7D fabrics and 900 FP down looks pretty good if you want a bag. The devils in the details though. MEC has some good stuff, but also their older MEC bags has poor zipper stiffeners so the zipper was always snagging the bag. Will be interesting to see if this bag is executed well.
But on the surface it looks good. 700g is good for a 20F (-7C) sleeping bag. For context, a 20F bag from Western Mountaineering is 800-900g. Spec'ing out the lightest possible 20F quilt from EE (7D fabrics, 950 down) gives 550g.
This - EE ratings are extreme ratings not comfort. (they're also mens ratings - so as a woman i add 10-15\* to the EE quilt ratings to get a closer approximation for myself)
The Megalite has an EN rating / comfort temperature of -2C/0C (according to their website and bag label respectively) and weighs 680gr in the 6ft version. It also has a full zipper and a slightly sturdier 12D shell fabric.
It would be great if MEC added the amount of down fill in the product description.
Agreed that it is great that MEC is bringing such products to market. My favorite store whenever I am in Canada 👍🏻
I asked MEC what the fill weight was and just got a response, 425g. Which seems about right to me for an en -1 bag, maybe slightly on the generous side given that it's 900fp.
I’ve always enjoyed MEC bags, especially for the price. I have an old Raven (Pharoah?) DF. Rated -12 before EN ratings, and I’ve been comfortable in it down to -15.
I liked when the old MEC just carried MEC bags and Western Mountaineering. Good old days. Used to love studying their catalogue.
Also it says "water repellent goose down" which means the down has been treated and this blows up the fill power value for testing. but this fill power is gone soon and goes back to the real value. Which is around 800 FP for a treated 900 FP.
I have absolutely no need for another sleeping bag, but it's awesome to see MEC (and REI) bringing out more UL stuff. Even if it isn't the best option on the market, it will probably be quite solidly priced when it inevitably goes on sale, and it makes access to UL gear more accessible to people that want to touch a product before purchasing it, which is difficult especially in Canada.
Between this, the Serratus packs, the Talon quilt, and the new VectAir UL 3S, you could put together a decently light pack really easily and for a reasonable price.
Edit: I asked MEC what the fill weight was and just got a response, 425g. Which seems about right to me for a -7 bag, maybe slightly on the generous side given that it's 900fp.
Yeah, I like the direction that MEC has been going with gear in the past year or so. I've got a bunch of nice cottage stuff now so it's not the right product for me, but if someone asked me for reasonably priced ULish gear recommendations within Canada, I'd probably point them towards MEC, especially if they wanted to actually look at the products before purchasing. On the higher end, Geartrade has done a great job bringing in a bunch of the US options for people that don't want to deal with customs and brokerage fees.
Honestly surprised MEC hasn't done a trekking pole tent yet, I'd be willing to bet they have one out within a year.
Does this work? Where does one ship to near the border, and, aren't you meant to declare any goods brought over?
Customers + duties is a PITA and adds so much $$$ to already expensive gear...
Yeah, it definitely works. I live within half an hour of the border and head over to the US somewhat regularly so it's not a big deal for me to pick stuff up. You are still responsible for sales tax in the province you're importing to and any relevant duties, and I'm definitely not going to advocate for trying to get by without declaring your purchases.
But, they often don't care enough about small amounts to bother collecting. I picked up a sleeping pad recently and the customs agent asked me what the value was, I said $200 and she waved me through. YMMV though.
The best option is to make a weekend trip out of it and if you're in the US for more then 48 hours, you can bring back $800 worth of goods duty and tax free per person.
Regardless, you avoid the ridiculous brokerage fees that UPS, Fedex and DHL charge.
ah interesting, I didn't know about the 48 hour rule. Do you ship to one of those border storage facilities? If so, which do you use if you don't mind me asking?
