Review: Therm-a-Rest Antares Down Sleeping Bag

Therm-a-Rest have been known for years as makers of the best sleeping pads for backpacking, but they also make great sleeping bags to go with that pad of yours.  Few thing are more frustrating than buying a lightweight sleeping bag in an attempt to save weight only to have a miserable night in the mountains. I have been using the Antares sleeping bag made from 750 fill down on my recent trips and it might be the best sleeping bag ever. Even on recent trips where the temps are well below freezing the 20°F bag has kept me super warm.

The bag packs down to a miniscule size of only 7″ x 12″ and weighs a light 1 pound 15oz.

If you have used ultralight sleeping bags you probably had a night where when you roll over during the night you have weird cold spots and make you feel as if you’re in a strange torture device.  Not so with the Therm-a-Rest Antares. To avoid the pitfalls of other bags Therm-a-Rest uses something they call “Efficient Comfort Fit” which puts space where it needs to be along with extra insulation in the cold zones, like your feet.  Also helping you get a good nights sleep are the Synergy Link connectors on the bottom of the bag which slip over your sleeping pad and keep you from sliding off and sleeping on the cold ground.

The Antares 20°F bag has a generous hood keeping you warm while not suffocating you. I even have room to use a camp pillow inside the hood.

It’s totally dog approved too.  I couldn’t keep them off the bag.

Just giving a shout out to the quality of Therm-a-Rest gear, this sleeping pad is a 23 year old Therm-A-Rest Ultralight. I can’t begin to count the times it has been used, it must be over 500, I used it as a guide for years and countless other times. Quality stuff!

If you are in the market for a new sleeping bag check out the options from Therm-a-Rest. The Therm-a-Rest Antares 20°F down sleeping bag really is the nicest sleeping bag I have ever used. For all the benefits of an ultralight bag and none of the drawbacks this where it’s at.  It is comfortable and warm even when I might have pushed it below the 20°F rating a few times.

Check out what Therm-a-Rest says here: http://www.cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/sleeping-bags/antares-20-sleeping-bag/product

The backcountry can be a demanding place whether it’s summer, spring or fall – late snowstorms and early frosts often come unexpectedly. These conditions require a sleeping bag that is warm down to 20F (-7C) and light enough to go the distance on the trail. The award-winning, down-filled Antares sleeping bag offers ultralight performance without sacrificing the warmth and comfort you need. The result is a restful night of sleep, and another great day on the trail.

• Sleep Securely: SynergyLink Connectors bring your sleeping bag and mattress together for uninterrupted sleep.
• Sleep Warmer: Zoned Insulation puts fill where you need it most, for lightweight warmth.
• Move Freely: Our Efficient Comfort Fit gives you room to move without creating cold spots.
• Carry Less: Ultralight, 750+ fill goose down offers compressible warmth.