Rab sleeping bags

How to choose a RAB sleeping bag?

RAB is a company created by Rab Carrington which specialises in high-performance lightweight duck and goose down sleeping bags. Since the beginning, the brand tailors to the most demanding alpinists and hikers who want the best for their outdoor activities. Hand filled with goose down in the United Kingdom, RAB sleeping bags provide impressive thermal insulation with a feather weight. In addition to the insulation level which determines the comfort temperature of the sleeping bag, the brand also offers two widths and two lengths. This guarantees everyone can find a sleeping bag from RAB suited to their body shape to spend the best night possible.

Understanding the difference between the classic and Rab Pro versions:

Most Rab sleeping bags are available in standard version, but some also come in a Pro version. This simply indicates the quality of the bag’s outer fabric. “Standard” versions use Pertex Quantum, where Pro versions rely on Pertex Quantum Pro, a higher end fabric offering better wind and rain resistance while retaining good breathability to wick moisture away. If you plan on sleeping under a tent, a standard version is enough, while if you plan on a camping under the stars it is better to pick a Pro version.

Rab Ascent 500 sleeping bag: a benchmark!

With a comfort temperature of 1°C, this model is a 2 season sleeping bag for summer use outside and year-round in a refuge or bothy. It features a hydrophobic duck down fill to resist moisture and dry quickly in the morning. Despite its mummy shape, the Ascent 500 offers lots of comfort thanks to a spacious foot box and the generous space inside allows to sleep with your clothes on if need be. Inside, you will find a zippered pocket to keep small items on hand, such as a head torch for example. Of course, this model comes with either right or left side zip to pair two compatible sleeping bags so that two people can stay warm.

To sum it up: comfort temperature +1°C / weight 1060 g

Alpine 600: a real solution for cold nights

Classified as a 3 season sleeping bag in Rab’s line, the Alpine 600 offers good thermal comfort with a comfort temperature of -5°C. Spring, summer, autumn, with the Alpine 600 you can camp almost year-round. Its main asset: the 650 cuin duck down fill and Pertex Quantum windproof outer fabric. Regarding comfort, the Alpine 600 relies on a full-blown mummy shape, which is somewhat narrow but still offers some room. Ideal for adventurers who are not afraid of sleeping in below 0 temperatures.

To sum it up: comfort temperature -5°C / weight 1050 g

Trust the Neutrino 400 for fast alpine routes

Lightweight, ultra-packable yet well insulated, the Neutrino 400 is ideal for mountain bivouacs where speed and backpack weight are key elements, for example during a multi-day trek or hike, or on a mountaineering route. With 400 g of high-quality goose down (800 cuin) this bag guarantees good comfort down to –1°C, allowing you to sleep with clothes down to -7°C and -25°C as a last resort, all of this for only 775 g! To achieve such a result, the brand uses trapezoidal herringbone baffles to increase fill power and reduce potential cold areas. The Pertex Quantum outer fabric is made from recycled material and has a water repellent finish. Of course, it comes with a proper water-resistant compression sack to make sure your sleeping bag is dry when you need it.

To sum it up: comfort temperature -1°C / weight 775 g

Andes 800: a sleeping bag designed for extreme conditions!

We’re done playing. With this model, Rab opens the doors of high-altitude and hostile winter conditions. The Andes 800 can follow you down to -23°C. Everything is meant to provide the most efficient protection possible. The inside of the bag is covered by a material which reflects your body heat (TILT technology), then the bag benefits from an 800 g goose down insulation with a fill power of 800 cuin, wrapped in a Gore-Tex Windstopper fabric to wick moisture away but protect for wind draughts. With the addition of YKK zips, well-design 3D draft collar and hood that you can adjust precisely, you get great comfort even in difficult conditions. This model is also available in 1000 g insulation for a temperature of -28°C.

To sum it up: temperature: -23°C / weight 1375 g

Mythic 600, an ultra-lightweight 4 season sleeping bag

By using a 600 g goose down fill of 900 cuin, Rab managed to develop the Mythic 600, an ultra-lightweight 4 season sleeping bag designed for high-altitude use and when you need to move quickly. This model also features a windproof and water-resistant Atmos fabric. Both durable and breathable, this fabric will keep you warm and dry in difficult weather conditions. To top it all off, Rab used herringbone baffles to keep the fill evenly spread throughout the bag and an adjustable draft collar to prevent heat loss around the head and upper areas. An ultra-packable sleeping bag that weighs nothing in your mountaineering backpack but offers great comfort at night.

To sum it up: comfort temperature -5°C / weight 885 g