Articles (2020)

There are quite a lot of bushwalkers in Australia, the terrain and weather are a bit different from other countries, and Australia is a long way from all other major gear making countries (with the notable exception of New Zealand). What all this means is that Australia does have its own gear culture and quite a few local gear manufacturers. Basically, traditional Australian gear is made rugged, to cope with our bush and our weather. I can have a nice hot day with a hailstorm in the afternoon.

Unfortunately the Australian gear culture seems to be frozen in a time warp these days, with a strong focus on heavy canvas packs being a well-known example. The local shops are terrified of returns and simply won’t stock modern UL (or even lightweight) gear (the American idea of buying two with the intent of returning one would be regarded with horror and rejection here by the retailers). This makes it hard for local manufacturers to move into the lightweight space. However, one company – One Planet – has been cautiously testing the water, spurred on in part by the author nagging away at the company owner, who he has known for years.

In addition to making bushwalking gear, One Planet also makes gear for adventure organisations (eg schools), government departments (eg Post Office workers), and for the Australian and New Zealand Antarctic research organisations. The latter is rather impressive: the tents and outerwear have to withstand full-on Antarctic weather. But that gear is not UL!

One Planet Shadow Pack

The Men’s and Women’s models are very similar, with the Women’s version being essentially a Small size. For this reason only one photo assembly is shown: you can’t tell the difference between them.

Despite my urgings, according to the manufacturer, the Shadow is pretty rugged: “constructed of 420 denier and 500 denier nylon with a 1000 denier base.” Actually, I am not sure that the fabric is pure nylon: it looks and feels more like a nylon/cotton blend to me, but I can be fooled. Well, given the nature of our scrub and the historical emphasis on 12-ounce canvas here, that is at least a step forward. More surprising is that the Shadow actually is not all that heavy, despite the fabric. Indeed, the volume/weight ratio is certainly not at the bottom of the table. This does place some emphasis on the fact that the weight of the fabric making up the main bag is not that large a fraction of the overall pack weight.

Where these packs score very well is in the fully-adjustable harness: the torso length can be finely controlled by buckle hidden behind the lumbar pad. I can attest that this adjustment does make a significant difference in comfort, at least to both myself and my wife. I tried the packs with the torso length too long and too short, and those settings were definitely not as comfortable as the correct torso length. The hip belt and the lumbar pad are definitely well-padded. Curiously, there is no slab of continuous foam padding all the way up the back: just a single aluminium rail which carries the (adjustable length) shoulder straps. The bit of the shoulder straps against the harness face is well padded. I expected that we would notice the lack of padding up our backs, but apart from the observation that it did feel different, I have to say the design works well and is comfortable.

The webbing on the hip belt is a solid 50 mm wide. I challenged this, but the owner replied that the wide webbing was an important part of the hip-belt design. Well, the extra weight of the wide webbing is very small. The adjustable parts of the shoulder straps are 25 mm and the compression straps are 20 mm. The shiny ‘buckles’ on the compression straps and the lid strap are not plastic: they are stamped aluminium adjustable hooks! Yes, that makes them heavier than the typical plastic side-release buckle, but they are indestructible. The extra weight incurred by the use of aluminium for the whole pack is only 25 grams. Hum… The sternum strap was fine and did not have a whistle.

The design of the Shadow pack is still evolving as some ‘American’ ideas get tested – not always successfully. A recent addition to the design of the pack is the provision of holders for PET 1.25 L water bottles at the bottom corners. One of these can be seen in the photos, with a PET water bottle in the right hand one. The bottle had the unfortunate habit of working its way up and out of this pocket, pushed by the hip belt side strap. It was doing this in the right hand photo. This was discussed with the owner of the company who could see the problem and undertook to fix it. Of course, if you are like me, you could just ignore the pocket and not use it. A more serious problem was the length of the throat: way too short. How this happened we are not sure, but the problem will be fixed according to the owner. The haulage loop was far too narrow (see the middle photo): this is being rectified in the design. There was no security pocket inside the lid pocket, but that too will be fixed. (Us reviewers do earn our keep…)

The main side pockets are very short: made to support the bottom end of a bundle of tent poles and nothing more. There is a little loop on the side at the bottom: this can be adapted to hold an ice axe by adding a short loop of cord. There are not many places in Australia where you need an ice axe after all. I thought the loop was too far forward and said so: it is now being moved a bit more towards the back face. Evolution!

The main bag held the Test Gear quite easily. The seams have been bound with tape in the conventional manner. There is a single strap under the lid, which can be used to hold a tent as well, and the design of the lid should add considerable security to that. While the main bag held only fifty-odd litres, they were very usable litres as the bag was wide enough.

