Kelty Cosmic Extremely 20 Evaluation

Backside Line

The Kelty Cosmic Extremely 20 is among the greatest worth sleeping luggage on the market with regards to consolation, sturdiness, and options. Gear analyst Ian Krammer has totally examined this bag from late winter till mid-summer over 20 nights within the Rocky Mountains The Cosmic Extremely 20 excels with its 800-fill-power insulation and thicker 20-denier nylon shell presents a stage of sturdiness that the majority backpacking luggage can solely dream of. And this bag is characteristic loaded, together with a big zippered stash pocket, first rate sized draft collar, and smooth materials.

That mentioned, the Cosmic Extremely 20 is among the many heavier choices we’ve examined. Whereas it represents an superior worth for budget-conscious buyers, it’s not the warmest bag on the market and it doesn’t pack down as small as ultralight choices, but it surely’s glorious for summer season and heat climate. Nevertheless, if price ticket and efficiency are prime of thoughts, the Cosmic Extremely 20 is a compelling and comfy bag for adventurers of all talent ranges.

Heat

The Cosmic Extremely 20 is heat sufficient for temperatures all the way down to 35°F. Its trapezoidal baffle development and lengthy draft tube work collectively to maintain warmth trapped inside, which means you’ll keep heat on these cool mountain or desert nights. Its 800-fill-power Dridown presents additional water-resistance that thrives in moist situations and humid climates, because it dries so rapidly if the bag will get moist from climate or condensation. 

The 20-denier material is far more strong and insulating in comparison with the thinner 10D and 15D materials utilized in many ultralight luggage, and makes the Cosmic Down really feel hotter whereas including important sturdiness. Though the draft tubes are considerably minimalist and never as large or full of down as different luggage we examined, they successfully retain heat, cowl the zippers, and block drafts when the colder temperatures settle in.

The draw back of the Kelty Cosmic Down is, in our expertise, the consolation score is overstated. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer discovered that after 5 nights in 25°F temperatures, the bag struggled to maintain him heat, even whereas he was carrying a base layer and the bag was paired with a sleeping pad with a 5 R-value. We might suggest this bag for in a single day temperatures between 35°F and 65°F. 

And, we want the Cosmic Down had narrower baffles. After 15 – 20 makes use of, we discovered the down in these large baffles migrated towards the sides and corners as a substitute of staying unfold out evenly throughout the bag. To repair this, we needed to both manually therapeutic massage the down again into place, or wash and dry the bag extra typically to re-distribute the down.

Consolation

The Kelty Cosmic Extremely 20 is a comfy backcountry bag. Kelty makes use of an expensive, thick, and burly 20D nylon for the shell and liner of this bag that really feel tremendous smooth in opposition to the pores and skin, and is a pleasure to slip into after a protracted day of climbing. The 800-fill-power Dridown insulation means this bag feels lots heat, however presents stellar water resistant and fast-drying properties – excellent for backpacking on wet days and in damp climates. We’re huge followers of the bigger footbox that simply accommodates most sleeping positions. And, the flexibility of a mummy bag design is all the time a win for consolation: cinch the hood tightly and snuggle into the bag on chilly nights, or unzip your entire bag for partial protection on heat evenings. It’s snug to hold, too, for the reason that included stuff sack packs it all the way down to a manageable measurement for lengthy miles on path.

On the draw back, this bag doesn’t have a lot of a form to it and lacks physique contouring. That immediately interprets to a much less comfortable match than different aggressive mummy luggage.Many individuals will admire this, however for people who like and need a snugger sleep system, this bag won’t be a terrific match. And, the mother hood will certainly suit your head, however it’s a lot smaller in comparison with aggressive luggage, so it’s a problem to suit a backpacking pillow comfortably inside.

