​Support and FAQ

Making a change in your gear can be stressful and involve a lot of uncertainty in an already uncertain place (the outdoors). Here are some common questions we get and some answers to those questions. This page is split between specific quilt questions and a general section that helps to explain many common UL terms. Many of these questions are also answered in more depth in hyperlinked articles.

Where do I go to get support for my quilt?

  • This blog page, among others, provides a majority of the necessary after-purchase support for our gear
  • You can also reach our support team at customerservice@enlightenedequipment.com for any specific questions not answered on the blog.

Table of Contents

  • Quilt FAQs
    • Why don’t quilts use hoods?
    • How do I pack my quilt for a trip?
    • Can I put my head under my quilt?
    • How do I clean my quilt?
    • How long should I let my quilt loft?
    • What is a draft collar?
  • Apparel FAQs
    • I’m in between apparel sizes, what do I choose?
    • Why are the Torrid Apparel pieces oversized?
  • Quilt Accessories FAQs
    • Should I swap out the Stuff Sack with my quilt?
    • Do I need a Sleeping Pad with a Quilt?
    • How do the pad straps work?
    • What all comes with my quilt?
  • General FAQs
    • Why are they called Sleeping Quilts?
    • Where’s the Visp Rain Jacket?
    • Are EE’s fabrics durable enough for my uses?
    • Why do custom quilts take so much longer to fulfill?
    • Does EE have an in-person store?
    • I woke up with condensation on my quilt. What now?
    • Why do you overfill your quilts?
  • Shipping FAQs
    • Do you collect taxes on international orders?
      • (Only UK for VAT & taxes), Canada no import tax on US made, but yes to provincial sales taxes
    • Can I get Expedited Shipping?
    • Can you ship to me while I’m on trail?
    • Can you ship General Delivery?
    • Do you ship Internationally?
    • How long does international shipping take to arrive?
      • Highly dependent on customs, generally 1-2 weeks
      • Expedite - reach out to CS, very expensive
  • Policy FAQs
    • What’s EE’s Warranty Policy?Can I return my In-Stock gear?
    • Can I return my Custom gear?
    • Can you repair my gear?
      • Rugged Threads, contact CS
    • Can you put new down in my quilt?


Quilt Questions

Why am I cold at night in my new quilt?

  • This is a fairly frequent question, but one without a one-size-fits-all answer. There are so many different factors, both external and internal that can lead to an uncomfortable night out. Learn more about these and some troubleshooting here. Here are some of the most common reasons we find that people are cold at night:
    • Insufficiently insulated sleeping pad
    • Not using their pad straps with their quilt or using pad straps improperly
    • Not consuming enough calories vs. calories spent that day
    • Damp equipment or clothes
    • Sleeping with the quilt/bag over the head (condensation from their breath gets the down wet, reducing insulative performance)
    • Improperly sized quilt leading to inefficient insulating
    • The quilt is dirty and has lost insulative performance
    • Insufficient sleep clothes or head coverage
    • Altitude, local geography, wind, humidity, or improper Shelter protection

How do I clean my quilt?

  • Before we talk about how to clean a quilt, it’s essential to understand why it’s worth cleaning a quilt. Our sleeping quilts function best and are most comfortable when clean. Obviously, backpacking is anything but a clean pursuit, especially for extended trips like thru-hikes, but excessive dirt can clog insulation and reduce loft (insulative power) and smell bad.
  • There are only two methods Enlightened Equipment typically recommends. A professional carbon cleaner (we recommend and work with Eclean), or hand washing yourself. Cleaning with a professional service like EClean yields the best results by far, but comes at a higher cost than handwashing to avoid using water, heat, or chemicals.
  • For a comprehensive look at Eclean’s method and our findings using their services, click here. For a guide on how to wash down quilts by hand, click here, and for synthetic quilts, click here.

How are Enlightened Equipment Quilts Temperature Rated?

