Kelty - Cosmic Ultra 20

Yep, mines done 10 years in all seasons. Not as warm as it used to be (stored a lot compressed) but it’s still a go to for me.

Bit of long read for those who are interested in the best budget set up I’ve found for comfort/space/weight. Breif overview; Naturehike Cloud Peak 2 Kelty Cosmic ultra 20 Bestway Alpinelite sleeping mat Nature hike down pants Fire Maple FMS300T stove Trekology Trek-Z poles Mini reviews below. Just had a brilliant weekend around Buttermere. Managed to put a few bits of new kit through testing and due to it all performing/holding up, ended up having the best couple of nights I’ve had since taking up the hobby.. We bagged the usual suspects of Red pike, High stile and High crag. We ended the first day at Seat and took an absolute battering by the wind from Stepping foot onto Dodd, until we landed at Seat. It was a rough night of wind and rain, but the tents held up well and the rain stopped in time for us packing away The second day was a lot easier going, with a gentle stroll back to Buttermere, a re-supply and a pub meal in Keswick, then I headed solo to Honister for a steady bimble up to Fleetwith Pike. The beauty spot at Fleetwith was already claimed by a family whose kids looked absolutely ecstatic to be there, I really hope they had a great night! I moved onto Black Star and pitched, nicely tucked away and happy with the alternative spot. There’s not much room for a tent on the top but with a careful bit of jigging about, I made it work and had an excellent night. Gear; I swapped out my well used Banshee 200 for something that I could actually sit up in and cook in without laying in cramp. I ended up with the new budget favourite, the Naturehike Cloud Peak 2. Despite its flaws, there’s plenty of mods to improve it and the main criticism of the zips snagging was easily cured with silicone spray. Even in the 40mph gusts, they didn’t cause any more grief than any other tent would. One day I might be able to afford the Hilleberg Soulo, but until then, I can just pretend in this. It really is a great tent for the money! The sleeping bag was my next step to upgrading gear. I purchased the Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20 when it was on sale for £110. This has definitely made the biggest difference in pack weight/space after switching from my Synthetic North Face Eco Trail 20. It got down to lows of around 6c and I was comfortable in just shorts and a t shirt, even a little too warm at times! It packs down really well and held me (I’m 50” around the chest for reference) quite comfortably. To lay my sleeping bag on and rest my tired 18 stone ass upon, I went with the hyped Bestway mat (wide). I didn’t have high expectations but for less than £40, it was worth a punt, since I’ve managed to have every mat (4 in total) fail on me and ruin more than a hand full of camps. It held up and didn’t loose any air on either night! I did feel a cold spot on my hip but since I’m a side sleeper and the mat isn’t particularly suited to those, I can’t really complain. It was really warm and doesn’t make as much noise as i expected, in fact, it was really quite quiet. It wasn’t as comfortable as the Trekology UL80 but it’s nowhere near as thick. All in all, a great bit of kit and I really recommend it as a good budget mat. Just make sure the rubber disk on the one way valve is centred or it WILL leak. Naturehikes down pants do the job. Warm, comfortable, highly packable. They could do with a longer length drawstring though! Another good value buy for the frugal campers that would like to enjoy a little luxury of being warm and comfortable. The FMS300T stove and cheap titanium pot, combined with a 100g canister saved me over half a kilo of unnecessary weight coming from the OEX Tacana while only costing an extra minute of time to boil some water. Well built, simple, small and light. Perfect for dehydrated meals and a cuppa. May take a while for you guys who like a steak though! Last, but by no means least. The Trekology Trek-Z poles. If you haven’t used poles and are considering it, just do it. I’m fairly fit late 30s and in the gym 4 days a week, but I still wheeze up the inclines and I find absolutely no enjoyment in enduring those tough energy sapping climbs, when I’m red faced and gasping for o2. Poles made the direct route to Red Pike more of a pleasure than a pain. Ascents are easier in general and descents are easier on the knees. The poles were easy to adjust, have metal clips and although are tad heavy, felt sturdy with my weight bearing down on them. They come in a storage bag and fit nicely in the stick slings on my pack when partially collapsed. I will absolutely not be leaving these behind on my future peak walks. They’re a game changer. I hope this post can help someone who is looking into the budget end of wild camping, I’ve been at this for a few years now and whilst not a seasoned veteran, I know I like my gear to last and be reliable whilst also returning a reasonablet length of service. I believe I’ve just about got it right with my current set up (although the Osprey pack will be going soon in favour of a Seirra Designs Flex Capacitor).

