How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
Therm-a-Rest Questar 20 Sleeping Bag
$299.93Compared to $399.95*Save 25%
Dialed in for backpacking adventures, the fully featured Therm-a-Rest Questar 20 sleeping bag delivers 3-season comfort with 650-fill-power Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™ and plenty of cozy features.
Key Details
Fill
650-fill-power Nikwax Hydrophobic Down
Weight
Long: 2 lbs. 7 oz.
Compressed Volume
5.4 liters
Temperature Rating (F)
20 degrees (F)
- 650-fill-power Nikwax Hydrophobic Down absorbs 90% less water and dries 3 times faster without using dangerous PFCs
- With additional room for multiple sleeping positions (W.A.R.M. Fit), means this bag allows for various natural sleep positions while maintaining thermal efficiency
- SynergyLink™ Connectors let you integrate the bag with a pad (not included) for optimal efficiency and comfort; removable for versatility
- Zoned down insulation maximizes warmth and saves weight by intentionally placing fill where you need it most
- Responsible Down Standard certification ensures the down does not come from animals that have been subject to any unnecessary harm, such as force-feeding or live-plucking
- Shell fabric has a durable water repellent (DWR) to help moisture bead up on the surface
- Box-baffled construction uses mesh walls to maximize loft and minimize cold spots
- Toe-asis™ ergonomic toe box rapidly warms cold feet in a pocket of warm down
- Draft collar, full-length zipper draft tube and cinchable hood help trap heat inside
- Snag-free zipper; external zip pocket
- Quilt and blanket loops let you customize your sleep system by layering quilts or tech blankets (not included) for increased warmth
- Compression sack and storage sack included
Imported.
Temperature ratings are intended as a guideline to help you compare products, rather than a guarantee of warmth, since many different factors contribute to your comfort while you sleep. Backpacking bags are typically rated for temperature according to an independent testing protocol—currently International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 23537, though some older items followed European Norm (EN) 13537. Testing is based on a person wearing one base layer and a pair of socks, sleeping on an insulated surface with a minimum R-value of 5.38.
Each bag then gets 2 ratings: the Comfort rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average "cold sleeper" comfortable, and the Lower Limit rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average "warm sleeper" comfortable. Some brands determine their own temperature rating by aligning to the Comfort rating for women’s bags, to the Lower Limit rating for men’s bags, or somewhere in the middle for nongendered bags.
View all Therm-a-Rest Backpacking Sleeping BagsEach bag then gets 2 ratings: the Comfort rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average "cold sleeper" comfortable, and the Lower Limit rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average "warm sleeper" comfortable. Some brands determine their own temperature rating by aligning to the Comfort rating for women’s bags, to the Lower Limit rating for men’s bags, or somewhere in the middle for nongendered bags.
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Tested Lower Limit | 20 degrees (F) - ISO |
| Tested Comfort | 32 degrees (F) - ISO |
| Temperature Rating (F) | 20 degrees (F) |
| Temperature Rating (C) | -6 degrees (C) |
| Weight | Long: 2 lbs. 7 oz. |
| Shell | 20-denier ripstop polyester |
| Zipper Location | Left |
| Insulation Type | Down |
| Water-Resistant Down | Yes |
| Fill | 650-fill-power Nikwax Hydrophobic Down |
| Fill Weight | Long: 1 lb. 6 oz. |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Lining | 20-denier polyester taffeta |
| Sleeping Bag Shape | Mummy |
| Fits Up To (in.) | Long: 78 inches |
| Shoulder Girth (in.) | Long: 66 inches |
| Hip Girth (in.) | Long: 64 inches |
| Stuff Sack Size | 9 x 7.5 inches |
| Compressed Volume | 5.4 liters |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | Down certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) |
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Just what I needed
Gumbledore5 years ago
I ordered a quilt from a small cottage company but they had to stop production because of coronavirus. Womp womp. But I still needed something for spring backpacking so I searched for an affordable, warm, 3-season, down sleeping bag that packs down small. This checked all my boxes! And it has the added bonus of the straps that wrap around my sleeping pad. That was one of the things I was most looking forward to in a quilt, freedom of movement. I tossed and turned all night and this sleeping bag stayed put! It maybe shimmied down the pad a little bit, but that doesn't bother me that much.
I haven't tested this in low temperatures. The night I went out was much warmer than expected and I was concerned this was going to be too warm. It was overkill for low 60s BUT the zipper moves so flawlessly that it was really easy to dump heat and control the comfort level. Seriously, this zipper is the star of the show.
