Help me decide: EE Revelation or Katabatic Flex?

I’ve only tried EE Revelation.

I like the pad attachment a lot. I like that it’s flat and has little flat connectors, not cord that you have to knot. I am a side/rotisserie sleeper.

I like that the baffles are a U-shaped design, not all horizontal.

I’ve been perfectly content with the EE footbox and neck closure. But I don’t tend to like a lot cinching up my neck, so I may not be the best gauge for you on that one.

For me the decision wasn’t all price. Though Katabatic has plenty of fans who will chime in momentarily.

What Katherine said, pretty much.  I’ve also only used the Revelation but it’s been great.

Full Disclosure: I work for EE. 

I just wanted to chime in as regards the temperature comparisons: the down fill weight 30°F Flex compared to EE Revelation falls right between our temperature ratings, so their 30° has more down (all else being equal) than our 30° rating, but less than our 20° rating. It’d be very similar to what we’d call a 25° rating. There isn’t really a right way or wrong way to rate them, since temp ratings are inherently somewhat subjective, but that’s where the difference comes from.

I have the traditional Katabatic and the EE Revelation.

I would say it would depend on how much you move around and how often you are looking to push the comfort levels.

The Katabatic system is a bit easier to transform to really wrap around you and is perhaps slightly higher quality, though the EE is now slouch either. Though the Katabatic lock-down system offers that ability it is a bit more fiddly and annoying if you don’t really need every degree of warmth.

I’d say the EE is a bit more flexible, comfortable, and adaptable, particularly if you tend to move a lot during sleep.

Both are great quilts and you can’t go wrong with either in my book.

Hi all!

Also my first post on this forum and i wanted to ask also about quilt recommendation (buying quilt for first time).

I will be using quilt in late spring, summer and early autumn where expected lower temps would be around 5 to 10 C. And that is the worst case scenario where usually lower temps at night will be higher. I will be using tent and also no tent (still looking for my new bivy).

I will be camping by rivers, lakes so I am expecting a little extra damp conditions during night.

I was thinking to go ether 30F or 40F quilt.

I am also selecting between:

• EE Revelation 30F or 40F
• Katabatic Gear FLEX 30F or 40F

KG Flex is using more weight down fill compare to EE so I am guessing that i should go 30F with EE and 40F should be fine with Katabatic?

I read a lot of post where people mentioned price difference. But there is not much of a difference if you consider that Katabatic is using more down fill weight, neck down collar and i guess better footbox closure (also with down collar vs. EE not using any in foot and head area).

Since i mentioned dump conditions when sleeping maybe i should go with water-resistance down but i am somehow did not read much how this down look like after few years of usage? Does it loose any of the original down properties, etc.?

Regarding the size of quilt i would also ask you for recommendation. I am reading different recommendations about it.

• I am 181cm, 75kg, 125cm around shoulders, 95cm around chests.
• I’m a ground side/stomach sleeper, turning quite a bit from left to right.
• I like to have (one of) my knees up when i sleep.
• I like to have the option of pulling the blanket/quilt over my head, or at least under my nose.

Since FLEX is 2″ wider comparing to ELITE series like (Palisade) I was thinking to go Regular width and Long length since i want to pull quilt over my ears when cold. Or should i consider Wide as well at 58″?

With EE Relevation since shape of quilt is different (after learning it reading this forums) I was thinking to go Wide and Long? Dimensions of EE quilts and Katabatic is similar but different shape.

To mentioned I am using Klymit Static V (have both summer and winter version) so I guess i am ok with good ground insulation. I hope :) But as mentioned there are also EE Convert and FF flicker as backup option for buying new bag.

I am also try to understand benefits of both KG Flex and EE Revelation pad attachment system according to my sleep style and what would work best for me. Keeping in mind that I have Klymit Static pad i think KG attachment will work better with that design. But not sure yet. Really can not think or decide which is winner for me. :)

Also I looked also to a new EE Convert and FF Flicker as backup plan if I do not pull a trigger to quilts above. And that will happen if I feel that I am not ready to use a bag with no material under a body.

I would be really happy if you can assist me with my selection.

Thanks!

@Jonathan: Did you maybe pull a trigger on your first quilt? Take care and thank you for answer!

Andrej,

For the temps you’re expecting, I don’t think a quilt that zips all the way closed is necessary. I prefer quilts a bit wider than necessary because I toss and turn, and I don’t bother with the pad straps. I would also definitely go with the 30 over the 40.

It’s hard to give specific advice because these preferences are so personal and really require trial and error. Do you sleep cold? Are you happy to wear extra layers if you’re chilly?

If you’re on the fence, I recommend going with a little extra comfort, so the EE wide/long/30F seems like a safe bet (I have no experience with Katabatic).

Thanks, everyone for your input!

Andrej, I’m getting pretty close to doing it. I decided to wait until I get my tax return ;)

I keep swinging back and forth between the two but I’m leaning more and more to EE.  I’ve even thought about getting a 40 deg Prodigy just to try for the summer.

@Peterboysen  If I’m going be pairing my bag with a bivy, what fabric would you folks recommend for the outside, 10d for better breathability?

@Jonathan: Yes I also looked into Prodigy since synthetic is more prone to moisture.

But packing size and weight are my only concerns. Sure it is not a problem if you only do a camping stuff with family but doing a hiking with it i think down quilts are better. You need a bivy anyhow to protect a bag in this case.

