Enlightened Equipment Enigma Review: 2,000km / 1,200mi & 5+ Years.

If you’ve been searching for the perfect ultralight quilt, then your search may just be OVER!

I’ve been using the Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt on my hiking and thru hiking adventures for the past 5+ years and now I’m here to tell you why I think it just might be the best ultralight sleeping bag substitute on the market.

I’ve put my Enlightened Equipment quilt to the test, from the warm and humid conditions of New Zealand’s far north to chilly and frosty shoulder-season camping on the South Island. It’s accompanied me on multi-day hiking trips staying in backcountry huts, and kept me cozy on an 80 day thru hike of NZ’s long distance trail, Te Araroa.

So let’s find out why I chose it, and what I think after 5+ years and almost 2,000 kms / 1,200mi of use!

⚠️ DISCLAIMER
I wasn’t paid by Enlightened Equipment to do this review, nor was I sent this quilt by the company to review. I paid for it with my own money, and the opinions expressed herein are unbiased and honest.

Enlightened Equipment Enigma Review: At a Glance.

These specifications are for a 10F / -12C Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt with 850 fill power down in a Regular length and Regular width.

User’s Specs
The comments in this review are based on a 167 cm / 5’5″ slim build woman around 55 – 65 kilos (120 – 140lb) using a Regular width / Regular length Enigma quilt. It’s important you choose the right quilt for your gender & build. Find out more here.

Enlightened Equipment Enigma Review: Quilt Features.

The Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt is a marvellous piece of ultralight hiking gear that has been well thought out by the manufacturer.

From it’s three-quarter open back with clasps to its sewn closed footbox, it addresses so many of the big concerns of those who can’t decide whether to switch to a quilt. The result is a versatile product capable of converting even the most traditional hikers.

But don’t take my word for it. Let the features and specs speak for themselves:

Weight

The overarching factor which draws hikers to a quilt vs sleeping bag is the weight advantage. Because quilts don’t need heavy zippers or a fully encompassing down casing, they’re usually quite a bit lighter than traditional sleeping bags.

The Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt is no exception. A Regular length / Regular width 10F / -12C Enigma filled with 850 loft down has a fill weight of 526g / 18.55 oz and a total weight of just 692g / 24.42 oz!

Even the lightest traditional sleeping bags on the market normally don’t weigh less than a kilogram (2.2lb), with many sitting around 1.5 kg / 3.3lb.

Insulation

Inside the Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt is filled with grey duck (850 fill power) or goose down (950 fill power) from an RDS certified supplier. The down is treated to resist moisture and dry out faster, giving you some protection against the damp and condensation. I can’t find any information online to confirm EE are still using DownTek treated down. I’ve reached out to EE for confirmation.

The high loft of these ultra compressible downs mean that the Enigma quilt compresses and packs down to the size of a netball (or smaller). Coupled with the lack of bulky items like zips and a hood, it takes up way less room in your pack than most sleeping bags.

Outer Shell

No lightweight hiking product is going to be 100% bombproof. But Enlightened Equipment go a long way towards future-proofing and making their gear as durable as possibly by using 10D nylon fabric on both the inner and outer.

The nylon is also treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating which helps any ambient moisture to bead up on the outside of the quilt rather than penetrate it and get the down wet.

Once down gets wet it starts to clump together and loses all its insulating properties, so it’s great to have this extra barrier protection on the quilt’s outer shell.

Sewn Closed Footbox

The main difference between the Enigma quilt and other ultralight quilts on the market is its sewn closed footbox.

The only downside of the sewn closed footbox is that you lose the additional functionality of being able to open the quilt out fully. Some people (especially those looking more for a summer quilt) really miss this.

Drawcord Closure at Neck

Without feeling claustrophobic or confining, the drawcord neck closure is easily accessible from inside the bag, meaning you can make a quick exit if required (no rustling around searching for the zipper toggle when you need to pee!).

U Shaped Continuous Baffles

In the Enigma Quilt, the clever and innovative U shaped continuous baffles help to prevent the down insulation creeping from one side of your quilt to the other, theoretically keeping you warmer for longer.

Sleeping Pad Attachment Straps

The Enlightened Equipment Enigma pad attachment system uses elastic straps to connect your quilt to your sleeping pad. These two elastic straps go around the top and bottom of your sleeping pad, and help to keep your quilt in place while you sleep.

