Kelty Cosmic 0 Degree Sleeping Bag
 
 

If you spend any time camping in the backcountry, especially in the early spring and late fall when temperatures in the Northern latitudes can get downright cold, you know the value of a warm, comfortable, lightweight sleeping bag. And I’ve found the Kelty Cosmic 0 Degree bag to fit the bill quite nicely, and at a surprisingly affordable price.

Personally I’m miserable to be around if I spent the night before shivering in a sleeping bag that couldn’t keep my feet warm, or that filled up with condensation, or was like toting around a sack full of bricks.

That’s why I’ve been so impressed with my Kelty Cosmic bag. While I’m not crazy about the neon yellow color (you don’t have to worry about being shot in your sleep during hunting season!), just about everything else about the Kelty agrees with me. It’s warm, has a good fitting hood, and at under 4 pounds it didn’t load me down. And it’s surprisingly well-made, especially for a bag priced under $200.


          What It Is

Kelty makes several versions of the Cosmic sleeping bag. The 0 degree model is a down-filled, mummy-style “four season” bag that’s rated down to 0 degrees (duh!). While I can’t honestly say I’ve ever slept it mine when the temperature was that cold (I’m not a fan of winter camping), I have had it down into the low teens, and the bag kept me plenty warm and comfortable.

The bag is constructed from a tough polyester outer shell, polyester taffeta inner lining that’s breathable, and keeps condensation buildup to a minimum. The fill is 550 down for warmth, and the bag is constructed with baffles that helps to eliminate cold spots.

The Kelty Cosmic also has a closure system that includes a hood and neck barrier that helps to seal the cold out, and the heat in. This works quite well in my experience, although I think the hood release could be a little larger (I fumbled once or twice in the night to get the hood opened up).

This sleeping bag also has several hang loops for easy drying and storage, and attachment points where you can secure your pad to the bag, so you don’t roll off your pad during the night and wake up with the imprint of a sharp rock in the small of your back.

       Why You Need One

A good sleeping bag is a must if you do much camping. For me at least, I’m miserable if I don’t get a good night sleep out on the trail, or on a multi-day kayak excursion. Try paddling hard all day on a few hours sleep and you’ll know what I mean.

You also need a bag that’s durable and lightweight. Unless you’re camping out of your pickup, you’re going to have to lug the thing around in your pack, or in the stowage compartment of your boat, where weight and space are always a consideration.



        Pros and Cons


I have mostly good things to say about my Kelty Cosmic 0 Degree sleeping bag. It’s been one of the most comfortable bags I’ve ever owned, at any price. The fit and finish on the bag are very good, a real surprise with the under $200 price tag. I don’t think this is a sleeping bag that’s going to fall apart on me after a few years of medium to heavy use.

While the Cosmic is not as lightweight as some of the more expensive bags, I don’t do a lot of long-distance backcountry camping so this isn’t a problem for me, and at under 4 pounds it’s still pretty light. And as I mentioned earlier, I’m not crazy about the bright yellow color, but I’ve gotten used to it, and that to isn’t a problem.

So in conclusion, if you’re looking for a good cold-weather sleeping bag that’s comfortable, well made, and won’t break the bank, it’s hard to go wrong with the Kelty Cosmic.

   

   The Best Place To Buy One

The Kelty Cosmic 0 Degree down sleeping bag is available in most of the major outdoor recreation stores like REI or Dicks Sporting Goods. You can also buy one online, and the best price that I've found on this particular sleeping bag is on Amazon.com.