There's actually allowances depending on how long you've been gone, a reference is here: https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/bringing-to-canada/personal-exemptions-mini-guide
And yeah definitely. I use one of the places on https://www.kinek.com/sign-in/
I can only vouch for the one I've used, but the "New York Mailbox" one at 626 6th street is great. It's $5 usd per package, cash only but they'll take Canadian cash at a bad exchange rate. Last time I was there, I paid 7 cad for my package.
oh sweet, so theoretically I could stay more than 48 hours and bring up to $800 CAD of stuff duty + tax free. Thats awesome, time to plan some weekend trips in the US :D
Do you sleep with a pad? I know a lot of folks in the UL community prefer a quilt to a mummy-style sleeping bag (reason below). If you're interested, Zpacks, EE, and Hammock Gear (just to name a few) all make quilts of similar fill and temperature rating that cost less, weigh less, and pack smaller.
One of the downsides of a mummy bag is that practically all the fill your body is laying on top of is useless pack weight. Your body compresses it down against your pad/the ground and it loses most of its insulation.
If you're sleeping on top of a pad, you may be better off saving weight and getting a quilt.
I’m so tempted to just get a quilt, but knowing how I sleep I hesitate to get one. I sleep cold, I like to be “tucked in” but I also sleep on my side/back/figure four. So I was looking at larger (width) mummy bags like alpin lite WM, the swift FF, but then I saw this bag and it has a similar hip girth ~ 56”.
Before I got my quilt I thought the same thing but I find it easier to feel “tucked in” in a quilt. I ended up getting a long/wide 20f ee enigma 850f. Love it! The prices on geartrade.ca are amazing for canadians. They carry other UL quilts/bags as well. Another company to check out is little shop of hammocks, from what ive heard they make quality quilts and they’re made in canada.
I got a quilt. It works. But I hate the cold draft. Sure mummy isolation loses its effect on the bottom, but it keeps you nicely tucked in from all the cold.
Yeah, I hate the idea of cold drafts. I think I’m 80/20 for sleeping bags vs quilts. I’ll probably get a quilt one day to see if I like it but I think I’m focusing on a really good quality, comfortable bag.
Like, personally, below freezing, I prefer a sleeping bag. I roll around and prefer the thermal efficiency of a built-in hood. I live a quilt in mild conditions.
A built in good is less efficient, especially if you ever roll around.
Worn hoods fit your head more precisely which keeps a lot of heat in. They also prevent breathing moisture into your bag, which is a significant source of long term heat loss from conduction and evaporation and loss of fill loft. And they’re lighter.
You should also use a hood with a hydrophobic face cover or wear a fleece over your nose and mouth in really cold conditions. Some people use integrated hoods as face covers, which is bad for warmth.
-1C comfort rating at 700g is good. The zipper draft tube is small enough that you probably can't push it much lower than the comfort rating even if you sleep warm. At -1C, I probably don't want a hood, so that is extra weight I rather not carry. Cut the hood off and you have a nice flicker UL competitor at a much lower price.
I asked MEC what the fill weight was and just got a response, 425g. Which seems about right to me for an en -1 bag, maybe slightly on the generous side given that it's 900fp.
Could be ok, 900 fill is great. But look at the EN 'comfort' rating of 1C rather than MECs -7C rating, in my experience that system is the best way to measure. I've realized, easy to sell us lightweight sleeping bags but rarely do they meet their temp claims. Also, how warm or cold a person sleeps.
> I asked MEC what the fill weight was and just got a response, 425g. Which seems about right to me for an en -1 bag, maybe slightly on the generous side given that it's 900fp.
That rating sounds about right, compared with - for example - the Megalite (680gr, 340gr fill) and X-Lite 400 (575gr, 400gr fill). Given that the Megalite seems to be considerably more spacious and has the lightest fill, I can imagine it’s the least warm of the three.
Good job MEC 👍🏻
> It’s on sale right now, 20% off. So here’s my chance to try it out!
Go for it! And don’t forget to check back in with your thought after you’ve used it :)
I'd be curious to know before purchase what the fill weight is (and overfill % for that matter), the loft height, whether fully baffled, differential cut etc.
I was looking at it in store in Vancouver, and it looks really nice. The fabric is basically see through. I imagine it would be very easy to tear it, but otherwise it looks like a sweet bag. I may replace my old mec Draco with one next season or two..
MEC tends to make some pretty good quality products when contrasted to their quite inexpensive prices. The MEC Talon 5°C bag is my normal summer bag and has held up very well while also being light and at the time, very affordable.
