Review of Sierra Designs Trade Wind 800 and Volt Sport Primaloft
By Matt Smith

I often go round and round when trying to decide what is the optimal all around sleeping bag rating. For a long while I was convinced that 20 degrees was the holy grail. However, as I ventured higher, farther, and with fewer pounds in the way of calories in my pack, a 20 degree bag was occassionally just not quite enough. Thank goodness for the 15 degree bag. Most 15 degree bags are only a couple of ounces more than their 20 degree counterparts, and for me, those ounces were worth trading for just a little more warmth. I have spent 4-5 nights in two distant relatives from the Sierra Designs line in the last couple of weeks. The Trade Wind, a luxurious 800 fill down bag with a DryZone shell, and the Volt Sport, a Primaloft lightweight bag.

Let's start off with the Trade Wind. The first thing that grabbed my eye about the Trade Wind 800 was the available DriZone shell fabric. Waterproof breatheable shells are typically only options on 0 degree bags and colder. For summer trips in the Utah's High Uintas or the Wind Rivers, that can be just a bit too warm. Typical of most high mountain ranges, afternoon thunder showers are common. Dropping rain and snow even in the height of summer. Long distance or ultrilight trips with a tarp tent can leave you a little exposed to the weather. It is for situations like that the DriZone is invaluable to keep the down toasty and dry.

The inside of the bag is a psychedellic blue and green, and is entertaining at least. The over stuffed draft tube is more than adequate, and the hood fit nicely. There is ample room for my 6 foot 200 pound frame in the Trade Wind without feeling restrained. I slept comfortable consistently in the low to mid 20's, even without cinching down the hood completely.

All in all, the Trade Wind is a great bag. It is fairly light at 2 lb. 15 oz. and a bargain for an 800 fill down bag with a waterproof breathable shell at $330. If you are looking to shave those last few ounces, this isn't the bag for you; but if you are sitting pretty at 30 pounds, and don't mind a few more ounces, you won't regret the bucks or the weight when you are sleeping in the Trade Wind.

The Volt Sport is a new comer in the Sierra Designs line. It is one of the few bags using the much touted PrimaLoft insulation. PrimaLoft offers more warmth at a lower weight than other synthetic insulations, but also packs down almost as small at down. The Volt is surprisingly light at 2 lb. 8 oz. Part of this can be attributed to a 1/3 length zipper and a draft tube that is hardly over stuffed. While the Volt is light and very packable, I consistently slept cool when temperatures hit about 25 degrees. I wasn't so cold that I couldn't sleep, but I was cold enough that when I woke up I was uncomfortable. I was usually able to solve this problem by wrapping a fleece around my neck, at which point I would promptly warm up and fall asleep. The Volt Sport is cut to shave ounces, and I felt the missing inches when I would move around. Granted I am larger than average, so the typical 5 ft 10 inch 175 pound male would feel less constricted. A nice feature on the Volt Sport is the vented foot box. A small hidden zipper opens about 8 inches of the foot to allow ventilation, which is appreciated, especially with the short main zipper.

Don't get me wrong, I think the Volt Sport is an excellent bag, and I am happy to see Sierra Designs pioneering the use of PrimaLoft in their products. This is how I see it, the Volt is the bag you would grab if you spend many of your nights in the low 30's with a few nights in the 20's and 40's. In the 20's you may wear a beanee and wool socks, and in the 40's you'll keep the foot vent all the way open. In exchange you'll have a very light, packable bag, with insulation that will keep you warm even in the wettest conditions all for under $220.

Summary: I recommend the Trade Wind for colder, drier climates, and the Volt Sport for more temperate moist or humid climates. Both are well constructed, and feature the lastest technology in their category. I would have liked to see at least minimal shoulder yokes or draft collars in both bags, and the draft tube on the Volt could stand to be a little bigger.

For more information contact:
Sierra Designs
www.sierradesigns.com
2011 Cherry Street Unit #202
Louisville, CO 80027
800 (635-0461)

Matt Smith is the canyoneering specialist at GearReview.com, and likes that the Chevron in Laverkin has good condiments.