Sleeping Aid: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32

06/30/09  Print This Post Print This Post    3 Comments      Written by Austin Chu
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“The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Throw your 6th grade outdoor education sleeping bag to the curb, and pick yourself up a Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32 sleeping bag.

Even though this sleeping bag is technically designed for outdoor enthusiasts, it’s perfect on your 6-month backpacking trip across South America.

Why does it kick ass? When it’s packed, it’s about the size of a Nalgene bottle. It weighs just over a pound, and it’s insulated with 800-fill down. It’s warm enough for cold winter nights, but thin enough for a summer’s night under the palm tree on the beach.

Tip: Pack a ultralight Thermarest with you as well. The temperature rating is only accurate with an insulated sleeping pad.

Cost: (Long): $305.00 (Reg): $290.00

Where to buy: REI.com


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About the Author

Austin Chu

Austin Chu was laid off in December 2008. He has a deep obsession with breakfast burritos and backpacks. He doesn't know why. He just drove through fifty states filming a documentary on the economy and the recession. Follow his project on www.therecessends.com

3 Comments... join the discussion!

  • Ross replied on June 30, 2009

    This product in fact is not about the size of a nalgene. A 32 oz nalgene is 7.8×3.6, while this sleeping bag in a stuff sack in 10×7. A much better comparison is a 2 liter bottle.

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  • JB replied on July 8, 2009

    I agree that it can pack down to a nalgene with the use of a good compression sack, however, for the money a mountain hardware bag is quite expensive. There are many alternatives to the Phantom, many with better quality materials. For example, the Marmot Atom is a 40 degree ($240) bag that weighs a mere pound and a couple ounces and has 850+ goose down and a Pertex quantum fabric that repels water so you can lay out in the stars whilst repelling the dew in that morning fog. Marmot also offers warmer bags with slightly more weight using the same material. The North Face Cat’s Meow is another alternative and for those looking for an investment sleeping bag that they plan on using for the next 15-20 years can look to Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends. Both bags are handmade with 850 goose down in the USA and are superlight.

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  • Ross Williams replied on July 13, 2009

    Went to REI to test, a compression sack isn’t going to get this thing much smaller

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