On the cold, hard ground in the wilderness you want comfort and warmth when you are trying to catch a few Zzzzz’s. In researching sleeping bags for my Colorado elk hunt, I was directed to ALPS OutdoorZ and I found they had some I was interested in. After some emails back and forth with ALPS, I was given the opportunity to purchase (at a discounted rate) and field test a sleeping bag, but the decision was tough! I wanted one that was warm, packable, and also lighter weight. After some calculations, weather checking and measurements I chose the Browning Yellowstone 20 degree sleeping bag to test on my Colorado elk hunt this past September. ALPS became the licensee of Browning Camping in 2009.
Back when I first opened the box and rolled out the sleeping bag, I knew I was in for some fun as my three year old daughter wanted to ‘help’ review it. Without hesitation, we set up a campsite of sorts and before I knew it she was inside the bag giggling like crazy. Even now it makes me laugh! She told me it was very cozy and that she really liked playing in it. Good to know! I asked her if it was warm and she said yes and that it was ‘cozy’. She curled up and pretended to sleep as I reveled in the moment. I could only hope it was that cozy on my trip! The Yellowstone sleeping bag weighed in at 3 lbs. 14 oz. (add 4 oz. for the Stuff Sack), which was the lightest of the bags I viewed with the warmth I needed.
From the Browning website:
The Yellowstone series sleeping bags are made with Techloft insulation. Techloft Insulation consists of multi-hole staple-length micro-denier fibers that have a siliconized finish for maximum insulation, loft, and compactness. The Yellowstone uses a 2-layer offset construction, sometimes called a “bag within a bag.” The contoured hood and mummy shape helps seal up your warmth and keep you warmer. The Yellowstone is a great backpacking sleeping bag to take along on your hikes that won’t take up all the space in your pack.
Features:
- TechLoft Insulation
- 2-layer Construction
- Insulated Chest Baffle & Zipper Baffle
- Contoured Hood
- Compression Stuff Sack Included
True to claim, the Yellowstone sleeping bag is very lightweight and packs nicely. Inside the tent in Colorado it was warm until the fire died out. It sure got chilly after that, but the Browning Yellowstone was incredibly warm. I was able to move around in it fairly well, but don’t expect to be wearing a hunting jacket and pants in there. Being only 5′ 10″ tall I didn’t need a longer bag, but with broad shoulders I wanted something that I could fit in with my camouflage on if need be. The sleeping bag dimensions are 34″ x 80″ and it fit me with one layer on only. Even though I could not wear all of my gear, I was very comfortable in one layer.
Using the mummy feature was great because when it got really cold I was able to pull it snug and stay toasty! I have no hair on my head, so I wore a hat every now and then and when I mummied up I was very comfortable.
The only negative thing I have to say is regarding the zipper. You are supposed to be able to zip it closed from the inside and that was nearly impossible. So, I tried it from the outside and was able to close it about 3/4 of the way. I really wish it didn’t get caught up so much in the fabric, but I dealt with it.
All in all, the Browning Yellowstone is a great backcountry sleeping bag. It packs well, is lightweight and very comfortable. It retails for $109.99 and for any backcountry hunter, I think it is well worth the money.
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