  • We have subjected our quilts to EN testing; however, it is crucial to note that the ratings on our website and specifications chart may not necessarily represent the EN test outcomes for a particular product. We evaluate our quilt temperature ratings by employing our own testing methods, incorporating customer feedback, and utilizing our design expertise of more than a decade of building quilts.
  • Typically, the quilt temperature ratings we claim fall between the Comfort Ratings and the Lower Limit Rating for quilts that have undergone testing using the EN 13537 standard. Our aim is to declare temperature claims that are more conservative than the industry standard, ensuring that our customers feel comfortable in our quilts at the temperatures we specify.

What’s the right quilt for me?

  • The Revelation and Enigma are the way to go if you want the lightest and most compressible options. The Revelation is by far the most versatile, able to be fully opened up like a blanket. The Enigma is our lightest, simplest quilt and has a sewn closed 3D footbox. If you need the absolutely lightest option, or you just always have cold feet, the Enigma is the way to go!
  • Our Convert and Conundrum quilts are similar to our Revelation and Enigma, but they offer full-length zippers to fully close up like a sleeping bag when needed. The Convert is the same design as the Revelation (with a full zip), while the Conundrum is the same design as the Enigma (with a full zip). Both the Convert and Conundrum are great for colder sleepers, folks not ready to leap full quilts, or those who tend to go on a lot of winter adventures.

How Should I Store My Quilt?

  • To store your backpacking quilt, we include a need a large, breathable storage sack. This will allow the down to loft properly and prevent it from getting compressed. When storing your quilt, make sure it is completely dry. If it is wet, it will mold and mildew. You can dry your quilt by hanging it in a well-ventilated area or by using a dryer on the lowest setting.
  • Once your quilt is dry, store it in a cool, dark place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources. This will help to preserve the down and fabric and keep it in good condition.

What Fabric Should I Choose For My Quilt?

Here are some of the fabrics we offer for our quiltsquilts:

  • 20D Nylon: lightweight, strong, and water-resistant fabric. It is a good choice for backpackers who are looking for a lightweight quilt that is durable and can withstand wet weather and hard usage.
  • 10D Nylon: This is a very lightweight fabric that is strong and water-resistant. It is a good choice for backpackers who are looking for a good balance between of different qualities and weight.
  • 7D Nylon: This is the lightest fabric that we offer, but it is also more delicate than the other fabrics. It is a good choice for backpackers who are looking for the lightest possible quilt and are willing to sacrifice some durability.

For more guidelines on how to choose, check out this article.

Should I Choose a Down or Synthetic Quilt?

  • Down and synthetic quilts are both popular choices for backpacking, but they have different advantages and disadvantages. Down quilts are typically lighter and more compressible than synthetic quilts, making them a good choice for thru-hikers and other backpackers who want to save weight.
  • Synthetic quilts are not as light or compressible as down quilts, but they are more water-resistant and retain their loft even when wet. This makes them a good choice for backpackers who are likely to encounter wet weather. Synthetic quilts are also typically less expensive than down quilts.

To learn more about the differences between our insulation types, read more here.

General Questions

What all comes with my quilt?

  • Each quilt comes with a quilt as ordered, stuff sack, pad straps, and a cotton storage bag. Quilt specs are written on the cotton bag, including the weight and order number.

Where’s the Visp Rain Jacket?

  • The visp jacket is currently on back order. Due to the custom nature of the waterproof material, it is in short supply, affecting our stock of the jacket.

Why do custom quilts take so much longer before they ship?

  • Custom backpacking quilts take longer to ship than stock quilts because they are made to order. This process can take several weeks, depending on the current volume of orders. If you are in a hurry to get your custom backpacking quilt, you may want to consider ordering a stock quilt. Stock quilts are made in advance and are typically ready to ship within a few days or weeks. However, stock quilts may not be as customizable as custom quilts.

What is a Sleep System?

