Brooks-Range Alpini 15 Down Sleeping Bag -REVIEW
The first question that most people ask when looking at purchasing a new sleeping bag is whether to choose down or synthetic. The down versus synthetic debate has been around for a long while. Each fill has its own advantages and people their own preferences based on their specific needs and style of ski touring trip. The Brooks-Range Alpini 15 sleeping bag uses 850+ fill goose down sandwiched between lightweight Pertex Quantum® fabric along with offset baffle construction to maximum insulation efficiency. This method allows the down to loft completely and still provides some protection from the elements. Over the years I have used both synthetic and down in a variety of conditions and based on my experience my preference is for down for it’s comfort, packability and light weight.
The next question that most people ask is what temperature rating should they choose in a sleeping bag. Again this one is based primarily on personal preference, geographical location and style of ski touring they do. Sleeping in a gas heated 15 degree celsius hut requires less insulation than a night out in a winter tent or bivy. That aside, I always try to err on the side of caution and come prepared in the rare event that the hut furnace is malfunctioning (it happens). With that extra warmth though comes a bulkier and heavier sleeping bag so there is a trade off to be made and only you can make that call. I find that a -10 degree Celsius sleeping bag works well in both hut and winter camping scenarios as it provides plenty of warmth in the hut and if things get colder outside you can always put on a few extra layers and save on the few extra pounds of weight in your pack - unless of course you are sleeping out in the dead of winter.
