SUMMER SLEEPING BAGS
Summer is the time for overnight outdoor adventures! Be inspired with our top picks for backpacking.
Vango Venom 300 £160
This bag is well-featured for the price, and has hydrophobic down so it performs relatively well if it gets damp. There is a full-length side zip and a shoulder baffle. The shell is made of ripstop nylon. It is relatively heavy, but it is bigger and so more suited to larger frames, as well as having a good packed size. The colour-coded hood drawcords neatly pull in the hood and top to fit snugly around the head. A great choice in many ways and a superb price for the overall performance.
Weight 915g Fill 700 fill power hydrophobic down Bag size 220x80cm Packed size 15x24cm Temperature rating 0 deg C
+ price; packed size; full-length side zip; shoulder baffle; hydrophobic down - heavy for its temperature rating Trail tested Aug16 4.6/5
Deuter Trek Lite -2 £190
This bag is a little heavier than others; however, it should be noted it does have a -2 deg C comfort temperature rating, which is ideal for summer. The close fit, the shoulder baffle and the full-length zip that allows the foot area to be vented all improve comfort further. As the outer is polyester, it soaks up water a little more than nylon, so it’s not so good if your tent gets soggy. If £190 is your budget the Trek Lite -2 is a great option. While not perfect, it is a very practical option for backpacking.
Weight 1050g Fill 625 fill power down Bag size 200x70cm Packed size 15x21cm Temperature rating -2 deg C + price; temperature rating; full-length side zip - getting heavy; slightly small size Trail tested Aug16 4.2/5
Criterion Quantum 200 £260
It is the weight of just 558g and the packed size of 13x20cm that instantly set this bag apart from others. While it is not as warm as the heavier bags, it’s still great for summer. It has a Pertex Quantum nylon shell, and you get a longer zip than most bags offer. There is no shoulder baffle, and the hood does not fit as closely or as neatly as others. Other bags hug the body a little more than this, too, so it does not feel quite as cosy. The packed size and weight make it ideal for backpacking, and the price makes it excellent value for money for lightweight backpacking.
Weight 558g Fill 870 fill power down Bag size 217x75cm Packed size 13x20cm Temperature rating 0 deg C + price; extremely lightweight; packed size; full-length side zip - not as warm as the heavier bags; no shoulder baffle Trail tested Aug16 4.2/5
Mtn. Equipment Firefly£360
Mountain Equipment’s Extreme Light range takes the place of the well-established Xero, and this bag is as close as you can get to Best in Test winning Xero 300. It’s stuffed with 300-fill power down that can be traced to its source to ensure welfare and quality standards. Both outer shell and lining are Plasma™ 10D fabric which is extremely light, breathable and tear resistant. EXL stitching on the top half stretches to fit more closely. The big points here are high performance and exceptionally low weight. Weight 560g Fill 800 fill power down Bag size 185x75cm Packed size 16x25cm Temperature rating -1 deg C + weight; stretch baffles; temperature rating; comfort; fit - not the lowest-priced option Trail tested No, new
PHD Design Your Own £388
PHD’s Design Your Own (DYO) sleeping bag allows you to choose the size and features you want, including down types, temperature ratings, materials, sizes and zip lengths. That means personal preferences and conditions will dictate how you configure the bag, making it truly something that works for you. Trail loved the packed size and weight, but the zip was very short and there was no shoulder baffle. The price is similar to other top-quality bags, but with the benefit of being able to tweak it to your needs. If you want a superlight bag this is the best. Weight 603g Fill 1000 fill power down Bag size 200x70cm Packed size 15x19cm Temperature rating -2 deg C + weight and packed size; temperature rating; personalisation - price is high; no shoulder baffle; very short side zip Trail tested Aug16 4.2/5
Marmot Trestles Elite 30 £95
For a less expensive option, and better performance in damp conditions, synthetic filling is great. The Trestles Elite 30 is part of Marmot’s new range and weighs 920g. Fit is good in women’s, wide and long options, and it features a second zip for easy access and ventilation. Also anti-snag zips, a draught collar and external stash pocket. Weight 920g Fill HL-ElixR (synthetic) Bag size 183cm long Packed size 40.6x19cm Temperature rating -2.2 deg C + price; second zip; PFC-free - weight; large pack size Trail tested No, new