Otherwise, the design is remarkably free of all the little marketing frills and add-ons and can survive considerable bashing through the bush with no visible damage.

This is a mini-review in the 2010 Lightweight Internal Frame Pack State of the Market Report. The articles in this series are as follows (mini-reviews can be found in Part 2), and a subscription to our site is needed to read them.

• Part 1A covers the very basics and lists all the packs in the survey.
• Part 1B covers the frame and harness which carry the pack itself.
• Part 1C covers the main bag and all the other pockets, plus the all-important question of comfort.
• Part 2 in this series covers the individual packs tested.

Introduction

This separate review provides additional descriptive and performance information on the Westcomb Chilko Down Sweater. Read our article Ultralight Three-Season Down Jackets State of the Market Report 2010 for a state of the market analysis and comparative specifications and performance for a range of ultralight down jackets.

The new Westcomb Chilko Down Sweater is cutting-edge, as you would expect from Westcomb. The Chilko combines the best components and construction methods available to create a really warm and lightweight down sweater. How suitable is it for backpacking?

Description

New for fall 2010, the Westcomb Chilko Down Sweater is insulated with 850 fill power down and weighs just 11.8 ounces (335 g), measured weight for size Medium.

The Chilko’s shell and lining are the new 0.8 oz/yd² (27 g/m²) Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon with DWR, which is 20% lighter and has the same tear strength as the “old” Quantum. The insulation is 850 EU fill power (884 fill-power by the US measurement method) Canadian Hutterite down, which is claimed to be 100% down (less than 1% feathers). Down fill is 3.25 ounces (92 g), giving the jacket a measured single-layer loft of 0.9 inch (2.3 cm), which is on the high end for multi-purpose jackets.

Performance

The Chilko seems to have an average fit. With a heavy baselayer on, the Medium just fit me, with no room left for additional layering inside. The sleeves are long enough, but the jacket is snug and barely long enough. From this, I would say the sizing is normal and a size Large would fit me with adequate room inside for more layering.

The feature set on the Chilko is minimal, fairly lightweight, and very functional. There is a little extra weight in the hem drawcord; it could be made lighter with smaller elastic cord and cordlocks, or just eliminated. The front Ri Ri zipper is heavier than a #3 zipper, but it operates smoothly and will last a long time. Overall, the jacket is designed to be both lightweight and functional.

This jacket seals up well. The neck and wrists are snug and there is a drawcord on the hem to close the bottom of the jacket.

In the comparative warmth tests we performed for our state-of-the-market report on ultralight multi-purpose down jackets referenced below, the Chilko Down Sweater was among the warmest in the group.

Comparisons

Our article Ultralight Three-Season Down Jackets State of the Market Report 2010 provides complete specifications and ratings for the Westcomb Chilko Down Sweater in comparison to a range of other lightweight down jackets. The jacket most similar is the Salomon Minim Down Sweater.

Assessment

The new Westcomb Chilko Down Sweater is indeed impressive. This is a jacket you admire once you get it, and others will admire it too. It has cutting-edge materials and construction, it’s well insulated, and the feature set is minimal, lightweight, and functional.

The closest comparison to the Chilko is the Salomon Minim Down Sweater. The shell on both jackets is the new 0.8-ounce Pertex Quantum, which is impressive. The Chilko weighs one ounce less and costs $10 more than the Minim. I would personally choose the Chilko because I like the design, fit, construction, and features a little better. The hand pockets are larger and fleece-lined, and zippers are welded on and easy to operate. The Salomon has a larger zippered chest pocket while the Westcomb has an inside stretch mesh pocket, which are about equivalent in usefulness.

Although both jackets mentioned are standouts in the group, they are both more expensive as well. For about the same money you can purchase a Western Mountaineering Flight Jacket which weighs about the same, or a Feathered Friends Hyperion Jacket which costs $50 less. Now, that’s a tough decision…

Specifications and Features

Disclosure: The manufacturer provided this product to the author and/or Backpacking Light at no charge, and it is owned by the author/BPL. The author/Backpacking Light has no obligation to review this product to the manufacturer under the terms of this agreement.

Introduction

The Sierra Designs LT Strike 2 uses a radical pole design to make a roomy two-person tent. The Strike is listed as the company’s lightest two-person tent and has the space to actually be usable for two to hang out in. I used it as a solo tent as well as with another sleeper in both three- and four-season conditions.

