If you’re in the market for a quilt for your outdoor adventures, the chances are that you’ve come across Zenbivy and Enlightened Equipment quilts.
As two popular names in the camping and hiking realm, both brands offer a host of features, aiming to provide comfort, warmth, and convenience to their users.
Here’s a deep dive into their offerings, exploring their pros and cons, to help you make an informed choice.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Zenbivy | Enlightened Equipment |
| Design Philosophy | Comfort and flexibility focused | Lightweight and customizable design focused |
| Comfort & Flexibility | Superior, due to the hybrid design | Good, but less flexible compared to Zenbivy |
| Weight | A bit heavy, but still portable | Ultralight, ideal for weight-conscious backpackers |
| Customization | Limited customization, primarily size and temperature options | Extensive customization, including size, temperature, and down |
| Price | Generally higher | Varies, but can be more affordable due to customization |
| Best For | Those seeking comfort and movement freedom in various settings | Those prioritizing lightweight, compact, and customizable gear |
Zenbivy Quilts: Balance of Comfort and Convenience
Zenbivy quilts are known for their innovative designs and high-quality materials. The company was built around the idea of providing a comfortable and flexible sleeping experience, and their quilts reflect that.
Pros of Zenbivy Quilts
- Flexibility and Comfort
One of Zenbivy’s key features is its adaptability. It provides comfort in a wide range of temperatures and settings, courtesy of its hybrid design that combines the advantages of both traditional sleeping bags and quilts. Additionally, its freedom of movement enhances the overall sleeping experience.
- High-quality Materials
Zenbivy quilts are made from high-quality, durable materials, including 700 fill power hyperdry down and a 20D Nylon Taffeta liner. These materials provide good insulation and comfort while ensuring durability.
Cons of Zenbivy Quilts
- Heavier Weight
A notable downside to Zenbivy quilts is their weight. They tend to be a bit heavier than other quilts, which might be a concern for weight-conscious backpackers.
- Cost
Compared to other brands, Zenbivy quilts are on the pricier side. However, for the quality and comfort offered, many users consider it worth the investment.
Also Read: Differences Between Revelation And Enigma Quilts.
Enlightened Equipment Quilts: Lightweight and Customizable
Enlightened Equipment quilts, on the other hand, are known for their light weight and customization options. The brand emphasizes lightweight gear and down-to-earth, functional design.
Pros of Enlightened Equipment Quilts
- Lightweight and Compact
Enlightened Equipment quilts are light and easy to pack, making them a go-to option for those who prioritize weight savings and compactness during their outdoor excursions.
- Customizable Options
Another feature that sets Enlightened Equipment apart is the customization options they offer. You can choose your quilt’s temperature rating, size, color, and even the type of down.
Cons of Enlightened Equipment Quilts
- Limited Comfort in Cold Conditions
While Enlightened Equipment quilts offer great customization, they may not provide the same level of comfort in colder conditions as other quilts, including Zenbivy.
- Longer Delivery Times
Because of the customization, Enlightened Equipment quilts often have longer delivery times compared to ready-made options.
Key Differences between Zenbivy and Enlightened Equipment Quilts
In the vast world of outdoor gear, Zenbivy and Enlightened Equipment quilts stand out due to their unique characteristics and high-quality design.
While both brands offer top-notch options, they come with key differences that cater to distinct user needs. Here’s a detailed comparison, exploring their differences in depth.
- Design Philosophy
While both brands aim to enhance the camping experience, their design philosophies are inherently different. Zenbivy places a strong emphasis on a balance between comfort and functionality. They aim to replicate the feeling of your bed at home, with the added adaptability for outdoor settings.
Enlightened Equipment, on the other hand, prioritizes lightweight and customizable design. Their products cater to backpackers seeking minimum weight and maximum adaptability, with the freedom to choose the specifications that best fit their individual needs.
- Comfort and Flexibility
When it comes to comfort and flexibility, Zenbivy takes the lead with its hybrid design that incorporates both the features of a traditional sleeping bag and a quilt. Zenbivy quilts provide superior freedom of movement, with the ability to unzip the quilt fully or partially, depending on the user’s preference.
This design can be particularly appealing to those who find typical mummy-style sleeping bags restrictive.
Enlightened Equipment quilts, while comfortable, do not provide the same level of movement freedom. However, they do offer a range of quilt designs, like the Enigma with a closed footbox for warmth, and the Revelation, which can open completely for more flexibility.
- Weight and Portability
If weight and portability are your primary concerns, Enlightened Equipment may have the edge. Their quilts are designed to be ultralight, with the lightest option weighing as low as 14.26 ounces.
The compact design of Enlightened Equipment quilts also makes them easy to pack, a valuable feature for backpackers or anyone with limited space.
While Zenbivy quilts are not as lightweight as their Enlightened Equipment counterparts, they are still reasonably portable. However, backpackers counting every ounce might find them a bit heavy.
- Customization
Enlightened Equipment stands out in the realm of customization. They offer a variety of customization options, allowing users to choose the temperature rating, size, color, and type of down for their quilt.
This level of customization ensures that users get exactly what they need for their specific camping conditions.
In contrast, Zenbivy does not offer the same level of customization. While they have different size and temperature options, the choices are not as diverse as Enlightened Equipment’s offerings.
Also Read: Comparison of KUIU Mountain Star And Storm Star Tents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely. While Zenbivy quilts may be a bit heavier than other options, they offer exceptional comfort and flexibility, making them a popular choice for backpackers. The hybrid design of these quilts provides the warmth of a traditional sleeping bag and the freedom of a quilt.
Zenbivy quilts are designed in the USA, specifically in Spokane, Washington. Their meticulous design process emphasizes comfort, adaptability, and high-quality materials.
When storing Zenbivy, it’s recommended to keep it uncompressed in a dry, cool place. Compressing it for extended periods can damage the loft of the down, reducing its insulating capabilities. It’s best to use a larger storage sack or hang it up.
Enigma and Revelation are two popular quilts offered by Enlightened Equipment. The Enigma is a closed footbox quilt, designed for minimal weight and maximum warmth, ideal for colder weather.
On the other hand, the Revelation is a more versatile quilt with a zippered footbox that can be opened fully, making it adaptable to a wider range of temperatures.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, both Zenbivy and Enlightened Equipment offer excellent choices in the realm of outdoor quilts. While Zenbivy leans more towards comfort and flexibility, Enlightened Equipment focuses on lightweight design and customization.
Your choice would depend on your specific requirements, budget, and personal preferences.