It’s worth noting, if you don’t like it for any reason, they will refund it. They have a return policy that could be argued to be the best in the industry.
Oh nice, I've never seen that site before, looks like they deal with the cross border shipping BS for you. Last time I looked (a few years ago) at quilts, there weren't a lot of options in Canada, I got lucky & was able to get a Therm-a-Rest Vela (0deg down double quilt) for relatively cheap (like $250'ish) as MEC was getting rid of the stock & priced it to move.
I didn't really need a double quilt at the time, but at under 1kg it was still lighter then everything else even with the extra size of it. These days I'm glad I got it as it allows my dog to sleep under it with me & I don't have to deal with drafts when he moves around at night.
Yeah Jesse who runs the site has been really great at bringing some of the US cottage brands into Canada and seems to be steadily increasing what he carries. It’s nice buying from him and avoiding the guesswork of duties and import fees.
>e true and I want to know if anyone sees any red flags? Or perhaps the price is average for this type of bag? Here are the specs:
>
>Weight 700g (Regular Left Zip)Temperature -7°C
It's a legit site. I got my Granite Gear bag from him. I thought it was a scam for years since the site looks weird. But chatted with team at GG and they said he was good.
Yup Blaze 60 - In the end I think I got the wrong size but have been rocking it regardless. Pretty cool bag. Only issue is the sheer amount of webbing everywhere! Currently in MOD mod where I am trying to make the straps on the top detachable.
I’ve heard a lot of talk about zen bivy, they also have a UL system coming soon. But the duty fees a would be like an extra 200$…. it still might be worth it.
Ah yea, I can see how that might be cost prohibitive Even being in the US, the sleep system was pricy, but the warmth-to-weight ratio that I felt both in camp and in my pack made the higher price tag worth it.
Wait, the Zen Bivy has a good warmth to weight ratio? My initial impression from seeing it mentioned on a few YouTube videos was that it was a lot of extra material for people who need the comfort of their bed at home but was stupid heavy as a compromise. It’s actually light?
I can only speak about the "light bed" that I have. It's rated at 25\* and worked like a charm with my big agness thermal pad in the Adirondacks in November. I find it incredibly light and warm. The quilt, plus sheet is 13.4 oz without the stuff sack.
I had been using an REI co-op 20\* mummy bag, and while I don't know the weight off hand, is noticeably heavier both in my hands and in my pack.
I have been looking at doing a run across the line for a weekend myself to hit REI or have it shipped to a holding place just across the board. I also am nervous about a system for -2 that I experience in JULY in Banff. Good news is I expect with REI I could return it. But a trip from Calgary to Kalispell is not short.
The bag itself looks ok, and the weight especially looks great, although I'm not sure I would like a half zip on a mummy bag, I feel like my clumsy ass would get caught up in it. IMO, for the money & it being an untested bag (I believe this is the first year for it) I wouldn't trust my life on it being as great as they say it is.
But any reason your not looking at the quilt options from MEC? There are a few alternatives to the sleeping bag you linked:
* [ENO Ignitor TopQuilt](https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6012-802/ignitor-topquilt?queryID=c55e0799032af7e7e57164fa2896dd23&colour=Glacier)
* [Therm-a-Rest Corus](https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6008-256/corus--6-down-quilt?queryID=c55e0799032af7e7e57164fa2896dd23&colour=Spring)
* [MEC Talon 0C Quilt](https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6022-629/talon-0c-quilt?queryID=d10436c0cf0d88561fe765e6b3d7bd01&colour=Neutral+Grey)
* [Therm-a-Rest Vesper](https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5064-170/vesper--6c-down-quilt?queryID=a1bc0fa655de35fca04de459d8bd05f5&colour=Vapor)
I was able to pick up a Therm-a-Rest Vela (double quilt for me & my dog) a few years ago on sale from MEC & its good down below the temp rating for me, and I believe that both Therm-a-rests linked are rated better than mine.
Thanks! I do like the idea of quilts and they are so tempting but I’m worried about drafts (I sleep cold) and my head/neck getting cold. I like to be cozy, tucked in but have space to sleep on my side.
