quality dri-down sleeping bags?

Thanks for your response Tim… but what is Blue Sign anyway?

thanks,

Billy

Allied website would have full details. Basically it's an ethical and environmental standard that applies to down goods.

-Tim

"Basically it's an ethical and environmental standard that applies to down goods. "

oh… so that means it won't work as good as the nasty stuff, right? :)

Billy

It'll work just as well but will cost more and you don't get the foie gras. :-)

I would also look into the Mountain Hardwear Phanotom. I used the 15 Phantom, but it's also available in 0 like you apparently want. It is also very light when compared to most of the big campanies bags. What is "special" about it is the hood. I think that it's the best hood that I've used. It uses "qshield" down and I'm not sure if it's the "good stuff".

I totally agree on the Phantom and especially its hood. I have a 30F. Hood incredible, by far the best I've ever used. Doesn't seem that complicated; they just got it right. Snugs perfectly without overtight areas or loose bits. Doesn't need to be cinched to the max to start working well. Sensational!

I bought it long before I really saw any reviews; I got a pro-deal at the time, so bought it mainly based on temp at weight spec. Length is perfect for me, their sizing was good. I have since seen/heard lots of other people rave about them and their hood too.

Temp ratings (EN standard) were very good for me. Normally I would consider myself a cold sleeper however maybe I just had really bad luck in the past with sleeping bag ratings (even reputable brands).

I have an 800 loft version from 2010. No doubt the newer versions are incrementally better.

Yes, I'm looking at the Phantom now.
looks pretty slim cut…
maybe a bit too much so if you plan to wear down jacket and pants inside?

Billy

I hated my Phantom. Really narrow in the shoulders such that I would compress the down and get cold in that area. If you have narrow shoulders, however, it will probably work fine. Zero chance of layering in that bag, for me anyway.

Yes its a pretty slim cut, but I fit it, and I like it that way. You would have to be pretty big to start having compression issues, I'm a 105cm chest. I never used it together with lofting clothing, but yeah a down jacket would start to become an issue. On a sub zero bag you want to be able to have your clothing inside, but for me, on a 32 bag, I am not carrying that much lofty clothing anyway (if at all) as day time temps aren't that high. At most a down vest. So I could wear that inside if I have to. I've worn thermals+fleece inside, of course they were no problem.

I have a newer Phantom and find the cut just slightly slimmer than more former Hydrogen. I've used my down jacket w/ it and had no problems w/ compression (I'm 5' 11" and 185 so not exactly petite :) )

nice fully featured bag, that I've had down to freezing several times w/ no issues

You are pretty much the average in size, maybe on the small side actually. ; )

Billy Ray, if you compare the specs…..the phantom seems to be pretty much average when compared to most mummy bags. I'm 6'2 and 180 pounds and find the long plenty roomy for layers like down jacket and fleece pants. For example, the hip measurements of the regular MH is 2 inches wider than the WM ultralight and even with its shoulder width. However, the Marmot Lithium and Hydrogen are cut 2-4 inches wider than most mummy bags. For me, the MH is comfortable……others may want a wider bag for personal reasons or body type.

Hi Michael, will there be 850-900 fill Dridown Mobile mummy?

Read my post on "Re-thinking the EB Karakoram 0 SrormDown bag.

Like the idea of down DWR but not EB's bag design. Still deciding but likely sending it back.

Erik,
When I started this thread a while back I considered the EB Karakoram 0 but didn't like the reviews of it being too long… also didn't have a good feeling about the lack of specs… so I passed on the EB.

I did order 3 bags to compare:
Marmot Plasma 0
Marmot Lithium 0
Mountain Hardware Phantom 0

I had them on my living room floor for weeks and tried them out a bit.
In the end I thought the MH Phantom 0 the best choice. It seemed to have the most loft, the least snaggy zipper, and the best hood and shoulder baffles.

I actually returned all the bags because I had a foot injury and won't need a 0 bag this winter. But of the three I would have kept the Phantom 0… definatley

billy