Slotted Sleeping Bag No Longer Available

Sun., July 2, 2000

Can I get a sleeping bag with a slot for a Therm-A-Rest? A few years ago a buddy of mine who used to work for the CIA loaned me a bag he was issued that had a back panel with no insulation. But instead it had a slot for a length Thermarest.

The bag was rated at 20 degrees with the Therm-ARest inserted. Since he was issued one, he doesn’t know where to get another and I have been looking everywhere for this design.

Do you have any idea where I could find a bag like this?

Its extreme computability and lightweight make it desirable for long-distance backpacking. This spring I’m headed off for the Pacific Crest Trail, and it is high on my list of priorities. I’d appreciate any leads you could give.

Matt Turner, Castro Valley, Calif.

Gear Guy: I know exactly what bag that was, Matt. It was a bag, the name of which eludes me, from Cascade Designs. It was designed to take into account a key fact: When you’re in a sleeping bag, your body weight smashes flat the insulation under you, virtually eliminating its R-value. This bag cost about $140, and was designed to hold a Therm-a-rest pad underneath you, with the pad providing the insulation.

Alas, Cascade Designs quit making sleeping bags two years ago, so that bag no longer is available. In any event, I’m not sure how much that bag gained you. It used synthetic insulation, so it wasn’t really all that light - about two and a half pounds. And it still tended to gap up underneath you, resulting in cold spots.

Here’s the bag I’d take on a PCT hike: A Marmot Arroyo ($249). It is a GREAT bag - very light (1 pounds 12 ounces), rated to 30 degrees, incredibly packable, and with a water-resistant Nikwax finish on its polyester shell. Down filled, with premium 775-fill down. A better bag than your friend had suggested.

If you’re adamant about synthetic fill, get a Renaissance from Integral Designs. Soft PrimaLoft insulation, 20-degree rating, 2 pounds 12 ounces. A very good bag.

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