One brand that we’re absolutely so proud to be the number one UK top seller of is Enlightened Equipment. Enlightened Equipment produces high-quality outdoor gear and apparel, with a focus on an ultralight and minimalist design that we absolutely love and would genuinely recommend to anyone until we’re blue in the face!
Founded in 2005 by Tim Marshall, a seasoned outdoorsman and experienced gear designer, Enlightened Equipment has since grown to become a leading brand in the outdoor industry, known for their innovative and no fuss products; meaning that they rid their products of all of the useless extra features to allow for high-quality outdoor gear that’s the lightest that they can be.
One of Enlightened Equipment's flagship products is their quilts, which are ultralight, compressible, and warm. These quilts are designed to replace traditional sleeping bags and are ideal for backpackers, hikers, and anyone looking for a lightweight and comfortable sleeping system. The quilts are made with high-quality materials, such as 800-fill power down or the alternative APEX Synthetic fill. They are available in a range of temperature ratings to suit different climates, seasons, and natural sleeping temperatures.
Can’t decide between down or synthetic insulation?
Firstly, for a quick lesson on the fundamental differences in case you need a refresher, down and synthetic quilts are two popular choices for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a warm and lightweight sleeping system. Down quilts are made from the fluffy insulating material found on the underside of geese and ducks, while synthetic quilts use man-made fibres to mimic the insulating properties of down.
While down is generally lighter and more compressible than synthetic materials, it can lose its insulating properties when wet and requires more careful care. Synthetic quilts, on the other hand, are more resistant to moisture and easier to care for but may not provide the same level of warmth-to-weight ratio as down.
Ultimately, the choice between down and synthetic quilts comes down to personal preference and specific needs for outdoor activities. That’s why it’s fantastic that Enlightenment Equipment offers an option between down or synthetic filled quilts.
For even more information on the difference between down and synthetic options, check out our blog on Synthetic vs. Down Sleep Systems.
Enlightened Equipment’s two most popular quilts include the original and the classic Revelation Quilt, and their lightest, the Enigma Quilt. Both of these quilts are brilliant in their own rights with their own unique features that make them suitable for a wide range of campers.
If you need some more advice and information on their different quilts and which would be best for you, you can check out our helpful blog titled Enlightened Equipment - Curious About Which Quilt Is Right For You?
Enlightened Equipment also produces a variety of other gear and apparel, including torrid jackets, torrid mitts, torrid booties and torrid hoods.
Their jackets are made with innovative materials, such as 2oz/yd² CLIMASHIELD™ APEX synthetic insulation that’s both lightweight and super cosy, so you can stay toasty on chilly days without feeling weighed down.
What is 2oz/yd² CLIMASHIELD™ APEX synthetic insulation?
This insulation is made from a unique blend of continuous filament fibres that are soft, lightweight, and compressible. One of the key features of CLIMASHIELD™ APEX insulation is its ability to retain heat even when wet. The fibres in this insulation are highly resistant to water, allowing them to maintain their insulating properties even when exposed to moisture, making CLIMASHIELD™ APEX insulation an excellent choice for use in wet conditions.
Another key feature of this insulation is its compressibility. Despite its high level of warmth, this insulation is lightweight and can be easily compressed into a small size, making it an ideal choice for use in backpacking, camping, or other outdoor activities where space is limited.
Finally, the 2oz/yd² weight of this insulation makes it suitable for use in a variety of cold-weather garments thanks to the high warmth-to-weight ratio, making it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts, who require warmth without adding extra weight or bulk to their gear.
Their jackets are designed in such a way which gives them the perfect combination of warmth, comfort, and ease of use. Plus, the jacket is designed to be packable, meaning you can easily stuff it in your backpack when you're on the go.
But their jackets aren't just functional - they look great, too! With their sleek, minimalist design, they are jackets that you can wear in a variety of settings, from camping trips to casual outings with friends.
Overall, I think that Enlightened Equipment’s jackets are the perfect addition to anybody’s outdoor gear collection. They’re warm, lightweight, and stylish - what more could you want in a jacket?!
Image: Enlightened Equipment Men's Torrid Jacket
The Enlightened Equipment Torrid Mitts, Booties, and Hood are also fantastic pieces of gear if you're looking for the ultimate in warmth and comfort for your next outdoor adventure.
These accessories are designed to keep you toasty in even the coldest weather. The mitts and booties are made with the same high-quality synthetic insulation as the Torrid Jacket, meaning they're super warm and lightweight. And with a water resistant shell, you won't have to worry about your hands or feet getting wet.
Image: Enlightened Equipment Torrid Mitts
Image: Enlightened Equipment Torrid Booties
The Torrid Hood is the perfect addition to any winter outfit. Made with the same cosy insulation as the mitts and booties, it's the perfect way to keep your head and neck warm on cold days, and pairs perfectly with a quilt or sleeping bag for maximum warmth and comfort.
So, if you're ready to take your outdoor gear to the next level, don't miss out on the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Mitts, Booties, and Hood. They're both warm and lightweight, and the perfect accessories for any adventure.
In conclusion, Enlightened Equipment is a top-quality outdoor gear and apparel brand that offers innovative products for outdoor enthusiasts. Their focus on ultralight and minimalist design, and dedication to constantly testing and updating their designs, make them a standout brand in the industry. Whether you're a backpacker, hiker, or outdoor enthusiast of any kind, Enlightened Equipment is a brand worth checking out - And are most definitely Valley + Peak approved!
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