Sleeping bags (sleeping bags or sleeping bags) are essentials for hiking in a tent. I believe that ensuring a comfortable sleep is the most important thing for me, as it helps to recover from the fatigue accumulated through mountain climbing, to provide energy for the next day's journey, and to avoid danger. Along with tents and sleeping mats, sleeping bags play an important role, but they are also an item that is very troublesome when purchasing.
What's bothering you is the balance between heat retention and comfort, weight, size and price. Even at the same temperature level, sleeping bags can vary greatly in weight, volume, and properties depending on the insulation materials such as down and synthetic fiber. Of course, it's better to have a lighter and smaller size, but in reality, there are certain things that can be lost as a result. I'm curious as to whether the heat retention and comfort are sacrificed, and it's not a cheap purchase. Incidentally, Montbell has more than 60 different models available, including sleeping bags that are suitable for mountain climbing. Choosing a sleeping bag that's right for you requires a lot of energy.
So this time, we will compare and review the four best candidates for the ultra-light three-season down sleeping bag, which is surprisingly lightweight and compact, with the most emphasis on heat retention per weight.
table of contents
table of contents
- About the items we compared and tested this time
- Test results and spec comparison table
- Impressions of each model
- Detailed reviews of each item (Page: 2)
- Summary (Page:2)
Sleeping bags compared this time
This item that many people will probably purchase for the first time is a model that is suitable for three seasons, from spring to autumn. That's the target this time. Although there may be slight differences depending on the manufacturer, the temperatures supported are approximately 0°C to -5°C, and are positioned as sleeping bags for three seasons. The sleeping bags that are commonly used for mountain climbing are called mummy-shaped types, and the padding (heating material) is often chosen from down, which has a high heat retention per weight. When reviewing, we have compiled the following criteria for selecting items:
- 3 season models (Compatible temperatures are approximately 5℃ to -5℃)
- Down material is used for the filling (heating material).
- Weight is less than about 500g
- Can be purchased at authorized stores in Japan or online stores
Once the selection criteria are clear, we will move on to selecting specific manufacturers and models. The following four models of the exquisite ultra-lightweight sleeping bags gathered from both Japan and abroad.
- mont-bell down hugger 900 #3
- NANGA MINIMARHYTHM 180
- Patagonia Hybrid Sleeping Bag
- SEA TO SUMMIT Spark SpII
Test environment
The test period is approximately two months from September to early November 2018. The test was conducted during tent-distance hiking (2 days 1 night to 5 days 4 nights) in Okuchichibu, the Central Alps, and the Northern Alps. Based on one item per night, we try and compare two or more items depending on the number of nights, such as traversing, when hiking over two or more nights. Due to the test environment of mountains, we cannot do this under the same conditions such as weather, temperature, and wind, but for bedtime wear, I decided to wear the same items (upper body: base layer + thin fleece, lower body: trekking pants) and add insulation (down jacket, down pants) depending on the situation (feeling cold). Additionally, the tests will be conducted on a sleeping bag alone, and items such as inner liners and sleeping bag covers that are thought to affect the heat retention and feel of the skin are not used. All sleeping bags are used on mats installed inside the tent (both air type or closed cells 180cm) and on air pillows. In addition, detailed test conditions are added in a detailed review of each item.
Six indicators are set for evaluation items as follows. Naturally, the evaluation is relative to the tester's judgment.