I did use the toe-asis toe box at one point and it was wonderful.
The only thing I would add to this bag is another shorter zipper on the other side to help control comfort levels a little more. I felt a little trapped and hot if I turned toward the side without the zipper. Other than that, which is not a deal breaker, I can't think of anything else I'd change. The fabric gets a little sticky to the skin but I think they're all like that with this lightweight fabric.
For reference, I am 5'5" and I bought the short and the length is perfect :)
Gumbledore
St. Louis, MO
11 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
The problem with zoned insulation.
Gary7 months ago
"Zoned insulation"--which places most of the fill on the top and sides of the bag and relies on a sleeping pad with an appropriate R-value to keep your back warm--does not work for me, as a person who rolls around WITH the bag. When I roll to my side, my back gets cold since there is comparatively little insulation in the back zone of the bag. If I, instead, roll INSIDE the bag (especially when it's cold enough to cinch the hood) then my face is inside the bag and I'm exhaling moisture into the bag.
With the looser fit of my semi-rectangular bag, it's easier to roll inside the bag and then twist the hood opening to my face. Not so much with a mummy like the Questar.
If I could move the down from the side zone to the back zone, it may relieve my cold back. But I'm not sure whether the total bag contains enough down to maintain the temperature rating all the way around the bag.
Buyers should be aware that the temperature ratings for mummy bags with zoned insulation are accurate only for back sleepers. Many down bags tout this feature as a way to save weight and volume. It makes sense, considering that down on the bottom is compressed to the point of losing its insulation value. Just be aware that the temperature rating is a bit misleading for sleepers whose backs are not always on the bottom.
Gary
3 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Gumbledore
St. Louis, MO
Just what I needed
5 years ago
I ordered a quilt from a small cottage company but they had to stop production because of coronavirus. Womp womp. But I still needed something for spring backpacking so I searched for an affordable, warm, 3-season, down sleeping bag that packs down small. This checked all my boxes! And it has the added bonus of the straps that wrap around my sleeping pad. That was one of the things I was most looking forward to in a quilt, freedom of movement. I tossed and turned all night and this sleeping bag stayed put! It maybe shimmied down the pad a little bit, but that doesn't bother me that much. I haven't tested this in low temperatures. The night I went out was much warmer than expected and I was concerned this was going to be too warm. It was overkill for low 60s BUT the zipper moves so flawlessly that it was really easy to dump heat and control the comfort level. Seriously, this zipper is the star of the show. I did use the toe-asis toe box at one point and it was wonderful. The only thing I would add to this bag is another shorter zipper on the other side to help control comfort levels a little more. I felt a little trapped and hot if I turned toward the side without the zipper. Other than that, which is not a deal breaker, I can't think of anything else I'd change. The fabric gets a little sticky to the skin but I think they're all like that with this lightweight fabric. For reference, I am 5'5" and I bought the short and the length is perfect :)
Yes , I recommend this product
Farnoud N.
Perfect Companion for Chilly Nights!
11 months ago
I’ve been using the Questar™ 20F/-6C Sleeping Bag on several camping trips now, and it has exceeded my expectations every time. The warmth and comfort it provides, even in colder conditions, are impressive. The fit is cozy without feeling restrictive, and the materials feel high-quality and durable. One feature that stood out to me is the SynergyLink™ connectors, which kept the bag securely in place on my sleeping pad throughout the night, preventing any cold spots. I also appreciate the ThermoCapture™ lining that effectively reflects body heat, making this bag a true lifesaver on colder nights. Setting it up and packing it away is a breeze, and it compresses well for easy storage in my backpack. Whether I’m car camping or backpacking, this bag has become my go-to for any adventure where I need reliable warmth and comfort.
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Lance R.
My go-to bag
8 years ago
The Questar covers such a wide temperature range that it has come with me on winter-camping ski trips (< 20°F) as well as beach-camping surf trips (> 55°F). On the coldest nights I layer it with a quilt to give it that fourth season warmth, and on the hottest nights I sleep with it unzipped to get some breeze. The soft interior fabric is super comfy for those nights when minimal base-layering is needed. I'm really excited to test the outer fabric and hydrophobic down with some ocean spray while camping on the coast sans tent/bivy this summer.
