Gear Review: ZPacks 10F Sleeping Bag

Shoes, pack and a shelter – These used to be the most important pieces of gear to me.  Until I used a ZPacks sleeping bag.  Now my sleep system makes that list.  Because, without a good night’s sleep, how could I enjoy views like this?

 

How it was tested:  I used the ZPacks 10 degree sleeping bag during my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike, from May to September 2015.

Specs

Temperature:  10 degree.  Other temperatures available are 20, 30 and 40 degree.

Zipper:  Unzips ¾ length down the bag.

Added Features:  I opted for a draft tube.  This minimizes the amount of cold air getting through the zipper, specifically if you don’t like sleeping with the zipper underneath you.

Weight:  The bag I used is 22.7 ounces.  Depending on the size of the 10 degree bag, weight varies anywhere from 17.8 to 28.5 ounces.

Cost:  $400+ for a 10 degree bag.

Warranty:  1 year

About ZPacks

Joe Valesko founded ZPacks in 2005. Joe designs and tests all the gear, and has thru-hiked over 9,700 long distance miles including the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Te Araroa Trail, TGOC Scotland, and the TMB in the Alps. You can see some of Joe’s Adventures Here.

Pros

Warmth:  Each bag has 900 fill goose down and baffles spaced every 5 inches.  I was always warm!  Many nights I was actually too warm, so I simply slept with the bag unzipped and it was perfect.

Lightweight:  The bag I used is only 22.7 ounces and 24.8 ounces packed (this includes the weight of the bag, an additional 1.2 ounces for the draft tube and .9 ounces with the cuben fiber roll bag).

Customizable:  One of my favorite features about ZPacks sleeping bags is the customization.  Each bag is made to order, and there are several options for adjustments.  The width ranges from regular to extra-wide.  Length varies to fit pretty much any height and longer bags can be made upon request.

Since I’m tall I decided to size up one length, giving me the option to cinch the bag above my head and be completely covered.  Down hoods can be purchased for $65, but I didn’t find it necessary.   Initially, I was hesitant about not having a hood attached, but I actually found it less constricting.  On cold nights I just slept with a hat or pulled the bag over me.

 

Packs Easily:  When I’m backpacking, I want to maximize my time soaking up nature, not wrestling my sleeping bag.  Packing the ZPacks sleeping bag into the cubin fiber roll bag took me less than one minute each time.  Easy as pie (or in this case, ramen)!

Quick-Drying:  There were several mornings where my sleeping bag was a victim of condensation.  All it took was a few minutes of direct sunlight or dry air and my bag was completely fluffed up again.

Great Customer Service:  Anytime I had a question regarding the product, I always received a response from staff within 24 hours.  I’ve learned staff responsiveness is almost just as important to me as the performance of the product.

Cons

The zipper would often get caught on the draft tube.

Overall

The ZPacks 10 degree sleeping bag is warm, lightweight and durable.  It kept me comfortable for four months straight, the duration of my PCT thru-hike, and is still going strong.  Before my purchase, I considered other bags, but they were not as lightweight and either did not offer a 10 degree option or were more expensive.  I love this sleeping bag so much, I’m tempted to sleep in it even though I’m now living indoors.

Disclosure: Zpacks provided the above sleeping bag at a discount for the purpose of review.