Review: Kelty Ignite DriDown sleeping bag

When you’re camping out in winter, your sleeping bag is one item you do not want to skimp on. The Ignite Dridown 0 bag makes use of Kelty‘s new DriDown coated down, which helps retains the fluffy features’ loft and warmth. While I certainly didn’t sleep out directly under the rain, I did get it plenty moist on some rainy nights to be convinced that DriDown works. Another bonus: if you’re on an extended journey, it also dries more quickly, which is essential when you have limited opportunities to dry your gear.

The Ignite has “zero” in the name, but that’s really the extreme limit. The EN standards rate it for comfort down to about 7 degrees for men, 20 degrees for women, and your mileage may vary.

The long version is plenty for my 6-foot-2 frame, though the fit is a bit narrow if you’re the toss-and-turn type. The amble hood can be cinched down with a drawcord and there is a baffle for your neck, but unfortunately no pillow pocket. Being a winter-worthy bag it packs larger than many bike campers would likely prefer, but it is far more affordable than many super-small bags. The main zipper is robust and easy to grab, but there is only one pull that flips in or out, so it isn’t as easy to grab if you’re tucked in. The bag packs down to 3 pounds 10 ounces in its included stuff sack.

If you spend a lot of time camping when it’s wet and still want the benefits of down fill, the DriDown is tough to beat. I predict many warm nights ahead. Kelty is often considered a budget brand in outdoor gear but this bag is a high-quality item that should last years and years. The Ignite series is available in men’s and women’s fits, in regular and long, in both 0 and 20-degree versions.

$289.95 (regular), $309.95 (long)