Big Agnes Elbert 35 Sleeping Bag Review
Not every outdoor expedition involves a battle of
endurance against frigid climates.
Just as there are many sleeping bags designed for freezing
temperatures, manufacturers also design bags that are made for warmer
weather. The Big Agnes Elbert,
with a temperature rating of 35 degrees F, will certainly not protect you
from the conditions prevailing tens of thousands of feet high on a mountain
side, or in the perpetual chill of a snow cave, but it should provide a
decent sleeping environment for a cool forest or similarly mild outdoor
conditions. Weighing in at about
2 lbs. 8 oz., the Elbert is one of the more lightweight offerings from Big
Agnes, a mummy design with synthetic Primaloft fill.
Immediately, one will notice several features, or lack thereof, in
the Elbert. Firstly, it has no
hood, which may be a departure for those used to pulling the top of their
sleeping bags over their heads at night.
What the top of the bag does have are shoulder flaps, which prevent
drafts of cold air from seeping into the bag over the abundant shoulder
space. It also comes with a
pillow sleeve, which can hold either your favorite pillow or a makeshift
cushion from a folded jacket.
Lastly, there is no insulation or cushioning at the bottom of the bag to
keep the overall product light.
What you get instead is a sleeve that holds a sleeping pad, which is itself
a separate purchase. Since the
sleeve is integrated into the bag’s design, you should not encounter any
problems with the sleeping pad shifting out of place or dislodging itself
from the bag entirely. The
Elbert comes with both a compression sack and a mesh bag, depending on how
you choose to carry your bag.
Reactions are mixed among owners of the Elbert as to
its overall performance, and how it functioned in specific circumstances.
Those who are satisfied with it cite its comfortable lining and
material, the fact that it does not absorb moisture or dampness in a humid
environment, and its excellent warmth retention.
Likewise, it is a relatively light bag for one with synthetic fill,
and it compresses just as well as down fill bags without sacrificing any
utility. When the bag does get
wet, it dries easily.
There are a number of complaints about the Elbert as
well, however. A minor concern
is that the zipper that runs down the length of the bag does not open up in
the foot area, so in substantially warmer locations, one’s feet have a
tendency to get too warm, which can be uncomfortable.
The zipper also sometimes catches or opens by itself, and cannot be
pulled all the way closed from the within the bag due to its position.
The major flaw with the Elbert is that it is highly dependent on the
sleeping pad – if the pad breaks or is lost, the underside of the Elbert is
too thin to provide any insulation whatsoever, or a comfortable cushion
against uneven or abrasive ground.
At less than US$200, it is one of the cheaper bags on the market, but
beware, you will get no more than what you pay for.
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