Rab Ascent 900 Sleeping Bag – A Solid Cold-Weather Performer
If you’re after a solid, no-nonsense down sleeping bag for cold-weather camping, the Rab Ascent 900 is a pretty great choice. It’s warm, well-built, and doesn’t break the bank (at least compared to some high-end options). I’ve taken it on a few winter trips now, and here’s my honest take.
Warmth & Comfort
The 900g of 650-fill hydrophobic down does its job well. I’ve used it in sub-zero temps, and it kept me toasty without feeling like I was trapped in a furnace. The comfort rating is around -18°C (0°F), but I’d say anything below -10°C (14°F) is where it really shines. If you’re heading into extreme cold, layering up inside or adding a liner wouldn’t hurt.
The mummy shape is snug but not suffocating, and there’s enough room to move around without feeling like a burrito. The neck baffle and adjustable hood seal in the warmth nicely, though I did find the hood slightly less cozy than some premium bags.
Packability & Weight
At around 1.6kg (3.5lbs), it’s not ultralight, but for a winter bag, that’s expected. It compresses down decently in the included stuff sack, though a compression sack would make it even better. If weight is a huge concern, you’ll need to pay more for a higher-fill-power bag.
Build Quality & Features
Rab always makes quality gear, and this is no exception. The Pertex Quantum outer shell is lightweight yet tough, resisting moisture pretty well. The YKK zippers are smooth, though the main zip occasionally snags (which is pretty normal).
A small but nice touch is the internal stash pocket—perfect for keeping batteries or a phone warm.
Overall Verdict
For the price, the Rab Ascent 900 is a fantastic choice for winter camping or mountaineering in moderate cold conditions. It’s warm, well-made, and fairly packable. If you’re after an ultra-light, high-tech down bag, you’ll need to spend more, but for most people, this one hits the sweet spot between performance and affordability.
- Pros:
- Excellent warmth for the price
- High-quality materials & construction
- Decent packability for a winter bag
- Comfortable & roomy for a mummy bag
- Cons:
- Slightly heavy for some backpackers
- Zipper snags occasionally
- Hood could be a bit more ergonomic
Would I recommend it? Absolutely—if you need a solid winter sleeping bag that won’t cost a fortune, the Ascent 900 is a great pick. 🚀