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UOG TOP PICK: Rab's Solar Eco sleeping bags combine recycled synthetic materials and cutting-edge technology to produce performance bags that are also eco-friendly. The Solar Eco bags have a bit more space than their higher-performing Solar Ultra cousins, one of our top picks.
Rab says:
High performance, lower impact. The Solar Eco bags are built with recycled fabrics and recycled Stratus™ insulation made from 100% post-consumer PET bottles. Ideal for the mountain bothy goer, the globetrotting backpacker, and the desert bivi in mild conditions, with a wide mummy shape for a comfortable night's sleep.
We’ve taken everything we know about lower impact design and applied it to what we do best. These resilient synthetic bags are filled with 100% recycled Stratus™ insulation, and lined and covered with a tough, 20D, recycled Atmos™ fabric with ripstop. Hardwearing, warm, and dependable, they are fast drying and cope with condensation and damp conditions.
The Solar Eco 1 is built with a complex construction to maximise warmth without bulk. It is insulated with a double layer of Stratus™ insulation on the upper arranged in a concertina structure to trap warm air. For reduced weight and bulk, the base of the bag has just a single layer of insulation. The elastic internal quilting brings the lining and insulation closer to the user, helping to reduce pockets of cold air. The localised quilting simply means that the stitching which holds the insulation in place has been minimised to reduce the chance of cold spots. Packing down to just 30cm x 18cm, it’s incredibly low bulk and stashable. Perfect for summer climbing trips, bivis in warm climates, and backpacking adventures.
The Solar Eco has an adjustable hood which can be cinched in snug around the face to shut out the chill and an adjustable neck baffle to stop the heat escaping. The ¾ length zip has an additional baffle along its length that acts as an effective draught excluder with an anti-snag zip guard. The wide mummy fit offers space to find your most comfortable sleeping position, with room for extra layers should night-time temperatures plummet.
Our Verdict
Rab's Solar Eco 1 Synthetic sleeping bag fits into Rab’s Solar Eco range which combine recycled synthetic materials and cutting-edge technology to produce performance bags that are also eco-friendly, although the Solar Eco bags are a bit roomier and therefore with a slightly lower warmth to weight ratio than Rab's other synthetic range - the Solar Ultras.
The starting point is the Stratos recycled filling which has been carefully selected by Rab for its warmth to weight ratio and is incorporated with a differential fill, so there’s more on the top than the base where it is less effective. The outer shell fabric is tough and water resistant making these bags more suitable for all applications, including bivying and tarp camping.
Have Rab achieved their goal? – well a leading edge down bag with an EN Comfort rating of 0C will typically weigh between 550 and 600grams, the Solar Eco 2 weighs 980grams and has a slightly better rating of -1C, so there is a significant weight premium for the synthetic version.
Whatever your judgement Rab have not only made a good contribution to the synthetic bag market but also taken a significant step forward in responsible manufacturing.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Dual layer concertina blanket construction on upper for improved loft and warmth
- Single layer blanket construction on base for reduced weight and pack size
- Localised quilting to reduce cold transmision
- Adjustable hood closure system with elasticated drawcord and cordlock adjuster
- Close fitting adjustable neck baffle design for improved warmth retension
- YKK 3/4 length main zip with synthetic insulated zip baffle to trap warmth
- Anti snag internal zip guard
- Compression stuffsack included
- Mummy shape
Specifications
Temperature Rating (EN(13537:2012)
- Comfort: 9°C / 48°F
- Comfort Limit: 5°C / 41°F
- Extreme: -8°C / -18°F
- Rab Sleep Limit: 2°C / 35°F
Regular Specs
- Weight: 725g (excludes storage bags)
- Packed size: 30 x 18cm
- Overall length: 215cm
- Height of user: 185cm
- Internal shoulder girth: 150cm
- Internal hip girth: 128cm
- Internal foot girth: 108cm
Long Specs
- Weight: g (excludes storage bags)
- Packed size: 30 x 18cm
- Overall length: 230cm
- Height of user: 200cm
- Internal shoulder girth: 152cm
- Internal hip girth: 130cm
- Internal foot girth: 110cm
Material & Construction
- Shell: 20D Atmos™ recycled polyester ripstop fabric (41gsm) with fluorocarbon free DWR
- Lining: 20D Atmos™ recycled polyester ripstop fabric (38gsm) with fluorocarbon free DWR
- Upper: 100gsm Recycled Stratus Synthetic Sheet Insulation in a dual layer construction
- Base: 60gsm Recycled Stratus Synthetic Sheet Insulation in a Single layer construction
