As the outdoor industry continues to explore and develop newer materials that are lighter, more durable, and better at temperature control, consumers benefit. The High Peak Alpinizmo Latitude 20 sleeping bag is an excellent example of this trend. Its MSRP is $142, but the actual selling price is much closer to $100, which is quite impressive for a 20 degree bag that packs down so compact and weighs only 2 pounds, 14 ounces. But it’s not just about numbers. The technology and features in the Latitude 20 are what got our attention.
With an outer shell constructed of Invista Tactel rip stop nylon, you get low weight without compromising durability. Inside is where the real magic happens though. First, there’s the Cozy Therm™liner. This combination of light yet breathable material manages to wick moisture away while radiating your body heat back to you. Water out, heat in. That makes for a very efficient sleeping bag when it comes to regulating temperature. Helping with both the insulating and padding chores is Cozy Loft™Micro-X™. In some ways, this proprietary insulation blend mimics Merino wool, as rather than being comprised solely of solid fibers, some are actually hollow. This contributes to a lower overall weight, as well as better heat retention. High Peak didn’t stop there though. While features like a two way zipper and drawstring closure with barrel lock on the hood might be pretty common, the Alpinizmo Latitude 20 also includes a sewn-in draft tube and collar, a windshield, plus an anti-snag zipper band. Feel free to zip two of these bags together as well – the designers at High Peak made accommodations for that too.
We handed this bag off to a couple of our volunteer testers, and asked them to get back to us with their impressions. First, even though it shares nearly the same dimensions (the same temp rating, but slightly longer) as High Peak’s Cirque sleeping bag, it actually packs down noticeably smaller. That’s progress. Unless you’re particularly broad-shouldered, there’s plenty of room, although at least one tester noted that they could do without the chest collar. If you like a really roomy bag to toss and turn in, this may not be for you. But if you have a hard time staying warm at night, it’s just the ticket. It definitely retained heat well, and the two-tone orange exterior was as bright and cheery as the interior was warm and cozy. The fill is minimal, and it’s there more for the heat than any padding, but pair it with a good sleeping pad, and you’ve got a winning combination
If you regularly camp in colder climates, or find yourself wanting for more heat, High Peak‘s Latitude sleeping bags are also available in 0° and -5° ratings. Shop around, and you’ll pay much less than the MSRP of $142.00 for the 20° bag, $155.00 for the 0°, and $158.00 for the -5°. That represents a great value in a product that makes spending a night outdoors much more enjoyable. highpeakusa.com
– Brian