How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking

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Built for extended use in the Arctic cold, the light and feature-rich Therm-a-Rest Polar Ranger -20 sleeping bag was designed in conjunction with renowned polar explorer Eric Larsen.
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| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Tested Lower Limit | -20 degrees (F) - EN |
| Tested Comfort | -4 degrees (F) - EN |
| Temperature Rating (F) | -20 degrees (F) |
| Temperature Rating (C) | -30 degrees (C) |
| 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 | Nylon |
| Sleeping Bag Shape | Mummy |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | Down certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Contains recycled materials |
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I use the sleeping bag in the arctic right now. It is very warm, light , love the head spot in the hole for the mouth. Very good for the aeration and let the condensation get out. I just have two negative point. First one. The zipper. The plastic thing on the zipper is very nice idea. But sometimes the zipper stuck on the material and can break the tissue. The second point is the bungee under. There are not large and long enough for the neoair sleeping pad. It is very tight. Too much.
I’ve taken this bag down to 0F so not its bottom range yet but I haven’t even had a chill inside of it yet. Very comfy and I like the hood coverage around my head. My only complaint is the stuff sack is too small. I really struggle to get the bag in the stuff sack and the sack ripped a little last time I tried so I started stuffing it into one of my larger dry bags when I pack it down. It still fits in my sleeping bag compartment of my backpacking pack. The dry bag also provides more water protection so it’s not a bad swap regardless.
Used in -4 weather. Something I struggle with is finding a sleeping bag that doesn't have too much dead space. I'm 5'3", 118lbs, and this sleeping bag did not have any cold spots throughout the night. I run cold, but I slept like a baby. I am fully converted to a Therm-a-rest quiver of sleeping bags and quilts.
I bought this bag for a trip I am taking that may need this temperature range. I will update this review once I am done with the trip - but early testing in the outdoor shows this sleeping bag is just what I needed. It also looks great.. but looks do not help you when freezing.. If you need this temperature range then you will not be disappointed.. and if you also are in the middle of a fashion show with this bag you will not be disappointed either :)
Unique, sculpted hood is really warm. This bag is great for winter camping when temperatures are well below freezing. Center zipper is okay but takes a bit of getting used to. My wife likes the arm-zippers when she reads while in the bag. Overall a different style bag that’s very efficient in cold temperatures.
Best bag ever. I have been at this for a while. I know what I’m talking about. This bag is amazing. I’ve used it down to -30 at night and im fine. The center zip and arm zips are really convenient and comfortable. But most important is the hood design is clearly the way all hoods should be designed.
By far my most loved piece of equipment I own! I love the fact that there is a place to put your hot Nalgene at your feet without burning them and the fact that you can take your arms out to do little stuff without having to get out completely.
Exceptional range of comfortable warmth. I love this bag!
Great good design makes this bag warmer than I expected!