Design and Features

The Sierra Designs LT Strike 2 is a non-freestanding tent that is the newest addition to the company’s Ultralight Series of backpacking shelters. While they list it as being their lightest two-person tent, I found the actual weight to take it over their Vapor Light 2. As far as I can tell, my version is a retail unit, not a prototype, so maybe they just haven’t updated the website.

The most distinctive aspect of the Strike is the new Eye Pole design employed. It drew comments every time I set it up. When the two poles are connected by way of hubs, they make an ellipse with two legs. Those legs go into Jake’s Feet attachment points in two corners, leaving the ellipse above the tent. The opposite corners of the tent must be staked, and the 22.5-ounce (638-g) inner tent clips to the poles by means of eight Ultralight Clips. The result is a very spacious interior.

As may be seen in the pictures, the space is asymmetrical with high ends at opposite corners. This lets two people share the same head room without being forced to sit cheek-by-jowl. The fact that the two mesh gear storage pockets are also at opposite corners makes it obvious that SD expects the tent to be used to sleep two foot-to-head.

The 19.9-ounce (5640g) rain fly goes over the poles and attaches at the Jake’s Feet with a clipping hook. The other corners use good old Fastex clips. The two spacious vestibules are formed by pulling the fly away from the dual doors. Waterproof zippers sit in “parking garages” when zipped to the top to keep drips out. This is needed, as the top of the vestibule openings meet right at the top of the inner tent. The only way to get high/low air movement is by opening the top of the vestibule doors since there are no high vents in the fly.

Performance

I was able to use the LT Strike 2 in California in great three-season conditions as well as at the end of winter in Minnesota. My son (who lives in Minnesota and spends a week with me each month) wanted to try spending a night in a tent in the snow. His twin sister had no such desire (must have got mom’s smarts…), so I set up the Strike right outside the living room window where Emma could see us. I set up on top of about eight inches (20 cm) of melting snow pack. Soon after we turned in that night, it started hailing, later turning to rain, forcing me to button up the vestibule I had left open to see the window. There was a pretty good wind blowing, but once I shut the doors there was nothing much making it inside. We experienced some severe condensation.

In California the rains were finally over, and I was able to use the Strike in my favorite manner: that of inner mesh tent alone. I spent a night solo at Fisherman’s Camp in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness.

I was able to use it with another BackpackingLight member in the Sespe Wilderness. We stayed at Willet Camp at 2,600 feet (792 m) elevation where it got down to just above freezing. There was no wind on the night above the banks of Sespe Creek. I lost my camera (most likely during one of the twenty stream crossings we had), so have no pictures from this trip.

Assessment

I found the LT Strike 2 to be a pretty nice tent for two people. The pole design really works well to give a lot of interior room. In the Sespe Wilderness one of our group retired early, leaving the other two of us to sit up talking. The mosquitoes got pretty bad, so we decided to move the discussion inside the Strike. It had plenty of room for us both to sit up without crowding the other, and we were able to laugh at the frustrated whining horde on the other side of the mesh.

The actual 50-inch (127-cm) width of it let us sleep later without encroaching on the other’s space. In fact the Strike has room to use two large pads, should you need it. I would like to see Sierra Designs put a high vent or two on the fly. This would help a lot to move moisture out of the tent when the weather forces the vestibule doors to remain closed.

As a solo tent, this was a palace. With my little quilt inside, the Strike still looked empty. At Fisherman’s Creek I brought a book and some Scotch and read inside away from the numerous bugs, enjoying the afternoon in my spacious tent.

One thing that needs to be remembered is that this tent needs to be staked well. I have used rocks to hold stake points when above tree-line in the rocky Sierra Nevada, but the Strike’s design makes it hard to get the kind of support it needs in this fashion. Without the two pole-less corners secured well, any wind will cause the Eye Pole (and attached tent) to flip on its side.

While I used the Strike on snow, I would be hesitant to use it any time I expected snow to fall. The large flat area of the fly created by the Eye just begs to be overloaded by collecting snow, possibly leading to collapse. Heavy rain was not a problem at all though.

Dare to Compare

Trying to compare tents with like attributes, I would say that the Strike stacks up to the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and the Big Sky International Evolution 2. The Strike has more livable space than either with its steep sides, but it weighs more too. Both other tents use high vents to help control condensation, and I know from personal experience that the Copper Spur will handle all but the worst snow storms. With it carbon fiber pole option, the Evolution wins in the weight category, although that comes with added expense.

What’s Good

• Light weight.
• Good floor space.
• Great interior volume.
• Large vestibules.

