Opinions on Kifaru Slickbag? Better backpacking sleeping bags?

K

Kirk_Ferentz

Joined
Feb 16, 2010
Messages
589
I need to start figuring out what sleeping bag I should get for backpacking. I have done a little research and thought that I would probably have to settle on a down-filled bag, even though I have some reservations about allergies (yes, I have seen a lot of opinions on how down-filled bags are NOT allergenic). But then I stumbled upon the kifaru bag ( http://www.kifaru.net/slickbag.html ). Claims to be much more compact than other synthetic bags. I found a few posts on here discussing it, but not a lot of comparisons to the other sorts of bags that I should consider.

Anyway, for those of you who are experienced in lugging gear on long hikes and needing something tough and warm to survive the elements, let me know what you think. If you want to steer me towards a different bag, feel free.
 
I have bags from cheapy, to Cabelas, to Big Agnes down, Wiggys and the Slick bag. Get the slick!! I'm amazed at how lightweight and compact it gets relative to its weight. It is warm, very warm. Be advise it can be snug around the girth. I ordered the standard length and width and found the width was to tight so gave it to my kid. I ordered another in wide and am much happier.

I also have a tipi, stove, and other gear. They're stuff is tops!
 
If you really need the highest lightweight/insulative ratio, high fill-power goose down (or true Eider duck a close 2nd) is king. Western Mountaineering is my 1st "go to" brand for down sleeping bags and then probably Feathered Friends.

However, i must say that i only choose down for when i *know* its going to be below freezing. Otherwise, a good quality synthetic bag makes more sense to me. Unfortunately, i'm not "up to date" on current synth insulation materials/brands so can't help you out there.

I would speculate that Kifaru (the founder of Kifaru also founded Mountainsmith and made *awesome* gear then) probably makes/specs some really top-of-the-line gear, but it will likely come with a high price tag (be it weight and/or actual cash price).
 
I can only offer my experience from Afghanistan. It's a great bag and works better than my Northface down bag...it compresses better than similar rated bags and is tough as nails. My only complaint is that if you don't like mummy-styled bags much, get the "wide" version. I don't mind much and I'm not a big guy, but it still feels a tad cramped unless temperatures are really below 20-degress (the rated-bag I ordered).

ROCK6
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top