Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | $249.95
Our Overall Rating | 80 out of 100
Pros - Perfect for side sleepers, warm, roomy
Cons - Down shedding, not for back sleepers
Overall - A backpacking tent for cold conditions
Technical Specifications
Packed Size - 8x17.5in
Weight - 2lbs 4oz
Fill - 650 DownTek™ and FireLine™ Eco
Our Analysis & Ratings
If you know you’re a side sleeper and get frustrated when you turn in a traditional bag and it gets all twisted around you, the Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20 is perfect for you. Its design is specifically for side sleepers who roll from side to side, ensuring comfort throughout the night. Big Agnes also sells the same bag with a temperature rating of 35oF as well as a longer version.
Comfort - The Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20 gives you the option of sleeping on either side while still maintaining comfort and warmth with its mapped insulation. It’s comfortable both with clothes on and against bare skin, and even though it has a mummy shape, it doesn’t feel claustrophobic in the footbox. The hood can bunch strangely if you lie on your bag, though.
Construction - The shape of the Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20 is in the mummy design but has a twist in that it’s perfect for side sleepers. The shell and lining have a PFAS-free water-repellent finish, as does the down. As for the materials, the shell is made from nylon ripstop, while the lining is polyester taffeta. For some reason, though, it can be susceptible to shedding its inner down.
Features - It has a close-fitting, jacket-style hood to keep in warmth, and the hood also has a stretchy mesh to hold your pillow in place. The anti-snag zipper has a no-draft lining to help keep the cool air out, while the hood has an insulated tube to also seal out drafts. The bag also has exterior loops to help with storage, but also comes with a stuff sack for regular storage.
Size/Weight - For a warmer sleeping bag, it’s quite light at just over 2lbs, and it packs quite small. You might want to pack a smaller sack if you want to pack lighter as there’s plenty of room in the factory sack.
Versatility - It’s definitely a bag you would take during colder weather, as you would get too hot taking it out on warmer weather trips. It might not be a fully winter sleeping bag though, as for those extremely cold nights, you might need something warmer. It might be slightly too heavy if you’re undergoing long treks, but at just over 2lbs, it’s a decent weight for most uses.
Overall - The Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20 is a 3-season camping sleeping bag perfect for backpacking or car camping. It works great in spring, summer and autumn, but it’s not for winter conditions.
