First Impressions of Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s
The Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s promises a lightweight and packable solution for spring and summer adventures. Mountain Equipment emphasizes sustainability, using recycled materials in both the insulation and fabrics. This immediately caught my attention, as I’m increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of my gear choices.
As a seasoned outdoor professional, I’ve endured countless nights in various sleeping bags, from bulky synthetic behemoths to delicate down cocoons. I was seeking a bag that struck a balance between warmth, weight, and packability for warmer weather excursions. The Klimatic II seemed to fit the bill, offering a -3°F temperature rating (though I’m skeptical of that claim in real-world use) with a focus on minimizing weight and environmental impact.
Unboxing the Klimatic II revealed a neatly compressed package. My initial impression was positive; the Dusk color is appealing, and the 20D shell fabric feels surprisingly soft to the touch. It certainly feels lighter than my current synthetic summer bag, and the included compression sack suggests it will pack down significantly smaller.
Compared to my old faithful North Face synthetic bag and a pricier down bag from Feathered Friends, the Klimatic II stands out for its focus on sustainability and its women-specific design. The North Face is heavier and bulkier, while the Feathered Friends bag is too warm for most summer trips. I picked the Klimatic II hoping it would be a versatile and eco-conscious choice for milder conditions. I’m excited to see if it lives up to the promises of Mountain Equipment and provides a comfortable night’s sleep in the backcountry.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s during a three-day backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. The nights were relatively mild, dipping down to around 45°F. The bag was used inside a lightweight, single-person tent.
The Klimatic II performed adequately in these conditions, providing sufficient warmth for comfortable sleep. However, I suspect that the stated -3°F temperature rating is wildly optimistic; I would not want to rely on this bag in freezing temperatures. I also noticed the bag tended to shift around inside the tent due to the smooth outer fabric.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use on various camping trips, the Klimatic II is holding up reasonably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, although I have been careful to store it properly when not in use. The recycled fabrics appear to be relatively durable, although I anticipate that prolonged exposure to harsh conditions might eventually take its toll.
Cleaning the bag has been relatively easy; a damp cloth is sufficient for spot cleaning. I did notice some slight compression of the POLARLOFT insulation after repeated use, but it hasn’t significantly impacted the bag’s warmth. Compared to my previous synthetic bag, the Klimatic II is definitely more packable and lighter.
Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s
Specifications
The Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s features several key specifications. It utilizes 90% recycled POLARLOFT insulation, with an insulation weight of 440. The bag is designed for women, with a user height of 192 cm (6’3″), shoulder girth of 31 in, hip girth of 76 in, and foot girth of 20 in.
The bag has an EN Comfort Rating of 39°F and an EN Lower Limit Rating of 30°F. Its packed size is 10x9x8 inches, and it weighs 33 oz (just over 2 pounds). Mountain Equipment utilizes a 20D shell fabric and a recycled lining material. These specifications are important because they directly impact the bag’s warmth, packability, and overall comfort.
Performance & Functionality
The Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s performs adequately as a lightweight summer sleeping bag. It provides sufficient warmth for temperatures down to around 40°F, but I would not recommend it for colder conditions. The wave layer construction on top helps to trap heat.
The bag’s main strength is its packability and lightweight design, making it ideal for backpacking and hiking. The biggest weakness is the overly optimistic temperature rating. It does meet my expectations for a summer bag, but it falls short of the advertised -3°F rating.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s boasts a well-thought-out design, tailored specifically for the female form. The anatomical shaping of the hood and foot-box enhances comfort and maximizes thermal efficiency. Mountain Equipment’s alpine fit aims to reduce dead space within the bag, thereby improving heat retention.
The bag’s build quality feels solid, with the recycled materials providing a surprisingly soft and comfortable feel against the skin. There is a slight learning curve in getting the compression sack properly packed, but overall, the bag is user-friendly. The left-side zipper works smoothly and doesn’t snag.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s should last for several seasons of regular use. The 20D shell fabric seems relatively durable. Cleaning is straightforward with spot cleaning or gentle hand washing.
The POLARLOFT insulation should retain its loft for a reasonable period if stored properly when not in use. Regular airing out will also help to maintain its performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s comes with a lightweight compression sack for easy packing and transport. There are no other included accessories, and there are limited customization options. However, the bag is compatible with most standard sleeping bag liners, which can add warmth or improve hygiene.
Pros and Cons of Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s
Pros
- Lightweight and packable, ideal for backpacking.
- Utilizes recycled materials, making it an eco-conscious choice.
- Comfortable design tailored for women.
- Adequate warmth for summer and spring camping.
- Smooth and reliable zipper.
Cons
- The -3°F temperature rating is highly misleading; realistically, it’s more suited for 40°F and above.
- Slippery outer fabric can cause the bag to shift inside the tent.
- POLARLOFT insulation may compress over time.
Who Should Buy Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s?
The Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s is perfect for female backpackers, hikers, and casual campers looking for a lightweight and packable summer sleeping bag. It’s also an excellent choice for environmentally conscious individuals who prioritize sustainable gear. If you are looking for an affordable bag for spring and summer adventures, this will serve you well.
This product is not suitable for those camping in cold conditions or who require a highly durable and rugged sleeping bag. Anyone needing a reliable bag for sub-freezing temperatures should definitely look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory would be a sleeping bag liner to add warmth and protect the bag from dirt and sweat.
Conclusion on Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s
The Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s offers a solid balance of weight, packability, and sustainability for warmer weather adventures. While the advertised temperature rating is misleading, the bag performs adequately in temperatures above 40°F. Mountain Equipment has crafted a product that meets the needs of casual adventurers.
The price is justified considering the use of recycled materials and the overall design quality. I would personally recommend it to anyone seeking a lightweight and eco-conscious summer sleeping bag.
Consider the Mountain Equipment Klimatic II Sleeping Bag – Women’s for your next backpacking trip and experience the comfort and convenience of a truly lightweight and sustainable sleeping solution!