WARM IN ANY WEATHER
OK, sometimes sleeping outside just plain sucks—like when it’s cold and wet and you’re without a tent. Fortunately, the Cirque is made for just such nights. On a soggy ski-touring trip in Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, testers spent two nights en plein air in the 800-fill-down bag. And thanks to its waterproof-breathable shell, they stayed warm and dry despite overnight lows in the teens and some light rain one early morning. 0ºF, 3.5 lbs; sierradesigns.com
Bonus: An adjustable draft tube inside the hood helps keep heat in (and noise and light out), while removable pad locks keep you from sliding off your mat.
Bummer: This kind of warmth and protection ain’t light or compact.