The idea is that by using the pad straps to attach your quilt to your sleeping pad, the quilt will stay secured around you while you sleep, reducing the occurrence of draughts. The pad attachment system works in conjunction with a set of snaps, clips and a drawcord closure to just about eliminate draughts.

Stuff Sacks

I really rate a gear company that not only makes a great product, but helps you to take care of it properly.

Not only do you receive a silnylon stuff sack to pack your quilt away into when you’re on the move, but also included is a 100% cotton large storage sack for proper compression-free storage at home.

Enlightened Equipment Enigma Review: My Thoughts.

This still being the only backpacking quilt I currently own, I’ve had plenty of opportunity to test the Enigma quilt in a variety of conditions.

Here’s a summary of my favourite and not-so-favourite things about this it, to help you make a final decision.

What I Love

There’s plenty to love about the Enlightened Equipment Enigma. I’ve used this quilt on camping trips in the height of summer, in huts in shoulder season and the depth of the winter months, and spent frosty nights in my tent wrapped up in its warmth.

Here are some of my favourite things about this quilt, which I think you’re gonna love too.

Compression & Weight

Regardless of whether you opt for the 850 or 950 fill power option, the Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt is ultra compressible and super lightweight. I was specifically looking for a sleeping bag or quilt that weighed less than a kilo (2.2lb) and the Enigma doesn’t disappoint, weighing in at just over 700g (1.5lb) even once packed away in a stuff sack.

On the trails, your sleeping bag can save your life, so I opted for the double redundancy of packing the Enigma into a waterproof compression sack (as well as my usual waterproof pack liner) which took it down to less than the size of a netball.

Versatility

Where this bag has really exceeded my expectations is in its versatility.

My quilt gives me all the comforts and convenience of a traditional duvet or blanket, without the bulk and weight. Even when I use sleeping bags, I usually unzip them all the way like a duvet anyway. So a quilt just makes more sense.

And because it can be used more like a traditional duvet, a quilt fits a wider range of sleeping styles. I flick between side, tummy and back sleeping and the quilt suits all three.

Plus, the range of seasons and temperatures this quilt has endured has really surprised me. Despite tending towards the ‘warmer’ end of the spectrum, I’ve never found this quilt too hot in the summer, or too cold in the winter. I’ve used it comfortably in both 20C+ (70F+) summer temps and camping in frosty 0C (32F) conditions.

Temperature Regulation

Let’s be honest, no one wants to own more than one sleeping bag, especially when they’re as expensive as they are. So if you’re an all-year round hiker (like me), this can be a bit of a problem.

But the Enigma has exceeded my expectations. Even though it more than satisfies my warmth needs in frosty weather, it’s also versatile enough to withstand a muggy or warm summer’s evening as well. It’s so easy to chuck a leg or arm out and throw it off you for that all-important temperature regulation (without wriggling around to find zips or getting caught up in your hood).

Draught-Stopping

There’s a belief among the uninitiated that because you can’t fully close a quilt you’re more likely to get unpleasant wafts of cold air which keep you awake.

This hasn’t been my experience. I’ve been exceptionally impressed with how well the Enigma quilt keeps draughts out. The included pad attachment straps are designed specifically to help keep the sides of the quilt tucked under you so that cold air can’t get in. But I rarely use them.

Instead, I usually just tuck the ends of the quilt underneath me and that’s been good enough. If it’s going to be a very cold night (less than 10C / 50F), I’ll do up all the clasps and poppers down the back of the quilt and tighten the neck. This does a fantastic job of keeping everything snugly in place (and me warm) until morning.

Quick Drying

I can’t pay a bigger complement to Enlightened Equipment than saying they truly have built their gear with the end user in mind. Any hiker knows it’s only a matter of time before condensation, or a particularly rainy day wreaks havoc on your gear. But with the Enigma, even if your quilt does get a bit wet or damp, it only takes a little bit of sunshine to be good as new.

I really appreciated this when I was thru hiking Te Araroa. The footbox of my quilt would often be damp from compensation when I woke in the morning, but all it took was 10-15 mins in the sunshine during a morning tea break for it to be bone dry again.

Overall Warmth

I’m naturally a cold sleeper, but I rarely find myself having to layer up on my clothing in order to get a good night’s sleep in the Enigma quilt. More often than not, a simple set of long merino baselayers is all I need to stay toasty and warm all night.

If temperatures are starting to head south, I’ll usually add a beanie (this is a good idea anyway, and recommended by EE) and wool socks. And in the coldest conditions, I’ll also throw my down jacket over the top.