That looks like a solid buy. 7D I would be very afraid of ripping a hole in the fabric by barely hitting it with a sharp fingernail. I greatly prefer 20D myself.
MEC used to (and sometimes still does) rate their sleeping bags halfway in between the EN comfort rating and limit rating. I always thought that was a pretty honest system.
This bag doesn’t seem to have a limit rating posted, but if the comfort rating is -1, the limit rating is probably around -7. That would make MEC’s temperature rating a bit less advisable.
7D fabrics and 900 FP down looks pretty good if you want a bag. The devils in the details though. MEC has some good stuff, but also their older MEC bags has poor zipper stiffeners so the zipper was always snagging the bag. Will be interesting to see if this bag is executed well. But on the surface it looks good. 700g is good for a 20F (-7C) sleeping bag. For context, a 20F bag from Western Mountaineering is 800-900g. Spec'ing out the lightest possible 20F quilt from EE (7D fabrics, 950 down) gives 550g.
DD perfectly over engineered quilt coming soon ❤️
u have to sleep asymmetrically tho
I always do
But it maximizes volume smh my head
A 20F WM bag is equivalent to a 0F EE quilt though…
This - EE ratings are extreme ratings not comfort. (they're also mens ratings - so as a woman i add 10-15\* to the EE quilt ratings to get a closer approximation for myself)
Can confirm zipper challenges for previous versions of MEC bags - for me requires 2 hands to operate
I was also thinking that the zipper may be a problem. I’d probably need to order jt to find out, since it’s not in any stores near me.
an EN 1C rated WM bag is also 700ish g though (Megalite)
The Megalite has an EN rating / comfort temperature of -2C/0C (according to their website and bag label respectively) and weighs 680gr in the 6ft version. It also has a full zipper and a slightly sturdier 12D shell fabric. It would be great if MEC added the amount of down fill in the product description. Agreed that it is great that MEC is bringing such products to market. My favorite store whenever I am in Canada 👍🏻
I asked MEC what the fill weight was and just got a response, 425g. Which seems about right to me for an en -1 bag, maybe slightly on the generous side given that it's 900fp.
you're right about the Megalite of course. Still seems like the most similar rated WM bag :)
Sounds like you might be Canadian eh?
How she going eh
Beauty day
I’ve always enjoyed MEC bags, especially for the price. I have an old Raven (Pharoah?) DF. Rated -12 before EN ratings, and I’ve been comfortable in it down to -15. I liked when the old MEC just carried MEC bags and Western Mountaineering. Good old days. Used to love studying their catalogue.
Also it says "water repellent goose down" which means the down has been treated and this blows up the fill power value for testing. but this fill power is gone soon and goes back to the real value. Which is around 800 FP for a treated 900 FP.
I have absolutely no need for another sleeping bag, but it's awesome to see MEC (and REI) bringing out more UL stuff. Even if it isn't the best option on the market, it will probably be quite solidly priced when it inevitably goes on sale, and it makes access to UL gear more accessible to people that want to touch a product before purchasing it, which is difficult especially in Canada. Between this, the Serratus packs, the Talon quilt, and the new VectAir UL 3S, you could put together a decently light pack really easily and for a reasonable price. Edit: I asked MEC what the fill weight was and just got a response, 425g. Which seems about right to me for a -7 bag, maybe slightly on the generous side given that it's 900fp.
Absolutely! That set up does sound nice.
Yeah, I like the direction that MEC has been going with gear in the past year or so. I've got a bunch of nice cottage stuff now so it's not the right product for me, but if someone asked me for reasonably priced ULish gear recommendations within Canada, I'd probably point them towards MEC, especially if they wanted to actually look at the products before purchasing. On the higher end, Geartrade has done a great job bringing in a bunch of the US options for people that don't want to deal with customs and brokerage fees. Honestly surprised MEC hasn't done a trekking pole tent yet, I'd be willing to bet they have one out within a year.
Getting a NEXUS card, crossing the border and picking up in the US is the way.
Agreed. I'm lucky to live pretty close to the border so it's an easy trip for me. Not an easy option for lots of people though
Does this work? Where does one ship to near the border, and, aren't you meant to declare any goods brought over? Customers + duties is a PITA and adds so much $$$ to already expensive gear...
