Therm-a-Rest Polar Ranger -20 Sleeping Bag

Pros:

Designed with feedback from famed polar explorer Eric Larsen, this -20-degree bag makes the harshest wilderness feel like home. Stuffed with quick-drying, responsibly sourced 800-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, the Polar Ranger is lofty, comfortable, and uncompromised by light moisture. 

Therm-a-Rest integrated several notable features into this winter-ready sleeping bag. The tube-like “Snorkel Hood” creates a warm pocket of air in front of your face—this keeps exposed skin warm and minimizes the chance of condensation turning to ice on your sleeping bag. Because this is a classic build-up zone for moisture, MSR stuffed the hood with synthetic insulation. Initially, we were worried that this feature might feel claustrophobic, but once we tested the bag on frosty nights, we were happy to have the Snorkel Hood—this innovation truly works.

Zippered armholes allow you to increase airflow if you overheat and go about tent chores while remaining snuggled up and warm in your sleeping bag. Whether you’re cooking breakfast in the morning or reading at night, these versatile vents are a welcome feature. If cold feet are a concern—as they so often are—the Polar Ranger’s toe box is roomy, baffled, and bafflingly toasty. Finally, Therm-a-Rest equipped the Polar Ranger with their SynergyLink Connectors, which are removable straps that secure the sleeping bag to sleeping pad and reduce the risk of slipping off of your pad and onto the cold ground in the middle of the night. 

Cons:

A central zip down the front of the bag means that the Polar Ranger is best suited to sleeping on your back, although there’s enough wiggle room for side sleepers. That said, we love that the front zip and armholes enable you to go pee at night while wearing your sleeping bag.

Tester Comments: 

“One of the best parts of winter camping, at least to me, is being wrapped up in a toasty sleeping bag while a snowstorm rages outside. With those moments in mind, the Polar Ranger is a dream.”

Best For: 

Winter camping from freezing to subzero temperatures (although when approaching the low end of the -20 rating, you will likely want to grab a liner).