Weight & Packability

Weighing 2 kilos, 5.6 ounces for the common measurement and a pair of kilos, 14 ounces for the lengthy measurement, the Cosmic Extremely 20 is heavier than the ultralight choices we examined and likewise has a decrease warmth-to-weight ratio. However, don’t let that cease you – that is nonetheless an excellent weight for brief and reasonable backpacking journeys! We’ve trekked a whole lot of miles with this sleeping bag and didn’t suppose twice concerning the weight – plus, the bag stays extremely packable and straightforward to hold. If weight is a priority however staying inside finances is essential, take into account complementing the bag with a light-weight sleeping pad to stability the load. 

The advantage of a barely heavier weight? Superior sturdiness and some of the feature-rich backpacking sleeping luggage on our listing. A thick 20-denier nylon shell contributes to the heft of the Cosmic Down. Certain, it’s a bit cumbersome to retailer and carry, however its lifespan is longer than the skinny 10D and 15D materials utilized in many different luggage. Which means a longer-lasting product. The bag’s bulk could be a disadvantage for ultralight hikers, however its affordability and sturdiness make it a robust contender for people looking for a high-quality, cost-effective possibility.

Options

This is among the most feature-rich down luggage on our listing. In contrast to many pricier, minimalist choices, it has a zippered inner stash pocket excellent for storing a cellphone, headlamp, or chapstick. The anti-snag zipper is among the smoothest within the sport, and infrequently snags on the fabric when getting into or exiting the bag. The bag features a stuff sack that makes packing up simple, though Kelty doesn’t embrace a mesh storage sack to keep up the bag’s loft when it’s not in use. The comfortable hood is crucial for glorious protection and heat, making the Cosmic Down appropriate into the low 40s and higher 30s, and we like that the cinching mechanism is simple to entry from inside and outdoors.

Our solely complaints come all the way down to the design of sure options. The draft tube, although practical, is a bit flimsy and underfilled in comparison with different high-end fashions, so it’s not as efficient at blocking chilly drafts and retaining heat. And, the hood is small, so it’s not as suitable with backpacking pillows. That mentioned, at this worth and high-caliber high quality, we expect the Cosmic Down is an superior bag for newcomers or budget-conscious backpackers who need the total spectrum of options with out breaking the financial institution.

Ought to You Purchase the Kelty Cosmic Extremely 20?

The Kelty Cosmic Extremely 20 is our best choice for budget-conscious backpackers and newcomers who want a dependable, sturdy sleeping bag with out spending a fortune. Its 800-fill-power Dridown insulation and beefy 20-denier nylon shell provide glorious heat and sturdiness, so it’s a terrific bag for every part from base camps in excessive alpine environments to week-long thru-hikes within the desert. Options like a zippered inner stash pocket, anti-snag zipper, and a spacious footbox make this mannequin really feel über cozy and practical.

Nevertheless, ultralight hikers and long-distance backpackers who need the bottom weight sleeping bag will wish to maintain buying. Its bulkier design and heavier weight in comparison with different fashions will probably be much less interesting in the event you’re counting each ounce and gram and wish the smallest sleeping bag on the market. Additionally, the absence of a mesh storage sack and the considerably flimsy draft tube might affect efficiency in very chilly situations.

What Different Backpacking Sleeping Baggage Ought to You Contemplate?

NEMO Disco 15 Countless Promise Evaluation: The NEMO Disco 15 Countless Promise, just like the Kelty Cosmic Extremely 20, presents an identical temperature score, a spacious footbox, and many options. Nevertheless, it stands out for its distinctive Spoon Form design, which is extra snug for various sleeping positions and is simply a bit heavier.

REI Magma 15 Evaluation: The REI Magma 15, much like the Kelty Cosmic Extremely 20, options high-quality down insulation, fill energy, and total weight. It could be a greater possibility in the event you’re on the lookout for a extra packable, heat, and barely roomy possibility, so long as you’re keen to pay extra for it.

Marmot Trestles Elite Eco Evaluation: The Marmot Trestles Elite Eco is comparable with regards to weight, heat, and sturdiness. However, in the event you’re on the lookout for a bag with artificial insulation that dries very quick and prices considerably much less – with the identical dependable efficiency and options – the Trestles Elite Eco is an superior various.