Backpacking on a budget is easier than ever these days. But be careful, sometimes important criteria are lost when going low budget. There is no sense in saving a few bucks only to spend the night shivering in frosty temperatures.
Suisse Sport Adventurer Mummy Ultra-Compactable Sleeping Bag
Next on our list for backpackers seeking a lightweight option that works well on the trail is the Suisse Sport Adventurer Mummy Ultra-Compactable. Like the Teton Sports Trailhead, it’s light, warm, and durable, but much more suited for moderate late spring, summer, and early fall temperatures, and smaller built for outdoorsmen.
The first thing you will notice with this selection is that it’s a very plain-looking product, not much for style points. But it’s ideal for long treks when a few extra ounces and pack space, can make a difference.
This option will keep you comfortable at 40 – 50 degrees, and when the temperatures dip to the freezing point it is low-temperature rated to 30 degrees. But reviewers found the 30-degree rating much more of a survival rating than a comfort rating.
Breathability is an issue too, so be sure to wear lightweight long underwear, including sleeves, that will capture any sweat your body produces during the night. This will prevent you from waking up slick and cold.
The sack has a 100-percent polyester Ripstop outer and inner lining, a double-layer construction, and a 700-gram Micro Tekk.7 high-performance microfiber insulation.
Check out our review on Coleman North Rim 0 Degree Sleeping Bag.
Small, Light And Excellent Compression
Measuring 29.5 inches by 84.5 inches (W x L) when rolled out this lightweight option comes with a compression storage sack that reduces to 12 x 7 x 7 for travel. Like our first choice, this option only takes up a third of your pack space.
On our scale, it weighed 2.8 lb. and 3lb. stuffed in the compression sack. It weighs a little too much to be considered ‘ultra-light’ but is pretty good for the price. Reviewers have also noted that this selection will slip and slide on the pad, so be sure your pad has straps or sleeves to hold it in place.
If you are using it in a hammock, you will want to make sure the hammock is level with the ground to prevent sliding. Although campers up to 6’2” will have fit length-wise very well, we noted this product is a little narrow in the shoulder area.
Larger outdoor adventure enthusiasts will be happy to know they can get the right fit as the company also offers an Adventurer XL, which is a little wider on the top.
This selection from Suisse has a double-action zipper inside and outside and offers both the cinch hood and draft tube for additional body heat retention and protection against the elements. You will also find an internal zippered pocket for valuables. I
t’s made with a double-layer offset quilt construction and comes with a compression stuff sack, and compression straps that make it easy to stuff down to its compact size. Although I did find it difficult to stuff back into the sack the first couple of times. You may want to check out some easy-to-find videos online that show you how to make it easy to get into the stuff sack.
At its ridiculous low price point, the Suisse Sports Adventure Mummy Ultra-Compactable is a good choice for hikers, bikers, or anyone who needs a lighter option that delivers value for less.
However, unlike the TETON Sports TrailHead +20 Degree F Ultralight this option does not offer the quality for the dollar, but despite this, backpackers will find it a good performer for the price. Campers who do not backpack will also find this an attractive buy for general camping or a backup bag for kids and drop-in guest campers.