It’s July 4th, you’re heading to Stanley, Idaho for some fun in the Sawtooths, and the weather forecast calls for a chance of snow. Or maybe it’s the end of fall and you’re getting one last backpacking weekend trip in before winter hits. Cram The Mountain Hardwear Hotbed Flame 20 Degree Sleeping Bag in your pack so you don’t waste the mornings defrosting in front of a fire.
On Performance and Design…
There are few things worse than shivering yourself to sleep on a chilly, damp night beneath the stars. To help ensure that’s a scenario that you never need to face, the smart kids at Mountain Hardwear designed the Hotbed Flame sleeping bag. By melding Thermal Q insulation with the brand’s proprietary vertically welded Lamina™ construction, you get a synthetic bag that maximizes loft and eliminates cold spots where you need it most.
Traditionally, the inherent compromise in synthetic sleeping bag construction lies within the stitch lines where body heat can escape. Baffling — sewing the down into squares, tubes, or other shapes through the inner and outer fabric — keeps insulation evenly distributed for equal warmth through all parts of the sleeping bag. But, sewing compresses the insulation and punches holes into the liner and shell wherever a needle passes through the fabric.
The vertically welded Lamina™ construction technique welds the shell fabric directly to the insulation, thereby eliminating baffle seams and avoiding thousands of tiny holes from being poked into the liner. This allows the bag’s insulation to be evenly spread out instead of being separated by stitching. The result is enhanced loft and the elimination of cold spots which makes for a much more comfortable rest.
Warmth isn’t the only thing that the Hotbed Flame does well. Roomier than most, it is equipped with a comfort footbox that allows your feet to rest naturally, a single-handed draw cord that adjusts the hood and chest closure and a microfleece stuff sack that can also be used as a pillow. And, for those nights where extra room in your sleeping bag is needed for a friend, the Hotbed Flame can be mated to a second bag using the full length zipper.
Notes from the field…
There is a lot to like about the Hotbed Flame. It has plenty of room to move and wiggle throughout the night; it can easily withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees and, with its Lamina welded construction technique, traditional pesky cold spots are virtually a thing of the past. It’s also a highly versatile bag that will carry you comfortably from car camping excursions to quick weekends away in the backcountry.
As with any gear, there are always trade-offs that one must consider. Because the Hotbed Flame is a synthetic bag, it lacks the compressibility of down sleeping bag which will make it slightly more cumbersome to pack and carry. And while the Hotbed Flame will provide plenty of warm nights under the stars, it’s important to note that the 4lb 10oz weight prevent it from being your go-to option for extended backpacking trips. But for those seeking a sleeping bag that does a little bit of everything, the Hotbed Flame is difficult to beat.
Bottom Line…
In typical Mountain Hardwear style, the Hotbed Flame features an impressive blend of advanced technology and well-thought out design providing giving you roomy warmth and comfort for your close-to-home mountain adventures.
*Gumption Gear Review received the product sample from Mountain Hardwear at no cost, and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The items featured were provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.