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The EXPED Wallcreeper Sleeping Bag arrived just in time for several summer trips. The sleeping bag was encased in a black mesh storage bag that is multi-functional. Not only was it designed for storage but it can also substitute as no-see-um bug netting and a laundry bag. Ordinarily storage bags are usually left at home for excursions but this storage bag will surely be tried out in the field to test its versatility. A red stuff sack was also supplied for packing purposes. This sack not only stuffs the sleeping bag but there is also a stow pocket on one end of it for stowing the no-see-um netting. This sack measures in length 10.5 in (26.67 cm) X 8 in (20.32 cm) of diameter which is much bigger than the diagram on one of the accompanying hangtags that relates that the bag can be packed to a dimension "just slightly larger than a 1 L bottle". That might be worth an experiment.

Although the bag looked attractive enough on the website I was immediately impressed with its appearance and the attention to detail when I examined it. The bag itself is a dynamic mix of red and black colors adorned with a chest patch with the EXPED label and the size indicated. The exterior shell fabric is made out of Pertex Quantum. This fabric has visual characteristics of being tightly woven, has a nice sheen and is very soft in addition to its reported performance qualities. The inner lining is made out of Micro fiber Polyester. Between the two layers the 750 Fill Goose Down is strategically placed in Tuck-stitch baffles. These horizontal baffles are attached by folding a piece of the shell fabric and then sewing through both layers to the baffle. Lightweight tricot is used for the baffles resulting in three layers. This results in a hidden stitch that is supposed to be less prone to snagging and blow outs. The baffles are spaced at intervals of approximately 5.75 in (14.61 cm). Bar tacking is used in areas that are prone to higher stress such as the zipper ends. 




















This appears to be one well thought out bag. The anatomically-shaped hood is nicely insulated and features an elasticized cinch-cord that draws excess material together from the casings in the contoured-seam lines on each side of the hood. Adjusting the cord lock results in a customized fit. The outside perimeter of the hood has an encased flat-braided drawcord that is adjusted by cord locks on each end. The two respective cordlocks can be locked together. This is a unique feature as after they are locked together the cordlock can be used as one unit.

The Wallcreeper seems to have an exceptional draft collar. The 4.5 in (11.43 cm) wide draft collar is heavily insulated and is adorned with many strips of Velcro. The manufacturer's usage of soft Velcro on the draft collar is one that I can overwhelmingly appreciate. The regular stiff variety of Velcro is extremely hard on catching long hair! The left side of the draft collar has three 3.5 in (8.89 cm) strips of Velcro including one that has loops so that the other hooked strips can be locked into place when not using the draft collar. This was very insightful of the manufacturer. In the past I have added such strips to some of my garments to keep the Velcro from snatching my hair. The right side of the collar has two long Velcro strips measuring 9.75 in (24.77 cm) each. This large measure of adjustability would most likely accommodate many neck sizes and degrees of comfort.



The bottom edge of the Wallcreeper has a tunnel about 1.75 in (4.45 cm) above the edge through which the cinching drawcord is located. This drawcord is made out of flat braid and it also has double cordlocks that can be locked together. The excess fabric below the tunnel can be drawn together to make it into a traditional sleeping bag.  This same cinch cord can be raised and cinched around my waist or higher underneath my arms to make it into either a coat or vest. It is an easy process and the excess fabric just falls into place making a double layer in those areas that it covers. When I release the cinch cord the fabric falls down to my feet.

The front of the Wallcreeper features two insulated handwarmer pockets. Each one is approximately 9.25 in (.23.5 cm) long and 7.5 in (19.05 cm) wide. The outside top corners are styled at an angle and topped by a 1.5 in (3.81 cm) insulated draft flap. 

There are three zippers on the Wallcreeper. The center front two-way zipper runs the entire length of the front and is backed by a 2 in (5.08 cm) draft tube. The top zipper pull has a reflective zipper pull. The two arm zippers are one way in function working from the bottom towards the top. They measure 14 in (35.56 cm) of length and are each backed by a 1.5 in (3.81 cm) draft tube. The top edges of both zippers sit at the shoulder seams of the Wallcreeper.

The entire bag appears to be finished nicely and I didn't find any loose strings, sewing defects or stray insulation material. The bag itself has several hangtags attached to it that supply information about the Infinite Guarantee (forever), characteristics and a diagram of the features of the Wallcreeper in English, German and French and a tag noting the merits of the fabric used for the shell of the bag (Pertex Quantum). A care tag in both English and German is sewn into the bottom edge of the bag.


Pros

• Snap-together cordlocks on hood and lower edge drawcord
• Draft tubes on pockets, draft collar, arm zippers and center zipper
• Insulated pockets
• Ergonomic cinch cords on hood
• Two-way center zipper
• Soft Velcro on draft collar
• Can be worn as coat
  

Cons

• None so far 

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EXPED Wallcreeper--Test Plan

Locations/Conditions

During the next few months my scheduled backpacking and canoeing trips in Michigan and Canada include several overnighters or three-day trips in July to Grand Island National Recreation Area, a week long wilderness canoeing trip in August and a long backpacking solo trip of eight to ten days in late August or September to Isle Royale National Park. October plans are in the works. In addition I will be subject to many 'last minute" trips. The amount of time in the field will far surpass the minimum requirements for this test.
 