Like mentioned, they don’t have a 4 season do all specification. It’s like trying to find a winter coat that can also be a summer jacket. Hopefully my failings in buying a bag for the first time will aid you! I bought a synthetic The North Face eco trail as my first and as warm and comfortable as it was, carrying it and packing it sucked. Always go down filled, a -7c bag will take up massive amounts of space and weight if it’s synthetic, a down bag of the same rating will knock off a good 30-35% of the space and weight. I’ve just spent two consecutive nights in - [this](https://www.outdoorgb.com/p/kelty-cosmic-ultra-20%C2%B0-800-dridown-sleeping-bag---long/?currency=GBP&country=GBR&SelectedBundle=214395&SelectedItem=987465&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_euQeU-vVn0B3toBfC8t1rXeZde&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItaaDkIqhjAMVdJFQBh2I5BnWEAQYASABEgKG3_D_BwE) - and it’s been a fantastic bag, albeit a little too warm for this weekend in the Lakes! Good luck, there’s plenty of great help in this sub and YouTube. Maybe also look at quilts.

Kelty sleeping bag rated for 20 degrees. Base layer, sweats, socks, beanie. I also have a Coleman insert that’s basically like a thin blanket sewed into a sleeping bag shape for extra cold nights.

I second the Kelty Cosmic 20. Great lightweight down bag for the price!! I’m from SLC and camp/backpack in the Uintas constantly and it has never let me down and always been warm enough (even in a hammock)

I got a kelty cosmic 20 down from REI's used gear shop for under $150. Works great, perfectly clean (when I bought it).

I love my Kelty Cosmic 20! Even kept me warm in 27 degree temps in the mountains.

Holy bageebus that's a 3lb sleeping bag. That is ludicrously heavy. Even the Kelty Cosmic 20 at $169 is 2lb 3oz. But beware the temperature ratings -- you want that 20F (+/-5F) to be closer to the "comfort" rating while the Kelty is rated at 20F but in fact has a "Lower Limit" of 21F. Get a down bag if you can. You don't need synthetic in the Sierra in summer. If I'm staying below about 10000' in elevation and it's July or August and the weather all looks very warm I *have* used a 30F but in general I use a 20F all summer long.

That's the sleeping bag I use and it's been good to me. So even when yours was younger you still just got him an adult sized bag for the long term?

Kelty Cosmic 20 is the typical response for budget, good and light enough for most. Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20° Sleeping Bag is a synthetic bag that's very similar in size, weight and warmth to the Kelty but might be cheaper depending on where you're located.

I picked my kid up a Kelty Cosmic 20. It's light, packs small, real down and he used it later when hiking in Boy Scouts. He's used it (with a liner) in every kind of weather and temperature. At the time, they were around $100.

I've gone the last three years in mid September. It's my favorite time of year to go. I bring the Kelty Cosmic 20 down sleeping bag with the Klymit static V sleeping pad. The Kelty occasionally drops down to 125$ and it's perfect for that time of year. Warm days and slightly chilly nights. I think a bag rated 25-30 would be fine

I'd look at the [Kelty Cosmic 20](https://www.rei.com/product/231267/kelty-cosmic-20-sleeping-bag-mens?sku=2312670002&store=102&CAWELAID=120217890018009653&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=147758259799&CATCI=aud-830183485327:pla-2021410583250&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2312670002%7C2021410583250%7CBA%7C71700000074421743&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7dm-BhCoARIsALFk4v-rxEXOce1pDojIDEZWkM93aGHIX8ftGRu5cd42LJb4rPbpf-LBnlAaArhqEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds). A down bag for just $149. Take 20% off and you're looking at $120. Tested comfort on Cosmic is 31 degrees. If you want something slightly warmer, the new [REI Radiant](https://www.rei.com/product/245179/rei-co-op-radiant-20-sleeping-bag) at $199 (just $159 after coupon). This has more fill, and varying sizes to choose from. Tested comfort 25. Weight almost the same, but the REI has better down, and more fill weight. The other option would be to buy a 30 degree bag, and a decent liner. I'm a big fan of liners because they not only help add a little warmth, they help keep the bag clean. There are a handful of Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30 bags currently on outlet. So you could use the 20% outlet coupon there, and the 20% regular coupon on a liner. Just a thought. Pad also means a great deal. A Therm-a-Rest Neoair is going to be considerably warmer than a Z-Lite, especially if the ground is cold underneath you.