- "Heat retention" based on down usage, FP (fill power), shape and surface material
- "Lightweight" that affects the burden on the body when you are acting
- "Comfort" affects sleeping comfort and ease of movement
- "portability (storageability)" is important for the overall volume of the equipment
- "Functionality" such as ease of use and convenience
- "Vernability" of whether it can be used in a wide range of ways
Test results and spec comparison table
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AA | AA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  |
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| Reference price | 50,220 yen | 51,840 yen | 40,500 yen | 45,360 yen |
| This is ◎ |
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|
| This is △ |
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| Thermal insulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★～★★☆☆☆ *Depending on the upper body layering |
★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Portability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Comfort | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Specs | ||||
| item | NANGA MINIMARHYTHM 180 | mont-bell down hugger 900 #3 | Patagonia Hybrid Sleeping Bag | SEA TO SUMMIT Spark SpII |
| Manufacturer's temperature range (℃) | Estimated operating temperature: 0℃ * NANGA's original standard |
|
No particular mention (varies depending on layering) |
|
| Size (cm) | Suitable for height up to 180 (maximum length: 210 x max shoulder width: 80) | Compatible with up to 183 (maximum length 200 x shoulder width 80 * Actual measurement) | Compatible with up to 183 (maximum length 217 x shoulder width 73 * Actual measurements) | Supports up to 183 (maximum length 200 x shoulder width 75 * Actual measurement) |
| Actual measured weight (including storage bag) | 316g (330g) | 503g (526g) | 525g (541g) | 482g (517g) |
| Storage size (cm) | φ13×20 | φ13 x 26 (2.8 liters) | φ14×27*Actual measurement | Before compression: φ13 x 30 After compression: φ13 x 21 *Actual measurement |
| Down quality | 930FP Silver Goose Down | 900FP/EX down | 850FP/Advanced Global Traceable Down | 850 + FP 90/10 ULTRA-DRY Premium Goose Down |
| Down amount | 180g | Unpublished | Unpublished | 280g |
| Zipper specification | Central chest (23cm) | Right side (60cm) | Center (50cm) | Left side (56cm) |
Impressions of each model
NANGA Minimalist 180
Next, regarding the minimalism that has been thoroughly stripped down, the first thing to consider is that the zipper opening and closing part is only 23cm. I think this is the result of pursuing lighter weight by increasing the zipper opening and closing portion, but even so, the opening is narrow! Even though I'm a small but not slender person, I have a hard time thinking about the order in which I fit in each part of my body. Combined with the thin and delicate fabric, it is necessary to enter (and come out) carefully so that it does not tear. When I actually went in, there was no room for it, and it was like I was being restrained (lol). However, it is also true that this lack of room does not create unnecessary space and contributes to heat retention.
mont-bell down hugger 900#3
Some users may be able to reduce the amount of insulation wear such as down pants and tent shoes, which may lead to weight reduction. Furthermore, there were opinions that when my wife let her use it, she was able to change clothes while still in the sleeping bag. This is a unique idea and opinion that can be thought of as a woman, but considering it is an effective way to use it in terms of minimizing the drop in body temperature. Of course, I also tried it myself (the petite one), but I was able to easily change clothes in my sleeping bag. Well, that doesn't mean that I will change clothes in my sleeping bag in the future, so I'm just using it for women. . .
Now, the only thing that bothers me is the difference between the Down Hugger 900#3, the lower model, the Down Hugger 800#3. Based on the information on the official website, the temperatures supported are the same (comfort: 3℃, limit: -2℃), weighing about 14% (81g) lighter than the 800, and the storage size (volume) is about 18% (0.6?) compact compared to the 800, but personally I feel that the difference is only a small difference. However, in terms of price, there is a huge difference between 800#3, which is 27,500 yen (excluding tax), while 900#3, which is 48,000 yen (excluding tax), and about 75% (20,000 yen) more expensive. If there was a more obvious difference in the temperature, weight and storage size, we could differentiate ourselves, and the price setting would be reasonable... Looking at these numbers, I personally think 800#3 is better.
Patagonia Hybrid Sleeping Bag
Originally named "High Alpine Kit", this is a layering system for climbers, and was developed along with items such as base layers, insulation, and outer layers. As a lightweight, integrated kit, it is of course the best possible function on an item alone, but it seems that the concept is intended to provide maximum functionality even in harsh conditions by combining it with others.
The compatible temperature varies depending on the layering, and when combined with the Grade VII Down Parka (price, shocking 120,000 yen!), which was also available as a "High Alpine Kit", it can be used in harsh winters, and when combined with thin layering, it can be used as a sleeping bag for three seasons. The upper body is made of thin windshell material, making it seem unreliable at first glance, while the lower body is packed with 850 fill power down, which is the same volume as a winter sleeping bag, making it look like a winter sleeping bag, making it look like it's volume so that your toes don't get cold at all.
I visited the tent site (lowest temperature of 5°C) at an altitude of approximately 2,500m, which I visited for a test in early October and used it while wearing a down jacket over my upper body. The lower body was quite warm, and instead of getting cold, it made me sweat a little. To be honest, my honest impression is that in the summer, you might not be able to enter unless it's a mountain that's extremely high. Also, if you are wearing a belay hoodie or something similar, it usually comes with a hood so you can put it on and enter the sleeping bag, but in the case of hoodless clothing, only one thin windshell material covers the head, so depending on the compatibility with the clothing you have, it will likely affect the comfort of use, such as heat retention and comfort.
