How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking

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The Mountain Hardwear Ratio 32 down sleeping bag delivers warmth in the summer and shoulder seasons for backpackers and campers who want to lighten their load with down fill instead of synthetic.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Tested Lower Limit | 27 degrees (F) - EN |
Tested Comfort | 37 degrees (F) - EN |
Temperature Rating (F) | 27 degrees (F) |
Temperature Rating (C) | -3 degrees (C) |
Shell | Nylon |
Zipper Location | Left |
Insulation Type | Down |
Water-Resistant Down | Yes |
Fill | 650-fill goose down |
Lining | Nylon |
Sleeping Bag Shape | Mummy |
Stuff Sack Size | 7 x 14 inches |
Stuff Sack Volume | 9 liters |
Gender | Unisex |
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I researched a plethora of bags before deciding on the Ratio 32. The Ratio 32 is even better than I thought it would be. Last week, I had the chance to try it out on a five night trip to Mammoth Lakes, CA. The night temps weren't freezing (low 40's), and the Ratio kept me toasty and comfy. Two traits that really impressed me are the size and compressibility of the bag. The bag seems a bit wider than most mummy bags. I have plenty of room to sleep on my side or roll over. Also, I was able to really get the sleeping bag small when I put it in the compression sack. It's light-weight, warm, compressible, and roomy. I'm sure you could find lighter bags or warmer bags, but you can't get it all at this price. The Ratio 32 is perfect for my backpacking needs.
this is a great bag. I was looking for a down bag that was similar to my wife's REI flash Long down sleeping bag. hers is ridiculously lightweight and small. After having many synthetic bulky bags it was time to get something lightweight and small. I decided on this bag after looking at the weight and pack size and price. The only think I would say is I think this bag feels more like a 40F. I was camping on a cold summer night and I had to wear all my clothes because I was really cold. Usually I am too warm. I would get this bag if you are mostly a summer sleeper or you are willing to sacrifice warmth for weight/size. Its so light and tiny even in the included stuff sack. I think its around 6.5 x 9. the material is very luxurious and feels soft. The color is a nice dark hunter green color, almost looks black but its green. I havent gotten it wet yet but its water repellent down. its even lighter than my wifes Flash down sleeping bag.
I spent a lot of time researching different sleeping bags when the time came to upgrade, and the Ratio 32 seemed to really hit a sweet spot with its price, temp rating, weight and compressibility. I'm 6'2" and ±200 lbs, so finding a sleeping bag that weighs in at under 2 lbs within $100 of this price is no easy task. First of all, I'm impressed with how roomy the Ratio is for its weight and compressed size. I normally use a 3/4 length Thermarest Prolite pad, and I've had problems with other sleeping bags being pulled snug across my top half with my arms resting on the ground on either side of the pad. This is a recipe for a very cold nights' sleep, but not so with this bag. There is plenty of room in the arms, shoulders and chest without feeling the stretch and losing loft. I haven't had the opportunity to test it at it's lower limit (27 degrees), but I'm confident it will perform well around freezing. The times I've taken it out on the trail, the lows have been in the mid 40's and low 50's and I slept comfortably even with the bag mostly unzipped. Here is the reason that I can't give it all 5 stars yet, as it's performance near its lower limit is ultimately going to be the clincher. Finally a note about it's moisture resistance, which is going to be an obvious selling point for many buyers. I live in Tennessee and spend most of my time hiking in the Cumberland Plateau and Appalachian areas. While we don't get constant rain like the PNW, it stays pretty humid year-round. For me, the waterproof down is going to be more of a practical safeguard against typical condensation in the tent. The foot of my sleeping bag always ends up touching the wall of the tent, and so far has almost always been a little bit soggy in the morning. It does seem to dry out pretty quick, and I have never had any problems with down clumping. It always fluffs up nicely on the next night. Nicely done.
I bought this bag to replace my heavier synthetic bag. Last weekend during a SAR training I used this bag in my shelter on a 40 degree night. While the bag is rated down to 27 deg I was cold pretty much all night. I'm not a cold sleeper at home so I'm disappointed with this and plan on returning the bag.
This sleeping bag was with me for 4 monthes of backpacking in Kirgystan, Nepal and New Zealand. He is light weight and small enough to fit in my backpack with no problems. For a few nights in Kirgystan the tempeture was below 0 (32F), my tent was full of snow and ice in the morning but inside the sleeping bag I was warm and cozy with no clothes. Im 187 and I have enough space inside. The only down side is the stuff sack, too simple with no option to shrink it, I used the staff sack of my old Lamina. I recomend this sleeping bag !
Nice bag super light weight, I would say 32F is a little too chilly for this bag. If your just wearing super light clothing in the bag as your suppose to, 40-45 might be the lowest I'd go in temperature. It's a perfect northern summer bag or inside bag for a cabin. I'd recommend considering the ratio 15 for 30 degree weather. I'm 6'1" and 235 the bag is a perfect size. I'd give it 5 stars but I'm just not confident it's a wise choice for 32 degree weather.
This is a comfortable sleeping bag. But I found that the temperature rating of 32 degrees is way too low. I was cold in this bag at 50 degrees even though I was wearing long thermo underwear, a t-shirt, a fleece jacket, wool cap and gloves. I am a cold sleeper but I think for the average guy this bag should be rated 50 degrees.
This is a great lighweight easily compressible sleeping bag. Quite comfortable but havent yet been able to test the temperature rating of this bag. My only complaint, very minor at that, is the colour. MHW quality is always superb and planning on getting the Phantom just to shave some weight off my overall pack weight.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Finally upgraded to down and this bag is everything I needed, I'm a larger guy 6'3 .. 235lbs and got the long size, and I fit inside no problem. Its actually so comfortable I've been using it as just my every night sleeping covers, soft and fluffy. I know it's going to be a great addition to my trail gear.
After purchasing this sleeping bag on sale for $179.99, i was eager to see it perform. Especially being my first bag transitioning to ultralight. Yes, it could weigh less; however, spending another $200 was not an option. I've now slept in it about 20 nights and can say it performed well past expectations. I used it last October on the Devils Path in the Catskills with temperature dropping to 20 degrees. One night we slept in a moist valley with wind, also adding to the cold, I stayed comfortable the whole night...except for my toes. But a thick pair of socks can fix that, which in the future I learned. I did also bump up against by tent, leaving condensation and frost on the foot of my bag. However, this did not seem like much of an issue, perhaps to the water repellent down. Overall great bag if you prefer affordability over the extra 10-12 ounces one can lose buying an expensive down bag or quilt, or if your simply getting into ultralight backpacking or backpacking in general.