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Backpacker Magazine – October 2008
From ultra-warm to ultralight, here are the year's best-performing bags in every category.
3-Season | Bargain | Winter | Waterproof | Summer | Green
Bargain
REI Polar Pod 20
How good a deal is the Polar Pod? One tester went out and bought one after a night under the stars in Moab. "It kept me warm when the water in my Nalgene froze," she said. And for just $79, you get features that match the warmth: a no-snag zipper, full-length draft tube, cinchable hood, pillow sleeve, and an internal zippered pocket for a watch or iPod. The polyester fill and ripstop nylon shell were plenty durable in testing, prompting one tester to say, "This bag is perfect for summer camps and college outdoor programs." The downside: It's a tad heavy and bulky (without a compression sack it packs down to the size of a bear canister), and one 5'3'' tester wished for a smaller size (fit is slightly roomier than average). Note: In early 2009, REI is revamping their entire bag line, so grab this deal while it lasts. Reader Service #103
> Sizes men's 74"/80"/86"
> Rating 20°F
> Weight 3 lbs. 8 oz.
> Price $79
> Info rei.com
Lighter: The North Face Cat's Meow earned our Editors' Choice Gold Award in 2006, and the synthetic-fill sack continues to set the bar for combining high performance with affordability. $149; 20°F; 2 lbs. 10 oz.; thenorthface.com. Reader Service #104

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I have had a Phantom 15 for about 6 years. The down on the bottom got thin and created a huge cold spot on the back. I ended up washing it (quite a procedure to wash a down bag) and spent time getting the down redistributed properly. Now the bag works as designed. My zipper sticks more than any other bag I have ever owned. To me the secret to staying warm is a good insulated ground pad. I use a Big Agnes Insulated Air Core covered with a thin closed cell foam pad. The foam pad is now one of my essentials!
" makes it better suited to back sleepers than to side sleepers." Are you crazy ?!? The Big Agnes bags are MADE for us side and stomach sleepers. With a big Agnes 2.5 inch pad in the sleeve, you can lay on your side or stomach and there are no pressure points, and as you toss and turn the bags stays put!
I love every sleeping bag that keeps me off the cold hard ground. "RANGER UP" and stop your complaining.
Here, Here to Nov 26, 2008 Richard: I bought my first Wiggy's bag in 88. Easy to care for and served me well for almost ten years in the Army. Far dirtier and rougher conditions than I ever got backpacking.
i own one of REI polar pods and i love it! although the review lists the roomier fit as a downside, i'm 6'1" and 230+ lbs and the generous fit is a hit with me. i mostly use my abg for camping and over-night stays away from home, but i've tested the bag down to mid 40's and stayed very comfortable.
I dunno. I once bought a Mtn. Hardware Phantom 32 from REI. Got it home & realized it had WAY too little loft. Took it back & went to another source and, for another $100., bought a Western Mountaineering Megalight that, by my test, kept me warm in a breezy TarpTent Contrail on a 22F night. I wore thin poly long johns & medium socks.
So I'm a bit skeptical of Mtn. Hardware claims for their down bags. That said I have a Mt'n. Hdwr. -20 Polarguard Delta bag that IS good at that temperature.
I bet my old army surplus down bag, at $45.00 is just as warm! it has a waterproof bottom. check out sportmans guide.com for much thriftier prices.
While I'm sure the Exped bag is a nice piece of equipment, the Moutain Hardwear Lyell -15F down bag weighs about a pound less at half the price (I got mine for $265 thru Campmor). It too has a waterproof-breathable (Conduit) shell.
With no mention of Wiggy's- certainly at the very least one of the best around-I doubt your surveys even more. Wiggy's bags are a bit on the bulky side, but other than that they are clearly one of the best--esp. for wet conditions.
R Dubiel
How did the reviewer had an inch-deep puddle of slush underneath at very cold temperatures? Not frozen?
Mr. Myers may I ask which bag you are referring to?
I can believe this bag inside a bivy keeping you warm to mid 30's, however going cowboy style you'd freeze. I use a layering system now when sleeping; silk liner, down hugger, bivy and have been able to use this as a three season bag. Also the bivy takes care of any snag issues.
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