Big Agnes Torchlight 20
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | $349.95
Our Overall Rating | 89 out of 100
Pros - Roomy, adjustable, comfortable, water-resistant down, well-designed hood
Cons - Slightly heavy for ‘ultralight,’ zippers can snag, internal pocket placement is awkward
Overall - One of the best three-season sleeping bags for restless sleepers who want warmth without feeling confined
Technical Specifications
Packed Size - 17.5x8in
Weight - 36oz
Fill - 850-Downtek Water-Repellent Down
Our Analysis & Ratings
The Big Agnes Torchlight 20 is a high-performance sleeping bag designed for backpackers who want a balance of warmth, comfort and versatility. Marketed as an ultralight option, it has 850-fill DownTek insulation, water-resistant fabrics and a unique expandable side-panel design that adds extra room when needed. With a comfort rating of 20°F, it’s great for three-season use, from cool spring nights to chilly autumn conditions. While not the absolute lightest bag in its class, it’s still spacious and has adjustable ventilation, making it a great choice for restless sleepers or those who dislike the confinement of traditional mummy bags.
Comfort - Where the Torchlight 20 truly shines is in its exceptional comfort. The polyester taffeta lining feels soft against the skin and the 850-fill DownTek insulation gives it a lofty, cloud-like warmth. Unlike many mummy bags that restrict movement, this one features two expandable side panels, each adding 5 inches of extra girth when unzipped. This means side sleepers, knee-pullers and restless tossers can stretch out without feeling trapped. The contoured hood is another highlight, wrapping snugly around the head without needing constant readjustment. Warmer sleepers may even be able to sleep comfortably in temperatures below its 20°F rating, though cold sleepers may want a liner for added warmth.
Construction - Big Agnes has built the Torchlight 20 with durable yet lightweight materials, including a polyester ripstop shell with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. The DownTek insulation is treated to resist moisture, meaning it holds in warmth better than untreated down if damp. The YKK anti-snag zippers (while not entirely snag-proof) glide smoothly most of the time, and the double-layer draft tubes along the main zipper prevent cold spots. The box-wall baffle construction keeps the down evenly distributed, eliminating bare patches that can lead to chilly nights. One minor gripe is that the internal mesh pocket is awkwardly placed on the underside of the bag, making it less practical for storing small items like phones or headlamps.
Features - The Torchlight 20 is packed with smart, user-friendly features, including expandable side panels for extra room when needed, two-way zippers for adjustable ventilation, water-resistant DownTek insulation that dries quickly, a draft collar and contoured hood to seal in warmth and light loops for attaching a sleeping bag liner. The ‘UL’ (Ultralight) designation might be slightly misleading. Though as it’s not the lightest 20°F bag available, but the extra weight (2lbs 4oz) comes from added space and features that improve comfort.
Size/Weight - The Torchlight 20 comes in regular (72") and long (78") sizes, fitting most users up to 6’5". At 36oz, it’s not the lightest in its class (competitors like the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 are slightly lighter), but the extra room and adjustability justify the weight for many. The pack size is reasonable, though not as compact as some higher-end ultralight bags. Those on the taller side should choose the long version, but shorter campers should stick with the regular size to avoid excess dead air space.
Versatility - The Big Agnes Torchlight is great in three-season conditions, from late spring to early winter, depending on your sleep style and layering. The expandable panels and venting zippers make it adaptable, as you can open it up on warmer nights or cinch it tight when temperatures drop. While not designed for extreme winter camping, it handles high-altitude summer trips and shoulder-season hikes with ease. The water-resistant down and shell also make it more reliable in damp conditions than untreated down bags.
Overall - The Big Agnes Torchlight 20 is a high-end, feature-rich sleeping bag that focuses on comfort and adaptability rather than absolute minimalism. It’s not the lightest sleeping bag on our list, but the expandable design, excellent hood and water-resistant down make it a fantastic choice for backpackers who move around in their sleep or dislike restrictive mummy bags. While the price is steep, the durability and thoughtful design justify the cost for those who value a great night’s sleep in the backcountry.
