New for 2018: Sleeping Bags
Happy vernal equinox hikers! As spring slowly creeps into the northeast many are feeling a strong pull to get out on the trail. Spring is also a popular time to upgrade gear and many manufacturers are releasing new products. In honor of the changing season, The Northeast Hiker will be highlighting backpacking’s “big 3” (pack, sleep, and shelter). These posts will explore new 2018 gear and include options for hikers looking to save, willing to splurge, or focused on going ultralight. This week we start with some of our favorite 2018 sleeping bags.
Click here to check out our post on new 2018 backpacking tents.
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For Savers
Sierra Designs Cloud
The Sierra Designs Cloud is an 800 fill DriDown bag that follows this year’s trend towards zipperless bags. The Cloud offers comfort features similar to the Backcountry Bed (integrated quilt and hands-free footvent) but with significant weight savings. The claimed weight of the men’s regular length 20 degree bag is 1 pound 13 ounces and it retails from Sierra Designs at $299.95. A women’s 20 degree bag and a men’s 35 degree bag are also offered as part of the Cloud series.
Big Agnes Sandhoffer
Big Agnes markets the Sandhoffer 20 as a fully featured bag at an affordable price. The semi-rectangular shape gives a little extra room for side sleepers or anyone who feels constricted in a traditional mummy. It also has the pad sleeve common on Big Agnes sleeping bags. Be sure to check the specs on Big Agnes’s website to make sure the sleeping pad you intend to use will fit in the sleeve. The Sandhoffer is filled with 600 fill water repellent DownTek. The regular length bag has a claimed weight of 2 pounds 11 ounces and retails from Big Agnes at $199.95. A long length is also available.
For Splurgers
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer
For Ultralighters
Western Mountaineering Astralite and Nanolite
Quilts are quickly becoming a popular option for backpackers looking for lightweight gear and Western Mountaineering has long been a trusted manufacturer of high-quality, lightweight sleeping bags. In 2018, these two options collide as Western Mountaineering releases their first backpacking quilts, the Astralite and Nanolite. Western Mountaineering uses 850 fill power untreated down in their products, relying on naturally occurring oils in the down for water repellency. The Astralite quilt is rated at 26 degrees and weighs only 1 pound! The Nanolite is 38 degree quilt that weighs in at 11 ounces.
Are there any other 2018 sleeping bags or quilts that have caught your eye? Let us know what gear upgrades you are considering this spring in the comments below!
Looking for a backpacking pillow to go with that new sleeping bag? I checked out the NEMO Fillo. Click here to read my first impressions.
View our post on new 2018 backpacking tents here.