Kelty is a outdoor equipment manufacturer which has been producing outdoor gear since 1952. The Lightyear Series Sleeping Bags are good examples of Kelty quality and design.

I own both the Lightyear 25 Degree Bag and the Lightyear 45 Bag. The 25 degree bag has kept me warm and comfortable even during a few 24 hour West Coast cold rain storms. It is during these times of being "tent bound" as during long cold rain storm, that you begin to appreciate the fine design and quality of a sleeping bag of this caliber.

At 1 pound 15 ounces, the Lightyear 25 bag weights slightly more than its little brother the Lightyear 45 degree bag. It comes with a compression bag and a cotton storage bag. The compression bag is about 6 inch by 6 inch, making it about the size of a football. As the bag is down filled, I suggest an additional dry bag to ensure that the bag stays dry, as down will lose its insulation ability if it gets wet.

Ketly uses a 1/2 length zipper on the Lightyear bags to save weight. (I also like the short zipper as it lessens the chances of a zipper snag!) Another advantage to the short zipper is increased insulation value by limiting the zipper length, although I never experienced a bit of draft through this bags zipper seven during howling storms. There is also a foot end zipper to add ventilation, should the bag be too warm. There are pad ties on the bag should you require them.

The hood portion of this bag deserves mention and credit, as it is well insulated and well designed. The hood fits effortlessly on ones head and is tightened or loosened with ease by way of a set of two draw cords. One cord tightens the portion of the hood around the top of your head, the other the portion below your head. One cord is round and one is flat, making it easy to tell which cord is which with just your hands! Very good design! A large Velcro closure completes the hood adjustment system.

I have found the Lightyear 25 degree bag to be quite durable, and I am pretty rough on gear. It returns to a full size quite quickly even after being in the compression bag for several days. The cost of the Lightyear sleeping bags is very reasonable with the 25 degree Lightyear retailing at around 150.00 dollars. For the backpacker who is looking to shave precious onces from your pack, but also enjoys staying comfortable, the Kelty Lightyear 25 degree bag is a good choice. I can think of no additional features which would improvement this product.


Recommended: Yes