Revelation APEX

I just got back from snow camping in -1C weather, first time using my new Waratah -8C. I also sleep cold but was completely fine with generic down booties, pants, and jacket with a Nemo Tensor All Season pad with a foam pad underneath. I could have gone a few degrees colder too without issue (maybe down to -5C). I plan on using the -8C quilt for fall/winter/spring and bought the UL version for summer camping with a Nemo Tensor Elite, which shave at least 450 grams. I'll also not wear my full down (just booties) when not snow camping. I previously used a 30F EE Synthetic quilt (Revelation Apex) but found it too cold, heavy and bulky, but will use it to lend out. I'd recommend the Neve Gear -8C. I read about quality issues around the ends of the threads but mine was fine. I haven't had any super high end quilts, but happy with this one for its price. I was also a bit worried about material, specifically the 7D on the UL but it actually feels pretty good. I would also go with regular width. I'm 5'10", 180lbs and was fine with it. You don't want to go too wide which would be wasteful - I went wide on my EE quilt and regretted it.

I would also recommend a quilt paired with a good sleeping pad, which would be different if you are hammock camping. I'm not familiar with hammock camping, but I think you would need an under quilt and an over quilt. The under quilt, like a sleeping pad, is also essential in keeping you warm. Having said that, for ground sleeping, I've had a 30F degree synthetic Enlightened Equipment quilt for a few years and often found it too cold. It's also very large and doesn't compress down very much for the warmth it provides. I've retired it to lending to friends and car camping. I just picked up a Neve Gear Waratah -8C which I pair with a Nemo Tensor All Season pad. I just snow camped in 30F / -1C with it. I do wear a full set of down PJ's (overshoes, pants, jacket) and I do sleep cold, having issues with cold feet in the past. With the -8C and full set of down I was plenty warm and had no issues. I could have probably gone down to the advertised -8C and been okay, slightly out of comfort. For summer I'll use the Neve Gear Waratah UL paired with a Nemo Tensor Elite pad that drops around 500 grams (haven't weighed it yet). If I recall both the -8C and UL quilt were within specifications for weights but will double check later.

Enlightened Equipment's 'synthetic' fill quilts are all available down to -6C. Edit: they also weigh just shy of a kilo, so it'll save your back.

Eh, I see it as a buy-once, cry-once situation. It'd be your dedicated winter sleep system for the rest of your life, and EE makes some of the best equipment in the world. That's a big part of why it weighs half of similar solutions at lower price points.

I have both an EE Revelation 20F and EE Revelation Apex 20F. The synthetic (Apex) takes up noticeably more room in my pack. But I don't really notice the minimal weight difference. Only time I take the synthetic is when I am heading out to the coast since it is always moist air there - day in and day out. Down just doesn't keep you as warm under those conditions. For trips where there might be rain I don't really consider taking the synthetic. I can be pretty cautious about unpacking the down quilt from my pack without exposing it directly to the rain. If it is going to be raining the entire time then I'll take synthetic because it is pretty much the same as being on the coast. Another thing I've found helpful is, if you can find a very thin fleece blanket to lay over your down quilt when you know you are going to face condensation that might end up soaking your quilt it really can help with moisture management. I have one that is just barely big enough to cover my quilt and is about 100 weight (gsm?) synthetic fleece. It catches the condensation from rubbing your quilt on the tent walls or it dripping on your quilt. And the synthetic does a great job at causing it to evaporate. The combination of the down quilt + the fleece still weight less than an apex quilt alone. And I only take it when I know there will be condensation.

I’d go warm quilt (15 degree) to start. Bundled it keeps you warm on cold nights and open with your legs and arms kicked out is great on a hot night. Katabatic and Enightened equipment both make good ones. Keep in mind your pad is as critical as your quilt/bag. I use the Thermarest Neoair Xtherm which I love.

Quilt would be great with a dog. Mine is Apex 167 (light at under 600g, but fairly bulky) which I wouldn't trust to near-freezing, but you can bundle up with clothes under a quilt far easier than with a bag. They are also seriously easy to make if you find a place to buy the materials.

Splurge? 6 years ago, 2 EE convertible quilts. One xl/xw Apex 30° and a 950 down 10°. - my Best. Investment. Ever.- They work independently or together as quilts or sleeping bags... Can be zipped together to make one giant 2p sleeping bag. The Apex is an xl and the down bag will fit inside of it, added a liner for full 4 season in most of North America. Basically have 7 different systems with these two pieces. All together for around 4 lbs.

I replaced my 30 degree EE Revelation (22 oz) with a Katabatic Alsek 22 degree (25 oz) because I would get cold in the EE when the temperature dropped below 40. Manufacturers use different temperature ratings (comfort vs minimum) to rate a quilt, so keep that in mind. I noticed a huge difference in quality and warmth in the Katabatic. Highly recommended Katabatic over the EE, but you're not really saving much in weight, so it might be best to keep what you've got.