Kelty Cosmic Extremely 20 Overview

Backside Line

The Kelty Cosmic Extremely 20 is among the finest worth sleeping baggage on the market in the case of 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 provides a stage of sturdiness that the majority backpacking baggage can solely dream of. And this bag is function loaded, together with a big zippered stash pocket, first rate sized draft collar, and tender materials.

That stated, 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 time 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 right down to 35°F. Its trapezoidal baffle building and lengthy draft tube work collectively to maintain warmth trapped inside, that means you’ll keep heat on these cool mountain or desert nights. Its 800-fill-power Dridown provides further water-resistance that thrives in moist situations and humid climates, because it dries so shortly if the bag will get moist from climate or condensation. 

The 20-denier cloth is rather more sturdy and insulating in comparison with the thinner 10D and 15D materials utilized in many ultralight baggage, and makes the Cosmic Down really feel hotter whereas including important sturdiness. Though the draft tubes are considerably minimalist and never as extensive or crammed with down as different baggage 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 ranking 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 extensive baffles migrated towards the perimeters 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 usually to re-distribute the down.

Consolation

The Kelty Cosmic Extremely 20 is a comfy backcountry bag. Kelty makes use of an opulent, thick, and burly 20D nylon for the shell and liner of this bag that really feel tremendous tender towards the pores and skin, and is a pleasure to slip into after an extended day of mountain climbing. The 800-fill-power Dridown insulation means this bag feels loads heat, however provides stellar waterproof and fast-drying properties – good for backpacking on wet days and in damp climates. We’re massive followers of the bigger footbox that simply accommodates most sleeping positions. And, the flexibility of a mummy bag design is at all times a win for consolation: cinch the hood tightly and snuggle into the bag on chilly nights, or unzip your complete bag for partial protection on heat evenings. It’s comfy to hold, too, for the reason that included stuff sack packs it right down to a manageable dimension 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 straight interprets to a much less comfortable match than different aggressive mummy baggage.Many individuals will recognize this, however for folk who like and need a snugger sleep system, this bag won’t be a fantastic match. And, the mum hood will certainly suit your head, however it’s a lot smaller in comparison with aggressive baggage, so it’s a problem to suit a backpacking pillow comfortably inside.

Weight & Packability

Weighing 2 kilos, 5.6 ounces for the common dimension and a couple of kilos, 14 ounces for the lengthy dimension, the Cosmic Extremely 20 is heavier than the ultralight choices we examined and in addition has a decrease warmth-to-weight ratio. However, don’t let that cease you – that is nonetheless an impressive weight for brief and reasonable backpacking journeys! We’ve trekked a whole lot of miles with this sleeping bag and didn’t assume twice in regards to the weight – plus, the bag stays extremely packable and straightforward to hold. If weight is a priority however staying inside price range is essential, contemplate complementing the bag with a light-weight sleeping pad to stability the load. 

The good thing about a barely heavier weight? Superior sturdiness and one of the vital feature-rich backpacking sleeping baggage on our record. A thick 20-denier nylon shell contributes to the heft of the Cosmic Down. Positive, 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 baggage. Which means a longer-lasting product. The bag’s bulk is perhaps a downside for ultralight hikers, however its affordability and sturdiness make it a robust contender for folk searching for a high-quality, cost-effective choice.

Options

This is among the most feature-rich down baggage on our record. In contrast to many pricier, minimalist choices, it has a zippered inside stash pocket good for storing a cellphone, headlamp, or chapstick. The anti-snag zipper is among the smoothest within the recreation, and barely snags on the fabric when coming into or exiting the bag. The bag features a stuff sack that makes packing up simple, though Kelty doesn’t embody a mesh storage sack to take care of 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 right down to the design of sure options. The draft tube, although useful, 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 stated, at this value and high-caliber high quality, we predict the Cosmic Down is an superior bag for newbies 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 newbies 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 fantastic bag for all the pieces from base camps in excessive alpine environments to week-long thru-hikes within the desert. Options like a zippered inside stash pocket, anti-snag zipper, and a spacious footbox make this mannequin really feel über cozy and useful.

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

What Different Backpacking Sleeping Luggage Ought to You Think about?

NEMO Disco 15 Infinite Promise Overview: The NEMO Disco 15 Infinite Promise, just like the Kelty Cosmic Extremely 20, provides an identical temperature ranking, a spacious footbox, and plenty of options. Nevertheless, it stands out for its distinctive Spoon Form design, which is extra comfy for various sleeping positions and is simply a bit heavier.

REI Magma 15 Overview: The REI Magma 15, just like the Kelty Cosmic Extremely 20, options high-quality down insulation, fill energy, and general weight. It could be a greater choice for those who’re in search of a extra packable, heat, and barely roomy choice, so long as you’re keen to pay extra for it.

Marmot Trestles Elite Eco Overview: The Marmot Trestles Elite Eco is analogous in the case of weight, heat, and sturdiness. However, for those who’re in search of 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 different.