Review: Outdoor Vitals Down Sleeping Bag

There are some pieces of outdoor gear that are simply necessities. As a stubborn guy, I learned this the hard way when I chose not to buy a winter sleeping bag and brought my summer bag on an overnight ski trip in the Tetons last year. Upon return, I did some shopping and was shocked to find that the cost of zero-degree bags can run as much as skis these days. Thankfully, Outdoor Vitals is keeping it real with their Summit Down 0 Degree Sleeping Bag. Coming in at a very reasonable price of $430, this bag does all I need it to do: keep me warm during the harsh winter months. Features like the head-to-toe tapered shape, anti-snag zippers, and center zip for reducing cold spots are icing on the cake. And ultralight fanatics be excited, because 2 lbs., 3 oz. is all you need to stay cozy in the backcountry. From late-season, cold-weather hunts to multi-day backcountry ski trips and everything in between, I now look forward to crawling into my sleeping bag at night.

$430; outdoorvitals.com.