The Zpacks 10°F sleeping bag is my favorite sleeping bag on the market for the simple reason that this bag is probably the only reason my frostbite wasn’t worse last year on the Oregon Desert Trail. I’ll fill you in on my miserable November hikes in another post, but suffice to say, since this bag is good to 10°F, I was able to warm up my feet and ankles quickly (especially with a few handwarmers thrown inside first) and keep them warm regardless of the weather outside. While I fully acknowledge that they are on the expensive side, you can’t beat the warmth-to-weight ratio.
The cool thing about this sleeping bag is it’s highly customizable. It comes in three temperature ratings (10°F = $479, 20°F = $459, and 30°F = $439); with four color choices (azure blue, black, green, and orange), three bag lengths (short = 168cm, medium = 183cm, long = 198cm), and two bag widths (standard and broad). Being tall and lean (6’1” and 163lbs), I use the long length and standard width – and if you’re really curious, mine’s blue. The version of this sleeping bag that I have currently costs $519…but depending on the options you pick for temperature, length, and width, the price will fluctuate. The website lists my bag as 778 grams (27.4oz) and I’ve found this to be true unless you have to repair your bag (that will add a tiny bit of extra weight).
The construction of Zpack’s sleeping bags really can’t be beat. They’re bags are stuffed with DownTek PCF-FREE water-resistant 900 fill goose down. In case you don’t know what DownTek is, it’s a treated down that stays dry 90% longer than untreated down. Each compartment on this sleeping bag is overstuffed with 30% more 900 fill power premium goose down than is necessary for maximum loft (in order to account for any future compression). Another construction detail that makes this bag so impressive, is that it’s sewn with vertical baffles on the upper body to keep the down from moving around to the sides. While the foot box is narrower than the upper body, it is still very roomy (even for my size 46IT/12.5+US feet) – I’ve always found that my feet are completely comfortable regardless of my sleep position. It should also be noted that the lining and shell are treated with C0 durable water repellent to resist both weather and sweat. I’ve always found this sleeping bag to be nothing but cozy and comfortable.
The other feature that should be noted is the cinch system to seal the head opening. Zpacks sleeping bags use a stretch-and-string and line lock to create a cinch system to seal the head of the bag (but please note this bag does not have a hood so size up in length if you want to pull it around your head). I rarely use the cinch system, but it can be a bonus on frigid nights.
In conclusion, this sleeping bag is warm, comfortable, and lightweight. I would never trade this bag for another one because I really believe it’s the best sleeping bag on the market. Before this I used the Sea to Summit Spark III, and while the Zpacks bag is slightly heavier (5.4oz), it has a superior fill and is rated 15 degrees warmer. You also can’t beat the customization and the comfort. Yes, they are an investment, but it’s worth it for an awesome sleeping bag that will last you through a lot of hikes.
