Solar Ultra 3 Synthetic Sleeping Bag

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UOG TOP PICK—Rab’s Solar Ultra sleeping bags are higher-performing than the Solar Eco and combine recycled synthetic materials and cutting-edge technology to produce performance bags that are also eco-friendly. They are a top pick for a Synthetic Winter Bag!

Rab says:

Combining advanced construction and heat retaining TILT technology, with recycled fabric and recycled Stratus™ insulation, the Solar Ultra is our highest performing synthetic bag yet. The warmest in the range, the Solar Ultra 3 is ideal for lightweight mountain ascents in cold, winter conditions.

Jam-packed with tech and built with recycled materials, the Solar Ultra embodies our drive to create more sustainable gear at the pinnacle of performance. Fast drying, lightweight and robust with heat reflecting TILT technology, the Solar Ultra 3 offers excellent warmth for its weight. Its narrow, tapered mummy shape further reduces bulk and weight, ideal for fast and light adventures in cold, winter conditions.

Featuring a triple layer of 100% recycled Stratus™ Eco insulation arranged in a concertina shape, the Solar Ultra mimics the performance of down in a lightweight, featherless package. Reducing radiant heat loss by up to 15%, our built-in TILT technology substantially improves thermal insulation without compromising pack size, breathability, or weight. The elastic internal quilting brings the lining and insulation closer to the user, helping to reduce pockets of cold air. The localised quilting simply means that the stitching which holds the insulation in place has been minimised to reduce the chance of cold spots.

It has a ¾ length main zip with a baffle along its length to prevent heat from escaping and an adjustable neck baffle to cinch in snug and keep the heat in. Completed with a tough, 20D, recycled polyester Atmos™ outer, the Solar Ultra is the definitive synthetic sleeping bag for alpine use or lightweight bike and backpacking missions.

Our Verdict

Rab’s Solar Ultra 3 Synthetic sleeping bag fits into Rab’s Solar Ultra range which combine recycled synthetic materials and cutting-edge technology to produce performance bags that are also eco-friendly.

The Solar Ultra range is designed to be higher performing than the Solar Eco range because they incorporate TILT technology which reflects heat back into the bag, and because they are cut to a narrower Tapered Mummy shape rather than simply Mummy, this saves material weight and makes the bag more efficient at retaining heat.

The Stratos recycled filling has been carefully selected by Rab for its warmth to weight ratio and is incorporated with a differential fill, so there’s more on the top than the base where it is less effective. The outer shell fabric is tough and water resistant making these bags more suitable for all applications, including bivying and tarp camping.

Have Rab achieved their goal? – well a leading edge down bag with an EN Comfort rating of 0C will typically weigh between 550 and 600grams, the Solar Ultra 1 weighs 942grams and has an EN Comfort rating of 1C, so there is a significant weight premium for the synthetic version.

Interestingly Rab would say that the EN test doesn’t account for TILT very well and their Rab Sleep Rating is a bit better, especially in these synthetic bags. Their Solar Ultra 1 bag is has a Rab Sleep Rating of -4C for which the equivalent down bag would be around the 700-750g mark, making the difference smaller but still significant.

Whatever your judgement Rab have not only made a good contribution to the synthetic bag market but also taken a significant step forward in responsible manufacturing.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Internal TILT Scrim Technology on upper for reduces radiant heat loss
• Triple layer concertina blanket construction on upper for improved loft and warmth 
• Elasticated internal quilting to draw insulation towards user and eliminate cold spots 
• Offset localised quilting to reduce cold transmision 
• Reduced volume hood for better heat retention 
• Close fitting adjustable neck baffle design for decreased heat loss 
• YKK 3/4 length main zip with synthetic insulated zip baffle to trap warmth 
• YKK Anti-snag zip insert and anti snag internal zip guard 
• Compression stuffsack included 
• Tapered Mummy Shape

Specifications

Temperature Rating (EN(13537:2012)

• Comfort: 0°C / 32°F
• Comfort Limit: -6°C / 20°F
• Extreme: -23°C / -10°F
• Rab Sleep Limit: -13°C / 10°F

Regular Specs

• Weight: 1499g (excludes storage bags)
• Fill weight: NA
• Packed size: 45 x 24cm
• Overall length: 215cm
• Height of user: 185cm
• Internal shoulder girth: 142cm
• Internal hip girth: 120cm
• Internal foot girth: 100cm

Material & Construction

• Shell: 20D Atmos™ recycled nylon ripstop fabric (38gsm) with fluorocarbon free DWR
• Lining: 20D Atmos™ recycled polyester ripstop fabric (41gsm) with fluorocarbon free DWR
• Skrim: 100% polyester scrim with aluminium coating (15gsm)
• Upper: Recycled Stratus Synthetic Sheet Insulation in a triple layer construction (100% Recycled -Polyester 180gsm/180gsm/60gsm)
• Base: Recycled Stratus Synthetic Sheet Insulation in a dual layer blanket construction (100% -Recycled Polyester 100gsm/100gsm)

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Lightweight Sleeping Bags
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Sleeping Bag
• About Rab
• The EN13537 Standard
• Recycled Content in Outdoor Gear
• Rab Sustainability and Responsibility