2019-05-01 Wilderness

66
MAY 2019

LD REVIEW

Comfort,

price,weight,

qualitydown.

Bulky

packsize.

ATA

GLANCE

4. 4

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SLEEPING BAGS

Alistair Hall reviews three very different three-season down sleeping bags

Exped Lite +1

$499 / 780g

Features: Multi-adjustable

hood that shrinks the opening to

reveal just a slither of the face,

an adjustable draft collar snaps

closed at the shoulder, a full-

length draft tube prevents warmth

escaping through the zip. The

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Responsible Down Standard-

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rated to 6°C (comfort), 1°C (limit),

-15°C (extreme). 5/5

Fit: The bag has a tapered

mummy shape but is roomy,

especially around the chest and

shoulders to offer unrestricted

movement. 4/5

Comfort: $'IRRWER[

allows feet to rest in a natural

position. The plush draft collar

and draft tube prevent incoming

drafts and warmth from escaping.

The inner fabric is soft and

does not feel clammy against

the skin. 4/5

In use: With 290g of 800-loft

goose down, I found the bag

plush and warm. Camping on

cool autumn nights, I appreciated

the hood that uses a combination

of three draw cords – two for the

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Two button-closures at the hood

and neck further enhance the

bag’s warmth-trapping abilities.

It’s more enclosing than other

bags and will allow proper three-

season use in New Zealand.

The hood easily accommodates

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drawn very tight to leave just a

small opening for the nose and

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lock warmth into the bag.

There is a full-length and smooth-

running two-way zip, allowing cool-

ing options on warmer nights. I slept

exceptionally well in this bag – not

too hot, not too cold.

High-quality hydrophobic goose

down helps trim weight by minimis-

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The waterproof stuff sack has a

roll-top closure and helps compress

the bag to a manageable bundle,

though it is still larger than some

other models. 5/5

Value: This is a comfortable,

affordable and versatile option

for three season use. Pair it with

an insulated mattress to extend

the camping season. It compares

well to costlier, warmer-rated

bags. 4/5

Verdict: This bag balances

weight, comfort and warmth

for three-season camping and,

paired with a separate liner,

winter hut trips.