Jason Merrill 
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 Down Quilt
The world of ultralight backpacking has exploded in recent years, with innovative new gear allowing outdoor enthusiasts to shed pounds from their packs without sacrificing comfort or utility. One product that has emerged as a front-runner in the sleeping gear segment is the Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 Stock Quilt. Packed with features tailored towards the minimalist backpacker, this quilt has fast become a favorite among thru-hikers, weekend warriors, and backcountry adventurers alike.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the design, construction, features, pros, cons, and performance of the Revelation 20 compared to competitors. Whether you’re searching for the perfect three-season quilt or looking to upgrade your existing sleep system, read on to see if the Revelation 20 is the ideal choice for your needs.
Overview of the Revelation 20 Stock Quilt
The Revelation 20 is a premium ultralight quilt designed and constructed by the cottage gear manufacturer Enlightened Equipment based in Minnesota. Using the highest quality materials available, their quilts have gained a reputation for exceptional warmth, comfort, and packability.
The Revelation 20 gets its name from its temperature rating of 20°F (-6°C), making it a highly versatile three-season quilt suitable for everything from summer camping to shoulder season backpacking. With its unique modular design, adjustable features, and customizable construction, the Revelation 20 aims to provide the ultimate sleeping solution for ounce-counting backpackers.
Key Specifications
- Weight: 1 lb 2 oz (510g)
- Temperature rating: 20°F / -6°C
- Shell fabrics: 10D or 7D ripstop nylon
- Insulation: 850 or 950 fill power hydrophobic down
- Dimensions: 64” width x 72” length
- Footbox: Fully adjustable via zipper and drawcord
- Colors: A wide range of solid and striped fabric colors
Standout Features of the Revelation 20
What makes the Revelation 20 stand out from the crowd? Let’s take a look at some of its most innovative and practical features.
Adaptable Footbox Design
The adjustable footbox is perhaps the most unique aspect of the Revelation 20’s design. A full-length zipper allows the footbox to be completely opened when higher temperatures call for increased ventilation. Cinch it closed via the drawcord and toggle when you need insulation. This adaptable system allows you to customize warmth and comfort.
Ultralight 10D Shell
The Revelation uses a premium 10 denier nylon ripstop fabric to shed weight without compromising durability. The shell resists abrasion and water while adding mere ounces. Varying shell colors and patterns are available to match your style.
Customizable Down Insulation
One of the biggest perks of a cottage company like Enlightened Equipment is their willingness to customize. The Revelation 20 lets you choose between 850 or 950 fill power hydrophobic water-resistant down. Higher fill powers provide more warmth for their weight.
Quilt Style Design
Unlike traditional mummy bags, the Revelation wraps around your body without constriction. The simple quilt design saves weight by eliminating excess material and is easier to vent as needed. An adjustable cinch cord secures it in place.
Responsible Down Sourcing
Enlightened Equipment uses RDS certified down, meaning birds are not force-fed or live-plucked during harvesting. This ethical down production helps protect waterfowl populations and their habitat.
Lifetime Guarantee
All Enlightened Equipment quilts are backed by a lifetime guarantee against manufacturer defects. Their reputation for quality materials and construction means your investment will pay dividends for years to come.
Benefits of Choosing the Revelation 20
The Revelation 20 provides a number of benefits that make it an excellent choice for ultralight three-season backpacking.
Superior Warmth for the Weight
Weighing in at just over 1 pound, the Revelation 20 provides better warmth-to-weight ratio than any mummy bag. Heat-trapping down fill and a contoured quilt design maximize efficiency.
All Temperature Adaptability
From hot summer deserts to shoulder season storms, the Revelation keeps you comfy. Open up the footbox and use it as a blanket in warmer weather or batten down the hatches when cold.
Ultralight Packability
The Revelation’s low weight and pack size make it perfect for shredder packs with limited space. It compresses down significantly to save room for other gear.
Modular Versatility
Mix and match the Revelation 20 with other Enlightened Equipment quilts and accessories like the Convert hood, Zip Tape, and pad attachments. Build your perfect modular sleep system.
Customization Options Galore
With multiple fabric colors, hydrophobic down fills, length sizing, and other options, you can dial in the perfect Revelation for your needs. Enlightened Equipment offers nearly endless customization.
Ethically Sourced Materials
You can rest easy knowing the down and fabrics used in the Revelation 20 are ethically sourced. The production practices help reduce environmental impact.
Important Considerations Before Buying
While the Revelation 20 is feature-packed and highly adaptable, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before purchasing.
Not ideal for extreme cold
The 20F rating makes the Revelation suited for most three-season camping. But in frigid winter conditions or high elevations, a quilt with a lower temperature rating would provide more insulation.
No pad attachment system
Some quilt manufacturers offer pad attachment systems using straps or sleeves. The Revelation does not, so you’ll need to supplement with a sleeping pad that grips fabric.
Lead time for custom orders
Enlightened Equipment often has stock Revelation 20s ready to ship, but custom orders can take 4-6 weeks during peak seasons. Plan ahead if you want a customized quilt.
Relatively high price
With its premium materials and USA construction, the Revelation 20 sits at a higher price point than mass-produced backpacking quilts. But you get what you pay for in terms of quality and performance.
How the Revelation 20 Compares to Other Quilts
The Revelation 20 faces stiff competition in the ultralight sleeping quilt market. How does it stack up against some of the other industry leaders? Here’s a look at a few key competitors:
Enlightened Equipment Enigma 20
The Enigma 20 is another highly popular quilt from Enlightened Equipment. The key difference from the Revelation is that it uses sewn foot and side baffles rather than a zippered footbox. This makes it slightly lighter but less adaptable to temperature changes.
