Mountain Equipment Firelite £420

+ Warmth-to-weight ratio, impressive temperature ratings, premium design - Expensive

Securing a comfort rating of -2°C but weighing in at just 770g, the Firelite is warmer than many bags over 1kg. This is achieved through a 469g portion of 800 fill power goose down, which feels reassuringly thick and should perform to the quoted temperature ratings. The extra 50100g of fill, compared to other bags in this list, provides a nice warmth boost, and could make the difference on cold spring or autumn nights. This approach, however, results in a hefty price-tag and high weight. The Firelite’s ‘alpine’ fit strikes a nice halfway house – enough room for shuffling and movement, but not so roomy that there’s dead space and thermal efficiency is compromised. On the outer you get an ultralight Plasma 10-denier shell and a full-length zipper, while the slanted box-wall construction throughout the bag enhances overall warmth-to-weight. The adjustable hood works well, the six-baffle footbox is cosy, and the waterproof roll-top stuffsack is a great idea, meaning you don’t have to pack your compression sack in a separate dry-sack. Or, in other words, there’s very little to dislike with the Firelite.

■ Fill 469g of 800 fill power goose down

■ Temp rating -2°C comfort,

-8°C comfort limit

■ Weight 770g (regular)

■ Packed size 25x17cm (regular)

■ Sizes Regular, long

Verdict

A reliable sleeping bag with premium features and insulation – but it’s rather pricey.