#7 on this list
Revelation APEX 30
Enlightened Equipment
The Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX 30 delivers a pragmatic alternative to the down-dominated ultralight market. Built around Climashield APEX continuous-filament synthetic insulation, this quilt is aimed directly at backpackers hiking in consistently wet environments, maritime climates, or regions with heavy morning condensation. For long stretches on the trail where drying down insulation is impossible, synthetic fill provides peace of mind by maintaining structure and warmth even when damp. Beyond moisture resilience, the Revelation APEX is exceptionally budget-friendly compared to 900-fill down alternatives. The quilt layout features an openable footbox with an integrated zipper and shock-cord cinch. The core compromise is bulk and weight: synthetic insulation does not compress as small as natural plumage, and the quilt will occupy noticeably more pack volume. Over repeated seasons of tight compression, synthetic insulation will also lose its loft faster than down. **Highlights** - Climashield APEX synthetic insulation retains warmth in wet conditions - Exceptional cost-to-performance ratio for budget-minded backpackers - Versatile footbox can be opened flat as a blanket or zipped shut - Dependable pad-attachment straps keep drafts controlled - Hypoallergenic and straightforward to clean and maintain at home **Watch-outs** - Bulkier compressed size demands more pack volume than down bags - Heavier overall weight for the given temperature threshold - Synthetic insulation breaks down faster under long-term compression
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#8 on this list
Tanager 20 CFL
Feathered Friends
The Feathered Friends Tanager 20 CFL takes the zipperless concept of the standard Tanager and refines it with an ultralight shell fabric, creating one of the most thermally dense sleeping bags on the market. Weighing around 1 pound 3 ounces while retaining a credible 20°F rating, this bag is engineered for cold-weather fastpackers and shoulder-season thru-hikers who prioritize pack weight above all else. The CFL designation brings gossamer shell materials to the forefront, allowing the 950-plus fill down to loft immediately with zero restriction. Because there are no zippers, draft tubes, or heavy hood adjustments, cold air simply has no point of entry through the torso. As with any hoodless, zipperless bag, you must embrace the operational trade-offs: you cannot crack open the bottom to vent heat, and you must wear a dedicated hooded down jacket or fleece beanie to keep your head warm when the mercury drops. **Highlights** - Astounding warmth-to-weight ratio for a genuine 20°F temperature rating - 950-plus fill goose down delivers rapid and expansive loft - Enclosed footbox and torso completely eliminate zipper drafts - Featherweight shell fabric maximizes pack compressibility - Top-tier build quality and uniform baffle construction **Watch-outs** - Totally devoid of venting options for mild weather adjustments - Ultra-thin shell requires careful handling around sharp gear - Requires separate insulated headwear in freezing conditions
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Revelation APEX 30 | Tanager 20 CFL |
|---|---|---|
| Quilt Style | Open quilt with convertible footbox | — |
| Insulation | Climashield APEX continuous-filament synthetic | 950+ fill power goose down |
| Temperature Rating | 30°F (-1°C) | 20°F (-7°C) |
| Shell Fabric | Ultralight ripstop nylon with DWR finish | — |
| Approximate Price | $230 | — |
| Primary Benefit | Moisture resilience and low purchase cost | — |
| Total Weight | — | 1 lb 2.9 oz (536 g) |
| Closure Style | — | Zipperless slip-on tube |
| List Price | — | Around $539 |
| Hood Style | — | Hoodless with drawcord collar |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Revelation APEX 30
- Climashield APEX retains warmth and loft in humid, wet environments
- Substantially lower cost than high-fill-power down sleeping systems
- Convertible footbox unzips completely flat for warm-weather venting
- Low-maintenance synthetic fill is hypoallergenic and easy to wash
- Consumes significantly more pack volume than comparable down quilts
- Continuous-filament batting breaks down faster under years of compression
- Carries a heavier base weight than equivalent down-insulated models
Tanager 20 CFL
- Outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio weighing under 19 ounces
- Continuous enclosed design completely eliminates zipper drafts
- 950+ fill goose down delivers rapid, expansive loft
- Absence of zipper hardware removes a common mechanical failure point
- Zipperless construction offers virtually no venting flexibility
- Requires separate insulated headwear in sub-freezing weather
- Ultralight shell fabric requires careful handling against abrasions
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.