What’s Not So Good

• Vestibule doors don’t protect the inner if open at the top during inclement weather.
• Because of same, condensation is more of a problem than it could be.
• Flat area above Eye Pole will collect snow if surprised by a snow storm.

Specifications

Disclosure: The manufacturer provided this product to the author and/or Backpacking Light at no charge, and it is owned by the author/BPL. The author/Backpacking Light has no obligation to review this product to the manufacturer under the terms of this agreement.

Introduction

This separate review provides additional descriptive and performance information on the Montane Anti-Freeze Jacket. Read our article Ultralight Three-Season Down Jackets State of the Market Report 2010 for a state of the market analysis and comparative specifications and performance for a range of ultralight down jackets.

Although the Montane Anti-Freeze Jacket’s weight is slightly over our 14-ounce (397-g) weight limit for our state-of-the-market article, we decided to include it because we know garments from Montane are designed to be as lightweight and functional as possible. The Anti-Freeze falls into our Multi-Purpose Three-Season Down Jacket category, covered in Part 3 of the article cited above, because of its many features. How does it compare with other lightweight three-season jackets in our roundup, and how useful is it for backpacking?

Description

As we would expect from Montane, the Anti-Freeze is designed to be both lightweight and functional. The shell is 0.9 oz/yd² (31 g/m²) Freeflow Ultra Lite ripstop nylon with a DWR finish, and the lining is 0.88 oz/yd² (30 g/m²) PEAQ Down ultra soft nylon plain weave. The shell fabric has a waterproof rating of 800 millimeters and MVTR breathability of 4000 g/m²/24 hours.

Insulation is 5.1 ounces (145 g) of 800 fill power goose down, yielding a measured single-layer loft of 1.3 inches (3.2 cm). It has the highest loft in the group of multi-purpose down jackets we evaluated in Part 3 of the cited state-of-the-market article, but it’s not as lofty as several jackets in the group of seriously lightweight three-season down jackets we evaluated in Part 2 of the same article.

Performance

The jacket’s fit in size large is spot on for me (6 ft/1.83 m tall, 167 lb/76 kg, 39 in/99 cm chest, 34 in/86 cm sleeves). The sleeves are adequately long and the body has extra room to layer over an insulated vest or lightly insulated jacket. It’s roomy but not too roomy. As shown in the photos above, the jacket covers the butt very well.

With all its features, the Montane Anti-Freeze Jacket is definitely multi-purpose, and its warmth/protection is on the upper end of the group of jackets we classify as three-season – it has more down insulation than the other jackets in this category (multi-purpose three-season down jackets), plus it’s more sealable and weather-resistant – so we might call it a three-season+ down jacket. It does not have enough insulation to be considered a true four-season jacket, and it does not have any inside pockets (like drop pockets) for keeping items warm, as many four-season jackets do.

Several readers have expressed the opinion that an insulated jacket must be capable of sealing all of its openings to hold heat inside, which is especially needed for really cold conditions and for windy conditions. With three drawcords (neck, waist, and hem), the Montane Anti-Freeze jacket seals exceptionally well. Three drawcords in combination with its Freeflow Ultra Lite shell make this jacket exceptionally weather resistant.

I found the Anti-Freeze Jacket to be most appropriate and useful for more blustery weather and shoulder season conditions where the weather can be any combination of cold, wet, and windy. It’s excellent for igloo camping, where temperatures can drop down to about 20 F (-7 C) with high humidity. For active backcountry skiing and snowshoeing I found it to be too warm to wear on the go, but it was welcome on breaks and when it became windy. It was perfect on the Alaska Ferry where the temperature was 40 F with a 20 mph (32 kph) wind, and light drizzle, and it provided the extra insulation and weather resistance I needed when spring camping at 12,000 feet (3,658 m) among snowdrifts in the southern Rockies.

Comparisons

Our article Ultralight Three-Season Down Jackets State of the Market Report 2010 provides complete specifications and ratings for the Montane Anti-Freeze Jacket in comparison to a range of other lightweight down jackets. The multi-purpose jackets most similar are the EMS Ascent Sector Down Sweater, The North Face Thunder Jacket, MontBell Permafrost Light Down Jacket, and Western Mountaineering Flash XR Jacket. It is also similar (but more featured) compared to the MontBell Alpine Light Down Jacket, Feathered Friends Hyperion Jacket, and Western Mountaineering Flight Jacket in our seriously lightweight group of down jackets.

