This high altitude expedition sleeping bag will be one of the most important pieces of gear that I carry on my winter trips in the deep Alaska backcountry.

Initially I was surprised to find that Feathered Friends did not make a women's sleeping bag rated lower than -25°F. The regular length of their lower rated sleeping bags were too long at 6' length, but when I called to inquire about my options I was happy to learn that Feathered Friends would custom make this bag for me at 5'6" for no additional charge. This also meant that the weight of 4lbs 3oz would be slightly reduced, however I have yet to put it on a scale to confirm actual weight.

The 850+ fill is of the highest quality goose down and the attention to detail is one that I have come to expect from Feathered Friends. The loft of this bag is like nothing I have ever experienced. The huge draft collar is coated with a water resistant fabric on the outside to avoid condensation from my breathe entering the bag and large draft tube along the dual zipper ensures no cold air can sneak into my cloud of warmth inside. An exterior water resistant/breathable laminate shell allows snow, ice and water to brush away easily, while a similar taffeta lining allows moisture to escape from damp clothing or snow that may have snuck inside with me.

I have had the opportunity to use this sleeping bag on several occasions while tent camping during the fall freeze up and early Alaska winter with nighttime temps as low as -25°F and have been warm and comfortable. I will continue to use in all winter conditions as I explore the Alaska wilderness and will update with my experiences.

So far I love this winter sleeping bag!

www.featheredfriends.com

I considered this purchase for almost an entire year and when the time finally came for me to get a new bag I was so excited to make the purchase I had so long been wanting to make. Since I have owned this bag my nights have been spent in all four seasons in a wide range of temperatures/conditions in Colorado, Montana, Canada, Alaska, Utah, Arizona, California and Oregon. I have used in temperatures as low as 0° F under a tarp shelter and was warm enough when dressed in thermal base layers, wool socks and an additional lightweight long sleeve top.

The outside shell material is made from a fabric that is lightweight, very water resistant, wind resistant and extremely breathable. It is nice to the touch and feels to be of high quality and fairly durable. There is a puffy draft collar and a generous draft tube to keep air from sneaking in around the neck or through the zipper. The zipper is easy to open/close as well as to connect/disconnect at the bottom. The left sided zipper of this bag connects to the right sided zipper of the men's Feathered Friends bag. When fully zipped there is an additional flap of fabric that can be snapped closed at the top of the zipper. The bag packs down to about the size of a football (listed as packed size 7" x 12") into a small, lightweight stuff sack that is provided. The total weight of the bag (size M, which fits up to 5'9") is listed as 1lb 12oz. I weighed the bag at 1lb 12.7 oz. If that extra .7oz is weight of additional feathers that is fine with me! I find this mummy style bag roomy enough to pull my arms above my head and to draw one knee of to the side when I sleep, yet snug enough to avoid too much air flow which would compromise warmth. It is super fluffy and feels amazing to snuggle into.

Feathered Friends is a small company based in Seattle owned by a husband and wife who are outdoor enthusiasts that began making gear for their own adventures which grew into opening Feathered Friends in 1972. They use the highest quality goose down in all of their products which are made in the USA. I am thrilled with my Feathered Friends experience and gear so far and am happy to be supporting this company.

I have now been using this bag on a very regular basis, including for a 10 week through hike of the Hayduke Trail, during cross country ski trips in the Alaska interior and for my summers as an Alaskan guide. Even with this regular use this bag is still in great condition with plenty of fluffy loft. I am sure I will be using and loving this sleeping bag for many years to come.

http://featheredfriends.com/