enlightened Equipment Revelation Apex Quilt crucial when I had to perform first aid on myself after dislocating my knee this summer. While wearing the quilt I could take care of my immediate needs (shelter and fire). Fortunately, I stayed well away from entering shock as I remained warm, dry, and comfortable waiting for medical evacuation.

Disclosure

We received the discussed quilts via purchase or loan with no expectation or obligation, including monetary compensation or any requirement whatsoever that a review would be published in any medium.