Issue link: http://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25178
• • • • gear SLEEPING BAGS TEXT + PHOTOS: ROB REED Battery-operated espresso makers and reading lights can help make your tent feel like a home away from home, but if you don't have the right sleeping bag to keep you warm at night. all the comforts of home won't salvage your hike. The main factors to consider when buying a sleeping bag are: • Temperature ratings. Every bag comes with a temperature rating that represents the minimum temperature at which that the bag can be used comfortably. Three-season bags are generally rated to +20°F. • Fills. The great "synthetic versus down" debate. When comparing two bags with equivalent temperature ratings. the down bag will pack smaller and last longer (if properly maintained) than the synthetic bag. On the other hand. the synthetic bag will be more affordable and will retain more warmth and dry faster if it gets wet. • Shape. Mummy bags-the narrowest and warmest-are the ideal although many trekkers opt for the relative comfort of a semi-rectangular bag. 1> Kelty Soft Touch 15 Comparing the Kelty Soft Touch 15 with the Mountain Hardwear Galaxy SL (see below) is an apple-to-apple comparison-just different varieties of apples. Both are rated to 15°F and weigh roughly the same. The main difference is that the Kelty has a synthetic fill (Polarguard 3D) while the Mountain Hardwear has down. We found the Galaxy to be a bit warmer while the Soft Touch felt a bit roomier but are the Galaxy's high-tech features worth the extra money? The Kelty is an ideal bag for fair-weather backpacking, but if you'll be venturing near treeline or th rough inclement climates, the Galaxy's weather-regu lating features justify the extra dough. Kelty, www.kelty.com. $160 2> Mountain Hardwear Galaxy SL With "expandable draft tubes" that zip down the length of the bag and open it accordion-style, Mountain Hardwear's new "Quantum" line (ranging from -25°F to +30°F) of mummy bags offers an integrated thermostat. Using the tubes to open this tight-fitting bag (by about eight inches) increases comfort levels as well as ventilation. The Galaxy SL has 6OO-fill power down and features a water resistant, windproof and breathable shell laminate-all important attributes for staying warm and dry under any conditions. Mountain Hardwear, www.mountalnhardwear.com. $305 3> Coleman Exponent Canyon 32 If your trails lead through above-freezing environs, Coleman's Canyon 32, part of its new Exponent line, is the tight-budget, space-saving alternative. Though It feels like a KELTY SOFT TOUCH 15 TEMPERTURE RATING FILL WEIGHT WEATHER CONDITIONS SUGGESTED TRAILS 15°F Polarguard 3 D 31b,40z Late spring to early fall Appalachian, Pacific Crest, Border Route nylon blanket with zippers and can be stuffed into a sack scarcely larger than a gallon Ziploc, the Canyon's Dupont Thermolite insulation is good for 32°F. Available in only one size, It can accommodate someone up to 6' 6". Coleman, www.coleman.com. $70 MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR GALAXY SL 15°F GOO-fill power down 31b,40z Various climatic zones and inclement weather Continental Divide, West Coast, Pinnell COLEMAN EXPONENT CANYON 32 32°F Thermolite Micro 21b,90z Summer Kalalau, Escalante Canyons, Border Route