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.
You can also reach our support team on our Contact Us page for any specific questions not answered on the blog.
Each quilt comes with a quilt as ordered, roll top dry sack, pad straps, and a polyester mesh storage bag. Quilt specs are printed on a hang tag. Oh, and stickers, we don't want to forget those!
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.
Our headquarters is based in Winona, Minnesota. We would love to have you visit! Please use the Appointment form on our Contact Us page to schedule a time to come down! Otherwise, check out our retail partners here.
Rugged Thread is our preferred repair partner. For more information on how to submit a request, check our article.
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.
Custom backpacking quilts take longer to ship than Stock/SoD 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 prepped 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. For more info about our Lead Times click here.
Stuff on Demand (SoD) is a tier of fulfillment that's offered specifically with our Non-Custom Down Quilts. What this means is that we need more time to prepare these quilts before we can ship them out as they would need to be stuffed, sewn and inspected alongside any other production steps needed. This is to ensure the quilts are not stuffed, and compressed in shipping boxes for extended amounts of time, which both saves space in the warehouse, and is better for the down in the quilt. For more info click here.
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.
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.
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 CO2 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 nasty chemicals.
eClean - A New Way to Wash Your Quilt
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Though this question occasionally comes up, there is no 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:
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.
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.
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.
Here are some of the fabrics we offer for our quilts:
For more guidelines on how to choose, check out this article.
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.
Depending on personal preference and when you ordered. As of right now, we are shipping all quilts out with our Roll Top Dry Sack that should keep your quilt compressed and dry. If you ordered before we made the update. Our previous stuff sack is not fully waterproof against immersion, you could either order our Roll Top here or you would need to get another sutiable option.
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.
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.
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 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 ship internationally! We currently ship all international orders using FedEx. If you'd prefer an alternative delivery service (USPS or UPS) please reach out to customer service for options. Please note that alternative delivery services may not always be an available option. Please note that we are unable to deliver to Malaysia, Morocco, Indonesia, Belarus, and The Russian Federation.
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.
For customers in the UK, EE will collect taxes at the time of order. For other Countries taxes will likely be collected after the order clears Customs at which point you will be contacted by the courier to pay those taxes. Processes may differ depending on the country so we recommend contacting your import office to prepare properly. There are also a variety of online calculators to determine expected tax declarations like SimplyDuty. There's also a Tax Calculator for Canadian Customers, click here.
Yes, for any kind of alternate or expedited shipping options, please reach out to Customer Service or leave an order note when you place your order and we will reach out with options! Please note that additional costs could be associated with alternative delivery services. Also note that alternative delivery services may not always be an available option.
Yes, however the onus is upon the customer to confirm the post office accepts general delivery. For more info on which post offices can accept general delivery click here.
Yes, but please help us help you by communicating additionally based on your trail needs, we recommend you get in touch with our Customer Service team. Treat it like a standard box and recognize we have no control over the packing when it’s been shipped.
To view our General Company Policy list, please click here. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Customer Service.
Stock items and warehouse items ship within the current listed lead times, and can be returned within 30 days of shipping for a full refund, custom items can also be returned but are subject to a 20% 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.
Sleeping quilts are used as a part of a sleep system that usually includes your tent, your sleeping pad, your sleeping quilt or bag, and base layer cloths. Without each of these pieces accounted for in the conditions you expect to be sleeping in, your system may fail, and your other parts of your sleep system cannot make up for it. For example, your 0° sleeping quilt will not be able to keep you warm if your heat is lost beneath you by having an inadequate sleeping pad..
Quilts use strap systems to attach the quilt to your sleeping pad. This usually includes some combination of either flat straps, or loop straps, which loop around the pad, then attach the quilt via clips..
Both Sleeping Quilts and Bags use temperature rating to measure their level of warmth, meaning that a 20° sleeping quilt should be equally warm (when used properly) against a 20° sleeping bag. In extreme cold conditions, having your body fully encapsulated by a sleeping bag may create extra layers of failsafe for keeping out moisture and drafts.
Because of their ability to be opened and moved within more freely, quilts are generally better for side sleepers. Quilts allow you to sleep more naturally while in blanket-mode, and allow you to choose how secure/tight to your body the quilt sits on colder nights.
Sleeping bags fully encompass the user head-to-toe, while sleeping quilts only cover the most necessary parts of the body. Sleeping quilts lack the hood of a sleeping bag, as well as the insulation underneath your body in exchange for a more highly versatile sleeping experience. Sleeping quilts can be formed as blankets, or closer to full bags, depending on the temperatures and variables the night calls for, while sleeping bags will only wrap around the user fully in the 'mummy bag' fashion.
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.