Gear Closet: High Peak Alpinizmo Latitude 0º Sleeping Bag

A few weeks back I reviewed the High Peak Alpinizmo Lightning 50 backpack, lauding the company for creating a no frills, yet high quality pack that was perfect for both travel and backpacking. I gave the Lightning high marks for being very affordable as well, saying it was a great value for the money. High Peak applies the same philosophy of delivering gear that performs well at an unbeatable price to their line of sleeping bags as well, which I discovered while testing their Alpinizmo Latitude 0º sleeping bag.

The Latitude line of sleeping bags feature a mummy style hood and a synthetic fill wrapped up in an attractive package. Available in three flavors (20ºF/-6ºC, 0ºF/-17ºC and -5ºF/-20ºC) these bags are surprisingly comfortable and warm even when compared to similarly specced down bags.

High Peak stuffs these bags with a proprietary fill that they call CozyTherm which is suppose to increase warmth without adding much in the way of weight. This material is specifically designed to keep body heat from escaping the interior by reflecting it back onto the person sleeping in the bag. CozyTherm also includes solid wicking properties that help keep moisture from getting into the interior and completely ruining a good nights sleep.

The shell of the Latitude consists of fairly standard 40D 240T Tactel Rip Stop Nylon, which is durable enough to resist wear and tear on all but the most demanding trips. Other features include a drawstring hood, draft tubes with a snap enclosure, high quality snag-free zippers, hang loops along the bottom and a zippered interior pocket. All of which is fairly common fair on most sleeping bags on the market over the past few years.  To their credit however, High Peak has implemented those features in a high quality fashion that that is sure to please buyers.

All of those features don't mean much if the bag doesn't perform up to specifications however and I'm pleased to report that the Latitude doesn't fail in that department in the least. This bag is warm and comfortable, although I had to leave it unzipped to allow a little extra ventilation. Admittedly I am a warm-sleeper however and those who prefer to stay a bit more cozy in their bag will appreciate the Latitude's warm. When the temperature plunges, this is a bag that you'll want to have with you.

Once again, High Peak has managed to deliver good performance at an affordable price. The Latitude 0º tips the scales at just 3 pounds, 2 ounces which is pretty impressive when you consider that it's price tag is even lighter. Priced at just $115, this is an affordable option for winter camping and alpine excursions. While the bag wasn't quite as comfortable as my 4-season 800-fill down bag, it also came in a fraction of the cost.

One other thing I should mention is that the Latitude isn't available in a long version. I'm 6'2" (188 cm) in height and I was a bit cramped in this bag. Nothing that impaired my ability to sleep comfortably, but if you're taller than I am, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.

Anyone else in the market for a new bag will find the Latitude to be a worthy option for your money. It's warm, comfortable and lightweight, and durable enough to take on all of your adventures.