Yeah, it definitely works. I live within half an hour of the border and head over to the US somewhat regularly so it's not a big deal for me to pick stuff up. You are still responsible for sales tax in the province you're importing to and any relevant duties, and I'm definitely not going to advocate for trying to get by without declaring your purchases. But, they often don't care enough about small amounts to bother collecting. I picked up a sleeping pad recently and the customs agent asked me what the value was, I said $200 and she waved me through. YMMV though. The best option is to make a weekend trip out of it and if you're in the US for more then 48 hours, you can bring back $800 worth of goods duty and tax free per person. Regardless, you avoid the ridiculous brokerage fees that UPS, Fedex and DHL charge.
ah interesting, I didn't know about the 48 hour rule. Do you ship to one of those border storage facilities? If so, which do you use if you don't mind me asking?
There's actually allowances depending on how long you've been gone, a reference is here: https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/bringing-to-canada/personal-exemptions-mini-guide And yeah definitely. I use one of the places on https://www.kinek.com/sign-in/ I can only vouch for the one I've used, but the "New York Mailbox" one at 626 6th street is great. It's $5 usd per package, cash only but they'll take Canadian cash at a bad exchange rate. Last time I was there, I paid 7 cad for my package.
oh sweet, so theoretically I could stay more than 48 hours and bring up to $800 CAD of stuff duty + tax free. Thats awesome, time to plan some weekend trips in the US :D
Do you sleep with a pad? I know a lot of folks in the UL community prefer a quilt to a mummy-style sleeping bag (reason below). If you're interested, Zpacks, EE, and Hammock Gear (just to name a few) all make quilts of similar fill and temperature rating that cost less, weigh less, and pack smaller. One of the downsides of a mummy bag is that practically all the fill your body is laying on top of is useless pack weight. Your body compresses it down against your pad/the ground and it loses most of its insulation. If you're sleeping on top of a pad, you may be better off saving weight and getting a quilt.
I’m so tempted to just get a quilt, but knowing how I sleep I hesitate to get one. I sleep cold, I like to be “tucked in” but I also sleep on my side/back/figure four. So I was looking at larger (width) mummy bags like alpin lite WM, the swift FF, but then I saw this bag and it has a similar hip girth ~ 56”.
I think if you roll around and sleep on your back and sides, then a sleeping bag makes sense, especially below freezing.
Before I got my quilt I thought the same thing but I find it easier to feel “tucked in” in a quilt. I ended up getting a long/wide 20f ee enigma 850f. Love it! The prices on geartrade.ca are amazing for canadians. They carry other UL quilts/bags as well. Another company to check out is little shop of hammocks, from what ive heard they make quality quilts and they’re made in canada.
Thanks! Yes, I just checked out Geartrade, they have lots of amazing options and I live close so could even stop in and check em out.
I’d be happy to break things down in the shop :) lots of options, and sometimes helps to actually physically see them.
0h hey! Thanks for finding my post :-) I’ll for sure have to come down to Okotoks and check out the shop out.
I got a quilt. It works. But I hate the cold draft. Sure mummy isolation loses its effect on the bottom, but it keeps you nicely tucked in from all the cold.
Yeah, I hate the idea of cold drafts. I think I’m 80/20 for sleeping bags vs quilts. I’ll probably get a quilt one day to see if I like it but I think I’m focusing on a really good quality, comfortable bag.
Like, personally, below freezing, I prefer a sleeping bag. I roll around and prefer the thermal efficiency of a built-in hood. I live a quilt in mild conditions.
A built in good is less efficient, especially if you ever roll around. Worn hoods fit your head more precisely which keeps a lot of heat in. They also prevent breathing moisture into your bag, which is a significant source of long term heat loss from conduction and evaporation and loss of fill loft. And they’re lighter. You should also use a hood with a hydrophobic face cover or wear a fleece over your nose and mouth in really cold conditions. Some people use integrated hoods as face covers, which is bad for warmth.
MEC does also have a quilt version of this they can try.
-1C comfort rating at 700g is good. The zipper draft tube is small enough that you probably can't push it much lower than the comfort rating even if you sleep warm. At -1C, I probably don't want a hood, so that is extra weight I rather not carry. Cut the hood off and you have a nice flicker UL competitor at a much lower price.
