Field Use
On warm summer nights, Slumberjack Saguaro keeps you comfy without causing you to work up a sweat. It's a great choice for camping or backpacking at lower elevations. The bag compresses to a tiny bundle, convenient when only limited packing spaces are available, such as in canoes, rafts or on bicycles. Rated for temperatures above 40 degrees, the Saguaro is suitable year-round at some latitudes, but cannot be counted on for warmth in subfreezing temperatures. The Saguaro's hood adds to its warmth and padding, and its speedy loft restoration eliminates waiting for comfort, although its short zipper renders it a bit difficult to get into.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Saguaro is very light, the regular-length bag weighing less than two pounds.
It squeezes into very small spaces, compressing to football size, and is perfect for those who need a tiny, light load.
It's a mummy bag, so there's less space to heat when the weather cools, and its drawcords are easy to reach.
It maintains its loft very effectively.
An insulated tube ("draft tube") runs along the zipper to trap warm air in.
The bottom is contoured to allow more foot room than most mummy bags.
For its weight, the Saguaro is highly insulating.
You won't overheat in the Saguaro since it's light and breathable.
It can be hand washed.
The Saguaro is inexpensive. It can be found for $60 to $90, or a bit more for the long model.
Down stays evenly distributed, thanks to a sewn-through stitching pattern, and it won't escape through the rip-stop shell.
The liner is made of soft and comfortable polyester taffeta.
Cons
You will need to add a liner or bivouac bag in colder weather.
Getting into the Saguaro is a little tricky due to its short zipper.
Being a mummy bag, it's somewhat constricting, especially for claustrophobic people.
Bottom Line
The Saguaro is ideal for its niche, which is primarily summer camping and backpacking. It's hard to beat on hot nights. It is not a high-altitude bag, but it provides considerable warmth due to its down filling, mummy shape, quick-and-impressive level of loft retention and a hood that flips over from its contoured shape to a flat position. Adding a liner or bivouac bag will increase the effective temperature rating of the Saguaro, and its lightness and very small packed-up size make it appropriate for myriad outdoor activities. The access-limiting trouble of the short zipper is somewhat mitigated by its warmth-retaining advantage.
