When it comes to camping and hiking gear, quilts are quickly becoming a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. Notably, two stand-out options – the Revelation and Enigma quilts have garnered significant attention.
If you’re deciding between the two, let’s dive into their unique features, pros, cons, and more to help make your choice easier.
A Brief Comparative Table
| Feature | Revelation Quilt | Enigma Quilt |
| Design | Adjustable foot-box that can be fully opened. | Fixed foot-box for a snug fit. |
| Functionality | Versatile and adaptable to varying weather conditions. | Designed for superior warmth, ideal for colder conditions. |
| Weight | Slightly heavier due to the adjustable foot-box. | Lighter due to the simpler design. |
| Customization | Extensive customization options available, including size, temperature rating, color, and down fill type. | Customization available, but options are fewer than the Revelation. |
Understanding the Revelation Quilt
The Revelation quilt is a popular offering from Enlightened Equipment. It’s known for its versatility, providing adjustable foot-box options, and a fully-open mode that transforms the quilt into a blanket.
Pros of the Revelation Quilt
- Versatility
A huge selling point of the Revelation quilt is its versatility. The adjustable foot-box can be fully opened to form a flat blanket, ideal for warmer nights. Conversely, it can be cinched up during colder weather to provide additional warmth.
- Customizable Features
Another advantage is the quilt’s customizable options. Buyers can choose their preferred down type, fill power, color, and length, enabling them to tailor the product to their specific needs.
Cons of the Revelation Quilt
- Price
One drawback of the Revelation quilt is the cost. Its high-quality design and customizable features often result in a higher price tag compared to other quilts on the market.
- Adjustability
While the adjustable foot-box provides versatility, it can also be seen as a downside. The potential for drafts entering through the foot-box is greater compared to quilts with a permanently closed foot-box.
Understanding the Enigma Quilt
The Enigma quilt, also from Enlightened Equipment, is another top contender. Unlike the Revelation, the Enigma boasts a fixed foot-box for a more traditional quilt experience.
Pros of the Enigma Quilt
- Warmth
The Enigma’s permanently closed foot-box provides better insulation, keeping your feet warm and draft-free. This feature makes it an excellent choice for cooler temperatures.
- Weight
Typically, the Enigma is lighter than the Revelation. The fixed foot-box design uses less material and hardware, resulting in a lighter overall weight. For ultralight backpackers, this could be a significant factor.
Cons of the Enigma Quilt
- Less Versatility
The fixed foot-box of the Enigma means it’s less versatile than the Revelation. You can’t open it fully like a blanket, which may not be ideal for warmer weather.
- Limited Customizability
While the Enigma still offers customizable options, the range is narrower than that of the Revelation. This limitation could be a potential downside for some buyers.
Key Differences Between the Revelation and Enigma Quilts
For the uninitiated, Revelation and Enigma quilts might seem remarkably similar. However, these two offerings from Enlightened Equipment have distinct features that set them apart.
By focusing on their primary differences – design, functionality, weight, and customization, we can better understand the unique advantages of each quilt.
- Design
The most conspicuous difference between the two quilts is the design of the foot-box.
Revelation Quilt
The Revelation quilt is characterized by its adjustable foot-box. Users can choose to open it completely, resembling a traditional blanket, or cinch it shut when more warmth is required.
This feature lends the Revelation a distinct advantage in terms of versatility, offering the option to adapt to varying weather conditions easily.
Enigma Quilt
The Enigma, on the other hand, features a fixed foot-box. Unlike its Revelation counterpart, this design provides a snug fit around the feet, which can substantially reduce drafts. If you’re planning on camping in colder conditions, this could be an essential feature.
- Functionality
While both quilts are well-suited for outdoor expeditions, their different functionalities cater to different user needs.
Revelation Quilt
The Revelation quilt is highly flexible, making it a perfect companion for variable conditions. Whether you’re camping in balmy summer weather or bracing the chill of fall, the Revelation’s adjustable design allows you to adapt on the fly.
Enigma Quilt
The Enigma quilt offers fewer options in terms of functionality, with a focus on insulation and warmth. It’s designed to perform best in colder conditions, thanks to its fixed foot-box design.
- Weight
In the world of hiking and backpacking, every ounce counts. Here, the Enigma quilt has a slight edge.
Revelation Quilt
Although the Revelation is lightweight, the added materials and hardware for its adjustable foot-box add to its overall weight. Here is a little demo of it for you.
Enigma Quilt
The Enigma, with its simpler design, uses fewer materials and, therefore, is typically lighter than the Revelation. For ultralight backpackers, this weight difference, though small, can be significant.
- Customization
One of the hallmarks of Enlightened Equipment is its commitment to customization. However, there are differences in the level of customization offered by each quilt.
Revelation Quilt
The Revelation offers an extensive array of customizable features. From its size and temperature rating to the color and type of down fill, the Revelation can be tailored to fit each individual’s preferences.
Enigma Quilt
The Enigma also provides customization options, albeit to a lesser extent. However, for most users, the range of options offered by the Enigma should still suffice.
Also Read: Differences Between Enlightened Equipment And Zenbivy Quilts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main difference lies in the foot-box. The Revelation offers an adjustable foot-box that can be fully opened, providing greater versatility. The Enigma, on the other hand, features a permanently closed foot-box, offering better insulation but less flexibility.
The Revelation quilt comes in various sizes, typically ranging from Short (5’6″), Regular (6’0″), to Long (6’6″), based on the user’s height. Width also varies, with options including Slim (50″), Regular (54″), and Wide (58″).
You can use the Revelation quilt as a fully open blanket or cinch the foot-box for additional warmth. With straps provided, it can be secured to your sleeping pad to prevent drafts.
Both Enlightened Equipment (EE) and Underground Quilts (UGQ) are renowned for their high-quality quilt offerings. EE, the maker of both Revelation and Enigma, is known for its extensive customization options and innovative designs. UGQ, while offering customization, is often praised for its value for money and excellent craftsmanship. Your choice between the two would depend on your specific preferences and budget.
Final Thoughts
Both the Revelation and Enigma quilts offer high-quality, lightweight, and warm options for campers and backpackers. Your decision should hinge on your specific needs and circumstances.
If you’re looking for versatility and maximum customization, the Revelation is a solid choice. If warmth and lighter weight are your priorities, then the Enigma will serve you well.