In fact, when I visited the Northern Alps (lowest temperature -1°C) for testing at the end of October, I felt a slight cold in my upper body. The lower body can be prevented from entering by squeezing the drawcord in the switch between the down and the windshell (lower part) to prevent cold air from entering, but the upper body has only one windshell on the outside of the down jacket, making it easier for cold air to be transmitted. The hood of the sleeping bag also has a drawstring, but even if you squeeze it completely, the tip of the nose and mouth will not easily get cold, so I think it is necessary to take some effort at low temperatures. The concept is to eliminate overlapping insulation and reduce weight, but this may certainly be the case when compared to a sleeping bag for harsh winters that weighs over 1,000g, but considering the weight of a half-body sleeping bag that can accommodate three seasons, it cannot be said that it is not lightweight.
Portability (storage)
Seat to Summit is the company's name derived from the founder climbing Everest anoxic ascent from 0m above sea level in the Bay of Bengal. This manufacturer offers a wide range of gears that show off their attention to detail. You often see accessories and accessories in stores, but in reality it is a comprehensive Australian mountaineering manufacturer that handles light shelters, hammocks and sleeping bags.
<a i=0>A sleeping bag that is not cheap at all. If you're going to buy it, I'm sure many people will want to continue using it for a long time during the season. This review includes items that can be expected to be useful as a sleeping bag for three seasons, so I think it can be said that it is a highly versatile model, but I feel that the hybrid sleeping bag can also be used as a sleeping bag for three seasons through layering, and it has a wide range of possibilities in that it can also be used for the original concept of alpine climbing. Spark SpⅡ has a high temperature compatible, so compared to other items, the usage situation and timing is limited, but SpⅠ from the same Spark series is also considered to be used as a liner, and can also be used as a liner in the harsh winter. In fact, I heard that a friend of mine is using Spark SpⅡ as a snow camping sleeping bag with other companies' products and using it on Nicoichi. Spark SpⅡ seems to be useful for camping scenes where there is more luggage than mountain climbing. On the other hand,</a> <a i=1>the Minimum 180</a> <a i=2>is structurally difficult to regulate temperature, and I felt that it was a bit difficult to create a comfortable sleeping environment, especially when used in hot environments.</a>
Next page: Go to detailed reviews of each item
On the previous page, we introduced a ranking of the models we compared, a list of ratings and specs, and recommendations based on them. From here, we will explain what criteria were used to evaluate the evaluation and why it was evaluated in that way.
Detailed reviews of each item
Thermal insulation
When choosing a sleeping bag, heat retention is important, and the factors that measure the heat retention include the corresponding temperature notation, structure, down FP (fill power) and the amount of enclosed.
Corresponding temperature information
An essential indicator when choosing a sleeping bag is the unified heat retention display standard EN13537, which is unified in EU countries. Many sleeping bag manufacturers adopt this labeling standard, making it possible to easily compare items from different manufacturers. Mont-bell, which had previously measured and displayed temperatures using its own standards, has also been changing its display in accordance with EN13537 since 2014. Of the four items reviewed this time, three manufacturers (excluding Patagonia) use labels based on ENS13537. Since ENS13537 is based on Westerners in the EU countries, there are questions as to whether it can be applied directly to Japanese people with different physiques and temperatures, but there is no doubt that it will be the easiest indicator to use when purchasing. Patagonia's hybrid sleeping bags , we will leave this evaluation unknown as the temperature of the half-body sleeping bag changes depending on the layering of the upper body. Additionally, Nanga uses the ENS13537, but for some reason, this Minimum series is based on its own standard and has an expected operating temperature of 0°C. This is just my personal guess, but if we consider the expected operating temperature of 0°C, which is based on Nanga's own standard, as the comfort temperature for the ENS13537, Minimum 180 is the warmest weight ratio, which means that it has excellent heat retention. *Patagonia temperature display standards and standards have not been announced
structure
Next, we would like to look at the heat retention properties based on the structure of the sleeping bag. The structure of a sleeping bag can be broadly divided into two categories: a single quilt structure and a box quilt structure. In contrast to a simple single quilt structure, where cylindrical chambers packed with down are sewn together at points, the box quilt structure has the characteristic of preventing cold spots and preventing cold air from being transmitted.