  • A sleep system is all of the components necessary to sleep outside. In short, this includes sleeping pad, quilt or sleeping bag, shelter, and any sleep clothes. Learn more about different choices for these items here.

What are some Different Backpacking Shelters?

  • There are a few choices for styles of shelters, and even more for manufacturers. Here are some options and pro’s and cons.
  • How do the pad straps work?
  • We highly recommend users, especially new users, bring and utilize pad straps to minimize drafts and provide secure attachment to their sleeping pad.
  • We recommend using the loop strap at the mid-section of the quilt to secure the quilt to the pad and the flat adjustable strap up at the shoulders. This configuration ensures the quilt stays secure on the pad but also allows the user to sit up while in the quilt and not pull the back of the pad up with you when rising. For the full breakdown with pictures on how to set up pad straps, click here.
  • We recommend narrowing the gap along the pad to minimize drafts and potential exposure to cold air when it's cold. As the temperatures increase, this gap can be widened to allow you to stay cooler and not overheat.

Do I Need a Sleeping Pad?

  • Yes, you need a sleeping pad for your backpacking quilt. A sleeping pad provides insulation from the cold ground, which is essential for staying warm at night. Quilts do not have insulation on the bottom, so they rely on your sleeping pad to keep you warm.
  • If you do not use a sleeping pad with your quilt, you will likely get cold at night. The cold ground will conduct heat away from your body, and your quilt will not be able to keep you warm. This can lead to a sleepless night and a miserable hike the next day.
  • There are many different types of sleeping pads available, so you can choose one that is right for your needs and budget. You should also consider the weight and pack size of the sleeping pad when making your decision. Sleeping pads can be bulky and heavy, so you want to choose one that is lightweight and easy to pack. Read more here

How do I pack my Backpacking quilt for a trip?

  • Stuff the quilt into a dry sack or compression sack. Place the quilt in the bottom of your backpack.Surround the quilt with other gear to help keep it in place.Use a stuff sack that is the right size for the quilt to help minimize space and weight.

For more information on this, check out our article on Quilt Compression

I’m in between apparel sizes, what do I choose?

  • Just in case, size up, or consider ordering a stock version of the item and returning in order to get an exact idea of how things fit.

Should I swap out the Stuff Sack with my quilt?

  • Depending on personal preference. Our stuff sack is not fully waterproof against immersion, which might make an alternate stuffsack a preferred option.

Are EE’s Quilts Durable Enough for my Uses?

  • Generally speaking, yes. Our quilts can use such ultralight material because sleep equipment generally experiences much less wear, than say, trail clothes. However, if you are extremely rough on gear to the point of abuse, a 20D outer fabric or less ultralight sleeping quilt might be a better choice.

How do I Clean My Quilt?

  • See our articles on how to handwash or professionally clean your quilt with our partner Eclean.

I woke up with condensation on my quilt. What now?

  • Condensation is totally natural and nothing to be concerned about. We recommend airing the quilt out at lunch or upon reaching camp that evening to ensure a dry quilt for the following night.

Can I put my head under my quilt at night?

  • We strongly recommend against this. The primary reason is condensation from breath will begin to collect in the quilt and degrade its ability to insulate. If keeping your head warm at night is an issue, we recommend a beanie, hooded jacket or torrid hood to provide additional insulation.

Why Don’t Quilts Use Hoods?

  • The absence of a hood helps maintain freedom of movement. Side sleepers can feel restricted with a hood. We recommend our Torrid Hood as an alternative as it moves with the sleeper.

How Long Should I let my Quilt Loft?

  • A quick rule of thumb is an hour for every day in solid compression. This means a short time after a day in a backpack or a few days after transit. Long-term compression of a quilt is not recommended, but if necessary, requires significant time to re-loft.

Do you collect taxes on international orders?

  • For Canada: we are exempt from national import tax as a made in the US product. However, we are still subject to provincial taxes. We collect VAT taxes on international order orders. We recommend contacting your import office to make prepare properly. There are also a variety of online calculators to determine expected tax declarations.

