Gear Review: Millet Dreamer Composite Sleeping Bag

[bargain hybrid]

Testers in the East and Pacific Northwest—where sustained rain is common—gave a thumbs-up to this hybrid, which pairs 700-fill duck down (on top) with synthetic insulation (below) for moisture resistance. The superfine, hollow-fiber synthetic is puffier and more resilient than solid fibers, and gives this bag a springy feel: “Like a pillowtop mattress,” says one tester. When ice crystals collected on the ground in freezing temperatures, the bag stayed dry—and testers remained warm. One praised the bag’s even heat (its box baffles eliminate cold spots by using fabric walls, rather than stitched seams, to keep insulation from migrating).

Dimensions are roomy enough to fit broad-shouldered six-footers. The deep, heat-trapping hood also earned kudos—when cinched, it leaves only the mouth exposed. Separate cords adjust the hood and neck, and they glow in the dark, which makes it easy to fiddle with the fit before drifting off to sleep. The Dreamer’s down content creates good packability (similar in size to a beer pitcher). The 50-denier polyester fabric proved armor-tough in the field—even Utah sandstone didn’t harm the shell—and 300 threads per inch make the lining as soft as luxury cotton sheets. Handy: The Velcro tab that closes the hood contains a pocket big enough for a watch or phone. The ample girth (63 inches at the shoulders) makes it best for warm sleepers or big folks; nearing 30°F, our 130-pound tester struggled to heat the extra space. $180; 2 lbs. 6 oz.; 30°F; milletusa.com