Decisions, decisions, decisions… :)

I am more interested in Katabatic quilts …. as said price difference is not that different if you compare it with EE (at least not that big as outdoorgearlab mention it).

I found (looking web page) that Katabatic have more features compare to EE, like:

• foot closure is done better with additional draft down tube (you do not need to stuck socks or jackets to prevent a “hole” in foot area when cinched.
• in neck area you have additional down collar prevent cool air getting in which i think is a welcome feature and also offering better comfort I would say
• and cut / shape of the FLEX bag is also better comparing it to EE Revelation

Really not sure which way to go…

Waiting for users who maybe already bought FLEX and give some comments on it.

Take care!

@Gator Paddler: Probably you are right about temp ratings. It is always safer to go 30F vs. 40F since I can still use it as a blanket when temps are not that low.

But comparing EE 40F and Katabatic Flex 40F , Karabatic have more down weight fill so i guess it si warmer.

As said i am not sure which quilt should i go. Currently i am interested in pad attachment system where i am reading mixed feedback from users using EE or Katabatic.

Thanks!

@Jonathan: do you maybe have size comparison for 30F Revelation and 30F Prodigy when packed?

Andrej,

They’ve got a chart under the specs section on their website. I think the packed size for both is around 6.5 inches x 12 inches, give or take 1/2″.  Not sure if that’s fully compressed.   I’m more of a light-minded traditional backpacker so I’m looking to lighten my load but not crazy about the weight/size difference.  During the summer I lead trips for camp so I’m already caring a 75L+ osprey pack and a bunch of heavy group gear.  Anything’s going to be a step up (or down I guess) from a traditional synthetic mummy.

Hope this helps!

JB

I have had a Revelation 20 for 2 years and just got the Flex 30 a few days ago.  The sewing and craftsmanship is night and day between the two with Katabatic being superior in every way.  Plus, Katabatic puts more fill in their bags for their respective temp ratings.  The footbox closure on the Flex eliminates the need to stuff a shirt at the bottom to fill the closure hole.

I’ve always enjoyed my EE Revelation but this Flex is amazing.  I’ll be putting it to the field test next week.

@Thomas: can you maybe share your body measurements and which size Flex did you take?

Iam 5’11” (181cm), 165lbs (75kg), 39inch chests and 50inch (125cm) shoulders.

i am side sleeper most of the time.

I was thinking Long because i like to pull bag ove my face if needed.

Katabaic adviced me to go Regular width for Flex since it is 2inch wider compare to Palisade.

What do you think? Maybe you can post a picture comparing a bag sizes and comfort?

Did you take850 water resistance down? I will be sleeping in hunmid conditions as well as by lakes, rivers…  Not sure if this water resistance down works equaly durable on long time period. Or i should take 900fill and just use bivy as i need it anyway.

Most of the time i will be using tent anyway :) – camping.

Which pad attachment system do you like so far- i guess you did not test it on field but maybe you can give me your first impressions?

Thanks!

I went with the 900 fill and the 6’6″ wide. I am 6’2″ and have broad shoulders. I probably could’ve gotten away with a regular width but I’m really glad I have the extra few inches. Your body habitus seems inline with what Katabatic recommends.

The bag will be getting some trail miles in this coming week. I set my strap system up using the yellow cord around my NeoAir. So far, no complaints. I am very happy. This sewing on the Flex is insanely perfect. A small but really nice bonus is the snaps are attached and reinforced in a manner that allows repeated snapping and unsnapping without worry of damage. This is very important to me as my version of the EE Revelation had the snaps glued onto a piece of ribbon. Let’s just say it didn’t stay long (I’ve since been told they are not made this way anymore).

Thomas,

Does your EE bag have the newer shiftless baffles or the old square ones.  I have a friend whose got an old Revelation X and he said the same thing you did about their sewing/finishing (i.e. other companies like Katabatic are better but he still loves his EE quilt).  However, I get the impression just from looking at pics that they’ve improved over past few years.  Let us know how the test goes!

JB

I finally did it!  Last week I went ahead and ordered a 30 deg Flex from Katabatic.  I’ll fill you folks in when I get it and test it out.

I think you’re gonna love it. I had mine out last week in 22 degree temps and I was toasty wearing a base layer inside. The pad strap locking system ensured no drafts.

Did you ever get a chance to try out our quilt? Being 5’6″ I was looking at the regular size flex and was curious what you thought of the sizing. I like to have a little bit of space in the foot box.

Hello – I’d also like to hear your feedback on the quilt. I’ve had my eye on a Katabatic Sawatch for a long time but now both the flex and EE quilts are throwing a wrench in that.

Tagging this thread. I ordered a katabatic flex 40 degree for three season use in a tent. I hope I won’t regret not getting a 30 degree but worst case I can wear a down vest also.

A 40° quilt is.. in my experience, not very warm. But, damn, it’s light!

I have a 30 deg EE Revelation and have never experienced any drafts or cold spots in the foot box. You can get a Prodigy if you’re concerned. I’m a cold sleeper and have taken it down to the low 30’s a few times and been very comfortable. I’m also a side sleeper and have never had any issues. Besides the cost, I think the biggest selling point to me are the lengthwise baffles. I’m not sure why other bag/quilt makers haven’t swapped over to this design. I also have a 10 deg Zpacks bag that I like but definitely notice down migrating sometimes to the sides.

Whether you choose the EE or Katabatic, I don’t think you can lose.

I can only speak for the exceptional workmanship of Katabatic as I have a Sawatch.