Big Agnes Orno UL Sleeping Bag

The down used has been treated with DownTek for water repellency and is Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified. DownTek down absorbs 30% less water than untreated down, and dries 60% faster. It retains the same fill power as down, does not add any measurable weight, and can be machine washed with no consequence to the water repellency. The treatment avoids saturating the down by creating surface tension on the surface of the down cluster, forcing the moisture to form into bead and roll off. DownTek is PFOA and PFOS free and are environmentally friendly.  The RDS certification safeguards the well being of geese and ducks, and ensures that the down used is sustainably sourced. All this down is cocooned in between a nylon ripstop shell and liner; and in addition to the DownTek™ water repellency, the shell has been treated with a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish.

The bag features vertical baffling (head to toe) which allows air to move the full length of the body. This design is desirable as it spreads warmth throughout the entire bag as opposed to keeping it isolated to one area area; as is the case with horizontal baffeling. Though vertical baffles, or channels, are often avoided in order to manage down-shifting (the displacement of down to either end of the channel), Big Agnes makes use of FlowGates™ as part of the Insotec Flow™ system to circumnavigate the issue. Staggered throughout the Vertical Thermal Channels™ (VTC™) are specialized ‘gates’ which allow air to flow the length of the channel while keeping the insulation in place. Not only does this design eliminate cold spots due to uniform heat distribution, but it requires fewer baffles. Fewer baffles = less material = lighter gear. Contoured baffles at the hood and an ergonomic foot box trap heat close to the body while offering a comfortable fit.

A two-way zipper makes for easy waist access if you find yourself sleeping tied into a harness.

An insulated anti-snag draft tube lines the half-length zipper, eliminating drafts and keeping weight down. An oversized draft collar at the hood opening is paired with a low profile cord lock that can be operated with one hand. 

Hanging loops offer an easy way to air out the bag after an adventure, and internal sleeping bag liner loops provide attachment points to help avoid bunching. 

All these features can either be stuffed into the provided stuff sac, or the mesh storage sac. 

• Anti-snag draft tube
• Insotect Flow™ construction
• Contoured hood baffling
• Oversized draft collar
• DownTek™ down
• Low-profile cord lock
• Two-way zipper with garage
• Internal sleeping bag liner loops
• External hanging loops
• Traditional mummy shape
   

The Orno UL offers Hitchens UL an impressive warmth to weight ratio, and is the 3rd warmest bag in Big Agnes’ traditional mummy line up. The series also includes the Flume and Hitchens, (-1ºC and -7ºC respectively, see the review for the Hitchens here ) and the Crosho which is the warmest bag in the series rated -29ºC. 

Another ultralight bag of at a similar price point to the Orno is the Exped Ultralight 500. While the Exped bag is a bit lighter than the Orno, the Orno packs in way more insulation, rated at -18ºC compared to -1ºC.

The water repellency of both the shell and down is a welcome feature that no is not to be overlooked. One thing I do wish they had included is a compression sack; the stuff sack provided really isn’t ideal for backpacking. This can be easily ramified, but sort of frustrating that a bag at this price range doesn’t come with it.

Overall, this is a great bag for someone looking for high warmth-weight ratio, water-repellent sleeping bag that keeps things simple.