Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag Awards Released by OutdoorGearLab.com

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - May 9, 2013 - PRLog -- OutdoorGearLab.com reported the conclusions of its 2013 Editor's Choice awards for ultralight sleeping bags today. Ten top of the line ultralight sleeping bags were compared and evaluated in extended side-by side reviewing. They were evaluated in the following areas: warmth, weight, comfort, features, versatility and packed size.

The reviewing involved many months of ice climbing, mountaineering, hiking and biking on the Evolution Traverse and on top of Mt. Mendel (13,710 ft.) in the Sierra Mountains, both in California, on Mt. Katahdin in Maine and on a six-week bike tour down Mexico's Baja Peninsula.  View the entire review here:http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Ultralight-Sleeping-Bag-Reviews?n=0&sort_field=score#compare.

The winners:
Katabatic Gear Palisade http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Ultralight-Sleeping-Bag-Reviews/Katabatic-Gear-Palisade Winner of the Editor's Choice award for 2013. Gear Editor, Max Neale informs us that, "The Katabatic Gear Palisade is likely the best ultralight sleeping bag in the world. However, ordering it is not very convenient, since it's not available from any major retailers, and it is only available directly from the small manufacturer in Colorado (generally backlogged due to high demand, involving long delays in delivery). But, if you can wait a little while for your order, you won't be disappointed. Based on our criteria for evaluation and experience testing nearly 40 different backpacking bags, the Palisade tops the charts as the the best all-purpose bag for multi-day trips in three-season conditions. The bag weighs 18.8 oz. on our scale and kept our reviewers warm to around freezing temperatures."

Enlightened Equipment Revelation http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Ultralight-Sleeping-Bag-Rev... Winner of the Best Buy award for 2013. This award is given to a product that balances a high score in our tests and a reasonable price. Gear Editor, Neale reports that‚ "The Enlightened Equipment Revelation offers top-notch performance at a wholesale price. However, ordering it isn't very convenient, since it's not available from major retailers, and only direct from the small manufacturer in MN (they are made-to-order which involves long delays in the delivery). But, if you like the idea of ordering a custom-made bag, you will not be disappointed. The bag weighs 19 ounces, uses 850-fill down, comes in three lengths, three widths, and can be made with one of three different fabrics. This is an excellent quality custom sleeping bag for only $260!."

ZPacks 20 Degree http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Ultralight-Sleeping-Bag-Rev... and Feathered Friends Vireo  hhttp://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Ultralight-Sleeping-Bag-Rev... are both winners of the Top Pick award for 2013. This award goes to a product that is featured for its warmth and durability. According to Gear Editor, Neale, "The ZPacks 20 Degree bag offers the absolute highest warmth-to-weight ratio of any sleeping bag we've ever tested. However, ordering it's not very convenient, since it's not available from major retailers, and only directly from the small manufacturer in Florida (custom-made, involving long delays in delivery). But, if you prefer the idea of ordering a custom-made bag, you will not be disappointed. ZPacks takes what most retailers would call a "superlight" bag and continues to trim the unnecessary. Off goes the hood, the draft tube, and add a small, light zipper. The bag weighs only 17.1 ounces on our scale, performs admirably below freezing, and has the best stuff sack we've ever seen included. ZPacks sleeping bags push the fast and light performance to the next level.
The Feathered Friends Vireo takes ultralight alpine camping to the next level. Ordering it is not very convenient though, since major retailers do not carry it and it is only available by ordering directly from the small manufacturer in Seattle (since it is often custom-made, this may involve delays in delivery). But, if you don't mind waiting for your order, you won't be disappointed. This 900-fill half bag weighs 16 ounces and packs down to the size of a grapefruit. The Vireo is rated to 25 degrees in the feet and legs and 45 degrees in the upper body, where a down jacket or parka adds warmth for winter. There is no zipper or hood; a simple drawcord closes tight around your neck. Drawbacks: the drawcord comes easily undone and your feet can get too hot in warmer weather. Other than that, the Vireo is an alpinist’s dream come true. It packs so small and so light you barely notice carrying it. And it can be used on both frigid, bold alpine climbs and light, fast summer adventures.

OutdoorGearLab LLC, headquartered in Cheyenne, Wyoming, is dedicated to creating the world's best outdoor gear reviews. The company website is a free resource for people who love the outdoors and participate in activities such as hiking, climbing, backpacking, and camping. The company performs side-by-side reviews of outdoor gear and publishes the findings in comparative reviews. Each product is scored across a range of weighted areas, competing products are ranked, and awards are given to the best performing products.

Media Contact: Chris McNamara - 307.509.0188 - outdoorgearlabpr@gmail.com