For maximum warmth, you must pair your quilt with a proper sleeping pad. Choosing a pad with a high thermal insulation rating makes all the difference, as a quilt is designed to work in conjunction with your sleeping pad to keep you warm and toasty!

What I Don’t Like

Of course, no gear is ever going to be 100% perfect. And I don’t expect it to.

Here are some of the biggest annoyances I’ve noticed when using this quilt.

Drawcord Closure

Straight up, this is the single most annoying thing about the Enlightened Equipment Enigma. The drawcord is designed to help you minimise draughts from cold air ingress, and is positioned around the neck of the quilt.

Although it’s super easy to use (just a simple slider clasp), the cord seems unnecessarily long and it’s positioned right in the middle of the neck. I’ve found myself getting tangled in the cord at nighttime, and have woken up with it wrapped around my neck or in my mouth. I feel like this could have been a little better thought out.

Sticky Fabric

The synthetic outers on ultralight quilts are designed to keep moisture, dirt and grime out so they don’t breathe particularly well. I have noticed (as have others) that my quilt can get a bit sticky next to my skin when I sleep in shorts and/or a t-shirt.

Usually my legs are the biggest problem, but most of the time I’m sleeping in long leggings so I really don’t notice it much.

No Hood

I know, I know. The whole point of a quilt, is to reduce unnecessary bulk. But I know there’ll be some people reading this review who’ll really miss having a hood.

Just to confirm … quilt manufacturers usually omit hoods on their products to remove unnecessary weight and bulk from the bag.

But for maximum warmth, Enlightened Equipment recommends you wear a beanie or a hat when using their quilts to reduce loss of heat through your head. They even manufacture a standalone down balaclava hood if this is a big deal for you. I’ve always found my beanie and/or hood on my down jacket to be sufficient.

Smelly

Some users of the Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt (and other down quilts manufactured by EE) have reported an off-putting ‘bird’ smell.

I can confirm that my quilt has also had a distinct ‘bird-feather’ scent since day one.

My lack of experience with using down products (and sleeping bags/quilts in particular) means I didn’t even realise this wasn’t normal until I stumbled on another review.

The smell seems to be worst when the down is damp or wet. Other reviewers have reported the smell dissipating (or disappearing altogether) after washing their quilt with a down-specific wash. I haven’t been brave enough (yet) to wash my quilt, so I’ve just put up with it. It really doesn’t bother me that much, and I’ve gotten used to it.

Enlightened Equipment Enigma Review: how to choose the right quilt.

If the rest of this review has convinced you that you’d like to give a quilt a try, congratulations! You may not go back to a sleeping bag!

Here are some tips on how to choose the right Enlightened Equipment quilt for you. Some of these tips may also apply to quilts manufactured by other brands.

Style

Although we’ve discussed only the Enigma quilt in this review, Enlightened Equipment also caters to other hikers’ specific preferences.

So if you find yourself on the fence and unsure if you’re ready to give up the zip & fully enclosed comfort of a sleeping bag, there’s a hybrid option for you!

Here’s the full lineup:

• Enigma – As described in this review, has a fully sewn closed footbox and a series of clasps/clips which allow you to open up the top part of the quilt.
• Revelation – The Enlightened Equipment Revelation is the same as the Enigma but with a drawcord cinch at the foot (instead of a sewn closed footbox) so the quilt can be fully opened up like a blanket.
• Convert – The Enlightened Equipment Convert has a full length zipper, more like a sleeping bag, choose whether to zip it all the way up or partially/fully open it.
• Conundrum – Has a 3/4 length zipper with a fully sewn closed footbox so you get the best of both the Enigma and the Convert.
• Accomplice – A 2-person version of the Enigma, has a sewn closed footbox, an upper which can partially open out and a draught stopper at the head end.

Insulation

I’ve already mentioned that you can take your pick of 850 fill power grey duck down or 950 fill power goose down for the down options.

On the synthetic side of the scale, EE uses Climashield APEX insulation for customers who need a product that performs well in humid, wet, or dirty conditions.

Whereas down insulation is generally considered warmer than synthetic insulation (on a gram for gram basis), once it becomes wet or dirty it loses much of its insulation value. So you have to protect it from getting wet at all costs. And you also need to wash it when it gets dirty (which is a tedious, lengthy and nerve-wracking process).

Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, weighs more and is less compressible than down (on a gram for gram basis) but it’s much less fickle. It will still keep you warm even when wet, and it’s a lot easier to wash and dry when it gets dirty.

All of Enlightened Equipment’s quilts come in both down and synthetic insulation versions depending on your needs. Find out more about EE’s insulation here.

Temperature Rating

When you buy a sleeping bag, you’ll notice that the bag often has a comfort, limit and extreme temperature rating. Taken together, these give you an expected temperature range for the bag to help you make your decision.

Quilts traditionally haven’t had the same classification system, mainly because it’s difficult to test the true temperature rating of a product which can’t be fully enclosed.

But back in 2016, Enlightened Equipment sent two of their Revelation down backpacking quilts to an independent lab for temperature testing. The result was that EE’s bags most closely correspond with the limit rating as defined by EN 13537/ISO 23537. You can find out more about their temperature ratings here.

To decide what the appropriate temperature rating is for you, follow the guidance on EE’s website and think about:

• Your gender – women tend to sleep colder than men.
• Your height/weight – slimmer & slighter people tend to sleep colder than heavier.
• Your sleep style – whether you tend to sleep warm or cold normally.
• Your sleeping pad – what the warmth rating of your pad is.
• Your intended use – will you be using only in summer, three season, camping or hut use, cowboy camping etc.

Custom vs. Stock Quilts

One of the great things that Enlightened Equipment offer with all of their down backpacking quilts is the ability to completely customise their fit, look and feel. This ensures you can get a product which 100% suits you and how you want to use it.

Customisation Options

There are a variety of things you can customise on the Enigma Quilt:

You can also get in touch with Enlightened Equipment directly if you need a bespoke design or style and they’ll try to accommodate your needs.

Each item you customise may add or remove cost to the overall price of the quilt, so bear that in mind when selecting your options.

Lead Times

The biggest downside of ordering a custom quilt from Enlightened Equipment is the extended wait time (lead time). Obviously, each custom quilt has to be individually manufactured, so expect a lead time of anywhere between 2 – 6 weeks. Check current lead times here.

Lead times often blow out prior to the start of the USA thru hiking season each year (Mar to May) so bear this in mind if you want to order a custom quilt. Standard stock quilts can usually be shipped within a week.

Quilt vs sleeping Bag Debate: What’s it All About?

In the backpacking (and especially ultralight backpacking) community, there’s a raging debate between the baggers and the quilters. The former are those who prefer to use a sleeping bag. The latter are those who prefer the various advantages offered by a quilt.

I don’t consider myself fitting into either of those categories. There are pros and cons for each, and I honestly believe the intended use of the bag/quilt is what should make the decision (I’d never take a quilt to Mt Everest, for example).

But where does this sleeping quilt vs bag debate come from and what’s it all about? Well, it all has to do with how a sleep quilt differs from a traditional sleeping bag.

What’s the Difference? Sleeping Quilt vs Bag

What makes them so light (and popular) is that quilts don’t have all the ‘unnecessary’ bulk found on traditional sleeping bags.

No Hood: Most quilts don’t have a hood. Whilst necessary for creating a cocoon of warmth in very cold conditions, many people (myself included) never use the hood on their sleeping bag meaning you’re carrying that extra weight for nothing.

No Back Panel: Also, most quilts don’t have a fully sewn-in back (or bottom) panel. The theory here is that when you use a traditional sleeping bag (which completely surrounds you) the part of the bag that’s underneath you is always fully compressed. This means the down doesn’t provide insulation underneath you and becomes completely useless. A quilt removes any down (& other material) you’d otherwise be laying on which helps to save weight.

No Zips: Similarly, quilts remove the need for a full or three quarter length zipper by functioning more like a traditional duvet or blanket.

Ultralight fanatics swear by these weight savings. But those who prefer bags don’t think the few hundred grams of weight saved is worth the potential loss of warmth.

If I haven’t explained this well enough for you, check out this article directly from EE.

FAQs: Enigma Quilt.

Final Thoughts: Enlightened Equipment Enigma.

I hope this review has helped you to make a decision about whether the Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt is the right choice for your next hiking adventure.

I love the versatility that Enlightened Equipment has in their product range, and I really do believe that they have the needs of their customers at heart in providing tailored solutions to suit even the most nervous sleeping bag converts.

I’m impressed with how well the Enigma has stood up to the trials I’ve put it through over the past 5+ years, and am looking forward to seeing how it performs over the next 2,000 kilometres!