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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
Waterproof
Big Agnes Nugget 45
Cross a waterproof/breathable bivy sack with an ultralight synthetic summer bag and you get the Nugget. "Water beaded off the coated ripstop nylon so well I wish Big Agnes made jackets out of it," said one tester after a dew-soaked night under a tarp. Even when we subjected it to hurricane conditions–garden hose, full blast–water never penetrated, because the bag's seams are taped. A rigid, 1.5-inch-wide storm flap protects the zipper from moisture, and the hood cinches down to protect your face (you could forgo a tarp or tent in moderately soggy conditions, but your nose would get wet if you tried to sleep in a downpour). With a full side zip, the bag ventilates well on balmy nights. We like the roomy interior for roll-around comfort, but the temperature rating is a few degrees optimistic. Bonus: The synthetic fill is made from 50 percent recycled material, and the bag comes with a waterproof roll-top stuffsack. As with all Big Agnes bags, there's an integrated pad sleeve–not insulation–on the bottom, which makes it better suited to back sleepers than to side sleepers. The bag works best with a 72-inch rectangular mat (not included). Reader Service #107
> Sizes 72"/78"
> Rating 45°F
> Weight 2 lbs. 3 oz.
> Price $190
> Info bigagnes.com
Warmer: The Sierra Designs Trade Wind 15 is true to its three-season temperature rating, has a waterproof DriZone shell (though seams aren't taped), and is stuffed with compressible 600-fill down insulation. Bottom line: The price-to-performance ratio is hard to beat. $239; 15°F; 3 lbs.; sierradesigns.com. Reader Service #108

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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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