The majority of my backpacking trips are in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where evenings are mostly on the cool side. During the projected four month testing period of July through October the average lows during those months are consecutively 53 F (12 C), 52 F (11 C) and 44 F (7 C) and 34 F (1 C) but I have also experienced below freezing temps (32 F/0 C) during those months. July historically being the hottest month of the test period has an average high of 75 F (29 C). The following months have average highs of 73 F (23 C), 63 F (17 C), and 51 F (11 C).  Rapid drops in temperatures and much precipitation is created by the Great Lakes weather systems. Precipitation averages for this time period add up to almost 14 in (36 cm). All of these trips are to hilly boreal or deciduous forest and wilderness river systems. All testing conditions will be at low elevation or low altitude 600 ft (183 m) to 2000 ft (610 m) with mostly warm conditions and mid-to-high range humidity (70-95 percent).

 
I will test the EXPED Wallcreeper with the following considerations in mind:

Materials: 
 
Will the Pertex Quantum Shell ward off any potential water hazards including but not limited to light rain, humidity or condensation - that is, will the shell material keep the down insulation dry from the outside? If the ends of the Wallcreeper touch a tent wall will the moisture seep through the shell? Will the Texped PR 58 Rip Stop Polyester Lining deter body moisture and body dirt from filtering into the down insulation compromising its effectiveness? Will the down insulation retain its loft after being compressed in a stuff sack?

 
Workmanship:  
 
Do all of the zippers run smoothly and not catch on excess fabric including the draft tubes? Do all of the zippers lock in place? Will the interior tuck-stitch design be finished properly? Is the lining material neatly finished so that it doesn't catch on any clothing?


Performance/Comfort: 
 
Will I need to use a bivy over the Wallcreeper to protect it from moisture/condensation if I am sleeping under a tarp? I would be testing the sleeping bag in different shelters - inside of a tent, under a tarp and in my hammock. If I don't use a bivy or tent will the wind permeate through the Pertex Quantum Shell and make me cold? Will the draft tubes on this bag be effective to prevent heat loss from inside the bag? Will it keep cold outside air from entering the bag through the armholes or the center zipper? Will the draft tube collar keep me nice and sealed in warmth and not let cold air permeate at the neck area? Will the draft collar be easy to adjust if I need to ventilate it a little or pull it tighter to close? Will the down loft quickly after being released from being compressed in a backpack repeatedly? Will I find that I stay warmer at night because I already trapped my body heat in the bag before retiring for the night? Will I enjoy the flexibility of this bag in its performance as a jacket, blanket or sleeping bag? Will the drawcord closure at the footbox end of the bag be enough to keep cold air from entering the end of the bag? Will the insulated pockets be big enough to comfortably put my hands into and stay warm? Will the drawcord be easy to cinch around my waist so that I can wear the sleeping bag as a jacket? During what conditions will I need to wear insulated clothing inside the bag to keep me warm? If I do wear extra clothing I realize that it must be properly vented for body heat to warm the interior of the bag. Will the Texped fabric breathe and not hold moisture inside the bag that would make me feel clammy? Will the lining of the bag transfer moisture away from the body to the outside to prevent me from being chilled? Will the Wallcreeper be sized comfortably so that there isn't a lot of extra space in the bag but there is still enough room to turn from side to side? Will I find the center zipper to be a valuable asset rather than the side zippers that my other bags have? Does the lining material feel smooth to the touch against any bare skin? When I use the Wallcreeper as a jacket how much insulation will I have to keep on my arms or will keeping the torso warm keep my arms warm too?

 
Warmth/Temperature Rating: 
 
Is the 46 F (8 C) temperature rating of the bag fairly accurate for women? I know this is subjective but how does it compare to other products? I currently own similar temperature rated bags in both the mummy and rectangular overbag style. Is the warmth to weight ratio desirable? - The medium version weighs 31 oz (890g). This is a bit more weight than similar bags in the market. Will it be worth it to carry the extra weight? Will I need to use more than a Z-rest pad underneath the Wallcreeper to be comfortable at its rated temperature?


Durability:  
 
Will the Pertex Quantum Shell hold up to ordinary wear and tear? Will the zippers remain problem free? Will the 750-Fill Goose Down Insulation retain its height during the test period or will it lose some of its loft quality? Will the lining of the sleeping bag hold up to the wear and tear of constant use? Will the bar-tacked stress points prevent ripping of those areas that are under higher stress such as arm holes?


Fit/Design:  
 
Will there be enough room in the sleeping bag to wear additional insulated clothing if necessary? Will the non-gender rated bag be too big overall for an average-sized women's body? Will the insulated elasticized hood move with me so that I don't end up with my face in the back of the hood when I turn from side to side? Will the hood be easy to adjust?

 
Care:  
 
 Will the Pertex Quantum Shell be easy to care for? Will dirt or water wipe or slide right off? Will the Wallcreeper be hard to wash if needed? I don't expect this to be a problem during the four month test period but it will be a factor after an extended period. If the Wallcreeper becomes accidentally wet how long will it take to dry?

 
Special Features: 
 
 Will I find the storage sack made out of ultrafine netting useful for bug protection?  Will the Glow-in-the-dark Zipper Pull be an asset if I have to get up during the night? Will the hand warmer pockets be big enough to stow small gear items and keep my hands warm? Will I find the zippered arm openings easy to adjust?   
 

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I will gladly address all these issues and any additional pertinent concerns as I test the EXPED Wallcreeper. Thanks to EXPED and BackPackGearTest for this great opportunity during the next four months.