High Peak Alpinismo Arete Mummy Bag Review
Features:
The Arête 0°F mummy bag by High Peak is another item in the their new Alpinismo line of lightweight gear. This 650 goose down-filled bag packs into a small 15.4 inch by 7 inch compression sack for easy carry in any backpack. The Arete is lightweight with a shell made of water repellent and windproof Cire nylon. In addition to the draw string closure on the hood, there is a chest tube with pull cord to seal out the cold.
Specifications:
Size: 32.5 in. (shoulder width) x 80 in. (length) x 20.5 in. (foot width)
Construction: Baffle Construction
Outer Material: Ripstop Nylon
Fill Material: 1 lb. 4 oz. 650 Goose Down
Lining Material: Nylon Taffeta
Temperature Rating: 0°F
Weight: 2 lbs. 14 oz.
In The Field:
First, the High Peak Arete sleeping bag looks great. It's black and blue color looks sophisticated and hides dirt. The quality is great and in line with other High Peak gear I use. The construction is solid and everything is finished cleanly. The #5 two-way YKK® zipper is easy to use from the outside or within the bag. The Arete is packed tight in its compression sack, but quickly gains loft after removing.
I had no problem staying warm and comfortable in the Arete sleeping bag in upper 20°F weather on top of a 1 inch inflatable pad in the snow. My Exped Airpillow fits great in the hood of the bag, allowing for a comfortable night’s rest. I am just shy of 6 feet tall and find the length of the Arete just long enough. If I were any taller, the bag would be too short. Those 6 feet and under should find the Arete perfect.
I find the chest tube is a great feature. It is easy to close around my chest using the hook-and-loop closure from within the zipped-up sleeping bag. It helps seal out any draft that may find its way in through the hood opening.
See "Winter Camping at Shellrock Creek" adventure where this mummy bag was used.
Final Thoughts:
I love the Arete sleeping bag. For cool three season or light winter use, the Arete is the perfect bag. It packs small and weighs little, making it great for ultralight backpackers. Remember to store sleeping bags uncompressed and allow them to dry completely to prolong the life of the fill material.
Special thanks to High Peak USA for providing the Arete sleeping bag for review.
Disclaimer: You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards of backcountry travel and taking the necessary precautions. Loomis Adventures may not be held liable.
3 comments
So expensive! I'd love to see
So expensive! I'd love to see sleeping bag companies do more of a modular approach to their bags, like the MSS. I'll probably never own another bag because it's modular and can suit any kind of weather. Good review though.
Preference
It boils down to personal preference. I personally do not like modular bags (I don't like layers of sleeping bag). I prefer completely different bags for different situations. This way I get the best size to weight ratio.
As far as price, down bags always cost more. Look at synthetic fill bags for the best value. For example, the High Peak Mt. Rainier -20°F bag is just over $100. It is a fantastic winter bag that is fully waterproof. No bivy or tent needed.
Arete plus the rest of the gear
This is a great review. One thing that might be noted about the Arete is that this bag is one piece of a 4 part system under High Peak USA's new Alpinismo nameplate. This bag plus a tent, a backpack and a sleeping pad all weigh in at 12 pounds or less -- total combined weight. As for the price, the whole Alpinismo package is very affordable.
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