Dealing with a freezing cold night’s sleep can be one of the worst camping experiences. Picture this: tossing and turning every hour, anxiously waiting for the sun to rise and end the dreadful night’s sleep.
When REI announced the elimination of gender-specific sizes in its Magma line of backpacking sleeping bags in favor of universal sizing and design, doubts crept in. Having previously worked in designing outdoor products like sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks, I understood the differences in construction between men’s and women’s sleeping bags. Women’s sleeping bags need more insulation—about 10-20% more than men’s bags—to achieve similar temperature ratings. So, REI’s new gender-neutral Magma sleeping bags raising concerns about temperature ratings without gender specifications caught my attention.
In essence: The Magma sleeping bag is a top-selling backpacking bag, signifying a significant move for REI. GearJunkie tested the Magma 15-degree sleeping bag, which performed excellently as an 850-fill-down mummy bag. The wide range of sizes ensures most shoppers will find a fitting bag. Despite its strengths, there are a few drawbacks.
Considering buying a sleeping bag? Have a look at our guide to the best backpacking sleeping bags.
