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“The Lost Ranger 3N1 20° sleeping bag is part of our latest evolution of the Big Agnes Sleep System. This modular bag design offers just what you’d expect: three bag configurations in one simple, yet technical sleep system.”

Combining sleeping bags has long been a choice of ours for a few reasons, including boosting the warmth of an older bag extending its use, or combining separate bags of differing fill types for use in winter or longer expeditions in damp conditions.

The Lost Ranger 3N1 system from Big Agnes combines both a traditional mummy type bag along with a large rectangular quilt. The mummy style bag, which Big Agnes refer to as the inner bag, weighs in at 584 grams with a temperature comfort limit rating of 1.6 degrees. The quilt or the outer bag, weighs in slightly lighter at 570 grams with a temperature comfort limit rating of 10 degrees. The two combined have a comfort limit rating of -6 degrees. So very much a system suited for 3-season use in Scotland.

Both sections use a simple sewn through baffle construction with 650 FP DownTek fill, and a ripstop nylon shell which offers decent protection against moisture. The idea is that cold spots are prevented by the two layers overlapping each other. Although at first apprehensive about this, it does appear in practice to work well, making for a very warm set up in which we had a comfortable night’s sleep a few degrees below freezing. Receiving the Lost Ranger in the Autumn we only had the chance to test this system when combined, which may lead to issues regarding cold spots when used individually.

As we entered the colder months, we found the outer bag offers not only a decent boost of warmth, but also adds a layer of protection unrestricting the performance of the inner bag. Especially useful on nights spent in a snowhole in the Cairngorms, and winter bivvi at Ben Alder, in which we combined the outer bag from Big Agnes with one of our own winter rated sleeping bags. Quite the versatile piece of kit, the outer bag has some nice features with a secure place for a pillow, dual zipper, and the Pad Cinch System, which although a bit fiddley does fit to a wide range of mats keeping a secure hold throughout the night.

Big Agnes describes that the inner bag design, “mimics our award-winning Sidewinder sleeping bag, designed for side sleepers and made to move with you from side to side.” For us we found the inner bag to be the less versatile of the two, although the system did work well if you move around at night or prefer to sleep on your side. The zippers are particularly easy to use, nice and large which in turn leads to less snagging. What we did find a little underwhelming was the exclusion of a proper neck baffle with an adjustable cord, with the ‘jacket style hood’ lacking that secure hold we would prefer in this area. The overall length in a regular size is 183cm which is perfect for our height. The inner bag is on the slim side, with just enough width in the shoulders, although roomy around the footbox.

Our Verdict
When first reading about the Lost Ranger 3N1 system from Big Agnes, it sounded a very interesting concept, making for a versatile set up for 3-season use. Receiving the Lost Ranger in the autumn we have only used the system with both the inner and outer bag combined and found it to be a warm set up with no cold spots noticeable and comfortable up to the stated temperature ratings. The inner fabric is soft and very comfortable, and the fill although only 650 FP lofts well and gave us many good nights sleep. There are some interesting features, mostly found on the quilt (outer bag),

including the Pad Cinch System which keeps a solid hold to a wide range of mats whilst also having a place to keep our pillow. Overall, we were left slightly wanting more, for the price its certainly a good fit to anyone travelling in mixed environments, including low level biking and even just long roads trips, although when it comes to a mountain specific sleep-system we found ourselves needing a few extra features. This mostly applies to the inner bag which could be improved with a better design to the head area and neck baffle. We also believe there could be an issue with cold spots if using each part of the system individually, as both use a sewn through baffle construction.

Trek Scotland is a small family business based in the picturesque village of Tomintoul in the North East region of the Cairngorms National Park. They provide bespoke Mountain Guiding for Single Day Walks and Lightweight Multiday Trekking experiences, including wild camping, in the stunning Cairngorms wilderness and surrounding areas. Whether in the high mountains or lower valleys, their Multiday Treks are equipped with high quality, lightweight camping and trekking gear. They only work with small groups and, whatever your ability, pride themselves on designing your outdoor experience completely to your needs and with professional guidance and expertise. Adventure is waiting... Read more from Trek Scotland