There are many cottage companies that make quilts that are suited for a long-distance thru-hike, today I wanted to help you compare Enlightened Equipment and their Revelation Quilt against the very popular UGQ Bandit to help you make the best decision for your trek.
The main difference is customization options to make the best quilt and UGQ uses the comfort temperature ratings instead of limit temperatures so it’s warmer than equally configured EE. This leads to warmer quilts that match the temperature chosen at purchase and more comfortable sleeping.
Now let’s compare both these custom quilts head to head with the same specs, or as close as each allows, this will allow a more direct evaluation then we can dig into the differences between them.
This way you have the ability to make a truly informed decision and start gearing for your thru-hike.
Real 20 Degree Quilt Builds – EE & UGQ Head to Head
In looking at the above table we can see some clear benefits to each but we can dig into them both a bit more in the below section as this may help shed light on which purchase you should make.
Factors To Consider
There are many factors to consider when looking for the quilt for your trek, the main thing is making sure that it fits your needs from a temperature rating side as this will lead directly to difficult cold, shivering nights if not prepared well.
Outside of this, you want to know the quality of work they produce as stitching fails you it can lead to insulation shift and maybe a loss, then fabrics can help to lighten the load or amp up the durability to ensure long life.
Quality Control
Both companies have been creating quilts for a long time, overall from looking over details and reviews from loads of people in person, in videos, and from written reviews that there are no big outstanding issues between either.
Both are sewn with clean stitching which ensures the down stays in the right places as opposed to allowing it to redistribute and leave cold spots.
Temperature Ratings
A big difference between the two gear companies is that UGQ uses a “comfort” rating, which means that you will feel good at their rating when the temperature is at the rating you purchased which makes it a perfect match.
The Enlightened Equipment rating is a “limit” rating which means you can sleep with it to the rated temperature but it will be cold and you may have shivers or need other cold-weather clothing inside in addition.
That said, our ratings are similar to the EN/ISO limit temperature rating. The EN/ISO standards differentiate between two temperature ratings: comfort temperature and limit temperature. Typically these two ratings are about 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit apart.
Enlightened Equipment Support Portal
This means that a 20-degree quilt from UGQ will keep you warm similar to a 10-degree Enlightened Equipment Revelation, this can be a huge divergence in gear cost for relatively balanced performance.
Comfort Temperature
Defined as the lowest temperature at which a person in a relaxed position (i.e. lying on their back) is not feeling cold. Many manufacturers use comfort ratings for their women’s gear, or for people who tend to feel cold easily.
Limit Temperature
Defined as the lowest temperature at which a person in a curled-up body position is not feeling cold. Many manufacturers use limit ratings for their men’s gear, or for people who generally feel warm when they are sleeping.
The winner is UGQ
Fill Power Options
There are multiple options for down, for Enlightened Equipment they use 850 and 950FP down, and UGQ offers 800, 850, and 950FP down options.
Enlightened Equipment also uses Grey Duck Down for their 850 FP down and then they use Grey Goose Down for the 950 FP.
There are some differences between these two feather types and many think that duck down is less efficient and poorer performing than goose down.
UGQ uses duck down in their 800 FP quilts and then they use goose down for their 850 FP and 950 FP quilts, which is why the down weighs less than the similar 850 rating from the Enlightened Equipment quilt.
By providing more options the winner is UGQ!
Overstuff
This is where the two vary greatly again, Enlightened Equipment offers no option to add overstuff on the initial order form which is a fail I feel on an opportunity to help out someone looking for additional warmth on a thru-hike.
UGQ provides a purchaser the ability to add overstuff to the main quilt, foot box, or both. For the main quilt body, you can choose between 1 or 2 ounces of additional down to help provide that extra warmth for a cold day!
The clear winner is UGQ!
Shell Fabric Options
Here the two companies kind of diverge, with Enlightened Equipment choosing to focus on lighter and less durable 7D, 10D, and only three types of 20D nylon.
This can help them bring the weight down on their quilts tremendously but can also lead to relatively shorter lifespans.
On the other hand, you have UGQ focusing on a 20D exterior shell fabric but providing a 10D nylon for only a $10 increase if the weight savings is wanted versus overall durability.
In addition, they provide many other patterns with PRYM1, Hexcam, and OutdoorInk for a vast array of colors and patterns on your gear helping make them far more unique.
This is a draw, both offer amazing customization options that rival each other.
Draft Collar
This is something that helps to keep out drafts when you pull the quilt in tight on those super cold nights, neither vendor has a draft collar as a standard item on their quilts but you are able to add one onto either.
Draw, though little more cost for draft collar addition to EE quilts.
Foot Box Configuration
The EE Revelation is only available in the drawcord foot box, for them, you have to change quilts over to the Enigma for a sewn closed foot box option if that is a need.
UGQ separates itself from many with the variations it allows here as there is the more standard drawstring option, the flat sewn closed option, then an insulated option to help those who suffer from consistent cold feet!
UGQ wins by a mile by providing massive value in configuring your footbox.
Tension Control
UGQ has a dynamic tension control that can be added to your quilt that helps pull the quilt edges under and around you.
This helps to help keep you warm and comfortable in nearly any position which is unmatched by Enlightened Equipment or other companies.
Pad Attachment
Both offer solid pad attachments with UGQ and their options are even more varied allowing you to find the perfect match for your needs, from weight using a toggle system to a thick cord and clip system like Enlightened Equipment offers.
This gives a slight edge to UGQ for providing the option to go light and toggle if you are trying to really dial everything down as you still get the strap but at a 20% weight savings.
Final Thoughts on UGQ Quilt vs EE Revelation For Thru-Hiking
Overall you can’t go wrong with your choice from these two excellent companies, but this doesn’t mean they are equal.
Instead, you just need to understand the variations and differences between each to make the appropriate modifications.
Many don’t understand temperature ratings lead to a colder sleep than they expect, with a belief that the quoted temperature is always “comfort”.
This is in fact totally incorrect as the companies can list whichever they want on the package leading you possibly far astray.
Just make sure you understand the way the gear is represented and what your time and expected temperature will be, my next quilt this year will be UGQ as I have a build ready to purchase I just have to save up for the purchase.
If you want to check out my list of the best top quilts or if you need my best budget quilts for thru-hiking check out the page here!
In addition, I have a super detailed quilt comparison page if you want to see how every brand stacks up against the other in the key considerations you have for your trek.