Assessment

With 1.6 inches/4.1 cm of measured single-layer loft, the Anti Freeze is lofty, but not as lofty as the Brooks Range Alpini Mountain Anorak (1.6 inches/4.1 cm), Feathered Friends Hyperion Jacket (1.5 inches/3.8 cm), Nunatak Skaha Anorak (2.1 inches/5.3 cm), and Western Mountaineering Flight Jacket (1.6 inches/4.1 cm). The Anti-Freeze Jacket is unique among the group of jackets we tested in that it combines a lightweight full feature set, good insulation, and high weather-resistance. That combination adds a few ounces, but the result is pure performance.

In my opinion, the Montane Anti-Freeze is a jacket not for bitter cold, but for merely “adverse” conditions. It performs very well in those conditions, and there are many places throughout the world where this jacket is a good match. It is indeed multi-purpose, but for harsher conditions. For lightweight backpacking, the Anti-Freeze is appropriate for the shoulder seasons in the mountains where the nighttime temperature can drop well below freezing and the weather can turn blustery anytime. However, it’s overkill for summer mountain backpacking where the extra features and protection are not really needed and a minimally featured jacket with a high warmth to weight ratio is a better choice.

Specifications and Features

Disclosure: The manufacturer provided this product to the author and/or Backpacking Light at no charge, and it is owned by the author/BPL. The author/Backpacking Light has no obligation to review this product to the manufacturer under the terms of this agreement.

Introduction

For the shoulder seasons and for some winter camping situations, many hikers prefer to use a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of 10-20 F (-12 to -7 C). Others may prefer a warmer bag like this for summer backpacking in the mountains, simply to ensure they don’t get cold. While the latter group could benefit from our lightweight philosophy, as explained for sleeping bags in our article: Ultralight Three-Season Down Mummy-Style Sleeping Bags: State of the Market Report 2010, both groups can save weight by carrying an ultralight sleeping bag.

Sierra Designs claims their Vapor 15 is the lightest 15 degree down mummy-style sleeping bag on the market (we will check that out in this review). The Vapor 15 sets another landmark for Sierra Designs – their first bag featuring 850 fill power down – rivaling bags from Marmot, Feathered Friends, and Western Mountaineering. What is there to like and dislike about the new Vapor 15, and how does it stack up, by the numbers, to comparable bags?

Description

As a departure from other bags in Sierra Designs Ultralight Series, the Vapor 15 raises the bar to 850 fill power down. It has the same Jacket Hood and half-length (25 in/64 cm) zipper as other bags in this series, but it does not have the Sierra Designs Flex Technology used in the other bags. Also missing is a footbox zipper – I guess they assume that most users will want to retain heat in a 15 F (-9.4 C) rated bag.

The 15 denier nylon shell and lining fabric used in the Vapor 15 are lighter and more durable than the 22 denier ripstop polyester used in other bags in the Sierra Designs Ultralight Series.

Although the Vapor 15 does not have a women’s version, it does come in a size Short that fits people to 5 feet 6 inches (1.7 m). It also comes in size Regular that fits people to 6 feet (1.6 m), and Long that fits to 6 feet 6 inches (2 m) (read my issue on sizing in the Performance section).

Performance

For convenience, in February and March I tested the Vapor 15 in a single-wall tent set up in my back yard in an area where I shoveled away the 2-foot (61 cm) snowpack. Temperatures during seven nights of testing ranged from 27 to 12 F (-3 to -11 C). I also tested the bag in my igloo at 9,500 feet (2,896 m) on one late February night where the temperate got down to 23 F (-5 C). In the spring I used it on an April six-day backpacking trip in southern Utah where the nighttime temperatures ranged from 25 to 52 F (-4 to 11 C), and one late spring alpine backpacking trip where I slept between snowdrifts and the temperature dropped down to 18 F (-10 C).

The amount of 850 down fill in the Vapor 15 is 16, 18, and 20 ounces (454, 510, 567 g), respectively, for the Short, Regular, and Long lengths. I tested the Vapor 15 in a size Long, and measured the two-layer loft at 6 inches/15 centimeters (single-layer loft is 3 in/7.6 cm). Additionally, the bag has continuous baffles, so it’s possible to shift more of the down to the topside, if desired. According to our table of estimated temperature ratings based on measured loft (read our Backpacking Light Position Statement on Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings, 3 inches (7.6 cm) of single-layer loft translates to a 0 F (-18 C) rating, so on a loft basis it appears that the Vapor 15 is conservatively rated. Please read the referenced article and Ryan Jordan’s article entitled Sleeping by Faith: Bag Temperature Ratings and realize that sleeping bag warmth depends on a number of factors.

