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Extreme bag for, extreme conditions. This poler bag was designed to keep you warm whilst exploring the coldest places on earth.
Thermarest says
Designed in conjunction with renowned polar explorer Eric Larsen, the Polar Ranger -20F/-30C down sleeping bag is built for the coldest places on earth. Previously a recipient of Backpacker Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award, the lightest and most feature-rich bag in its class just got better.
It utilizes cutting edge box-baffled construction and is filled with highly compressible, PFC-free 800-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™. This advanced down maintains its loft and warmth longer, even in the challenging conditions of extended expedition use in the arctic cold. It absorbs 90% less water and dries 3x faster than untreated down—a big plus on long trips where periodic drying is required. The ultralight shell and soft liner are made from planet-friendly GRS-certified 100% recycled nylon. A unique snorkel hood with a magnetic closure helps seal in warmth while routing exhaled moisture away from the bag to preserve loft. Drafts are kept at bay by extensive, overstuffed draft tubes and a pair of side vents allow for custom ventilation while freeing your arms while still in the bag. Other features include an insulated Toe-asis™ foot-warming pocket, SynergyLink™ Connectors to link bag and sleeping pad, an interior stash pocket, external loops for attaching a quilt or blanket for more warmth, and an anti-snag YKK® zipper.
Our Verdict
This 800 fill-down bag has been made for extreme, expedition conditions. The bag has been updated to be more sustainable, now made from 100% recycled 20 denier nylon, which is very soft against the skin. It has a very generous toe box, which incorporates the Therm-e-rests “Toe-asis” foot pocket, essentially a pocket for your feet so they stay nice and toasty.
The bag opens down the middle, which you open and close with the new anti-snag zipper, the bag also has two side vents that can be used as armholes, to say read a book or phone when in the ,bag but also to ventilate some heat if you are running to warm.
The hood is incredibly cosy, and the “snorkel” is fantastic at ventilating the moisture you exhale during the night but can also be cinched to protect you from the cold. Therm-e-rests very wisely chose to make the insulation around the “snorkel” from synthetic insulation as opposed to down, this still insulates when wet, unlike down. That being said the Polar Ranger uses Hydrophobic Down, which absorbs 90% less water and dries much quicker than standard down.
As electronics tend to fair badly in cold conditions, the generous interior pocket is good for storing battery packs, mobile phones, GPS devices etc. this ensures that they will stay charged longer in extreme conditions.
The bag has a very generous cut, and doesn’t feel constrictive, this allows you to wear more layers to adapt to colder conditions.
This isn’t a bag for general winter use in the U.K this is for extreme temperatures in for example Norway, Iceland or even further north.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- High-Performance Sustainability: Shell and liner are made of a nylon that is softer to the touch, lighter than previous versions, and 100% recycled.
- Redesigned Snorkel Hood: Shorter and stiff er snorkel allows easy breathing and ventilates exhaled moisture while keeping out cross drafts with new magnetic closures.
- Sustainable 800 Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™: Responsible Down Standard certified, it absorbs 90% less water and dries 3 times faster without using dangerous PFCs for better performance in wet weather.
- Refined Fit: Tested and perfected in our onsite cold chamber, added girth and precise down distribution achieve optimal thermal efficiency and comfort.
- Redesigned SynergyLink™ Connectors: Lighter design secures the bag to a pad to increase the thermal effi ciency of your sleep system.
- Side Vents: Side vents open for external arm use and allow customizable temperature control. Overlapping draft tubes prevent cold spots when zippers are closed.
- Extra Stash Pocket: Interior pocket allows access to your essentials without exposure to the cold.
- Additional Features: Toe-asis™ Foot Warmer Pocket, overstuff ed draft tubes, quilt and blanket loops, cinchable draft collar, and a YKK anti-snag zipper.
- Compression sack and storage sack included.
Specifications
Regular
- Fits: 169-183cm (5ft 7in-6ft)
- Girth: 163cm at shoulder, 150cm at hip, 117cm at foot
- Fabric: 100% Recycled 20D Nylon w/ DWR / 100% Recycled 20D Nylon
- Fill: 800 Fill Goose Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™, RDS
- Fill weight: 965g
- Pack size: 22 x 25 cm
- Comfort rating: -20°C / -4°F
- Comfort Limit: -30°C / -20°F
- Weight: 1548g (excludes storage bags)
Long
- Fits: 184-198cm (6ft 1in-6ft 6in)
- Girth: 173cm at shoulder, 152cm at hip, 130cm at foot
- Fabric: 100% Recycled 20D Nylon w/ DWR / 100% Recycled 20D Nylon
- Fill: 800 Fill Goose Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™, RDS
- Fill weight: 1070g
- Pack size: 22 x 25 cm
- Comfort rating: -20°C / -4°F
- Comfort Limit: -30°C / -20°F
- Weight: 1660g (excludes storage bags)
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