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Backpacker Magazine – Online Exclusive

The BACKPACKER Sleeping Bag Water Torture Test

We go above and beyond the regular gear testing rigamarole. We'll simulate a thunderstorm, go for full submersion, and then, a cold–weather test...in a beer fridge.

by: the Backpacker Editors

A full-submersion sleeping bag test.
A full-submersion sleeping bag test.

In this trilogy of videos, Shannon Davis worms inside three waterproof sleeping bags for the ultimate insulation test.

Part 1: Simulated Rain Smackdown
In this gear test, Shannon Davis jumps in three sleeping bags and we hose them down to see how each one handles high-force rain.

Part II: Full Submersion
Yeah, we know you probably won't ever get fully submerged in a raging river while in your sleeping bag, but that's not good enough for us.

Part III: The Beer Fridge
Frigid temperatures are hard to find in the middle of the summer (when we shot this video) so after soaking these bags, we chilled out at a local liquor store. See which bag kept the cold out best.

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Reader Rating: -

READERS COMMENTS

Very helpful

Posted: Jan 04, 2012 Logan C

Yeah, these tests don't reflect even close to real world conditions, just some entertainment value to them. I respectfully disagree though with Pauline. I have only backpacked about 19 years but I have always found a down bag to be the best. You do have to spend more to get the best but down is always better in my book. It's light, compressible and never left me cold. I do take excellent care of my gear though, on and off the trail. A down bag does take more attention but well worth the bother... for me.
Posted: Nov 04, 2008 Matt

Are you insane?? This other then being stupid dumb funny was not even close to being help. MAYBE you could take a few bags out in the WINTER, then use them in some way a hiker may really use it. I am just saying…maybe wet a bag then lay outside in temps where the bag is “rated” to keep you warm and see what happens. A few more videos like this and I will not waste my time, unless I want a good laugh
Posted: Oct 22, 2008 Randy

But will Backpacker tell the readers that the only safe sleeping bag (that has been exposed to a dunking in water or rainstorm) will be a synthetic -which will keep you warm and safe even when wet! Down sleeping bags aren't meant for backpackers in the true wilderness, though YOU would have us believe it! I never see you put a warning in your magazine. Sign me, a backpacker of some 29 years experience who has see it all!
Posted: Oct 18, 2008 Pauline Brokaski

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