Gear Review
Big Agnes Pomer Hoit SL Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Down
I Didn't Like It
By Sean Chism
Ranked #186 - 0 to -40 Degree Down Bags
September 29, 2009
I found this bag to be well made and full of high quality down. I can't find anything wrong with the bag itself, but I can with the design of Big Agnes Sleeping Bags. The idea sounded great, but I found in practice it left much to be desired. I addmit that I am a naturally cold sleeper, but froze my but off in this bag in only 20 degree temperatures. All the heat loss was through the ground. I was using the Big Agnes Dual Core Pad which was rated to zero degrees just like the bag. When I asked Big Agnes about the issues I had encountered they advised me to use a second closed cell foam pad under the sleeping system. I did not want to do this so returned the bag. Other reviews rate this bag well, and mention nothing of what I encountered. I just couldn't imagine this bag keeping me warm anywhere near the temperature rating, especially on snow covered ground.
View Details: Big Agnes Pomer Hoit SL Sleeping Bag: 0 Degree Down
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- [shell] Pertex Quantum; [lining] nylon taffeta
- Insulation:
- 800-fill down
- Shape:
- mummy
- Draft Collar:
- yes
- Max User Height:
- (regular) 5 ft 10 in, (long) 6 ft 6 in
- Shoulder Circumference:
- (regular) 67.5 in, (long) 72.5 in
- Hip Circumference:
- (regular) 64 in, (long) 69 in
- Foot Circumference:
- (regular) 43 in, (long) 44 in
- Stuff Size:
- (regular) 8 x 7 in, (long) 8 x 8 in
- Stuff Sack:
- yes
- Storage Sack:
- yes
- Degree:
- 0 F
- Weight:
- (regular) 2 lb 14 oz, (long) 3 lb 2 oz
- Recommended Use:
- winter camping, alpine climbing, high-altitude backpacking
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.
3 Comments Last Reply: March 24, 2011 By: stihletto1446977
I just want to note that I've never slept in any sleeping bag that actually is as warm as the rating. I might feel comfortable in 20 degrees with a 0. It really doesn't matter what brand.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I did use an insulated air pad, and it didn't make all the difference. I tried several insulated air pads, and none of them made a difference. I know that many people like these bags, but I personaly found them to not perform as well as conventional bags. I know that if you are sleeping on frozen/snow covered ground a good closed cell foam pad under an insulated air pad works well, but you shouldn't need it for a snow free night in the mid twenties here in TN. Since I went back to conventional bag setup I have not had a cold night. I have spent countless nights in sub freezing and on snow covered ground. Just for the record I tried several of these bags because I really wanted to use them. I first bought a 32 degree dag, then a 15 degree, and finally this 0. I always used an insulated air pad made by BA designed to be used with these bags. I could never even get close to the bag's temp rating. When the 0 degree wouldn't handle 20 degree weather I gave up on trying. The sleeping pad I use now is a Pacific Outdoor Equipment Eather Thermo 6. The air chambers are not only insulated, but on this pad they are spaced far enough appart to allow down to loft in between. I think it is great if you own a Big Agnes bag, and love it. I am just giving you my opinion on them, and nothing more. I tried them, I used them well within their temperature range, and used a pad recomended by the manufacturer. I wasn't satified with their performance. I din't encounter these poblems before I used this system, and I haven't encountered it since switching away.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Sean,first off,your sleeping bag wasn't the problem you encountered-what you used under the bag on snow covered ground was.Even with a Gore-Tex bivy cover,you need an air layer between you and the ground to keep you from depositing all your precious body heat in it.A good air or down filled sleeping pad would have made all the difference.Good luck!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes