Gear Reviewer: Ngaio Hotte
The sky is the limit when it comes to how much money you can spend on outdoor gear–the challenge is figuring out what you really need. A new sleeping bag can cost anywhere from $150 to more than $1,200. If you’re doing multi-day alpine adventures year-round, a $1,200 sleeping bag is probably worth it. But if, like most people, you’re just planning to go on a few overnight camping trips each summer, you may as well save your money.
The Mountain Hardwear Lamina™ 15F/-9C sleeping bag is a solid sleeping bag for the weekend warrior’s summertime adventures and will keep you prepared for a range of weather conditions. I tested this bag out during a weekend trip to a local alpine lake at the end of July.
It was a particularly warm night, so I slept with the zipper open, knowing that if the wind picked up or a storm blew in, I could just zip it up, pull the hood snug and stay cozy. Since I almost always camp with a dog, it was grateful for the 30D nylon ripstop shell fabric, which handily withstood scratchy dog claws and many circles before he chose his sleeping spot for the night.
Why Choose Synthetic?
While the Lamina’s synthetic fill may be somewhat heavier and less compact than a down sleeping bag, it will also keep you warm if it gets damp and will provide some extra cushion on top of your sleeping pad for a softer sleeping surface. Down fill tends to compress more than synthetic fill, which is great for packing down into a smaller volume but also means that it flattens under the weight of your body, leaving your sleeping pad to do most of the work of keeping you warm and comfortable. For this same reason, a synthetic bag is a good choice if you like sleeping in a hammock.
More About Ngaio
Ngaio Hotte is an economist by day, occasional freelance writer and frequent outdoor photographer. Wonton is an adventure potato (aka pug) who enjoys hiking, swimming beyond his ability and attacking the garden hose. Together, they are easily recognized on the trails around Squamish, British Columbia. Follow her adventures on Instagram: @creeks.and.peaks
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