Can I Get Expedited Shipping?

Can You Ship to Me While I’m on Trail?

  • Yes, but please help us help you by communicating additionally based on your trail needs. Treat it like a standard box and recognize we have no control over the packing when it’s been shipped.

Can You Ship General Delivery?

  • Yes, however the onus is upon the customer to confirm the post office accepts general delivery. Here is a listing to check which post offices can accept general delivery https://www.postallocations.com/

What is EE’s Warranty Policy?

Can I Return my I Stock Gear?

  • ”Stock items and warehouse items ship in 2-6 business days, and can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of shipping. Items must be new and unused, with any included tags still attached. Any items with visible signs of use, or noticeable odors, will not be accepted. You must fill out the return form attached to your “Order History” on your profile page. All approved items must be shipped within 7 business days of receiving return approval. The customer is responsible for any shipping expenses involved. Refunds are given in the original method of payment.”

Can I Return my Custom Gear?

  • “Custom products can be returned within 30 days of shipping and will be charged 20% of the item's original purchase price, as a restocking fee. Items must be new and unused, with any included tags still attached. Any items with visible signs of use, or noticeable odors, will not be accepted. You must fill out the return form attached to your “Order History” on your profile page. All approved items must be shipped within 7 business days of receiving return approval. The customer is responsible for any shipping expenses involved. Refunds are given in the original method of payment.”

Do You Ship Internationally?

How long does international shipping take to arrive?

  • International shipping is highly dependent on customs, but a majority of orders take 1-2 weeks. We are able to expedite orders but it is very expensive. If you think this might be the right option for you, reach out to customer support.

Does EE have an in-person store?

  • Our headquarters is based in Winona, Minnesota. We would love to have you visit but please give us prior notice so we can accommodate a tour properly. Otherwise, check out our wholesale retailers for a location near you.

Can you repair my gear?

  • Rugged Threads is our preferred repair partner. For more information on how to submit a request, check our article (how to professionally repair my quilt)

Why do you overfill your quilts?

  • Our quilts come with a standard 30% overfill. We do not any additional overfill beyond this standard as it comes with diminishing returns. We recommend purchasing a warmer quilt if this is a concern.

What is a draft collar?

  • A draft collar is an additional horizontal baffle at the top end of a quilt near the neck. The draft collar provides a buffer against drafts (hence the name) when cinching the quilt tightly.

Can you put new down in my quilt?

  • This is not a service we offer at Enlightened Equipment. However, there are external vendors who can do this service. We do not recommend this and it will void our warranty.

What is Thru Hiking?

  • Thru-hiking is a long-distance hike that covers an entire trail or route in one continuous journey. It is a physically and mentally demanding activity that requires determination, endurance, and a love for adventure. Thru-hikers immerse themselves in the natural environment, carrying all they need and embracing a minimalist lifestyle during their epic odyssey. Learn more about popular thru-hikes both inside and outside of the US here.

How do I Layer Clothes for Backpacking?

  • A base layer is a next-to-skin layer that helps regulate temperature and wick sweat. It can also serve as sun protection in exposed regions. Base layers are worn while hiking, so the thinner materials are better to minimize sweating and maximize wicking. The style of the base layer is largely a personal preference.
  • An active layer is meant to be worn while hiking in colder weather on top of a base layer. This may include a fleece, windshirt, active insulation, or even a synthetic puffy(Outcast in cold weather. Breathability is key to avoid trapping sweat during activity and requiring lots of layering changes, so thinner is better here.
  • For more on layering systems - check out our article on how to layer clothes for backpacking

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Why do we keep calling it a Sleep System? Can't I just roll out my sleeping bag and be good?

Why can't temperature ratings all just be the same?! Let's try to make an (unfortunately) long story short.

Make sure you have the best night of sleep possible - body temperature management, caloric intake, & more.

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