One important issue is sizing: Sierra Designs bags apparently run short. In my previous review of the Sierra Designs Nitro 30 sleeping bag, I found that size Regular did not fit a person up to 6 feet (1.8 m) as claimed. I found it too short, and my height is exactly 6 feet (1.8 m). Size Regular will fit people up to 5 feet 10 inches (1.8 m) at the most. In testing the Vapor 15, I wisely opted for the Long length and found it much more to my liking in terms of length as well as girth. In fact, size Long is just right for my height; it can accommodate a person up to 6 feet 2 inches (1.9 m), but it would be too short for anyone taller than that. The bag has adequate girth in the shoulder and hip areas to wear a puffy down jacket and down pants inside without being too tight.

It’s hard to design a sleeping bag zipper track that is lightweight and snag-free. Sierra Designs Snag-Free Zipper Track does minimize snagging, but it adds significant weight to the bag. The heavy-duty zipper track is apparently needed because the zipper curves across the chest area to the base of the Jacket Hood. I personally did not mind the half-length (25 in/64 cm) zipper on the Vapor 15. It makes it a little more cumbersome to get into and out of the bag, but I found it easy to adjust. However, the short zipper excludes the option to zip two bags together or to open the bag up and use it as a blanket on warmer nights.

So, how warm is the Vapor 15? In my testing, I wore only a microfleece top, bottom, and cap inside the bag so I could determine the bag’s actual warmth. I kept a down jacket and pants next to me that I could put on if I got cold. That happened only once, when the temperature dropped down to 12 F (-11 C). After I donned the extra clothing, I stayed nice and warm the rest of the night. On another night when the temperature dropped to 18 F (-10 C), I started getting a little chilly, but not enough to add clothing. I didn’t have the opportunity to test the bag in serious winter camping conditions, but from my testing experience I believe I can extend the warmth of the Vapor 15 down into the single digits by wearing a down jacket, pants, and booties inside. Overall, in my opinion the Vapor 15’s temperature rating is slightly optimistic, which is typical in U.S. made sleeping bags.

The bag’s draft tube along the zipper is on the bottom side, rather than the top side on most bags. It seems logical to place it on the top side so gravity will help hold it in place. During my testing, I specifically checked the draft tube to see if it was sealing the zipper, and found that it was. The curved zipper design seems to necessitate putting the draft tube on the bottomside to avoid snagging, and the curved zipper does keep the draft tube in its proper place. It should also be noted that the Vapor 15 does not have a neck baffle at the base of the hood, as do many bags in this temperature range.

I tested the bag’s water resistance with my “puddle test,” where I put 1/8-cup of water on a seam and allowed it to stand for one hour. No water soaked through the seam or fabric, indicating the fabric is very water resistant and the seams are tight.

The bag’s pad attachment straps are useful for a back sleeper or hammock sleeper. But I’m a side sleeper, so I had no use for the straps because I want the bag to turn with me. The pad straps are easy to remove and reduce bag weight by 0.5 ounce (14 g), down to 30.4 ounces (862 g) for size Long.

Comparisons

The following table compares the Sierra Designs Vapor 15 with some popular 10-20 F (-12 to -7 C) rated ultralight mummy style down sleeping bags. All of the bags have continuous baffles, and all data are manufacturer specifications for a size Regular bag.

As you can see from the data, Sierra Designs can reasonably claim that their Vapor 15 is, in fact, the lightest 15 degree bag to be found. However, the comparison is complicated by the different temperature ratings assigned to the bags. The Marmot Helium bag has 1.5 ounces (43 g) more down than the Vapor 15, and has an EN tested temperature rating of 15 F (-9.4 C), which further supports my observation that the Vapor 15’s temperature rating is a bit optimistic. The Marmot Helium is a better value than the other bags listed, and it has a full-length zipper, but its shell fabric is heavier and not as water resistant as the other bags. The MontBell UL Spiral Down Hugger #1 has 800 fill power down, is almost as light as the Vapor 15, and costs $91 less. It has a 2/3-length zipper, soft 12 denier shell and lining fabric, and its Polkatex DWR is superb.

Assessment

I have not personally tested any of the other 10-20 F (-12 to -7 C) rated bags in the table above, so I can’t compare them other than by the numbers. One main difference is the Vapor 15 has a half-length zipper, while the others all have a full-length zipper. Many hikers would not have a bag that doesn’t have a full-length zipper, but personally the half-length zipper is no problem for me. I need the warmth on most of the trips where I would take a 15-degree bag, so I rarely have the problem of overheating. Another reason for the half-length zipper is the bag’s Jacket Hood, which necessitates the curve in the zipper to the base of the hood, which in turn necessitates the heavy-duty zipper track for smooth operation and minimal snagging. A full-length zipper of that design would add too much weight.

