Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

Gear Reviews

Feathered Friends Penguin 20 Nano

Pack small without sacrificing warmth with the GoLite Z10.

Brand: Feathered Friends Gear Reviews

Model: Penguin 20 Nano


[warmest]

We know we have a winner when our veterans want to hang on to a bag for “a little more testing.” After we pried it away, one said: “Never, in 30 years of backpacking, has something that packs so small kept me so warm.” The rating is spot-on: After a 12°F night in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, our tester was the only person in his group not complaining of being cold. The 850-fill down is supremely lofty and the draft collar feels as warm and silky as mink, yet the Z10 packs to cantaloupe size.

Waterproof/breathable fabric on the hood and footbox repelled condensation in Vermont’s Green Mountains. Elsewhere, the Pertex Quantum GL nylon breathes well enough that testers never felt sticky, even on 50°F nights (when the two-way zipper enhanced ventilation). The hood fits better than most, clinging snugly to one side-sleeper’s head as he tossed and turned. And the cut is surprisingly unrestrictive: One thrasher (who typically uses a rectangular bag for freedom of movement) reports. “It never felt confining.” Testers’ only wish? A stash pocket for storing small items. $420; 2 lbs. 3 oz.; 10°F; golite.com

The Penguin is a very popular double bag, it zips to the Penguin Ground Sheet and converts to a two-person sleep system.

Used alone it is a roomy bag for one person. Zip-on hoods are available separately.
It is available in three different fill weights.
Outer shell is highly water-resistant NanoSphere by Schoeller
Sewn in Seattle, WA, USA

When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.