Enlightened Equipment manufactures lightweight camping gear and technical apparel that is durable, affordable and ethically made. Handcrafted in Winona, MN, all products are continually tested and updated to be the best option for any radical backcountry adventure.
From basement to business
Fifteen years ago, Tim Marshall needed functional and affordable gear for the backpacking trips he led as a youth pastor. He sewed his first camping quilt in 2007 with no plans of becoming an entrepreneur.
Yet his minimal, highly specialized products quickly caught the attention of the outdoor community. As demand outgrew the capacity of the one-man basement operation, Marshall considered shutting his workshop down, but then instead, he chose to upscale his manufacturing and build an ethical business that gives back.
Today, Enlightened Equipment occupies a 50,000 square foot building and employs 50 staff members. The company prides itself on providing about 40 percent of the camping quilt market in the United States. All products are still handsewn with the same attention to detail and passion for quality.
Customized adventure
Focusing on the highest quality materials and functional designs, Marshall expanded his range from quilts to other minimal camping solutions such as bivvies, tarps, and stripped-down sleeping bags. The Enlightened Equipment apparel line includes insulated and windproof jackets, trousers and wraps.
All products can be ordered as stock or custom-made items with natural down or Climashield APEX filling. Clients can customize the length and width of their quilts and sleeping bags, insulation levels and even the weight of fabrics. In addition, products such as Convert APEX Custom quilt or Torrid APEX Jacket Custom come in over 200 vibrant color combinations.
Enlightened business
Believing that business is more than just creating financial profits, Enlightened Equipment partners with the Women’s Resource Center of Winona and Freeset USA, two dedicated organizations that elevate women from poverty and danger in the USA and India.