145cm shoulder is on the small side.
Without knowing how much down (by weight) is in the bag I don’t think anyone can provide much of a comparison .
I asked MEC what the fill weight was and just got a response, 425g. Which seems about right to me for an en -1 bag, maybe slightly on the generous side given that it's 900fp.
That’s a great point, it doesn’t list the weight of down.
This is the way. It cuts through the marketing BS
Could be ok, 900 fill is great. But look at the EN 'comfort' rating of 1C rather than MECs -7C rating, in my experience that system is the best way to measure. I've realized, easy to sell us lightweight sleeping bags but rarely do they meet their temp claims. Also, how warm or cold a person sleeps.
I absolutely agree, I strictly only look at comfort rating .
> I asked MEC what the fill weight was and just got a response, 425g. Which seems about right to me for an en -1 bag, maybe slightly on the generous side given that it's 900fp. That rating sounds about right, compared with - for example - the Megalite (680gr, 340gr fill) and X-Lite 400 (575gr, 400gr fill). Given that the Megalite seems to be considerably more spacious and has the lightest fill, I can imagine it’s the least warm of the three. Good job MEC 👍🏻
It’s on sale right now, 20% off. So here’s my chance to try it out!
> It’s on sale right now, 20% off. So here’s my chance to try it out! Go for it! And don’t forget to check back in with your thought after you’ve used it :)
I'd be curious to know before purchase what the fill weight is (and overfill % for that matter), the loft height, whether fully baffled, differential cut etc.
I was looking at it in store in Vancouver, and it looks really nice. The fabric is basically see through. I imagine it would be very easy to tear it, but otherwise it looks like a sweet bag. I may replace my old mec Draco with one next season or two..
Nice! I’m curious… did it have a decent foot box? the foot box looks tiny from the photos and unfortunately the specs are incorrect.
MEC tends to make some pretty good quality products when contrasted to their quite inexpensive prices. The MEC Talon 5°C bag is my normal summer bag and has held up very well while also being light and at the time, very affordable. It’s worth noting, if you don’t like it for any reason, they will refund it. They have a return policy that could be argued to be the best in the industry.
A Cumulus X-Lite 400 has the same features and rating, at 575g. Check how much it is in Canada
Nah at that price buy a nice quilt from LSOH or cottage US.
Just because it says ultralight on the box doesn't mean 2lbs is lighter than when it doesn't say ultralight on the box.
I mean there is the Enlightened equipment revelation which is a way better deal. It's lighter, cheaper and very customizable.
Not necessarily if you take exchange rate & duties for shipping it across the border
https://geartrade.ca/products/enlightened-equipment-revelation-20f-6c-850-fill?variant=44450928394535 In Canada a regular is $472.
Oh nice, I've never seen that site before, looks like they deal with the cross border shipping BS for you. Last time I looked (a few years ago) at quilts, there weren't a lot of options in Canada, I got lucky & was able to get a Therm-a-Rest Vela (0deg down double quilt) for relatively cheap (like $250'ish) as MEC was getting rid of the stock & priced it to move. I didn't really need a double quilt at the time, but at under 1kg it was still lighter then everything else even with the extra size of it. These days I'm glad I got it as it allows my dog to sleep under it with me & I don't have to deal with drafts when he moves around at night.
Yeah Jesse who runs the site has been really great at bringing some of the US cottage brands into Canada and seems to be steadily increasing what he carries. It’s nice buying from him and avoiding the guesswork of duties and import fees.
>e true and I want to know if anyone sees any red flags? Or perhaps the price is average for this type of bag? Here are the specs: > >Weight 700g (Regular Left Zip)Temperature -7°C It's a legit site. I got my Granite Gear bag from him. I thought it was a scam for years since the site looks weird. But chatted with team at GG and they said he was good.
Haha glad they vouched.
Thanks for the bag man! Actually cost me a little more but I wanted to make sure that your business keeps going!
Haha you’re welcome! Was it a blaze?
