If the Cloud is unavailable, check out the warmer Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15, which is more affordable but a bit heavier and doesn’t pack down quite as small. If your plans include both convenient car camping and overnight backcountry adventures, we suggest choosing a backpacking sleeping bag. That’s because you won’t have any issues using a backpacking model near your car but carrying a hefty car camping sleeping bag any significant distance can quickly become a real pain. The Cloud is among the lightest women’s models we tested, weighing in at 27.4 ounces (1.7 pounds), and packs down nicely to not take up too much room in your backpack. It also ranks highly on our comfort scale with a roomy design and an innovative overlapping quilt-style opening rather than a traditional side zipper.
Nevertheless, it’s a great choice for any pair seeking a nice two-person sleeping bag for camping close to the trailhead. The Bishop Pass 30 simply can’t match the performance of an ultra-premium sleeping bag. There is also a roughly 30% weight disadvantage compared to the lightest high-end models. However, we think most backpackers will hardly notice these drawbacks.
Trailspace’s community of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top daypacks. I’m also an Appalachian Trail Maintainer & Trail Crew Member – it’s not uncommon to see sledge hammers, picks, buckets, bow saws, etc. strapped to this pack while hiking to and from trail work details. I’ve had this pack for 2 years and I’ve beaten the living daylights out of it and it still performs just as well as the day I bought it.
We recommend most shoppers select a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of around 30° F because these models are suitable for a range of conditions. However, feel free to tailor your selection for your unique situation. Folks that live in colder climates, for example, will probably want a warmer model. On the other hand, people planning a summer camping trip in the south might be happier in a bag that has a higher temperature rating. Overall, try not to stress too much about the purchase of a car camping sleeping bag. Simply find a bag that matches your plans and budget, and it should be up to the job.
We had to wrestle the cover onto the bulky rectangle and tug it down to get it on. One of the wheels came loose when one of our testers was carrying about 100 pounds of gear, which is well under the stated weight capacity. I spent six hours researching folding wagons (sometimes called utility wagons), first identifying ozark trail canopy popular models and looking at the technology involved. To find out which features people value most in wagons, I surveyed half a dozen individuals who regularly pull or push loads of stuff—from groceries to gardening supplies to toddlers. I also visited a handful of outdoor-gear stores to see what models they recommend.