Kelty SB 20 Sleeping Bag – Gear Review

Last week we offered our thoughts on the Kelty Outfitter Pro 2 tent that we put through the ringer. We were impressed by its rugged design and durability. While we were conducting those tests, the folks at Kelty decided we need a good sleeping bag to fully experience the trip. They sent along the Kelty SB 20 sleeping bag. The SB 20 is part of the new Kelty TraiLogic Collection, which is designed to be a highly technical and lightweight bag that features 800-fill DriDown technology. The sleeping bag is designed to prevent moisture and keeps you wrapped in warmth no matter how quick the temperature drops. Our review of the Kelty Outfitter Pro 2 tent showed that the tent was able to survive to a pretty good storm, read on for the full review to see if the SB 20 was able to hold its own out in the elements.

Design:

Starting on the outside and working are way in, the SB 20’s shell is built out of nylon ripstop for lightweight durability.  The FatMan and Ribbon drawcords allow you to pull the thermal-comfort hood across your head and the top draft collar should prevent any cold weather from getting inside the bag, allowing for a nice and cozy slumber.  The toebox has a natural fit so your feet feel like they have plenty of room to move around. 

The main technological design that turned out to be a real show stopper is the inclusion of their new DriDown technology. The DriDown technology is designed to be lighter, warmer, more compressible, and more durable than any other natural or synthetic insulation out in the market.  DriDown’s hydrophobic finish is said by the designers of Kelty to be the key to its outstanding performance.  Sleeping bags insulated with DriDown should stay drier, loft better, and dry faster than bags insulated with untreated down. This means any bag insulated with DriDown will keep you warmer, longer in any situation.

Finally,  Kelty stuffed this bag with 800-fill insulation for an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio that should keep you warm in temps as low as 20-degrees Fahrenheit. When you pick up the tent, the lightweight design will make you think twice about its ability to handle the cold weather, but once you get it out in the elements those fears quickly disappear.  The insulation’s DriDown treatment repels moisture so the bag will stay warm and dry in wet weather. The Head-2-Toe Dri waterproofing treatment on the shell finishes the head and foot that is an extra insurance policy should water make its way in your tent.

Comfort:

The comfort with the SB 20 comes in its ability to handle most forms of weather. We had a few nights where the temperature dropped in to the low 30’s.  When we went to bed the temperature was right around 57 degrees Fahrenheit.  If it wasn’t for walking up in the middle of night to some animals invading our camp we never would have noticed the drop in temperature.  When we awoke, we were still warm in cozy despite the drastic change in temperature.  Another night we got into a good storm and while a small amount of water did seep in, the DriDown treatment successfully kept us nice and dry.  Since the lightweight design does not provide a ton of padding on the ground, you’ll want to make sure to pick up a sleeping pad or thermarest.  However, for camping in the elements, this definitely gave us a wonderful night’s sleep.

Pack-ability:

The regular SB 20 weighs in at a feathery light 18 oz.  Yes, you read that right an incredible 1 lb 2 oz!  This pack can be rolled and stuffed in any backpack and you won’t even notice it.  Kelty included a stuff sack as well as a mesh storage sack to prolong the bag’s life when you aren’t using it, and to make for easy storage.  For any back country adventure you will appreciate the lightness and easy pack-ability.  

Value:

Priced at $299, the Kelty SB 20 definitely holds its value.  Priced very competitively in the market you are getting very good value with the SB 20.  The bag is able to go anywhere and is designed to handle a variety of conditions.  Overall, the SB 20 is worth the moderate investment and will quickly become a staple in your next back country adventure.