OWNER REVIEW OF THE SLUMBERJACK EXPEDITION SLEEPING BAG

Name:    Michael Wheiler

Age:       45

Weight:   175

Height:    5' 10"

Region:    Southeastern Idaho

E-mail:     jmwlaw@ida.net

Date:       August 20, 2001

OVERVIEW

For those adventurous souls interested in cold weather camping, I would recommend checking out the Slumberjack Expedition sleeping bag.  Although it is bulky and heavy, the added comfort it provides during a cold night in the outdoors, makes this bag a valuable addition to winter camping gear.

REVIEW

I have owned my Slumberjack Expedition sleeping bag for about 3 years now.  I originally purchased the bag for winter camping--something we get to do quite a bit of in this part of the country.  I also own two other Slumberjack summer weight bags and have been impressed with the quality and value of the Slumberjack products.  I was attracted to this bag by the advertised -30 degree temperature rating.  Since I had previously enjoyed the unplanned opportunity of sleeping in below zero temperatures with a wind chill factor reaching the minus teens, I decided this was a bag I needed to try out.

The Expedition Regular has Dupont's Quallofill insulation throughout with an advertised weight of six pounds three ounces.  I wasn't overly concerned about the weight since most of my winter camping occurs near the vehicle but we occasionally strap on snowshoes to get away from civilization.  In those instances, given the price, I figured I would carry the extra weight for the added comfort.  Slumberjack advertises eight inches of loft in each bag and it stuffs easily into a 13" x 21" stuff sack.  The interior and exterior are made of durable yet silky feeling 50 denier nylon taffeta.  For those with a spouse or significant other, the bag does come with either a right or left side zipper and can be mated.

Other features that were unique at the time and, given my intended use, very attractive to me were (1) the off-set layer design (three layers on top and two layers on the bottom) and full length draft tube to lessen "cold spots" and (2) the double zipper system to lessen drafts from the zipper area.  There is also an internal wind collar for added upper body protection from cold drafts entering from the hood area.  The hood on this "mummy" style bag is also designed with drawstring closure to allow for maximum adjustment depending on the temperature and individual preference regarding how much of the face to leave exposed to the air.

I have now used the bag on approximately 15 winter campouts (October through February) and I am very happy with the results.  Although the dual zippers can be a pain when getting in and out of the bag, the system almost totally eliminates cold drafts entering through the zipper.  The zippers are #8YKK and operate smoothly.  Although the zipper system also contains "anti-snag tape," like most other bags, I occasionally zip into the lining and there are two zippers to deal with in this case. 

With a good closed cell foam pad or two under the bag, I have not noticed any "cold spots" due to the multiple layers and the overall construction of this bag.  The bag is flexible enough to allow me to roll onto my side and not rotate the lighter insulated bottom of the bag off the foam pad so I can maintain the heavier insulation on top where I am more exposed to the cold.   The hood and wind collar fit snugly and provide additional insulation from cold drafts.  To my knowledge, I have never been out in temperatures approaching -30 degrees.  It has long been my belief that the temperature rating system is based upon a person not freezing solid at the rated temperature.  As such, I have not even attempted to test the -30 degree temperature rating for this bag.  I have anticipated colder weather and I always carry a summer weight down bag or a liner for those extra cold nights and have only had to resort to the added insulation on two occasions but did so in anticipation of the temperatures dropping to around -20 degrees.  On those two nights, I slept very comfortably.

As might be expected, the bag does take on some moisture during the night and due to the heavier insulation is a little more difficult to dry.  Since most of my cold weather outings are relegated to one night, I do not have any experience in how the collected moisture affects the long term use of the bag.  I'll have to plan a two night outing this coming winter and report back. 

The current list price for the Slumberjack Expedition 600 is $149.99 (regular) and $169.99 (long) making it a very good value.  Other comparable bags I am aware of but have no experience with are The North Face Tundra (Polarguard insulation rated to -20 degrees at three pounds, fifteen ounces for $199.97); Marmot Col (Down insulation with Dryloft at four pounds rated to -20 degrees for$599.00); Marmot Cwm (Down insulation with Dryloft fabric at four pounds sixteen ounces rated to -40 degrees for $679.00); Mountain Hardware 5th Dimension 3D (Polarguard 3D at six pounds twelve ounces rated to -25 degrees for $325.00); The North Face Darkstar (Polarguard at four pounds six ounces rated to -40 degrees for $279.00).

CONCLUSION

I recommend the Slumberjack Expedition to any value minded person looking for a cold weather sleeping bag.