Overall, I really like the Vapor 15. It provides plenty of warmth for its sub-2-pound (907 g) weight. It weighs about the same as many bags rated at 20-25 F (-7 to -4 C) and is significantly warmer. Its just right for mountain backpacking in the shoulder seasons (late spring and fall), certain winter camping situations by wearing extra clothing inside the bag as needed, and for cold sleepers who want to ensure they stay warm.

When choosing a Sierra Designs bag, it’s very important to know that the sizing runs short, at least that is my experience from the two bags I have recently tested. A size Regular bag from most manufacturers, sized to fit a 6 foot (1.8 m) tall person, normally fits me just fine, and I am 6 feet tall. Not so with a Sierra Designs bag. I found a size Regular to be uncomfortably short, but a size Long fits great. I don’t have any information on the sizing of the size Short bag, but I note that getting a size Short sleeping bag is a good approach for a shorter person to reduce pack weight.

Other than the length issue, I did not find any problems with the Vapor 15. It’s simple, lightweight, and warm – just the way I like it.

Specifications and Features

Disclosure: The manufacturer provided this product to the author and/or Backpacking Light at no charge, and it is owned by the author/BPL. The author/Backpacking Light has no obligation to review this product to the manufacturer under the terms of this agreement.

Introduction

This separate review provides additional descriptive and performance information on the Eastern Mountain Sports Ascent Sector Down Sweater. Read our article Ultralight Three-Season Down Jackets State of the Market Report 2010 for a state of the market analysis and comparative specifications and performance for a range of ultralight down jackets.

The EMS Ascent Sector Down Sweater did not stand out when I discovered it on their website. The photo of the jacket is unflattering, and the listed weight is 13.96 ounces (397 g) for size Medium, which barely squeaks under our weight limit. I opted to include it in our down jacket roundup because it meets our criteria. The jacket was a pleasant surprise when it arrived. It’s attractive, full-featured, puffy and warm, a great value, and significantly lighter than specified.

Description

For starters, the Ascent Sector Sweater has one of the lightest shell fabrics in our down jacket roundup: 10 denier 0.77 oz/yd² (26 g/m²) ripstop nylon with DWR. The only lighter shell fabric currently used is on the MontBell Ex Light Jacket (7 denier 0.74 oz/yd² (25 g/m²) Ballistic Airlight ripstop nylon with DWR). The EMS fabric is highly calendered and quite shiny. I notice that some buyers of this jacket have posted they do not like the shiny appearance, but I personally like it. See for yourself in the photos below.

The jacket is insulated with 4.5 ounces (128 g) of 800 fill power down, giving it a measured single-layer loft of 1.2 inches (3.1 cm), which is quite good. The jacket has a half ounce more insulation than similar jackets and is distinctly puffy.

Performance

A size Large jacket fits me (6 ft/1.83 m tall, 167 lb/76 kg, 39 in/99 cm chest) quite well, and I found the Ascent Sector’s fit to be roomy. There is enough room inside to layer over an insulated vest, sweater, or thin jacket. The sleeves are plenty long, and the jacket’s back length is 28.5 inches (72 cm), so it covers the butt well.

In my field testing I found the Ascent Sector Sweater to be quite warm. Morning temperatures in an igloo are in the mid-20’s F/-4 C, and I found the jacket to be comfortable. On several nights I wore it in a 30 F/-1 C rated sleeping bag and stayed warm down into the upper teens F (-9 to -6 C).

The jacket seals up fairly well, but is not totally snug. The collar is snug if I wear it over my chin, the cuffs are slightly loose, and the hem draws up with a drawcord.

On snowy days, the jacket’s shell fabric easily shed snow and water while staying dry inside. The shell is also wind-resistant and quite durable with reasonable care. I swiped some dead tree branches while backcountry skiing with no damage.

Comparisons

Our article Ultralight Three-Season Down Jackets State of the Market Report 2010 provides complete specifications and ratings for the EMS Ascent Sector Down Sweater in comparison to a range of other lightweight down jackets. The jackets most similar to the EMS Ascent Sector Down Sweater are the Eddie Bauer First Ascent Downlight Sweater, Marmot Venus/Zeus Jacket, Salomon Minim Jacket, Sherpa Pangboche Sweater, and The North Face Thunder Jacket.

