How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20 Sleeping Bag
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Super comfortable, lightweight and packable—the Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20 sleeping bag is a go-to choice for one bag that can take you from early spring to late fall.
Shop newer versionKey Details
Fill
800-fill-power Nikwax Hydrophobic Down
Temperature Rating (F)
20 degrees (F)
- Updated, ultralight, 20-denier recycled nylon shell saves weight and maintains durability
- 100% recycled nylon shell and liner are certified to the Global Recycled Standard
- 800-fill-power Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™ absorbs 90% less water and dries 3 times faster than untreated down for superior performance in wet weather
- Down is PFC-free and certified to the Responsible Down Standard
- Heat-mapped, zoned insulation delivers an elite warmth-to-weight ratio by allocating insulation to where you need it and reducing it where you don't
- Refined shape boosts thermal efficiency and shaves up to 2 oz. off the previous version
- No-snag YKK® zipper eases entry and exit and prevents accidental tears
- Cinchable hood, heat-trapping draft collar and full-length zipper draft tube help keep heat in
- Down-lined Toe-asis™ foot pocket gives you a place to warm cold feet
- Improved SynergyLink™ connector straps wrap around your sleeping pad to give you freedom of movement without shifting off the pad and losing warmth
- External zippered pocket stashes small essentials
- Quilt and blanket loops let you customize your sleep system by layering a Therm-a-Rest quilt or technical blanket for increased warmth (quilt/blanket not included)
- Compression 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) |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Shell | Recycled nylon |
| Zipper Location | Left |
| Insulation Type | Down |
| Water-Resistant Down | Yes |
| Fill | 800-fill-power Nikwax Hydrophobic Down |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Lining | Recycled nylon |
| Sleeping Bag Shape | Mummy |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | Down certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Contains recycled materials |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
4 people found this review helpful
3 years ago
So warm!
I am a cold sleeper, and this is the first bag that's kept me warm without wearing layers to bed. So far I've only tested it down to the mid 40's (several nights), but based on those experiences I suspect it will be comfortable down to another 10 degrees. Very happy with this bag!
Yes , I recommend this product
Anonymous
Most Helpful Critical Review
7 people found this review helpful
2 years ago
Not warm
I bought the Parsec 20º sleeping bag for my wife as a gift earlier in the year. We didn't get a chance to use it until early June of this year. It was in the low 40s overnight at altitude in the Rockies. We were in a tent, sleeping on an air mattress with blankets under us (car camping). I though she would be stoked on her new bag but she said she was cold (this coming from a hot sleeper) in the morning on her backside. When she showed me the under side of the bag there was no down under her back. Just nylon. This is why I bought the bag for her, to replace her 20 year old bag that had worn thin in that exact same spot. We were not even backpacking which is why I got her this particular bag. I did a lot of research before I made a decision on this bag and feel I was falsely advertised to. I for sure was on the size of the bag since she is only 5' 4" and it said the smaller version should fit her fine but was it more suited for a child. I had to return the first one and get the regular size. Now, this bag says it's 800 fill but it is not at all full. She would rather stick with her old bag. This sleeping bag is not as advertised. I am thoroughly disappointed in this product. I don't know what bag the reviews were talking about, it is certainly not the one I received.
TFish
Age:45–54
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'5"
3 years ago
So warm!
Yes , I recommend this product
I am a cold sleeper, and this is the first bag that's kept me warm without wearing layers to bed. So far I've only tested it down to the mid 40's (several nights), but based on those experiences I suspect it will be comfortable down to another 10 degrees. Very happy with this bag!
Age:45–54
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'5"
1 year ago
Excellent sleepng bag.
Yes , I recommend this product
This is a great sleeping bag. The reason for the 4 star versus 5 star review is that the straps for attaching to the sleeping pad could be better.
2 years ago
Not warm
I bought the Parsec 20º sleeping bag for my wife as a gift earlier in the year. We didn't get a chance to use it until early June of this year. It was in the low 40s overnight at altitude in the Rockies. We were in a tent, sleeping on an air mattress with blankets under us (car camping). I though she would be stoked on her new bag but she said she was cold (this coming from a hot sleeper) in the morning on her backside. When she showed me the under side of the bag there was no down under her back. Just nylon. This is why I bought the bag for her, to replace her 20 year old bag that had worn thin in that exact same spot. We were not even backpacking which is why I got her this particular bag. I did a lot of research before I made a decision on this bag and feel I was falsely advertised to. I for sure was on the size of the bag since she is only 5' 4" and it said the smaller version should fit her fine but was it more suited for a child. I had to return the first one and get the regular size. Now, this bag says it's 800 fill but it is not at all full. She would rather stick with her old bag. This sleeping bag is not as advertised. I am thoroughly disappointed in this product. I don't know what bag the reviews were talking about, it is certainly not the one I received.
3 years ago
SynergyLink Connectors Don't Fit Larger Pads
The bag is great and meets my expectations on its own. However, I was a bit disappointed to find that the SynergyLink connectors are too short to fit around one of Thermarest's own pads: the NeoAir Top Luxe. I was excited to use the SynergyLink Connectors, and in fact, they were one of the main features that caused me to choose to upgrade my sleeping bag.
Review originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
2 years ago
Great light bag
So far I’ve use this during the summer, and it was great! I always need to have a heavier bag anyways. But this wasn’t so heavy I couldn’t sleep on it with part of it draped over me and wide-open. I stayed cool enough. And it packs up tiny, and is very light!
Review originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
2 years ago
Arizona in November
We moto camped in some pretty cold temps in arizona back in November. I go as minimum as possible ditching the stuff sack and jam my gear directly in the motorcycle bags. Tough and warm is what I needed and thats what I got. Great quality.
Review originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Location:BayArea
Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'6"
3 years ago
Tight
No, I do not recommend this product
The lock feature to a matching pad is great but this sleeping bag is too tight
Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'6"
2 years ago
Crazy light and super small
I bought his sleeping bag to replace an older down sleeping bag. It's about half the weight and half the size with nearly the same warmth rating (-6 instead of -7°C).
Review originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
1 year ago
Warm and light
Bought for shoulder season mountaineering and alpine climbing, I love the straps as I would often start to slide off of my pad with my previous bag.
Review originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
3 years ago
Yukon approved
Used only for car camping in the fall so far. Super comfortable and warm around 0C. Packs small and is light enough for backpacking.
Review originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
1 - 10 of 18 Reviews