Do you know why you don’t always sleep so great in the outdoors? No, it’s not the constant threat of bear attacks, it’s because you can’t bring your bed with you. Mummy bags can cramp your style, and larger, box-shape bags will weigh you down. But rest easy, little camper, because I’m here to tell you there’s a bag out there that does its darndest to mimic your comfy setup at home: the Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed.
More sleeping bag than pillow top queen size, the Backcountry Bed is a versatile piece of gear. Sierra Designs rethought the traditional sleeping rig, and came up with something between a classic mummy bag and a down blanket. No zippers here, buddy; the user just slides into the open middle section, and pulls up the oversized comforter. Insulated hand and arm pockets allow you to really seal yourself in when the weather gets chilly. Adjusting for warmer temperatures is simple: slide down the comforter and stick your feet out of the toe box, and BAM- you’re chillin’ like a villian. Or so Sierra Designs claims…I toted the Backcountry Bed all over Utah to find out if this new bag design would hold up in a variety of conditions.
First stop: the canyons of southern Utah. I had the Backcountry Bed with me during a car camping/backpacking trip in the Needles District of Canyonlands NP. Temperatures ranged from low 40s during the first two nights to the mid 50s on the final evening of the trip. I never needed the comforter portion of the bag, and left it folded down. I was a little warm (I tested the 600 fill, 2 season version of the bag), but all in all very comfortable. Summer months meant it was time to head to the Uintas, where I slept in anything from the high 30s to high 40s, with that familiar mountain chill in the air.
The colder it got, the more this bag shined. I used the Backcountry Bed almost to the letter of the design sheet: the hand/arm pockets do an outstanding job of locking the comforter in place and kept me warm on many a cold night. Oh, and like most SD sleeping bags, there’s a sleeping pad sleeve on the bottom. This feature is a godsend for those of us who like to toss and turn during the night. I was never bunched up in my bag, which really does make for a good snooze.
The Backcountry Bed’s biggest strength may also be a weakness. Several times I awoke chilled to the core because the comforter had come free. I was left exposed to the night air, but luckily, this was not a common occurrence. Also, on the few nights that I was overheating, I noticed sweat stains on the bag. A little gross, sure, but something to consider. These are the main flaws of the Backcountry Bed, but truly the only flaws I could find. I make that assessment with confidence, as I have had this bag with me on every overnight trip since April.
Versatility rules the day, and comfort is a close second. The SD Backcountry Bed is not only innovative, it’s functional as well. Fit for a wide range of temperatures, this bag kept me cozy and warm while allowing me to sleep on my back, stomach and side with impunity. I didn’t have to pay for this luxury with added weight: 2 lbs. 8 oz. is the total for the 600 fill, 2 season model. Sure, the Backcountry Bed won’t keep you safe from bears, but it will help you sleep so soundly that you’ll forget all about those pesky buggers.
The Good: Lightweight, comfortable, versatile and functional sleeping bag.
The Bad: Material was stained after sweating on it; sometimes the comforter dislodges, making the user cold.
The Verdict: Maybe the most comfortable bag I have ever used. The Backcounty Bed is ideal for the packer that seeks one bag for a wide array of adventures. The innovative design actually works in the backcountry, and it’s reasonably priced at $249.