REI SubKilo +20 Sleeping Bag Review

The REI SubKilo Sleeping Bag gets it’s name from the weight of the bag. It only weighs .91 kilograms or about 2 lbs. As you can see from the picture below, this sleeping bag packs up to be about twice the size of a Nalgene bottle. It’s a little tight around my shoulders (I’m about 6 ft. with a 44” chest), but I expect that with a mummy bag. I got the long version so I have room to curl up in the bag. The standard version of the sleeping bag will fit heights up to 6 feet. There are two draw string adjustments around the neck and around the hood, and you can select a right or left zipper side.

The insulating material is made from 750 goose down, the shell is durable ripstop polyester and the lining is a very soft and smooth polyester. These materials are lightweight and on cool nights you may notice some cold spots on the bag. I’ve only noticed this while sleeping out under the stars. I’ve never really had a problem inside a tent or bivy sack.

PROS
I like how compact the SubKilo Packs. Every time I go backpacking, I’m always asked, “What’s in that little stuff sack?” They can’t believe it’s my sleeping bag. It’s also great to bring the sleeping bag along in your suitcase, in case you get stranded at the airport, or if you have questionable accommodations. The smooth lining inside the bag allows you to easily clean dirt and debris out of your sleeping bag. I’ve had bags with a rougher fleece type lining and they are really hard to keep clean. I wash my sleeping bag after each long trip and it’s held up over the five years that I’ve had it. Don’t put it in the dryer! Let it air dry.

CONS
To get the full temperature rating on this bag, you need to fluff it and let it sit, then fluff it again. It compresses very tight, but the down tends to lump up after being compressed in your backpack. Other reviews I’ve read of this bag mention a similar temperature rating issue. I got a bit cold sleeping out under the stars, at about 40 degrees.

LIGHT, SMALL PACKING SLEEPING BAG