I purchased and reviewed my first Enlightened Equipment 20 Degree quilt so much that I went and purchased a 40 degree version for warmer weather hikes in Spring, Summer and Fall.  But I opted to go with the standard Revelation model instead of the Pro Revelation model because the scant weight savings didn’t justify the extra cost.  It was a valid choice for my 20 degree quilt because of the amount of down needed but just wasn’t justifiable with the 40 degree quilt since it would only save about 1 ounce.

 

 

Being the occasional hammock camper I wanted to give myself more options so it wouldn’t be the standard Revelation model like my last quilt.  I wanted to design this quilt with the ability to be used as an under-quilt in a pinch if I wanted.  Generally, I take both my hammock and tent on a lot of my trips to give me extra options in case of limited space; extra comfort or just to mix it up for variety.  So I gave it a lot of thought then sat down and drew up a few features that I wanted to add and subtract from the quilt before I took it to EE and asked if they would build it.

First, I wanted to remove the zipper from the Revelation because in warmer weather I’m not too concerned about keeping the drafts out and the system sealed quite as much as in the winter where it’s crucial to seal in the warmth and out to cold.  I feel this will equate to a weight savings and less to go wrong with the absence of a zipper.

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Second, in lieu of the nixed zipper I requested them to put their signature additional loops with snaps like they do typically above the zipper on the Revelation model.  Only I requested them to be added the entire length of the quilt.

Third, I requested they increase the size of the loops that the snaps are attached to in order for me to thread shock cord through the loops to hang as an under-quilt.  Now I know this wouldn’t be an ideal under-quilt setup but I think it could work well enough to keep me insulated and comfortable in the upper 30’s and above.  I have camped in my hammock with my Thermarest Ridgerest down in the 40’s and it kept me insulated underneath but it migrated all night long so this would be an upgrade.

When I called EE they were just as awesome as they were the first time I called them to ask about my 20 degree quilt before I purchased it a few months back.  This time they were just as eager to help me get what I wanted and offered great advice in figuring out if what I was asking for was feasible.  Great company!

I can’t wait to get it and try it out.  I will check back in with an update after I put it through some hikes.

UPDATE….

I’ve now used this quilt on two different hikes and it performed every bit as good as my Revelation 20 degree quilt.  I used it on my Panthertown Valley trip 3-20-15 thru 3-22-15 and my Appalachian Trail Section Hike 4-17-15 thru 4-19-15 and I’m happy to say that I made a good choice.  I have yet to use it as an underquilt but it definitely does its job as a top quilt.  I’m glad I opted to lose the zipper and put snap tabs in its place because it allows me to vent quicker and easier if needed.  An as far as the weight and size well I hardly notice it’s in my pack because it’s so small.  I’m very happy with the quilt overall at this point and I’m looking forward to many years of using it.