Customer Reviews

The Backside® Blue Ice™ Minus 25 Degree F Mummy Bag Ice Blue

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this bag before leaving for my winter hike along the Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine - 2200 miles), it was delivered promptly and my order was handled exceedingly quickly.

I'm currently in Erwin, TN at 'Miss Janets House' just outside of the Roan Mountains and it's the middle of winter. I have made it through the last month, the Smoky Mountains and Northern Georgia with some very cold temps and this bag has done its job many times over. Not only have I never been even remotely cold, I've been snug, toasty and have sometimes had to unzip a little. There have been several below zero, below 10 and below 20 degree nights, and I slept soundly through them all without ever feeling a chill.

Several people have made comments about -50 degrees being overkill, but at 5lbs, I couldn't disagree more. After spending a day hiking 20 plus miles, the last thing you want to endure is a sleepless night shivering in a bag that is forcing you into every spare piece of clothing you've brought along. Your body needs rest and you shouldn't cut corners on a bag. Compared to its rivals, Marmot & Mountain Hardware, this bag is better suited, and better priced. Many folks have actually been quite impressed by this bag and its light enough for me to not even be concerned about 'gear', and enjoy my hike.

Lastly, if you're planning on buying a -20 degree bag for winter camping or hiking, please be advised that you should never take a bag within 10 to 15 degrees of its rating or you're just sleeping in fabric. The closer the temp gets to the rating, the more you'll feel the cold. This bag affords you the luxury of not having to carry a fleece liner, silk liner or even fleece blanket as I have seen other 'lightweight' hikers carrying with their 3lb bags. Liners cost about $70 bucks, if you don't need it, then why carry it?

I had no knowledge of 'The Backside' or their other products before purchasing this bag, but I'm now a convert. I would recommend breaking it in before leaving though as it is fluffy like all new bags and you might have a work-out in the mornings packing it.