Ultralight bag vs lightweight sleeping bag for hiking
Weight is only part of the story. In practice you choose between:
- ultralight bags (≤ 450–500 g) for fast & light routes, where every gram and cubic centimetre matter,
- lightweight bags (~500–900 g) that add insulation and durability for colder seasons.
A lightweight compressible sleeping bag with high fill power can outperform heavier alternatives. Always check total weight, fill weight, shell fabric and packed size — these factors directly affect performance on long, demanding routes.
Compact & small sleeping bags that fit anywhere
“Compact” should be measurable. Sack dimensions decide if the bag fits a 20–40 L alpine pack or a bikepacking fork cage. For example:
- Radical 1Z: ~26 × 15 cm,
- Radical 4Z: ~29 × 18 cm.
These sizes make them genuine small sleeping bags or sleeping bags that pack small, fitting efficiently into minimalist setups.
Lightweight down sleeping bag – why down always wins
For serious distance and elevation, a lightweight down sleeping bag offers the best warmth-to-weight and packability. PAJAK uses only RDS-certified down sourced in Europe:
- 900 CUIN goose down in Radical ULX, ULZ, 1Z and 4Z,
- 700 CUIN down in Core 250 and Core 400.
Stable baffles prevent cold spots, while shell fabrics — GELANOTS Ultra Light Rip Stop (Radical series) and TORAY Airtastic SLF15 DWR (Core series) — combine ultralight performance with durability and moisture resistance. Waterproof-coated inserts in Radical 4Z and Core models help protect insulation in contact zones.
Choose your lightweight sleeping bag: hiking, camping, travel
Hiking: choose a lightweight sleeping bag hiking model like ULZ or 1Z, where low weight and quick loft recovery matter.
Camping: a lightweight camping sleeping bag such as Core 400 balances warmth with tougher fabrics and moisture-resistant details.
Travel: the lightweight travel sleeping bag Core 250 (420 g) is compact enough for trains and hostels, while the Quest Blanket Light functions well in huts and summer conditions.