Ten years ago, the biggest difference between sleeping bags was their stuffing: slight variations in synthetic or down insulation. Today things have changed a lot. Head into a gear shop and the offerings include comforters and oversize down jackets. Zippers run in many directions or are left out altogether. Some bags change shape.
Head into a gear shop and the offerings include comforters and oversize down jackets. Zippers run in many directions or are left out altogether.
Of the 20 we tested in conditions ranging from the beaches of Mexico to early-season snow in Canada’s Coast Range, the Kammok Thylacine proved the most versatile. It was hardly a fair fight, given that this is three bags in one. Think of it like a Russian nesting doll. The outer layer is a 1.9-pound, mummy-shaped base bag ($329) stuffed with 750-fill water-resistant down. It’s perfect for 50-degree canoe camping, is roomy enough that you can sleep on your side, and compresses down to the size of a small watermelon. Colder testers called for adding the Thylacine’s down liner ($199) to add 15 degrees of warmth and elevate the bag to a three-season tool. If that’s not enough, an additional mummy-shaped comforter ($99) further boosts heat retention; it should keep you warm down to zero degrees. Call it one bag-in three pieces- to rule them all. It can handle temperatures as low as zero degrees and will add only 2.5 lbs to your pack.