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Rick
READ the Temperature rating before leaving a review
1 year ago
The COMFORT range on this sleeping bag is 32°F/0°C. So, that means that your average person will be comfortable at those temps. Simply put, this is a 3-season bag. If you're looking for a 4-season bag, then do your research and buy a bag that is a rated comfort level for subzero temps (Polar Ranger). This is an awesome bag for what it is designed to do. Don't buy a bag with clearly defined ratings, expecting it to perform differently... And then give it a poor review. I own 6 Therm-A-Rest sleeping bags and 2 quilts, and they all perform as rated. I do 95% of my camping in very cold temps and these bags have performed to standard.
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Happy H.
Awesome 3 Season Bag for the Southeastern US
4 years ago
I'm 6 ft tall and weigh about 250 lbs. This bag has plenty of room in it. I LOVE the straps. They solve the slipperiness problem lots of people complain about with the Uberlight Pad. I'm a side sleeper that tosses and turns and I didn't have a problem at all with this bag. Keeps me warm down to the mid 20s with no problem. Only had on a pair of light nylon shorts and a knit cap. Love the foot box. You can put socks and long underwear down in there and it keeps it warm and will help it dry out overnight and you don't have to have your feet directly on them. Great bag. Thinking I'll order the 32 degree version for summers.
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Vincent T.
Update to my initial review on 07/02/23
1 year ago
After waiting 3 months (the entire summer) for a repair to my brand-new sleeping bag, Therm-A-Rest finally sent back the bag, saying it had been fixed. However, the tear in the sewing was still there, untouched. They basically kept my bag for 3 months and re-stashed it in a box (not even in the storing bag) without looking at it. What I was considering to be a bad luck when I bought this bag turned out to be a real lack of professionalism from a company that "has a very robust warranty and stands behind [their] product". If you are searching for a high-quality product, I can only recommend going somewhere else.
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Jenny
Like a warm hug, and waterproof too!
8 years ago
The Questar is my favorite ever sleeping bag, and I've slept in a lot of sleeping bags. It's roomy enough to sleep in night after night, but light and packable enough to take on my next fast-and-light endeavors. The level of comfort is unparalleled - think silk pajamas - and the ""Toe-asis"" foot box (which took me a few nights to discover) is insanely cozy. I felt so warm and secure each night in this bag. Plus, having the knowledge that the down is hydrophobic (and that the outer fabric beads water) is a HUGE feeling of security, letting me sleep out under the stars without the threat of dew.
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Happy H.
Hot and smelly...
4 years ago
First off, the straps are a pain with the wrong pad. They don't work well with a Large Uberlite very well. They did work with my old Pro Lite 4 and my old model original NeoAir. Overall, this is a good cold weather bag. I took it out in the upper 30's on the first two nights and I was hot and ended up unzipping it all the way and using it like a quilt. Before I did that, I couldn't get comfortable. I was hot and sweaty in the bag and then cold and clammy out or with it unzipped. Now the bag has that sweaty down smell. - BUT - I have been on in 28 degrees and it worked great. Maybe I'm just a really hot sleeper. I'm 6'0" and 250lbs and I fit in this bag zipped up with plenty of room to sleep on my side.
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Happy H.
Hot and smelly...
4 years ago
First off, the straps are a pain with the wrong pad. They don't work well with a Large Uberlite very well. They did work with my old Pro Lite 4 and my old model original NeoAir. Overall, this is a good cold weather bag. I took it out in the upper 30's on the first two nights and I was hot and ended up unzipping it all the way and using it like a quilt. Before I did that, I couldn't get comfortable. I was hot and sweaty in the bag and then cold and clammy out or with it unzipped. Now the bag has that sweaty down smell. - BUT - I have been on in 28 degrees and it worked great. Maybe I'm just a really hot sleeper. I'm 6'0"" and 250lbs and I fit in this bag zipped up with plenty of room to sleep on my side.
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
michymoo
Knoxville, TN
20 degree bag? How?
2 years ago
I bought this bag for an AT Smoky Mountain hike thru - I’m a woman and bought the man’s version, because REI didn’t have the women’s version I wanted. Ok, so let’s skip ahead…this bag did not keep me warm in the low 50s/high 40s overnight temps. I had to supplement with more clothes and a sleeping bag liner to keep warm. And I am a human furnace. I had a BA Rapide SL for an air mattress, so I should have been fine. It’s a super lightweight bag, which is great. The pad straps are a great idea, but are made for a regular width pad. I have a wide pad, because I turn like a rotisserie chicken when I sleep and need the foundation. I’m going to keep it for trips when forecasted temps are in the 50s/60s, but nothing less than that.
Age:55–64
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'3"
No, I do not recommend this product
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