Assessment

In my opinion, the EMS Ascent Sector Down Sweater is a sleeper in a very competitive field of three-season down jackets. Its 4.5 ounces (128 g) of down insulation is above average, and its shell fabric is one of the lightest to be found; it’s sized well for layering, fits well, is puffy and warm, is fully featured, and is a good value. Overall it achieves a good balance of all these factors, more so than many similar jackets. The measured weight of 12.7 ounces (360 g) is very reasonable considering the jacket’s features.

Granted, there are multi-purpose down jackets available that are an ounce or two lighter, but considering what you get, the EMS Ascent Sector is hard to beat. My only suggestion is to use #3 zippers rather than #5 to shave a little weight.

Specifications and Features

Disclosure: The manufacturer provided this product to the author and/or Backpacking Light at no charge, and it is owned by the author/BPL. The author/Backpacking Light has no obligation to review this product to the manufacturer under the terms of this agreement.

Introduction

This separate review provides additional descriptive and performance information on the Sherpa Pangboche Down Sweater. Read our article Ultralight Three-Season Down Jackets State of the Market Report 2010 for a state-of-the-market analysis and comparative specifications and performance for a range of ultralight down jackets.

This is the first time I have worked with Sherpa Adventure Gear, and the name of the owners is (you guessed it) Sherpa. The Sherpas are one of the original mountain people of Nepal. Part of Sherpa Adventure Gear’s mission is to recognize and honor the Sherpa people. Their new for fall 2010 Pangboche Down Sweater is named after Pangboche, the oldest Sherpa village in Nepal, estimated to have been built over 300 years ago. The jacket is elegantly designed and warm, but how suited is it for lightweight backpacking?

Description

The Pangboche is elegantly designed and constructed, with lots of attention to details. It looks sharp. It’s almost too nice to use on outdoor adventures, where it can get snagged or dirty.

The Pangboche’s shell is 1.3 oz/yd² (45 g/m²) ripstop polyester with DWR, with a taffeta lining. It has a very soft hand, which is typical for a polyester shell. The jacket is insulated with 4 ounces (113 g) of 800 fill power down, giving it a measured single-layer loft of 1 inch (2.5 cm), which is very good for the multi-purpose group of jackets.

Performance

I wore the Pangboche Down Sweater while backcountry skiing and snowshoeing in all kinds of weather.

The Pangboche has a roomy fit. Size Large fits me (6 ft/1.83 m tall, 167 lb/76 kg, 39 in/99 cm chest) with room to spare, enough to layer over a vest or a fleece top. The sleeves are plenty long and the back is 28 inches (71 cm) long, enough to cover the butt. The elastic cuffs are snug, as is the collar if you wear it over your chin. The hem has a drawcord to snug it up when needed.

The Pangboche is a mixed bag as far as lightweight construction. On the one hand, its feature set is very lightweight, using #3 zippers and limiting the number of pockets, but its shell and lining fabrics are on the heavy end compared to other jackets.

In our comparative warmth tests, the Pangboche ranked in the middle of the field, meaning it’s warmer than lesser insulated jackets but not among the warmest in the multi-purpose jacket group.

Comparisons

Our article Ultralight Three-Season Down Jackets State of the Market Report 2010 provides complete specifications and ratings for the Sherpa Pangboche Down Sweater in comparison to a range of other lightweight down jackets. The jackets most similar are the EMS Ascent Sector Down Sweater, Eddie Bauer First Ascent Downlight Sweater, Marmot Zeus Jacket, Salomon Minim Down Sweater, and TNF Thunder Jacket.

Assessment

Sherpa Adventure Gear is apparently reading the market well; in the growing market for multi-purpose three-season down jackets, many people purchase these jackets on the basis of fit, styling, warmth, and versatility. They use the jacket for a wide range of activities, outdoor recreation being just one of them. The Pangboche is perfectly targeted to that market. It is very attractive and will draw a lot of compliments. At the same time it is warm and will serve the user well in a variety of activities.

The Pangboche is not our first choice for backpacking, it’s a little on the heavy side for that, and perhaps a little too elegant. However, it’s a great jacket for day trips, adventure travel, eco tourism and the like. The Pangboche will likely appeal most to the person who likes to travel, participates in a wide variety of outdoor activities, and wants to use the jacket for just about anything in cooler weather.

Specifications and Features

Disclosure: The manufacturer provided this product to the author and/or Backpacking Light at no charge, and it is owned by the author/BPL. The author/Backpacking Light has no obligation to review this product to the manufacturer under the terms of this agreement.