Mountain Hardwear Ratio 32 Sleeping Bag

Mountain Hardwear’s Ratio 32 sleeping bag is intended as a summer/shoulder season bag offering the comfort and warmth of down while maximizing its versatility thanks to the water resistance of their Q. Shield Down coating. Summer is a tricky time for choosing the right sleeping bag - you want to be warm and comfortable but at the same time you don’t want to sweat, which robs you of warmth. Q.Shield down is intended to wick moisture away to maintain maximum loft in damp conditions. Sounds ideal, but does it live up to the test?

The Mountain Hardwear Ratio 32 features their Thermo Trap Baffle that locks the down into smaller chambers for less down “migration.” The 650-fill Q.Shield down is complimented by a soft, comfortable lining that ensures you’re cozy in the cool summer night. The mummy cut of the bag traps warmth while keeping the bag slim in the right places to keep down on weight (a light 829 grams), making it extra nice on the long hikes and approaches.

The Ratio 32 has a down filled gasket at the hood opening with a single-hand actuated draw cord to allow a snug fit at the hood opening and a insulated tube with an anti-snag panel to prevent the cold from entering through the zipper. This attention to detail allows the bag to be light but also warm in most summer and shoulder season temps. The shell is nylon with a DWR treatment to repel water from dew and light moisture while still maintaining breathability.

Attention to detail: while there aren't a lot of frills to the Ratio 32, it's simplicity that is a selling feature.

Materials:

Insulation: Q.Shield Down 650-fill
Lining: 30D Taffeta – 100% nylon
Shell: 33D Dobby – 100% nylon

The unique, small chamber baffling system ensures the Q.Shield down retains loft and doesn't migrate.

Features:

- Q.Shield™ DOWN 650-fill down has an advanced treatment applied that resists heat robbing moisture and retains maximum loft in damp conditions
- Unique Thermo Trap Baffle™ locks down into smaller chambers for less down migration, even loft height and more consistent warmth
- Comfort mummy cut efficiently maximizes warmth and minimizes weight without constriction
- Down-filled face gasket comfortably blocks drafts at the hood opening
- Insulated draft tube with anti-snag panel prevents cold spots along zipper
- Single-handed drawcords easily adjust hood closure
- Full length #5 zipper with double sliders for versatile ventilation
- Durable, lightweight nylon shell with DWR treatment repels water
- Stuff sack and mesh storage bag included

The Mountain Hardware Ration 32 features an easy internal, single-handed cinch to tighten the hood opening.

A simple cord loop ensures easy entry and exit to the Ratio 32 and is secured in place thanks to a velcro flap that sticks to itself to prevent chafing when open.

The inner liner of the Ratio 32 is soft to the skin.

The down-filled gasket at the hood prevents warm air from escaping on cool summer nights.

Verdict:

At first glance, the Mountain Hardwear Ratio 32 looks like a no-frills sleeping bag, but it’s what’s inside that makes this bag unique and remarkably sleeper-friendly. With a price of $230-250, it’s in the ballpark for a warm temp sleeping bag. The insulation of down is unmistakable yet many summer and shoulder season campers go for synthetic fill for the water resistant benefits. The Q.Shield 360-fill down treatment is intended to solve this problem by ensuring moisture is wicked away while maintaining the loft and warmth one would expect from down. My experience with the Ratio 32 is that it lives up to the bill, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep down to the indicated temperature range of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius. I didn’t wake up clammy and chilled due to unnecessary moisture from either sweating or dew, which is the strong point of the Ratio 32. Mind you, I didn’t sleep through a night in the pouring rain and a bivvy or tent is compulsory should it get really wet. Combine the Mountain Hardwear Ratio 32’s insulating and water wicking qualities with the bag being very stuff-able, light, and with a silky soft liner, and the Ratio 32 is a quality, comfortable bag for all your summer excursions.

The Ratio 32 comes with a roomy storage sack when not in use to ensure the down retains loft.

Stuffing down to a scant 7"/18cm, the Ratio 32 is very compact and light for the long hike.

SPECS:

Price: $250 CAN
Colour: Sherwood Green
Temp Rating: 0C / 32F
Weight: 829g / 1lb 13oz
Fill: Q.Shield Down 650-fill
Stuff sack Size: 18cm / 7in
Lengths: Long 213cm / 84in; Regular: 198cm / 78in

PROS:

- Lightweight
- Compactable
- Comfortable
- Benefits of down with water wicking treatment
- Maintains loft

CONS:

- No frills, but is that a bad thing?
- Nylon shell isn’t rip-stop
- Stuff Sac but no compression sac

Rating: 8/10

Warmth:            2/2
Compressibility: 1.5/2
Features:           1/2
Weight:              2/2
Quality/Price:     1.5/2

This is only our opinion. Do you disagree? Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.

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