Let’s start with the manufacturer’s specifications: 850g of European goose down, -2°C comfortable, -9°C limit, -27°C extreme.
After having tested it I would say more in the region of 0°C for a comfortable temperature and –5/-6°C for the limit, and for the extreme we haven’t yet had the chance to test it! But this nevertheless gives an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio. It is definitely a top-of-the-range sleeping bag due to its technical qualities and price. Its construction is specifically RAB designed: Flowgate technology, trapezoidal vertical baffle design with Insotect Flow™ technology (I don’t understand a word either!) But it maximizes warmth and is ultra-efficient. My first bivouac was in positive temperatures and I couldn’t sleep as I was too hot…. Above 7°C there’s no point in trying! Even with the bag open! Well-designed details, key technical features include an angle footbox, anti-snag zipper webbing tape and an internal collar and hood drawcord, easy to use and adjusts from the inside. Only problem: both drawcords are on the same side so during the night, half-asleep, it’s hit-and-miss which one you are pulling ! The zip slides well with a Velcro stop to block the pullstring.
The anti-snag zipper webbing tape works well, but not all the time! The fabric feels nice except if you sweat a bit and then it sticks to your skin. Better to sleep with under garments or use a silk sack liner (150g more but you also increase the heat value if needed). The outer is in Pertex Superlight Quantum GL water-repellent, works well against dampness, but nothing heavier. The fabric is strong with “normal” use, in a tent, refuge or on a floor mat. Be careful with rocks, etc. the fabric is thin and easily snags. The Footbox could be a little larger. But weight-saving choices have to be made. It comes with a storage bag and a compression bag, although it doesn’t compress much, the drawcord isn’t very strong, a bit cheapo considering the price.
Combine it with a lightweight bivy bag like the RAB Survival Zone Lite 200g, and also with a polar fleece thermal liner, you end up with a versatile 4 seasons bag, with great weight, comfort and warmth ratio perfect for fast races, long hikes and difficult bivouacs. This is a very well designed product for experts in their field and therefore the price is quite high. If you really have the use for such a precision designed product it is a very good high quality investment.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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