Just to be clear this is not the best sleeping-bag available…it is not a Feathered Friends or Western Mountaineering bag by any stretch of the imagination. While completely honest and upfront…my review of this bag is unapologetically colored by my enthusiasm for the niche I believe this bag fills…and to that end…I believe it fills that niche better than any other bag available. I would not recommend this product to anyone unless I wanted them to freeze and get a terrible night’s sleep.
I nearly froze to death on the trail, and craftsmanship is garbage (to put it mildly). 2) expensive state of the art synthetic or down sleeping-bag or quilt. Please note, a stock image is included to provide you with a visual snapshot of this item that we could not capture otherwise. What bothers me the most, (and the main reason I gave it 2 stars) is that the fabric is hidden and not obvious until you get it out of the package and unzip it all of the way.
Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. The bags were adequate last year when temps dropped to mid to high 40’s. The criticisms I have of the hood are not that substantial…but I did find the hood somewhat over-filled…and I believe that the additional down could have been better served placed in the torso area where I found the distribution of down wanting.
A shoulder strap pocket to hold your smart phone is a must. Gossamer Gear makes a good one that attaches to your pack with Velcro straps and features a front mesh pocket for an energy bar, lip balm and the like (large is 1.9 ounces, $22). To the pocket, I’ve connected the Koala 2.0 Super-Grip Hangtime Phone Harness (1.2 ounces, $34), so no more worries about dropping my iPhone into the drink or off some precipice while taking a photo. Bean’s Primaloft Performance lightweight crew socks ($20) and the X-Static Liner Crew Socks from Eastern Mountain Sports ($18) in my tried and true Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots. I really liked how I could cinch the hood and collar down to keep more warmth in or open it up to cool off. I also liked the two zippers, so I could open up the foot box if too hot or stretch my legs apart.
Beyond this…the cord-locks and shock-cord used are too large in size and diameter respectively. It is such a value in fact…that I have on more than one occasion found myself laughing (alone in the woods) ozark trail chair at what a great overall value the bag is…and I promised myself in those moments that I would do a review to share my discovery. Our proprietary tech ensures that recalled items are never listed.
Cash savings which can in turn be used to purchase better shoes…a better pack…and a better shelter…which will increase enjoyment in the outdoors infinitely more than a fluffy fancy-labeled sleeping bag by every step a person takes…ounce he or she carries…and drop of rain he or she is shielded from. This sleeping bag I always sleep in @ night @ home because I like it better than a regular blanket. It is terribly heavy for backpacking and definitely not rated correctly.
I bought the zero degree bag and nearly froze to death. Day one, night one…the zipper tore and cord in hood broke. Day 2 …it was closer to 6 degree and I froze…I had to hike into town, replace the bag.
The zippers come along the whole length of the sleeping bag, ensuring you safety from insect bite or frost bite. This washable sleeping bag also has elastic roll-up straps that help you to fold and store it easily. Whoever said, “it’s the little things in life that matter,” or whatever variation thereof, was definitely on to something, especially when it comes to hiking and backpacking gear. The big things – pack, tent, sleeping bag and such – yes, they’re huge, but a few key small items can really provide an extra measure of comfort, convenience and safety out on the trail.