• SilLite™ stow sack and cotton storage sack included
• 20 denier Pertex Quantum nylon shell with DWR
• 800 fill power goose down insulation
• 20°F/-07°C comfortable temperature rating
• 5 in loft
• Ultra-lite 24 in/ 60 cm #5 coil sternum zipper
• Dual draft tubes protect zipper
• 6 in/15 cm baffles
• 22 denier polyester lining
• 5-piece ergonomic hood with 360° face-seal gasket
• FootVent™ (patent pending)

Description [return to top] The Feather is a 20 °F (-7 °C) rated, mummy-shaped, down filled sleeping bag with a very lightweight shell and lining. It has a short zipper located in front of the chest. The foot panel of the bag has an opening that allows ventilation of the foot area. Included with the Feather are a black nylon stuff sack and a white cotton storage sack for storage when the bag is not in use.

For a much more detailed description, including measurements and photos, please see my Initial Report.

Field Testing [return to top] Our Boy Scout troop camps monthly, generally in the wooded areas of southeastern Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. Almost all of these outings included a minimum of 2 nights of camping, with temperatures from lows around 20 ºF (-7 ºC) to highs around 70 ºF (21 ºC) during the 4-month test period. Elevations ranged from sea level to approximately 1,500’ (457 m). Usage since my Field Report:

Over the first weekend of January our troop attended our Scout district’s 43rd annual Winter Survival campout. Temperatures hovered around freezing the entire weekend. I slept in my Hennessy Hammock with my Big Agnes Insulated Air Core mattress, wearing only a polyester tee and silk bottoms. It was the most comfortably I have slept in 4 years of attending the event, getting a good 6½-7 hours of restful, uninterrupted sleep.

Over the middle weekend of February our troop attended the 94th annual Valley Forge Pilgrimage and Encampment. Temperatures stayed well below freezing the entire weekend, with the overnight low on Friday about 20 ºF (-7 ºC) with winds of 25-30 mph (40-50 kph) gusting to over 40 mph (64 kph). I slept in my Lunar Solo with my Big Agnes Insulated Air Core mattress, wearing a polyester tee and silk bottoms with a fresh pair of wool socks. I actually had to vent the bag – and not cinch the hood – to keep from being too warm, although I did slip on my IBEX Scull Cap. I slept much more comfortably than last year, when temperatures were comparable (but windless), getting a good 5-6 hours of restful, almost uninterrupted sleep.

The Feather will be my bag of choice for all trips where I expect freezing or colder temperatures. I am (almost) ready to give up my old military bags, which – as my wife will heartily attest – is saying a lot. Good job, GoLite.

Things I was looking for: Fit. Does it fit me? I may not be tall, but I’m pretty wide. Will I be claustrophobic? Does it move well with me? Does it restrict my sleeping positions? Hood. Is the hood snug? Does it cinch easily, and comfortably, down to fit my face/head? Fabric. Does the Pertex breathe well? Is it water resistant (definitely going to want to test this)? Is it wind resistant? How durable is it? Insulation. I am not experienced with down bags. Will there be cold spots due to shifting? Does the bag regain loft well/completely after unpacking? Warmth. How cold can it get and still keep me warm, or, at least, comfortable? Zipper. Is it durable? Does it snag? Will I have difficulty getting into the bag in a hammock (I have a Hennessy Expedition Asym and am scheduled to test the Crazy Creek LEX)? Packability. How packable is the bag? I will attempt to pack this bag as part of my 3-season load in my Deuter Futura 32, or my 4-season load in my Gregory Z-Pack. Stuff sack. How well does the bag fit in it? Is it easy to compress? Waterproof?

My findings: Fit. I slipped into it quickly, and found it roomy enough for comfort. Hood. Cinches nicely, and comfortably, down to fit my face. Fabric. Boy, is this stuff light. I do notice some down leakage (5 or 6 feathers each night), but it is holding up well otherwise. Insulation. I have not noticed any cold spots, and the bag seems to fully re-loft within 10 minutes or so after being removed from the stuff sack. Warmth. I’ve been warm and comfortable – in a hammock! – down to the bag’s rating with no extra layers. I am highly impressed. Zipper. Using the Feather is almost like putting it on as much as getting into it. I did manage to snag the zipper once, but taking the time to figure out where and how it was snagged allowed me to un-snag it fairly easily without damaging the bag. Packability. As I continue to lighten my load – and reduce its bulk – I am finding it easier to pack the Feather into my Deuter, although only for a weekend, and only if I do not need to carry food. Stuff sack. The bag is a pretty tight fit. I need to be careful not to damage the bag. I have found it easiest to roll the bag slowly (to get the air out) to the right size, then slip it into the stuff sack. This seems to require the least effort.

Things I like [return to top] Light. Comfortable. Packs fairly small. Things I don't like [return to top] Some difficulties getting into the bag in a hammock. This is being alleviated with experience.

Thank you for your time. Chuck Kime a.k.a. Fuzzy

Reviews > Sleep Gear > Sleeping Bags > GoLite Feather Sleeping Bag > Chuck Kime > Long Term Report