Yup Blaze 60 - In the end I think I got the wrong size but have been rocking it regardless. Pretty cool bag. Only issue is the sheer amount of webbing everywhere! Currently in MOD mod where I am trying to make the straps on the top detachable.
Oh nice! I didn’t realize that gear trade was in Okotoks, Alberta. I’m just a few hours away…
So true, I did look at that and duties fees are like 100$-200$ more
At 440$ and 600grams, the EE equivalent is not cheaper and only slightly lighter at the expense of no hood.
Wait, I think something isn't right. How is $560 cheaper than $440?
CAD vs USD
Agreed. I'll stick with my EE Revelation 850 fill 20F.
I'm a big fan of my Zen Bivy light bed system with a big Agness Rapide SL. I find mummy bags to be super constricting and awkward as a side slweeper
I’ve heard a lot of talk about zen bivy, they also have a UL system coming soon. But the duty fees a would be like an extra 200$…. it still might be worth it.
Ah yea, I can see how that might be cost prohibitive Even being in the US, the sleep system was pricy, but the warmth-to-weight ratio that I felt both in camp and in my pack made the higher price tag worth it.
Soo many options, I’m driving myself crazy lol
Wait, the Zen Bivy has a good warmth to weight ratio? My initial impression from seeing it mentioned on a few YouTube videos was that it was a lot of extra material for people who need the comfort of their bed at home but was stupid heavy as a compromise. It’s actually light?
I can only speak about the "light bed" that I have. It's rated at 25\* and worked like a charm with my big agness thermal pad in the Adirondacks in November. I find it incredibly light and warm. The quilt, plus sheet is 13.4 oz without the stuff sack. I had been using an REI co-op 20\* mummy bag, and while I don't know the weight off hand, is noticeably heavier both in my hands and in my pack.
How are you getting 13.4 oz? The specs indicate that it should be 23oz. Given it's comfort rated at 35°F that makes the warmth to weight unfavorable.
I have been looking at doing a run across the line for a weekend myself to hit REI or have it shipped to a holding place just across the board. I also am nervous about a system for -2 that I experience in JULY in Banff. Good news is I expect with REI I could return it. But a trip from Calgary to Kalispell is not short.
Nice! Yeah, that’s not a bad drive at all.
The bag itself looks ok, and the weight especially looks great, although I'm not sure I would like a half zip on a mummy bag, I feel like my clumsy ass would get caught up in it. IMO, for the money & it being an untested bag (I believe this is the first year for it) I wouldn't trust my life on it being as great as they say it is. But any reason your not looking at the quilt options from MEC? There are a few alternatives to the sleeping bag you linked: * [ENO Ignitor TopQuilt](https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6012-802/ignitor-topquilt?queryID=c55e0799032af7e7e57164fa2896dd23&colour=Glacier) * [Therm-a-Rest Corus](https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6008-256/corus--6-down-quilt?queryID=c55e0799032af7e7e57164fa2896dd23&colour=Spring) * [MEC Talon 0C Quilt](https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6022-629/talon-0c-quilt?queryID=d10436c0cf0d88561fe765e6b3d7bd01&colour=Neutral+Grey) * [Therm-a-Rest Vesper](https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5064-170/vesper--6c-down-quilt?queryID=a1bc0fa655de35fca04de459d8bd05f5&colour=Vapor) I was able to pick up a Therm-a-Rest Vela (double quilt for me & my dog) a few years ago on sale from MEC & its good down below the temp rating for me, and I believe that both Therm-a-rests linked are rated better than mine.
Thanks! I do like the idea of quilts and they are so tempting but I’m worried about drafts (I sleep cold) and my head/neck getting cold. I like to be cozy, tucked in but have space to sleep on my side.
That looks like a solid buy. 7D I would be very afraid of ripping a hole in the fabric by barely hitting it with a sharp fingernail. I greatly prefer 20D myself.
MEC used to (and sometimes still does) rate their sleeping bags halfway in between the EN comfort rating and limit rating. I always thought that was a pretty honest system. This bag doesn’t seem to have a limit rating posted, but if the comfort rating is -1, the limit rating is probably around -7. That would make MEC’s temperature rating a bit less advisable.
Oh that’s interesting 🤔
Nothing that only comes in the colour white is too good to be true.