Reviews > Sleep Gear > Sleeping Bags > Kelty Mistral 20 Sleeping Bag > Owner Review by Kevin Hollingsworth

Owner Review:  Kelty Mistral 20
Date: 8 December 2006

Reviewer Information

Name: Kevin Hollingsworth
Age: 42
Gender: Male
Height: 6’ 1” (1.9 m)
Weight: 195 lb (88 kg)
Email address: kholling55@yahoo.com
City, State, Country: Williamsburg, Virginia. USA

I started backpacking and camping when I was in the Scouts. I spent 20 years in the military, which curtailed my personal outdoors adventures. I have mostly gone camping and then day-hiking in the surrounding area, but have been on a few multi-day hiking trips. While day-hiking, I normally carry a light load, a waist pack with mostly food and water, with a few other things. On three to four day trips, I will carry a pack weighing about 45 - 50 lb (21 - 23 kg). I have been hiking in Colorado, Korea, Egypt, and most recently Shenandoah.

Product Information

Manufacturer: Kelty
Year of Manufacture: 2005
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.kelty.com/        
Listed Weight: 73 oz (2070 g)
Fill Weight: 48 oz (1361 g)
Length: 80 in (203 cm)
Stuffed Dimensions: 11 x 22 in (28 x 56 cm)
Fill: CloudLoft
Shell Material: NR210T Nylon Double Ripstop
Liner Material: P210T Polyester Taffeta
Color: Garnet/Charcoal
Zipper: Right Side
MSRP: N/A

Note: All measurements are mine (unless otherwise specified)
Weight: 74.6 oz (2114.6 g)
Length:  77 in (195.6 cm)
Stuffed Dimensions:  10.3 x 18.3  in ( 26.2 x  46.5 cm)

The Kelty Mistral is a synthetic, mummy style sleeping bag rated to 20 F (-7 C). It has "two-layer offset quilt construction” with extra insulation over the chest area. It is differential cut to prevent cold spots and has a full length zipper draft tube to prevent cold air from coming into the bag. 

To prevent heat from escaping, the bag has a ground level side seam and draw cords with cord locks. It has a full length two way locking zipper. There is a strap with a Velcro-type fastener on the right side near the end of the zipper. There are internal liner loops for securing a Kelty sleeping bag liner to the bag, and hang loops for drying and airing of the bag. Additional loops are attached on the outside for securing the bag to a sleeping pad. The top of the bag is garnet and the inside and bottom is charcoal. A nylon oxford stuff sack is included.

Field Conditions

I have had the Mistral for about 18 months, and have used it on numerous trips. These have included camping trips in both built-up campsites and backcountry sites.  These sites have all been in Virginia, mainly the Shenandoah National Park and in areas around the eastern coast of Virginia. All trips were conducted with a three season tent with a ground tarp. The temperature for trips conducted in fall and winter usually ranged from 20 to 50 F (-7 to 10 C). The other trips were conducted in the spring and fall with temperatures as low as 40 F (4 C) and as high as 105 F (41 C), The weather conditions have been mostly dry condition with some dampness at night and in the morning and a few raining/drizzling days. The terrain has included mountains, with altitudes around 3000 ft (914 m), and in wooded and clear type areas at around sea level.  In cold weather, I normally sleep in long underwear or fleece pants and a long sleeve t-shirt, while in warmer weather I wear shorts and a t-shirt.

Observations

I purchased the Mistral because I needed an inexpensive three season sleeping bag. I received the Mistral inside its stuff sack, wrapped in plastic. The sleeping bag performed differently at different temperatures. At temperatures above 65 F (18 C), I found that I overheat and sweated excessively when I slept inside the bag. During this temperature, I would sleep on the outside of the bag.  At temperatures 50 – 65 F (10 – 18 C), I would sleep inside the bag, with the zipper open. I would sleep comfortably all night like this. At temperature 20 – 50 (-7 to 10 C) F, I would sleep inside the bag, zipped up. To determine my comfort level, I would change the clothes I slept in. At 40 – 50 F (4 – 10 C), I would sleep in shorts and a T-shirt. Below 30 F (-1C), I would sleep in a long sleeve T-shirt, fleece pants and a watch cap. At temperature below 50 F (10 C), when I slept without a mat, I would feel cold spots from the ground. Also if the bag would get wet, the wet portion of the bag would be colder.

 I have never really had any problems with the zipper. It is large enough, so there is no problem finding it at night. It is a two-way zipper, so I can use it from both ends. The draft tube works; I never have felt any cold air coming from the zipper area. The only problem that I have had is when I am on the outside of the bag and zipping it, if I go too fast the zipper sometimes snags on the fabric. It is easy to clear, and I have yet to see any damage to the fabric. I have not had any problems while I am inside the bag though.

When I use the stuff sack that came with the bag, I found that the bag would barely be wide enough to fit in the sleeping bag straps outside my pack. Because of this, I would pack the bag on the inside of my pack. I find that the bag, in its stuff sack, would take up a lot of room in my pack. The bag could be stuffed into a smaller sack.

Summary

 Overall the bag performed as advertised. By modifying the clothes I sleep in and the way I sleep, I was warm and comfortable down to 20 F (-7C).  The stuff sack could be a little smaller.  For the cost, this is a good three season sleeping bag.

 Things I like:

• Low cost
• Reliable over rated area

 Things I don't like:

• Large in its stuff sack

Reviews > Sleep Gear > Sleeping Bags > Kelty Mistral 20 Sleeping Bag > Owner Review by Kevin Hollingsworth