Vaude Ice Peak 150

[best women’s bag]

“Hands down the loftiest 15°F bag I’ve ever used,” declared our tester after using the Xenon on a September hike in Colorado’s Flat Tops Wilderness, where her companion grumbled, “It practically fills the tent.” Credit the 850-fill goose down—and lots of it: Marmot crams 20 to 25 percent more down into this women’s model than a comparably rated men’s bag (because many women sleep colder than guys). Much of that extra insulation gets loaded into horizontal baffles at the core and foot, which helps this bag deliver on its 15°F promise: On a 20°F night camped on alpine tundra, our tester never even felt the chill. The comfort-cut mummy is wide through the shoulders and hips (our curviest testers called it “efficient but unrestrictive”), yet tapers sharply at the foot to reduce dead air space around cold-prone toes.

A plump draft tube eliminates cold spots along the full-length zipper, and a superfat draft collar “feels cozy and snug,” reports one tester. The sculpted hood (shaped with six baffles) seals out drafts, and adjustment is simple: A single pull cord tightens both hood and collar (some users liked the ease of use, others wished for the ability to fine tune). The water-repellent Pertex Microlight shell and lining fabric feels silky but resists snags—dragging it over alpine grasses didn’t send feathers flying. Bottom line: The Xenon strikes a good balance between weight, warmth, and durability. Size check: Women taller than 5’6” won’t fit. (For more women-specific gear, turn to page 142.) $399; 2 lbs. 9 oz.; 15°F; marmot.com

Fall asleep in a bed of feathers; modern, technical 3-season mummy sleeping bag for extreme activities such as high elevation tours and expeditions in very cold regions. Filled with premium 90/10 duck down.

90/10 European Grey Duck Down 650cuin – down is filled in Germany – lightweight fabrics with water repellent treatment – side zip reaches down 40 cm before foot end for enhanced insulation at the feet – double slide, dividable zip fastener for connecting – with large inner pocket made from soft mesh fabric – warmth collar – contoured hood – footbox – integrated foot section with drawcord, can be used as storage sack – length adjustable with drawcord, resulting “foot sack” can be used as a storage bag or provide additional insulation at the feet – extremely durable compression sack included