New EE Quilt – The Convert

Disclaimer: I work for EE. I just wanted to add on here something we forgot to mention in the product description (until just now) that two Converts can actually be zipped together as well, which has been a pretty common question about our Revelation quilts. It's obviously not as perfected for two as the Accomplice since it doesn't have the draft blocker at the head, but still surprisingly spacious (and couples can mix multiple temperature options that way as well).

Light, versatile, reputable, roomy; what's not to love? This will likely make for a few quilt converts. ;)

Peter – what type of zip are you using for the Convert? I assume it's beefier than the one used in the Revelation and Prodigy footbox, to withstand the rigours of us active rotisserie sleepers. It looks like there a small baffle behind the zip to seal out drafts, how well does the zip work with the 10D material work (snag-free I hope)?

We're actually still using the same zipper size. It still seems to have held up well in initial testing, and it's a bit less obtrusive when used as a quilt. You're correct in that the zipper is fully draft-blocked (and that down is in its own chamber, so it's not shared with the adjacent baffle or anything). To help additionally prevent snagging, we've added a reflective stiffener right behind the zipper. Not only then does it help keep the zipper running straight, but if you're climbing into your tent with only a headlamp on, it'll make it a lot easier to figure out where to zip it up. We're not sure if the stiffener we used is actually a bit too overkill, so we'll have to get some feedback from more people once a few get out there. I haven't used the Convert as much as others in the office, but in my own experience it seemed to work basically just like it should.

What's more exciting (to me anyway) is the "standardization" on DownTek WR down and reduced prices on higher fill power. Not to mention the new Xshort and Xlong sizes. It's hard to fault the EE product line, and when you consider bang for buck they really can't be beaten.

What would be the main differences between this and say, the Feathered Friends Flicker which is also a quilt that converts to a bag?

What would be the main differences between this and say, the Feathered Friends Flicker which is also a quilt that converts to a bag? length options EE-2, FF-2 EE's spec chart lists 5 lengths but only two for sale when I looked) width options EE-2, FF-1 (FF's width is between EE's) down options EE-6, FF-1 fill wt. EE-15.03, FF-14.7 (20 degree models, 900 fill power EE's regular/regular, FF's regular) fill power options EE-800,850,900 FF-900 down types EE-untreated,treated FF-??? total wt. EE- 23.18oz, FF-26oz (20 degree model, 900 fill power) price ee-$400, FF-$389 (20 degree model, 900 fill power) EE price ranges from $285 to $415 depending on depending on fill power and size Other than that, not much

Well that settles that.

looks like it would be tight on my feet

Have you ever even used an EE quilt? I always make my footboxes between 40" and 42" and the footbox is a little bit roomier than the 42" versions I make. I just wouldn't knock it off the basis of nothing.

Adequate room is very much a YMMV thing. For my mileage, EE quilt boxes are roomy enough for my size 12's, even when wearing size 13 booties with a relatively stiff CCF sole (I realize that Ken's may well be larger). Also, when I was making my own quilts I fell prey to not paying attention to foot posture. When standing, my leg and foot make a 90 degree angle. When prone and relaxed it is more like 45 degrees. So my feet fit comfortably inside a smaller diameter foot "cylinder"

No. Does a draw cord gathered bottom really make a footbox though? Large enough for 15s? Based on the supplied photo above, which is what I am basing my assumptions on, it looks tight to me.

Just on some clarification, the footbox on the Regular size Convert would be 46" when fully opened, and typically a little larger than that when it's closed down as your feet tend to fall further up the taper of the bag. Thus it's a good amount larger than the the footbox even on our Regular or Wide quilts.

Thanks Peter.

Tyler in our office has size 15's and he used a wide Revelation on a trip we did last weekend. It has a 42" footbox and he never mentioned it being tight and by the looks of things, my face was by his feet, there was plenty of room:) Also since the convert is a quilt-bag hybrid we should not call it a quilt or a bag, perhaps a Quag? -Tim

Lets be clear: the Convert is a straight up knock off of the FF Flicker. So no style points for innovation here. You see something of the Nunatak Back Country Blanket and the Zpacks bags in both as well. However, choice and competition are good. Looking at the price/specs, EE does offer a lot more options and price points. EE also makes great gear and has great customer service. FF also has great customer service and makes great gear. Looking at the FF Flicker 20 degree, it has 900PF down and a Pertex Endurance UL shell. It costs $389. The Convert, with similar specs costs $400 with an inferior shell material. The Convert has a hair more fill and is 3 oz lighter. I suspect the 3oz comes from the Flicker's more robust shell and zipper. Close, but for me, I would go with the Flicker. I have a bag with a Pertex Endurance UL shell and I am able to dispense with a bivy with confidence, saving money and weight. If budget was my sole driver, would go with the Convert with 800PF for $290. I have tried the FF Flicker in the store and was impressed, especially with the foot box.

Knock off, no: similar product, yes. We were making Revelations with full zippers long before the release of the flicker but just doing it as a custom only option. We had stopped doing that planning to refine the design and add a draft tube for release last spring but got overwhelmed with orders and had to push it back. In the mean time FF came out with the flicker, and Western Mountaineering and Sea to Summit with similar products as well. So are we late to the party, yes, but are we straight up knocking off other designers, no we are not. All these hybrids are similar and I'm sure each has its strengths and weaknesses but in the long run I'm sure they are all good products and narrowing it down to a specific one will be a personal choice. For us options are always important and as Jim listed we have a few sizes listed that are not available yet but we are working to get the materials and templates needed to offer a full range of sizes in this new product. -Tim

A Prodigy with full zipper would be pretty sweet. I'd be first in line.