You can see cold spots when exposed to light
The single quilt structure also has the advantage of being lightweight and compact in storage. Of the four items we tested this time, only the Minimum 180 has a single quilt structure, with the hybrid sleeping bag and the Down Hager 900#3 being a box quilt structure. Spark Sp II is a hybrid with a box quilt structure on the upper body and a single quilt structure on the lower body. My personal guess is that the cold toes I Spark Sp II may have been due to this single quilt structure.
Spark Sp II. The single quilt structure (red circle) allows the lining (yellow) to be visible through the seams, making it easy to become a cold spot. The box quilt structure (blue circle) does not allow the lining to be seen and does not easily become a cold spot
the Minimum 180 a concern , but in this model, by fitting it to your body, the temperature inside the sleeping bag is increased, resulting in a lack of coldness. In any case, it is certain that the structure of the sleeping bag is a supporting feature of the temperature description.
Down FP (fill power) and enclosed amount
FP (fill power) is a unit that shows the bulkiness of down, and is a unit that shows the degree of swelling in cubic inches when 1oz (approximately 28.3g) of down is placed in a cylinder and applied to a certain level of load. If it is 600 fill power, it means that 1 oz (approximately 28.3 g) of feathers have expanded to a volume of 600 cubic inches, and the higher the number, the better the quality of down. The larger this volume, the lower will contain air (dead air), which will increase the heat retention. All four items tested this time seem to use high-quality down, exceeding 800FP. Among them the Minimum 180 is made from the highest quality 930FP goose down of the four items. The Minimum 180 and Spark Sp II are also shown in the specifications for the down usage, but the Minimum 180 , which uses less than 100g, felt warmer than the size. It seems that the two hybrid sleeping bags (850FP) and the Downhagger 900#3 In an individual review, the Down Hager 900# 3 and the 800#3, but I wonder why 900, which uses down, which is higher than the 800, have the same value as the 800 on the temperature display... While researching around, I came across a list of down usage on Mont-bell's overseas websites. Unfortunately, among the items available overseas, there are no #3 models that are common to both the 800 and 900, and instead, the #5 comparison is used in the 800#5 down, which is 230g, compared to 900#5 down usage, which means that 900#5 is 200g, which means that by increasing the quality (fill power) of the down, it is made lighter by reducing the amount of use, and the temperature display with the same number of values is achieved. Until then, the perception was that "the down usage (g) was the same for both 800 and 900, and that the sleeping bag would expand to a full extent due to the higher the FP (fill power), but it appears that this perception was incorrect.
Lightweight (weight)
Light equipment reduces the strain on your body, so just like other mountaineering equipment, a light sleeping bag is better. The situation where you use a sleeping bag is a tent area, and except in an emergency, there is no chance of a chance of being on foot while walking, so it is even more lightweight.
Actual measured weight for each item
This time, the selection stage is around 500g, so all four items can be said to be light sleeping bags, but the only item in the 300g range the Minimum 180 . This advantage is over 100g lighter than the rest, and is a very big item that is worth noting not only for UL (ultra light) climbers. Next is the lightest one, Spark SpⅡ, but as mentioned in the structure, I think this has been reduced in weight by using a single quilted lower body. From the perspective of light weight, the single quilt structure is excellent in weight because there is less fabric to use, and the box quilt structure is lacking in weight because it has a partition inside the box that prevents down from being biased. the hybrid sleeping bag which was the heaviest out of the four items , it was an item that was intended to be a bivouac for alpine climbing, so I would like to add that it was an overwhelming disadvantage.
Comfort
The comfort required of a sleeping bag depends on the comfort (easiness to sleep), but although the materials for the interior walls of the sleeping bag differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, there is no significant difference, and each of the four items gives a smooth, soft look. the Minimum 180 a bad idea . Depending on your physique, you can hardly move inside the sleeping bag and can't expand your legs, so it can be said that comfort is low. Although it is only 3cm wide, it is understandable that the height is the lowest of the four items. In contrast, the Down Hugger 900#3 is highly elastic, allowing you to move your body freely inside the sleeping bag, and your feet can easily be expanded to about the shoulder width. Since the hybrid sleeping bag Spark SpⅡ sleeping bag for half-body sleepers is that they lock in heat retention and come with a drawcord at the waist, but it is also worth noting that by tightening this drawcord, it prevents the insulation and sleeping bag from slipping, resulting in increased comfort.
