Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina 15 Sleeping Bag: 15 Degree Synthetic

I am quickly becoming a Mountain Hardwear devotee simply because they make the lightest, simplest, most innovative, and best fitting outdoor products--this bag is no exception. Here are a few awards and reviews from reputable names in the outdoor business: * "Best Synthetic Bag. Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina 15. The women's version of this bag kept our coldest-sleeping female tester warm right down to its rating on autumn trips on Utah's Awapa Plateau." - Backpacker Magazine 2008 Gear Guide * "Our slender, cold-sleeping tester stayed toasty in this bag -- high praise from someone who regularly uses a -20 F bag in near-freezing temperatures...It feels fluffy -- almost like down, and it stuffs almost as small." - Backpacker Magazine 2007 Gear Guide * 2007 Gear of the Year - Outside Magazine 2007 Buyer's Guide

I bought this bag for summer alpine trips when the temp is unlikely to dip below 15deg F in New Zealand. First time I used it the temp was about 60F - too hot for this bag and since there is no way to vent your feet I cooked. Next trip it was around 40 deg. Only just warm - this is the bags lower comfort limit. Then I went snow caving - temp 32F - wore 3 layers, hat, 2 sleeping mats & wrapped a down jacket over my hips. I reckon this is near the bag's extreme limit. So much for 15F rating! There is a reason why this bag is lighter than it's competitors. It's not as warm. Bring on the European bag rating system.

I used this bag all over Europe this year (beat paying for accommodation) for 4 months. Not a problem with it what-so-ever. A little to hot for the mediterranean of course, but that just meant I had a cushier place to kick back. Very compressible for a synthetic which was great as I also had to fit a tent in a 45L back pack s well (next time I'm just doing a fly sheet). Light of course and with how well the Canadian dollar is doing, I got it at a steal here up in the great white north (around $180 I believe). Although have a zipper on either side is handy, having them go down 1/3 the length isn't. Mountain Hardware did this to save weight; combined both zippers or 2/3s the length of regular zippers. I'd much rather prefer one zipper that goes down 2/3s the length of one side of the bag. It should be noted as well, before left for my trip I did test all of my equipment including the Ultralamina. The week before I left for Europe was a particularly cold one for April and I slept comfortably at -15C (so about 5F). That wasn't do to the sleeping bag alone of course. I had an air mattress as well as a sleeping bag liner, on top of all that I sleep warm. Others without the additions I just mentioned and those who sleep colder shouldn't attempt it, they may not even want to approach the -9C/15F mark at all for their own safety and comfort. Great bag, Mountain Hardware has done an excellent job and hopefully continues to do so (no sense in throwing down big coin for a crap bag, right?). I will be taking this bag on future trips of mine both here at home and abroad.

Light, compressible, quick drying, and more comfortable than a down bag of similar temp rating. The two zippers are nice, but I would have liked one of them to go full length. Excellent bag.

This sweet little bag is super light and super warm. Combine this with an inflatable air pad and you are good to go in most normal camping conditions. I doubt you would take this bag to Everest but it is going to get you through 90% of your camping trips be it car camping, tent camping or multiple day-hike camping as it dries quick due to the synthetic material and compresses into its included stuff sack that will EASILY fit into your backpack. I am thinking about getting another one for my better half. I agree with the one comment below, it is cool you can unzip each side around your arms and still be snugged up from waist below to eat or just sit up and drink your morning brew! I am not sure what the other reviewer was complaining about when it comes to weight...this baby is light for how cold it will protect you from.

I think these gaiters are phenomenal. I have no complaints. They're very durable, the larger sizes fit around mountaineering and ski boots, and the foot strap can take a beating.

I haven't gotten to use this sleeping bag extensively, but I've spent 8 nights in it at varying temperatures. So far I've been pleased. It's lighter and more compressible than any other 15 degree synthetic bag that I'm aware of, and it's reasonably warm for a 15 degree rating.

Super comfy, and warm. I love the how you can unzip both of the 1/4 zippers from the bottom, so you can put your arms out to cook breakfast with your bag still on! My only problem was that it is a little heavier than I would like, but the other features make up for it.