Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag Review

First Impressions of Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag

The Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag arrives promising lightweight packability and warmth for spring and summer adventures. Mountain Equipment positions it as an ideal companion for those seeking comfort without sacrificing space or weight, making it a tempting choice for backpackers and climbers alike. What truly sparked my interest was the bag’s commitment to sustainability, utilizing 90% recycled POLARLOFT insulation and 100% recycled fabrics – a feature that aligns with my own values as an outdoorsman.

For years, I’ve struggled to find a sleeping bag that perfectly balances warmth, weight, and packability for shoulder-season excursions. My current go-to, a down-filled bag, is fantastic for winter but bulky and overkill for warmer months, while my synthetic alternative is less compressible and doesn’t quite cut it when temperatures dip unexpectedly. I was looking for something that would hit that sweet spot, and the Klimatic II seemed to offer just that.

Unboxing the Klimatic II, I was immediately impressed by its compact size and incredibly light weight. The dusk color is understated and appealing, and the recycled fabric felt surprisingly soft to the touch. The compression sack is functional and adequately compresses the bag to a manageable size. Compared to my bulky down bag, the Klimatic II takes up significantly less space, and against my older synthetic bag, the difference in weight is immediately noticeable. I had considered a similar bag from a competing brand, but the Mountain Equipment’s commitment to recycled materials and its slightly lower weight sealed the deal. My first impression was overwhelmingly positive – I was eager to get it out into the field and put it to the test.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag was on a three-day backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains in late spring. The elevation ranged from 2,000 to 5,000 feet, and the weather was predictably unpredictable, with daytime temperatures reaching the mid-60s and nighttime lows dipping into the upper 30s.

The Klimatic II performed admirably in these conditions. I stayed comfortable throughout the night, even when temperatures flirted with freezing. I found the bag easy to get in and out of, and the full-length zip provided adequate ventilation when things warmed up a bit.

No real issues arose during this initial outing, only the normal shifting around during sleep. Given the bag’s focus on packability, I was pleasantly surprised by its comfort and warmth.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple weekend backpacking trips and a week-long camping excursion, the Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag continues to impress. The fabric has proven surprisingly durable, showing no signs of wear and tear despite being subjected to rough ground, abrasive tent floors, and the occasional encounter with thorny bushes.

Maintaining the bag is incredibly simple. Spot cleaning with a damp cloth takes care of most dirt and grime, and I’ve only had to wash it once, following the manufacturer’s instructions for synthetic insulation. The POLARLOFT insulation has retained its loft and warmth even after repeated compression and use. Compared to my previous experiences with synthetic bags, the Klimatic II outperforms in terms of both warmth-to-weight ratio and durability.

Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag

Specifications

The Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag boasts a range of features designed for lightweight comfort in spring and summer conditions.

• The temperature rating is -3 F Fahrenheit, which seems overly optimistic, the EN Comfort Rating is a more realistic 39 F.
• It utilizes POLARLOFT insulation with an insulation weight of 660g.
• The bag is constructed from 20D Shell fabric.
• Its packed size measures 10x9x8 inches, and it weighs just 33 oz.
• The bag’s dimensions include a shoulder girth of 31 inches, a foot girth of 20 inches, and a hip girth of 79 inches, and is sized for adults.

These specifications are vital for any backpacker or climber looking to minimize weight and maximize pack space. The recycled materials contribute to environmental responsibility.

Performance & Functionality

The Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag excels in its intended role as a lightweight and packable option for warmer weather camping. Its warmth rating is accurate within a reasonable range, providing comfort down to the upper 30s with appropriate layering. The bag’s functionality is enhanced by the full-length zip baffle and integrated collar, which help to seal in warmth and prevent drafts. While the stated temperature rating of -3F might be misleading, the EN Comfort Rating of 39F is much more accurate. This makes it ideal for spring and summer, but potentially inadequate for colder conditions without additional layering.

The bag’s strengths lie in its lightweight design, compressibility, and use of recycled materials. The main weakness is its potentially misleading temperature rating. Overall, it largely meets expectations, providing a comfortable and packable sleeping solution for milder temperatures.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag prioritizes efficiency and comfort. The Alpine fit maximizes thermal efficiency by reducing dead space within the bag, while the anatomically shaped hood and foot-box enhance comfort and warmth. The wave layer construction on top and single layer construction underside optimize insulation and weight distribution. The recycled lining material feels soft against the skin, and the overall build quality is excellent.

The bag is easy to use, with no significant learning curve. The full-length zip operates smoothly, and the compression sack is intuitive and efficient.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag is constructed with durable materials and built to withstand regular use. The 20D Shell fabric is surprisingly resistant to tears and abrasions, and the POLARLOFT insulation maintains its loft even after repeated compression.

Maintaining the bag is straightforward. Spot cleaning is usually sufficient for minor dirt and stains, and the bag can be machine washed on a gentle cycle when necessary.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag comes with a lightweight compression sack for easy packing and storage. There are no specific customization options available for this model. The bag is designed to work with standard-sized sleeping pads, allowing for some level of customization in terms of comfort and insulation.

Pros and Cons of Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag