Mountain Hardware Switch Sleeping Bag Review

The Mountain Hardware Switch sleeping bag is an advanced backpacking sleeping bag known for its warmth and compressibility. The Switch comes in three separate temperature ratings, differing in size and warmth. The Switch 5 is rated for temperatures down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and weighs 4 lbs. 10 oz. The Switch 20 is rated for temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and weighs 3 lbs. 10 oz. The Switch 35 is for warmer nights of 35 degrees Fahrenheit and above. All models of the Switch sleeping bag feature Mountain Hardware's patented 50D Nylon Taffeta shell and lining and Thermic MX lining to keep you warm and dry.

Perks

Mountain Hardware innovated a Quantum Expander in their Switch line of sleeping bags, allowing the user to expand the girth of the bag by 8 inches. Also the Switch synthetic Thermic MX lining offers ample padding when sleeping without a pad, and you can compress it to 8 inches by 16 inches, which easily should fit into your backpack.

Sacrifices

Due to the Switch sleeping bag's design as a compressed backpacking bag, it fails to keep you warm in very cold temperatures at high elevations. Also it is heavy compared to competitors' sleeping bags recommended for similar use, such as The North Face Orion and Marmot Helium.

Bottom Line

The Mountain Hardware Switch sleeping bag has sleek size and warmth. At prices ranging from $115 to $160, as of 2009, it is a great value for any backpacker. But for campers where size and weight don't matter, they might want to consider a warmer bag at a cheaper price.

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Article Written By Tyler Nall

Tyler Nall is a forestry technician and outdoor enthusiast. He received his Bachelor of Science at the University of Oregon with majors in psychology and sociology. Nall started writing professionally in 2004 and currently writes for various websites.

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