Review: Slumberjack Sojourn -20°F Sleeping Bag
Slumberjack has been making sleeping bags for a long time and I was excited to hear that they were introducing some new designs for 2016. While I already have several sleeping bags of various types, I didn't have a down sleeping bag or anything I'd consider "light" other than my old USMC sleeping system.
The dual zippers and "arms out" feature of the Sojourn solves the "all in or all out" conundrum allowing you to do other tasks in your tent while still staying warm. It's really nice to be in the bag and yet able to get dinner or read. Or even have a beer!
The Sojourn is available in -20, 0, 20 and 40 degree versions. Many US sleeping bag manufacturers use non-standardized methods to establish their temperature comfort ratings which means that ratings from different manufacturers may not be comparable so when I shop for a bag I always buy the lowest available temperature rating I can afford - You can always unzip if you're too warm but if you don't have enough bag you'll be regretting it... been there done that!The polyester shell, black "solar lining" for drying in the sun, and water resistant double layered hood and foot panels aid in keeping this bag dry. They also made drying easier by adding these sturdy loops on the foot box for hanging and "lofting" the down in the bag.
The key to this bag's warmth is the fill: 550 fill power gray duck down to be exact. They've also added a twist to duck down with DriDown™ technology. Each feather, or plume, is treated with a molecular level polymer creating a hydrophobic finish allowing the insulation to stay dry longer, loft better & dry faster than untreated down. This is especially important when camping several nights in a row or in a humid environment where the bag may accumulate moisture in the form of condensation. Anyone who has ever suffered through the night in a soggy sleeping bag will appreciate the value of a bag that can maintain loft and warmth even in the worst conditions.
The included mesh storage sack is a nice touch as this allows the "looser" storage recommended for a down bag and better breathability than the nylon stuff sack.
What would I change? I don't like sleeping bags with slippery, "cold on entry" polyester interiors so I'd like to see this bag with a fleece interior. I'll probably pick up a Micro Fleece Bag Liner to address this concern.
The bottom line? I highly recommend this bag. Obviously, down bags are very expensive and you need to choose wisely. If you could only have one sleeping bag this will work and the price point is more than reasonable considering all of the intuitive features like dual zippers, great hood and 550 fill power DriDown™. Priced around $299, the Sojourn -20 is a great value. Visit Slumberjack for more info!
