L.L.Bean Katahdin CT Sleeping Bag
It’s the most affordable 0°F bag we tested this year, and its temp rating is conservative.
Brand: L.L. Bean
Model: Katahdin CT
WARMTH “It was -13°F on Whitney’s Mountaineer’s Route, and I was the only one in my tent who wasn’t shivering, even though my buddies all had 0°F down bags,” says our tester. The new PrimaLoft Synergy insulation has multiple-denier continuous filament fibers (larger threads are composed of numerous smaller strands of varying thickness), making it one of the loftiest, warmest synthetics we’ve tested.
TECH The lining is laced with Celliant, a resin purported to convert body heat to infrared light and beam it back at you. The company claims this increases blood circulation and improves recovery times. Although our tester couldn’t vouch for these effects, she says, “I felt really strong on my winter ascent of Whitney.”
HOOD Taking a cue from Bean’s puffy winter jackets, the Katahdin uses a nine-panel hood construction. (More panels equal a more form-fitting shape.) “Endless wind blew under our fly at 11,000 feet, but I didn’t feel it at all with the hood pulled snug,” our cold-sleeping tester says. Downside? Standard synthetic fare: It’s heavy and bulky (15 by 11 inches in the included compression sack). $250; 5 lbs. 2 oz.; 0°F; llbean.com
Revolutionary Celliant® fibers built into the lining promote muscle healing and recovery.
Revolutionary sleeping bag turns your body’s heat into healing power
Lightweight and highly compressible for backpacking, kayak camping and bicycle touring
PrimaLoft Synergy insulation provides warmth even when wet
Celliant is a proprietary fiber impregnated with heat-reactive minerals that put your body’s heat to work by converting it to infrared energy that helps tired muscles heal and recover. Because the fibers are woven right into the bag’s lining, you’re enveloped in healing power as you sleep. There’s no better way to treat a tired body after a hard day on the trail.
In addition to helping your muscles recover, these synthetic bags are lightweight and highly compressible, perfect for backpacking, canoe or kayak camping and bicycle touring. The insulation is advanced PrimaLoft® Synergy, which is warm and has excellent loft. It doesn’t absorb moisture when conditions are damp and still keeps you warm if it gets wet – it’s also more breathable than most insulations. Shingle construction eliminates cold spots and preserves loft. Hood provides excellent warmth and is fully adjustable. Both exterior and interior shells of the bag are constructed of a ripstop nylon that has a soft, silky feel. Water-repellent treatment on outer shell resists moisture. Compression stuff sack and extra-large storage sack included. Imported. Wash and dry in large commercial machines.