Reviewed by: Amelia
Price (MSRP): $449.95
Best Use: Multi-use
Where to Buy: REI
Testing Location: Yellowstone National Park
Testing Environment: All conditions
Last November we spent a glorious few days camping in Moab as a family. And by days, I really do literally mean the days were glorious – the nights were the coldest I have EVER been. The biggest issue? I was trying to deal with a nursing baby AND trying to keep myself warm. It just doesn’t work in a mummy bag. After that trip I vowed to come up with something better before we did any more family camping.
After learning about DownTek , I had my heart set on the King Solomon 15 Doublewide bag from Big Agnes. Big enough for two people (or two people and a baby, or me and kids, etc.), warm enough to keep us toasty in sub-freezing weather AND compact enough to travel with.
Big Agnes generously sent us the bag along with two of their sleeping pads. I am not exaggerating when I say that this sleep system has changed my camping nights. It is large enough for the two of us AND the baby if needed, keeps me plenty warm, and packs up small enough to not make me think twice about hauling it, even backpacking. If we are hauling the gear in to backpack as a family (and right now that means with very young children), comfort and warmth is extremely important. It usually ends up being Mtn Papa carrying a lot of the gear and me carrying the baby and possibly food. So since he is carrying the sleeping gear anyway, it doesn’t mean more work (and actually is less work) for him to carry the doublewide.
The signature Big Agnes sleeves in their bags to keep you on the pad are especially important in this system when you have more than one person in the bag. I have ended up in the “crack” between the two pads numerous times, and while I am sure that is the colder spot, it remains very comfortable.
What we love:
– DownTek eases my mind – no worries if it gets moisture on it. It retains its loft and warmth!
– Packs down small enough to backpack with (smaller than two bags on their own)
– Built in pillow pockets <– for some reason this is a big one for me
– No-draft collar and center flap means extra warmth trapped in
– Side zippers on both sides so easy in and out for each person
– Pad sleeves keep the whole system together
– Enough room for two people AND a baby (if needed, of course)
What we aren’t so crazy about:
– Seriously, nothing. Five stars and two thumbs up from me! And yes, I know it’s not cheap in the least, but no more than two quality bags and much more comfortable than zipping two mummy bags together.
The Bottom Line:
A seriously investment, yes. But, good camping gear is worth the investment for safety and comfort and usually lasts a really long time. And this one certainly will. Recommended for couples, and families with young children.
Big Agnes generously provided us this gear in order to facilitate this review. However, as always, the opinions expressed here are completely and honestly our own. A few of these links are affiliates. Thank you so much for clicking through them to make your purchases – it helps offset the cost of this blog in a (VERY VERY) small way! You can find my full disclosure here.
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