Portability (storage)
There are a lot of equipment to climb a tent that requires a sleeping bag, and packing is also quite a bit of effort. Just like its lightness, it is best to avoid the fact that sleeping bags, which are only available in tent locations, will have a stronger presence inside the backpack. This is common to all equipment other than sleeping bags, but if it becomes compact, the capacity of the backpack will be smaller, resulting in lighter weight. Since it's a mountain climbing sleeping bag, it's only natural that all four items come with storage bags, so there's no complaints about each one. However, what I want to pay attention to is Spark SpⅡ . This Spark Sp II storage bag has a compression function, and by compressing it, you can further reduce the storage size. Before compression, the volume is thought to be the largest of the four items, but after compression it changes to the smallest size.
Compare sizes of 4 items. Above: Before Spark Sp II compression. Bottom: After Spark Sp II compression.
This test was conducted to use one item per night, but it can also be said that this compression function allowed us to pack multiple items over two or more nights. Of course, by preparing a separate compression bag, it is possible to make the other three items even more compact, but I feel that the storage bag with compression function as an accessory is a big deal in terms of cost, and since it is an original product, it is not possible that the size does not fit.
Functionality
Here we will look at ease of use. First, about the zipper. The Down Hugger 900#3 and Minimum 180 use a reversible slider that can be opened and closed from both the front and back with a single pull. I'm sure there are some preferences, but personally I find this type easier to use. All items have been designed to prevent the fabric from getting bitten, but Spark Sp II the opening is folded back at the top of the zipper (shape similar to the chin guards on hard shells, etc.), which is nice with the finer ingenuity to prevent the slider from coming into contact with your body.
The slider is designed to prevent the folding process from coming into contact with the body
Additionally, the zipper length the Minimum 180 , and is about 1/3 of the total length, but it was not so much of an inconvenience. A reverse-open zipper that can be opened and closed from the lower body allows you to adjust the temperature inside the sleeping bag, but my honest impression is that it cannot be said that it is necessary when considering its lightweight and heat retention. Next is water-repellent, Spark SpⅡ uses water-repellent down, while the hybrid sleeping bag has a water-repellent surface material. For the other two items, it seems that both the down and surface materials are not water-repellent. It seems there's no problem if it's just water droplets that are condensed, but if possible, we recommend using it with a water-repellent finish. Finally, regarding the usability of the hood, the Minimum 180 have drawcords, so you should use them effectively to prevent the cold of the head. The Minimum 180 does not have a drawcord, but the hood itself is also made tight, so the exposure range is narrow and I felt it would not have that much effect.
Versatility
A sleeping bag that is not cheap at all. If you're going to buy it, I'm sure many people will want to continue using it for a long time during the season. This review includes items that can be expected to be useful as a sleeping bag for three seasons, so I think it can be said that it is a highly versatile model, but I feel that the hybrid sleeping bag can also be used as a sleeping bag for three seasons through layering, and it has a wide range of possibilities in that it can also be used for the original concept of alpine climbing. Spark SpⅡ has a high temperature compatible, so compared to other items, the usage situation and timing is limited, but SpⅠ from the same Spark series is also considered to be used as a liner, and can also be used as a liner in the harsh winter. In fact, I heard that a friend of mine is using Spark SpⅡ as a snow camping sleeping bag with other companies' products and using it on Nicoichi. Spark SpⅡ seems to be useful for camping scenes where there is more luggage than mountain climbing. On the other hand, the Minimum 180 is structurally difficult to regulate temperature, and I felt that it was a bit difficult to create a comfortable sleeping environment, especially when used in hot environments.
It has excellent obi properties, so you can use two sleeping bags
summary
Although they share the same goal of ensuring a comfortable sleep, each user's style, their individual constitutions, such as heat and cold, and their equipment, are different, so it is difficult to say that this sleeping bag is the best option for general purposes. It is important to actually go in and try it out at a store, but one of the factors that makes it difficult is that it is far from the environment in the mountains used. I feel that the best way to choosing a sleeping bag is to be sure to be aware of your priorities, such as points you don't want to compromise on and points you can compromise on. Although it is from my own perspective, I would appreciate it if you could use it as a reference.
Saito Hiroaki
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