Another vote for the Kelty Cosmic 20. (Presuming the OP is in temps down to the 30s). Good price on a good bag. Not great, but definitely good. Very tried and true, been around for years. Only negative is if you do end up wet, or in consistently wet areas (unlikely with your job, but what do I know?). But you can always treat the Cosmic with Nikwax Down Proof if you think you'll be getting wet and staying wet.

The Kelty Cosmic 20 might be close to $80 with sales but otherwise you're looking to spend closer to $120.

I've slept in it in 15 degree weather while wearing base layer clothing, a hoodie and over a megamat 10. Wasn't particularly cold.

I'm 5'9" and about 225lbs. I have a Kelty Cosmic 20 that I'm passing down to my kid because it's not comfortable. It always feels like it's too tight around my chest. I don't know if I lay too low inside the bag or what but It feels like I can barely fit my arms into the bag and be able to zip it up. I checked and it's a regular version and not a short or women's. I'm looking for something with a little more chest room. 3 seasons. I doubt I will ever be in freezing temps. I'm looking at the Nemo Disco 15 because my research showed that it might fit me better than others. I'm not a really big guy but I need to be able to move my arms around without feeling like I'm going to bust the zipper. Any other recommendations?

I'm own a decathlon sleeping bag, Forclaz MT something that has a comfort rating of 10°C and limit of 5°C. Took it to the lakes back in early Sept and slept well. Now I'm looking to buy a Kelty Cosmic 20 and that has a comfort of 0°C and limit at -7°C, and it's £80 on base camp gear website. Not sure how it'll perform but I hope I helped expand your options :)

Heya, just got the Kelty not too long ago, and can say it is not compact at all, but kinda expected since it's synthetic filled instead of down filled. It is comfortable, and did give me good sleep despite the weather being warmer than the comfort rating

look at the kelty cosmic 20, going to be best bang for your buck with a down fill.

A down bag is more expensive than synthetic but it compresses much better so you get a smaller package. If you post your budget we can help you decide on the right one. If you are on a tight budget, say under $200 then look at the Kelty Cosmic 20 or the Paria Thermodown 15, if your budget is higher you can find some that pack even smaller

I picked up a Kelty cosmic down a number of years ago. Fairly basic but it was down and a decent weight.

Kelty. Very solid gear, and won't break the bank. My first down sleeping bag was a kelty cosmic I think. Rei has nice alternatives as well.

First - are you positive you want to zip together with your partner? I did your same plan \~15 years ago. Got 2 bags and zipped them together. It was cute. At first. Then we soon became cramped / cold. We almost always preferred to be in our own bags vs. zipped together. After the novelty of zipping together wore off - it really wasn't useful. Just saying... don't spend the extra money / effort or limit your options for this feature if you don't really need it. If you still want the zip together bags - you are looking for sleeping bags that have 'left' and 'right' zippers. Buy one left and one right. At 15F nights - you want a 5F or 0F rated sleeping bag. Or a 15F bag plus a liner for the colder nights. Are you sure you want a traditional mummy bag? I personally prefer down quilts. They pack smaller and are more comfortable than my mummy bag. They also work well when 2 people are together. Snuggle under the blankets, but then go into your own cocoon for the night time. **What is your budget?** It looks like Mountain Hardware does mens zippers on left and womens zippers on the right. * [https://www.rei.com/product/235362/mountain-hardwear-bishop-pass-15-sleeping-bag-womens](https://www.rei.com/product/235362/mountain-hardwear-bishop-pass-15-sleeping-bag-womens) * [https://www.rei.com/product/235363/mountain-hardwear-bishop-pass-15-sleeping-bag](https://www.rei.com/product/235363/mountain-hardwear-bishop-pass-15-sleeping-bag) Nemo does the same: * [https://www.rei.com/product/228439/nemo-disco-15-endless-promise-down-sleeping-bag-womens](https://www.rei.com/product/228439/nemo-disco-15-endless-promise-down-sleeping-bag-womens) * [https://www.rei.com/product/251886/nemo-disco-15-endless-promise-down-sleeping-bag-mens](https://www.rei.com/product/251886/nemo-disco-15-endless-promise-down-sleeping-bag-mens) This is a unique option too: * [https://www.rei.com/product/231206/sea-to-summit-ascent-15f-sleeping-bag](https://www.rei.com/product/231206/sea-to-summit-ascent-15f-sleeping-bag) The North Face Cat's Meow was the one I had with L/R zips. But it looks like they took that feature away. I was also going to recommend the Kelty Cosmic Down as a cheap/budget option - but they also look to only sell right zip bags.

