Inexpensive Climashield Apex/Prism Sleeping Bags

There may be some companies starting to take this on now that Apex has picked up popularity but I'm pretty sure an inexpensive Apex sleeping bag does not exist. The only company I'm aware that is even making them is Kifaru, and while they meet your weight requirement, they start around $400.

Apex is quality stuff and is generally only being used by quality manufacturers so there are no bargain items out there currently, and maybe not ever.

ETA: I'm not up on the absolute latest happenings in the Apex world nor do I use sleeping bags so if that info is a little out of date I apologize.

north face cats meow … climbashield prism and apex in the new versions

its en-rated as well (ask TNF for this info)

the shell is also pretty durable

the fit is a bit generous so if you do want to use a snugger inner down bag/quilt its generally not a problem unless yr fattah !!!

you can often find em on sale

;)

This manufacturer has started using Apex. Situated in Poland, but they ship to the US I think.

Be carefull when looking for these as TNF started using their Heatseeker instead of one of the Climashields (since spring 2014 already).

That is great to hear about TNF cats meow. That was my favorite budget bag before they started using Apex. I'm excited to hear about how it works.

Be carefull when looking for these as TNF started using their Heatseeker instead of one of the Climashields (since spring 2014 already).

as long as the en ratings are still spot on, i wouldnt be too worried … and from those eurobum sites it seems like its a -7C lower limit (mens "comfort") rating

;)

I picked up one of the REI flavors…. 20 deg. and was supposed to be 2 lb 8 ounces. It was three ounces heavy on my scale.

It said Climashield on one tag. Not sure which flavor but I think I'm taking it back. Next to my Prodigy Quilt it is no comparison. The thing takes up substantially more pack space and is a pound heavier. I think I'll spend the extra $50 and keep Tim employed rather than the Chinese.

Why not ask Tim if he can use something heavier than his 20D if you want it burly? Not sure what your intended use is, but I've always considered 20D substantial for UL. I'd be afraid something much heavier wouldn't be comfortable for the liner.

"as long as the en ratings are still spot on, i wouldnt be too worried … and from those eurobum sites it seems like its a -7C lower limit (mens "comfort") rating"

The en-ratings are good for comparison (now), but actually that's it.

I'll probably just do the standard 10D. I've not had any reliability problems with it and if my son doesn't end up using it enough it can go on the gear exchange.