Enlightened Equipment - Enigma 850FP 40F

There are many…from REI house brand, to more expensive (hipster!) cottage brands like Enlightened Equipment, Zpacks, Zenbivvy, Katabatic etc etc. I have 2 Enlightened Equipment ones - chose them as they are cheaper than some other niche brands, lighter than nearly all others, and have good resale value. I have a summer 40F quilt and a 2 person (!) 20F quilt.

I bought a used quilt on marketplace. Enlightened Equipment 40 degree.

I got the same as you in forest/charcoal. Hopefully I get to use it soon. It’s my first quilt. I’m a side sleeper nowadays. Is it good to 5C or is it just a summer quilt?

I’ll see how I get on with this but it’s good to know that it stands up to its rating. Really want to try it out now.

I did the PCT with a 10 degree enlightened equipment enigma (quilt with sewn footbox) and it's a way more comfortable sleep than my mummy bag days. It's the #1 bag in that survey for a reason. It's now lasted me 12 years and about 200 nights and is still in amazing shape. I also have their 40 deg quilt. When outside The bag never leaves the tent, other than while in the stuff sack. At home store it in a oversized large storage bag or hang it from a hanger in your closet and occasionally (like every couple months) store it the opposite way. I imagine I'll get another decade out of it.

Which one did you get? I got the Enigma 850FP 40F a while back and it’s brilliant. I used to think my Mountain Equipment Helium quilt was cool but the EE one is better in every way.

I think it's because they were good value back then, but their price has crept up to Katabatic, Nunatak, etc. Still worth it if you them on sale though. I had one of their Karo baffle quilts that was severely underfilled and it would not keep the down in place. Replaced it with an Enigma and it ways also underfilled for the rating and sent it back to get down added. Eventually replaced the Enigma with a Nunatak Sulo and had zero probems with it. They are also the company Defense Mechanisms making tactical gear, and some people might not like that.

15F frequently or “just in case”? This is my set up: Xtherm Thermarest, 0F Enlightened Equipment Enigma (bought in 2021, I’ve heard their quality is decreasing), 90gsm alpha fleece sleeping layer. SMD’s Gatewood Cape , which offers minimal heat trapping. I feel good to 20F. I’d be uncomfortable but ok at 15F. If my tarp isn’t cutting the wind well enough, I’ll also sleep in my rain layers. There’s no one “true”/“best” way. It’s going to depend on your body, your baselayers and how much comfort you want. Alpha fleece is incredible, but only if you take care of it and have a wind layer. 850 or better down is going to be a good thing to look at. Lighter materials need more care/are more fragile. Thicker material on a sleeping bag will also cut wind better, but be heavier. Managing sweat and condensation is also going to be a big part of being warm. https://preview.redd.it/ql5u7bcm7b6f1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3447a515da55f7c7c722dd870512568afebd5473

I will always recommend a Durston tent, without fail. The Durston X-Mid 1 starts at $270 and weighs significantly less than the tent you listed. With the 60$ you save on the tent you can upgrade your sleeping bag too. I use the Enigma from Enlightened Equipment and it cost me around $270.

I agree. After being really cold most of my PCT section hike in 2019, I don't use my EE enigma below freezing. I got a western mountaineering versalite in 2021 and love it for cold weather.

I switched to an EE Enigma quilt this year to try to cut weight (Christmas present), Already used it in the low 30's and also at about 50f. Very happy with the switch.