While most people tend to opt for a sleeping bag as part of their sleeping system, I opted for a down quilt made by the good folk at Enlightened Equipment.
At the time I was looking for something to sleep in at night, I really wasn’t sure if I wanted a sleeping bag.
Some of them can be heavy and I was in complete ultra-light mode as I thought that was the be-all and end-all of hiking.
I have since learned that that doesn’t have to be the case, but that’s another story for another time.
Anyway, so I was bouncing around the Bushwalk forum and someone had suggested a quilt instead. In fact, plenty of people were raving about them for various reasons.
After doing a bit of research on these quilts, I decided that this was what I was after.
Funnily enough, at the time I purchased mine, Massdrop was selling them and the lowest price of $310 AUD had already been unlocked.
So, I bought one.
The quilt I bought is an Enlightened Equipment Revelation rated at 20 degrees Fahrenheit and is a long wide.
Made of 100% Nylon, it weighs 546 grams and has a downfill power of 800. It comes with detachable elastic straps that bring the quilt together towards the middle and top.
This also allows you to wrap it around your mat and clip it together to keep you extra warm on those freezing cold nights.
Whereas, at the bottom, there are small clip-on studs and a zip, as well these thin elastic drawstrings that pull the bottom together and keep your feet warm.
Furthermore, it comes with a silnylon stuff sack for you to keep it in. However, I found it to be quite thin so I invested in an 8 litre Sea to Summit dry sack instead.
This quilt has been everywhere with me across Victoria and has travelled with me to New Zealand, and not once have I ever felt super cold.
In fact, there were instances in New Zealand where I was so warm that I slept without it.
If you have a look at the Enlightened Equipment website, you’re able to choose what colour you want for the inside and outside. I went with aqua and charcoal.
Right now you’d be looking at about $400 AUD including postage for an Enlightened Equipment Revelation quilt.
However, given the level of comfort, weight, and how easily it packs away, you get value for your dollar and you’ll appreciate the investment during those cold nights.