Then I'd say the new REI Radiant 20. It's a mostly down bag, but with synthetic in the footbox to accommodate sweat and if it gets wet in the night from rain (because most people stretch out and end up putting their feet against the tent wall which might have condensed). The Kelty Cosmic is a close second.

kelty cosmic down, featherstone, decathalon all make good bidget bags under 2kg

My 15 year old cosmic is all down and it's a great bag for the money. I got it because I have a dog and generally the bag is going to get a bit more dirty and wet, though in practice I bring a light bivy sack if I expect to camp in the rain and I've only washed the Cosmic once in that time. Loft looks good and I am generally somewhat clothed in camp clothes in it so it's really not dirty. And the dogs aren't as dirty as I imagined

I personally wouldn't mind a hybrid bag if it had purpose for me, however, the long term durability will not be as good. Synthetic has a lifespan while down, even if not cared for perfectly, will likely last a lifetime. I mean as long as you don't store it wet and compressed, it's hard to truly kill down. Not sure about repeated washing but I know the old Primaloft they recommended you only wash a couple of times during it's life. I've washed my beater down jackets probably 3-5 times over there lives and they still are going strong. Probably have more washes and abuse in them. Biggest thing I worry about washing down is baffle damage.

I'll probably wash mine again soon. I never store it compressed so that helps but even body oils and dirt impact loft long term. For a bag I probably paid like $100 for I'm very happy. I'm even impressed with the loft when I pack it up. I have stretched it into the winter months (around 0F/-20C) with a vapor barrier liner and a bivy sack. It's definitely a good cheap versatile bag. If I didn't mostly bikepack and backpack with my dog I'd probably shell out for something a little nicer. But the risk reward isn't high enough.

You'll save weight over a sleeping bag. But not over a 850f quilt. Depends where you are coming from. If you have a Kelty Cosmic and want to save weight and bulk, this will be (probably) great. If you have a 1000f western mountaineering with a 5D shell, probably not.

A cheap ccf pad from Walmart combined with a cheap air matress, klymit is decent, will get you the best sleep on a budget. It may seem like overkill, but I find the cheap air mattresses to be uncomfortable by themselves and just sleeping on a ccf pad is murder on the hips for a side sleeper like me. If you’re looking for light and compact I recommend a down backpacking sleeping bag. The Kelty Cosmic Down is popular with budget backpackers. Have a great summer! I hope it’s not too bad of a fire season, but bad enough you get some good overtime.

Depends on your climate. I recommend a 20 degree bag for our scouts. Synthetic for the younger scouts, down if an older scout needs a new bag. As long as you get a synthetic bag that isn’t more than about 3.5 pounds and isn’t too large from a volume perspective you can use that bag for both backpacking and other activities. I like the Kelty Tuck, Kelty Cosmic, and Kelty Cosmic Down for these use cases. I have a couple of zero degree bags, they get used like once a year in our climate.

Depends on your climate. I recommend a 20 degree bag for our scouts. Synthetic for the younger scouts, down if an older scout needs a new bag. As long as you get a synthetic bag that isn’t more than about 3.5 pounds and isn’t too large from a volume perspective you can use that bag for both backpacking and other activities. I like the Kelty Tuck, Kelty Cosmic, and Kelty Cosmic Down for these use cases. I have a couple of zero degree bags, they get used like once a year in our climate.

If you're just wanting to test this out, try to borrow gear. As others have mentioned, make sure you also get a sleeping pad with a high R value and know that temperature ratings on most bags are for survival (not comfort). Also keep in mind that you can layer pads/sleeping bags. So you could get a 20 degree and a 40 degree bag, which can be combined to go below freezing and you'll be covered for 3 different situations. The only bag I would consider from Cabela's would be a Kelty Cosmic Down.