

My search for cold-weather bags focused on synthetic bags, since they stay warm when damp/wet and tend to be less expensive - at the expense of weight and bulk. When I had considered everything, I ended up deciding on the Sleeper Xtreme sleeping bags from Snugpak. Snugpak is a UK company specializing in outdoor clothing, packs, and more recently sleeping bags. They have a good reputation for quality, and a military grade ruggedness. Their Sleeper series bags are their entry level category, which includes the Lite (32/20 F), Xtreme (19/11 F), and Xpedition (10/0 F). I like the fact that they provide ratings for both Comfort and Low temperature use; and all reviews that I read indicated that these ratings were pretty accurate - we will see. I found them online for $60 ea, so I ordered two - for a little more cost, there were other retailers with more color options; but I opted for price and stuck with the two-tone orange/silver. I was hoping to use them the following week on a trip to the Catskills with my son, but due to extended handling they took 14 days to arrive (my fault for waiting so long to decide).

So before I go into the details, I was stuck for what to use on the Catskills trip. I figured that I could use my old LL Bean bag for myself, and would just need to lash more gear to the outside of my pack since the sleeping bag takes up about 30 L all by itself. My daughter had one of the 32-degree bags at college for a field trip that she had taken a month earlier, so we couldn't double bag it for my son. During my previous search for bags, I did take note of a nice little bag at EMS - the Solstice 20, which retailed for $99. I didn't want to cancel the trip, so my wife gave the go-ahead to spend the extra cash on the EMS sleeping bag. It ended up to be perfect timing - when I checked online to see it it was in-stock at the local store, it turned out that they were having their member's-sale and everything in the store was 25% off - Bonus! So, an hour later I had the bag back home, along with a bunch of other 25% off gear. (Note: as I am writing this, I just checked EMS online, and they have this bag on sale for $50 - I don't feel so lucky anymore; but this is a great time to buy for anyone else).
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Draft Collar on Snugpak |
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That's the inner fleece lining on the EMS stuff sack |
What size compression sack would you suggest using with the EMS Solstice 20? I just bought one, and the stuff sack is pretty big.
ReplyDeleteI like the stuff sack that it comes with when pack size is not a factor, because you can turn it inside out and use the inner fleece lining as a pillow. But when it needs to be packed down, I use a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression sack. I use the size small (7"x16'), but it is a tight squeeze and just fits. A size medium would be a much easier fit, but is an inch bigger in diameter.
DeleteHappened across this review, any updates on the durability and performance in colder weather?? I just came across this bag on EMS website for $62, and I'm hoping it's a good buy. I definitely sleep cold, and usually have difficulty keeping my feet warm.
ReplyDeleteThe Solstice continue to be my go-to bag (for over 4 years). I has held up excellent - showing virtually no wear after dozens of outings. It packs down pretty small and light. I even use it year-round, except for the heat of summer - just leave it unzipped when warmer. I just had it out in February, down to 30-degrees, without a bivvy and was plenty warm. At the 20-degree comfort rating I use a reflective outer bivvy for additional warmth. The survival rating of 11-degrees might be accurate but it would only be that. I had this bag down to 13-degrees with a bivvy and slept, but was chilled. I love this bag, and at the current price it is a steal. My only complaint is that the zipper sometimes snags on the draft collar, but it hasn't failed or ripped yet. I'd say go for it. For under $70, I may pick up another...I just wish they still sold the green and grey color. Cheers.
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