Reviewed on Apr 22nd, 2023
The (men's and women's) Montbell Down Hugger 800 #3 is the least expensive bag of our down sleeping bag picks at $339 and has some unique features that will appeal to side sleepers, tossers-and-turners, and people who sleep in a ball.
Montbell is a Japanese brand known for high quality, lightweight gear, and is the ubiquitous hiking/camping store in Japan much like REI is in the US. What initially drew us to this bag is its Spiral Stretch system. We also like that the Down Hugger is among the lightest weight bags we considered (18.7 oz for men and 17.8 oz for women) while maintaining warmth and comfort.
What makes the Montbell 800 #3 bag so unique is its construction. The baffles are sewn on a bias, known as Montbell’s patented “Super Spiral Stretch System.” This tailor’s trick makes the bag feel stretchy and allows users to sprawl out, freely bending their knees or elbows. In past models we reviewed, it was on the outside of the bag, but now it is on the inside of the bag. Reviewers of any of Montbell’s Spiral Stretch sleeping bag models rave about the unparalleled comfort it provides. Aside from a sleeping quilt, the Montbell Spiral Stretch is the best down bag for side sleepers, tossers-and-turners, and people who like to sleep in a ball. The Spiral Stretch is far more comfortable and less restrictive than other bags we’ve tested.
We hiked the 500-mile Colorado Trail with the Montbell 800 #3 and found the fabric incredibly soft. Unlike other bags, Montbell’s proprietary shell fabric doesn’t feel like a sleeping bag shell but more like bedsheets. The down is also quite soft, though not as poofy as the other bags we considered (likely because it’s a 30F bag vs. a 15F bag).
The one downside with the Montbell Down Hugger 800 #3 is the temperature rating. Marketed as a 30F bag, it has an EN Comfort Rating of 39F and Lower Limit of 30F. It’s not as warm as other bags on our list. However, the Down Hugger #3 still makes a solid summer sleeping bag in most areas and is reasonably priced. Plus, reviews reported excellent customer service including multiple references to free zipper repair on Montbell items that had already seen many seasons.
from TreeLineBackpacker
