How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking

Always on the move, climbers and backpackers can count on the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 sleeping bag for an all-around, durable down design that keeps up when temperatures go down.
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Imported.
Best Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Tested Lower Limit | 15 degrees (F) - ISO |
Tested Comfort | 26 degrees (F) - ISO |
Temperature Rating (F) | 15 degrees (F) |
Temperature Rating (C) | -9 degrees (C) |
Weight | Regular - Left Zip: 2 lbs. 5.4 oz. Long - Left Zip: 2 lbs. 7.9 oz. Long Wide - Left Zip: 2 lbs. 11.9 oz. |
Shell | 20-denier ripstop nylon |
Zipper Location | Left |
Insulation Type | Down |
Fill | 650-fill-power down |
Fill Weight | Regular - Left Zip: 1 lb. 5 oz. Long - Left Zip: 1 lb. 7 oz. Long Wide - Left Zip: 1 lb. 10.7 oz. |
Lining | 30-denier plain weave nylon |
Sleeping Bag Shape | Mummy |
Fits Up To (in.) | Regular - Left Zip: 72 inches Long - Left Zip: 78 inches Long Wide - Left Zip: 78 inches |
Shoulder Girth (in.) | Regular - Left Zip: 62 inches Long - Left Zip: 64 inches Long Wide - Left Zip: 70 inches |
Hip Girth (in.) | Regular - Left Zip: 53 inches Long - Left Zip: 56 inches Long Wide - Left Zip: 62 inches |
Stuff Sack Size | 8 x 15.5 inches |
Stuff Sack Volume | 12.25 liters |
Compressed Volume | Regular - Left Zip: 8.1 liters Long - Left Zip: 8.25 liters Long Wide - Left Zip: 8.75 liters |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | Down certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) |
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This is an excellent sleeping bag! I was wavering between 4 and 5 stars on my review (explained later on), but the extra features and comfort of this sleeping bag won me over to 5 stars. For reference on this review I am 5'11'' and 170 lbs. I was able to test this bag at nightly temperatures around 34 degrees Fahrenheit wearing a T-shirt and shorts and was warm all night no problem. With warmer clothing on I wouldn't hesitate bringing this bag further into their comfort and limit recommended temperature ratings. The draft collar around the neck and zipper are great at trapping and maintaining heat for a comfortable sleeping temperature. I didn't need the full mummy hood to stay warm, but it is extremely useful to trap a light weight pillow for the night. I was perfectly comfortable with the size of this bag with plenty of room. I am a stomach sleeper and didn't have an issue with the length or circumference of the sleeping bag. The features I really love are the main zipper and the loops on the side of the bag. The main zipper has a large pull ring that is easy to find and use in the dark, but the best part is the design to not get caught on the bag itself. The zipper is designed with a guard to not trap fabric and I was able to zip up and down the bag easily. The loops on the side of the bag were great for fastening my sleeping pad and I didn't have to worry about it slipping around at night. Less movement equals better sleep! My only complaint with this bag is that I do think it should come with a compression sack. The stuff sack it comes with is alright, but I wouldn't use it backpacking. It saves an extra purchase if you do not already have one! I included a photo of the bag inside the included stuff sack for reference. Overall this sleeping bag is excellent for the quality and features that are delivered. It is a sleeping bag I will regularly be putting in my pack!
bag is very comfortable and great for backpacking. Spent several nights on the trail and the bag kept me warm. The temperatures were in the 30's and had no issues with staying warm. The bag has plenty of room and also liked the additional padding around the neck on the inside to keep the cool air out. It comes with a stuff sack, but I used a waterproof compression bag to keep it dry and a smaller footprint. Overall I really liked the bag and will definitely be my go to bag for future outings. Looking forward to using it in the back country of New Mexico this summer.
I have not had a chance for a thorough shakedown yet, but did get to spend a couple nights in this bag in the Bob Marshall Wilderness last month (August 2022). Temps only hit maybe 40F at night (very warm!). The ventilation function at the foot works well. While "snug", I did not find the bag to be confining. I found the luminescent zipper pull an unexpectedly useful perk, the zipper gauge worked fine (no snags at all). The bag is light, packs down small, and the construction seems to be very high quality. Will update when I've had a chance to get it out in the 20s and can comment on properness of rating.
This bag was definitely a comfort upgrade from others in the same temperature rating that I've had in the past. It was plenty warm on a winter trip out to the coast. The only thing that keeps me from giving it 5 stars in that based on the description I expected it to be a little roomier. As a side sleeper it is a little difficult to shift from side to side, but that is something I'm used to and the other positives outweigh that minor gripe.
Was looking for something that was affordable yet offered great comfort and temperature--this is essentially the best bag you'll find on the market at this price point. While the shape is a bit awkward and it could have a little more comfort, temperature is always warm. Haven't been able to test this during an extremely hot night, but it kept me warm through both mountain and desert terrains. If you can't afford a top-end sleeping bag, this is the only choice.
Took a 9 day Sierra trip over Bishop Pass into Dusy Basin in early October. Weather was great although TONS of smoke, very glad we had N95 masks. Temps were down to the Upper 20's at night & the Bishop Pass 15 sleeping bag was terrible. I froze every night even though I had every piece of clothing I had on for warmth. BOTTOM LINE: bad bag rated way too low at 15° that left me cold as temps dipped below 32° .... bad bag! ( zipper also snags, bag is bad enough without having to mention bad zipper ) returned
Zippers made this bag easy to get in and out of, was roomy without feeling drafty, and it packs down really well for a warm bag. I was able to spend three nights on Mt. Lemon outside of Tucson, AZ on an exposed hillside to find temps in low 20's with windchills down to 2 and still kept warm inside a 3 season tent using only a light sleeping bag liner.
I have used this bag for a few campouts and car camping only, Last night I used it for an overnighter, My 1 man tent was smothered in feathers! I was choking on them, I am not exaggerating. Dont buy this bag, move on. Now I now REI will not oblige a refund. Not happy with them either.
This is an excellent light bag for hiking, trekking, mountaineering, or adventure motorcycling as it is warm enough down to 15 degrees F. I've used this bag way north of the arctic circle in fall and it performed well. The mesh bag is great for storing and the stuff sack compresses it very small but you don't want to store it that way. It's a great all round bag for everything except extreme cold.
Sleeping bag kept me warm on 12 degree nights last week in Colorado. Packs well and comes with stuff sack. Would buy again.