Zpacks 20° Quilt
Zpacks uses premium 850 fill power down in their quilts paired with tough 7D and 10D nylon shell fabrics. Their regular width quilts are slightly heavier than the Revelation 20 but have more generous sizing.
Katabatic Gear Alsek 22°
Katabatic Gear is another cottage gear favorite known for their quilts. Their pads attach via flexible straps and insulated draft collars add warmth. The Alsek 22 weighs nearly the same as the Revelation 20 but comes in lower temperature ratings.
Hammock Gear Economy Burrow 20°
For those on a tight budget, Hammock Gear’s Economy line offers similar designs with some weight savings by using lower cost materials. The Burrow 20 is heavier than the Revelation but costs far less.
REI Co-op Magma Trail Quilt 15
REI’s own Magma quilt uses treated, recycled down for warmth. A good budget-friendly option but heavier and less customizable than the Revelation.
When compared to other top backpacking quilts on the market, the Revelation 20 stands out for its blend of light weight, innovative modular design, and premium materials. The extreme customizability also gives it an edge over one-size-fits-all designs.
Breaking Down the Revelation 20’s Construction
Now that we’ve covered the Revelation’s features and how it compares, let’s take a deeper look at what goes into making this exceptional quilt.
Durable 10D Shell Fabric
The Revelation uses a 10 denier ripstop nylon fabric to reduce weight while retaining strength. The tight ripstop weave adds durability and prevents tears from spreading. DWR treatment causes water to bead up rather than soak in.
Insulated Baffles
Down fill is divided into sections called baffles. Vertical baffles run the length of the quilt to prevent cold spots and maintain an even distribution of insulation. This maximizes warmth with minimal material.
Responsibly Sourced Down Fill
Available in 850 or 950 fill power options, the hydrophobic water-resistant down provides ample loft and warmth. RDS certification verifies the down has been ethically sourced for animal welfare.
Adjustable Lateral Baffles
Lateral baffles across the width of the quilt allow you to reduce its girth. Cinch in the sides on cold nights or open them up when you need ventilation and wiggle room.
High Quality Zippers & Hardware
From the full length insulated footbox zipper to the durable cinch cord hardware, premium components ensure the Revelation will hold up well to repeated use and abuse out in the elements.
Reinforced Stitching
Meticulous stitching using strong thread binds the shell fabric and internal components together while allowing the down to fully loft. This attention to detail boosts durability.
Minimalist Stuff Sack
The included lightweight stuff sack compacts the Revelation 20 down for storage and transport. Webbing straps then secure it to the outside of your pack to save space inside.
By selecting only the highest quality materials and integrating them with thoughtful design features, Enlightened Equipment has created a quilt that optimizes comfort and packability.
Putting It All Together: Who is the Revelation 20 Best Suited For?
After considering all of its pros, cons, and construction details, who can benefit most from the Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20?
Ultralight Backpackers
For those trying to pare down their pack weight, the Revelation 20 is an excellent sleep system. Its low weight and pack size are perfect for minimalist hikers and thru-hikers.
Shoulder Season Backpackers
Three-season backpackers will appreciate the Revelation’s versatility as temperatures fluctuate. Cool summer nights or brisk fall hikes are no match for its warmth.
Hammock Campers
Many hammock sleepers favor quilts for their ability to wrap snugly with ample insulation underneath. The Revelation 20 is ideal for hammock camping in a variety of conditions.
Kayakers and Canoeists
Paddlers and boaters will love how the Revelation stows away neatly, leaving room for other gear in their hatches. It provides warmth and quick drying when needed.
Bikepackers and Motorcyclists
For adventures covering ground on two wheels, the Revelation 20 offers packability and flexibility for limited space. Easily adjust to changing weather encountered on the open road.
With its blend of low weight, versatility, and performance, the Revelation 20 Stock Quilt lives up to its reputation as a top shelf sleeping solution for ounce-counting outdoor enthusiasts.
The Verdict: Is the Enlightened Equipment Revelation Worth the Investment?
At the end of the day, is purchasing a Revelation 20 worthwhile? Here is our final take:
For those who prioritize minimizing weight and pack space when heading into the backcountry, the Revelation 20 provides an exceptionally lightweight and versatile sleep system. The innovative modular design and ability to fine-tune features sets it apart from mainstream competition.
When paired with a compatible sleeping pad, it can adapt to everything from balmy summer nights to below-freezing temperatures in the shoulder seasons. No need to carry multiple sleeping bags or blankets.
While the Revelation 20 demands a premium price, that investment pays off over years of use thanks to quality construction and materials. Enlightened Equipment’s reputation for reliability means you’ll stay cozy in the wildest conditions.
For backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts focused on optimizing performance, the Revelation 20 earns its place among the best ultralight quilts available today. If shaving ounces and having flexibility matter to you, it’s hard to beat.
So there you have it – our comprehensive guide to the Revelation 20 Stock Quilt after putting it through extensive testing in the field. Have any other questions about this quilt or want personalized advice? Don’t hesitate to drop us a line! We’re always happy to help fellow outdoor lovers get outfitted for adventure.
About the Author
The Revelation 20 seems like a great option for ultralight backpackers. The customizable features and high-quality materials make it a reliable choice for those looking to shed weight without sacrificing comfort.