 This Product
Big Agnes Torchlight EXP 20 - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Our Favorite Feature-rich Design |  Best Value for a Down Sleeping Bag | Best Value for a Synthetic Sleeping Bag | ||
| Price | $349.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $220 List $174.95 at Amazon | $159.45 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $169.00 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $133.93 at REI |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This down-filled construction provides tons of features and the perfect amount of warmth for a summer night in alpine areas | "Get Down" with this extremely well priced sleeping bag that will work for short to medium length backpacking trips in the summer | Although heavy and bulky, this affordable synthetic bag is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts who are not counting every gram of gear | This synthetic model offers snug fitting design that is surprisingly compressible and a good choice to keep you warm in wet conditions | Too heavy and bulky for backpacking but a great choice for car camping comfort |
| Rating Categories | Big Agnes Torchligh... | Sierra Designs Get... | NEMO Tempo 20 Synth... | The North Face Cat'... | Marmot Trestles Eli... |
| Warmth (25%) | |||||
| Weight (25%) | |||||
| Comfort (20%) | |||||
| Packed Size (15%) | |||||
| Features (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Big Agnes Torchligh... | Sierra Designs Get... | NEMO Tempo 20 Synth... | The North Face Cat'... | Marmot Trestles Eli... |
| EN Temp Rating (Lower Limit) | 19°F | 23°F | 12°F | 20°F | 20°F |
| Insulation | 650 fill DownTek | 550 FP DriDown RDS | Synthetic | Recycled synthetic | HL-ElixR synthetic fibers |
| Measured Weight | 2.31 lbs | 2.36 lbs | 3.75 lbs | 2.50 lbs | 2.75 lbs |
| Female-Specific Features | Expandable panel fits various body shapes | Women's specific cut | NEMO space-saving Spoon shape with relaxed fit | Available in a "short" length, which is a standard women's size | Women's specific fit |
| Fill Weight | 16.0 oz | 25.0 oz | 46.0 oz | 38.9 oz | Unspecified |
| Material | Recycled 20D polyester ripstop with a water-repellent finish without intentionally added PFAS | 20D polyester | 50-denier recycled ripstop polyester | 20D ripstop nylon, taffeta | 20-denier recycled ripstop polyester |
| Neck Baffle | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Small Organization Pocket | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sleeping Pad Sleeve | No | No | No | No | No |
| Zipper Length | 54.0 in | 39.5 in | 53.0 in | 34.5 in | 53.0/15.0 in |
| Shoulder Girth | 57.0/67.0 in | 58.0 in | 60.0 in | 60.0 in | 58.0 in |
| Hip Girth | 52.0/62.0 in | 56.0 in | 56.0 in | 55.0 in | 58.0 in |
| Foot Girth | 32.0/44.0 in | 40.0 in | 45.0 in | 41.0 in | 45.0 in |
| Compression or Stuff Sack | Stuff sack and storage bag | Stuff sack and storage bag | Compression sack and storage bag | Compression sack and storage bag | Stuff sack and storage bag |
The Torchlight EXP 20 is the perfect down-filled sleeping bag for those who are willing to sacrifice a little warmth in exchange for a long list of features. From expandable side panels to fastenings that hold the bag, pillow, and sleeping bag liner (sold separately) in place, this bag includes everything you could possibly think of when it comes to a comfortable night under the stars.
The Torchlight EXP 20 features 650-fill-power DownTek along with a PFC-free, water-repellant down coating. Unlike former Big Agnes designs, this bag features consistent insulation on both the top and bottom of the bag, targeting total body warmth. The “jacket-style” hood is perfect for those seeking a snug fit, with a cord lock that is easily released with one hand. The unisex small fits a standard female height, while the insulated zipper and draft collar near the neck enhance overall warmth.
A comfort rating of 30F, with a lower limit of 19F, delivers mostly as promised. Our lead tester found the bag performs well to about 32F. At that point, she experienced discomfort and found herself searching for additional insulation. While the expandable side panels are perfect for those who are after a little versatility, they also allow heat to escape the sleeping bag. This creates a potentially colder sleeping environment than other options in the lineup. While this bag truly shines when it comes to additional features, other bags prioritize warmth.
With only a 650 DownTek fill, it's the ample features on the Torchlight EXP 20 that tip the scale into the midweight subcategory. Weighing in at roughly 37 ounces (or 2.3 pounds), this bag is a little heavier than other down-filled competitors with higher lofts but fewer features to enhance your sleeping experience.
Those who are considering this sleeping bag should be willing to sacrifice a few extra ounces in exchange for a substantial amount of useful features. Although most features are constructed with minimalist components (straps, elastic, and fastenings), when combined, they definitely bring the weight to its otherwise relatively lightweight down construction. This extra weight doesn't prevent the Torchlight EXP 20 from backcountry use, but our lineup has lighter options for those who count every ounce of their gear.
The Torchlight EXP 20 is constructed from recycled 20D polyester ripstop and has a water-repellent finish that feels soft and comfortable next to your skin. The ultralight fabric feels cozy and remains silent when you shift positions at night. The unique side panels included on both sides of the bag also expand to provide 10 extra inches of space during warmer nights when you're not after the warmest sleeping option. The hood fits well and features a huge baffle that limits cold air drafts within the interior, while the pillow sleeve creates more consistent comfort throughout the night.
Creating one sleeping unit by attaching your sleeping bag and pad creates more comfort, especially when bivying on uneven surfaces, since you won't ever roll or slide off your pad. While not the loftiest nor warmest down option that we tested, the Torchlight EXP 20 interior does feel comfortable next to the skin, and the expandable panels offer versatility on warmer nights.
The Torchlight EXP 20 features a lightweight 650 down fill that easily compresses. This is because each baffle has less down and despite all the included features. The bag is sold along with a larger mesh storage bag and a smaller stuff sack. The packed size inside the included stuff sack is roughly 10 inches long by 10 inches wide, with lots of opportunity to compress further should you prefer to purchase an additional compression sack.
Although this design does not include a compression sack, we recommend purchasing one for those who want to maximize the space inside a backpack.
Dare we say that the designers at Big Agnes thought of just about every feature a sleeping bag design could possibly include? From an exterior sleeve for your pillow to customizable elastic fastenings that allow you to attach your sleeping bag to your sleeping pad (a feature our testing team appreciates after rolling off their pads over multiple nights), the Torchlight EXP 20 has it all. The design also includes expandable side panels on both sides of the bag that allow for up to 10 inches of additional space, should you desire extra room for tired shoulders, hips, or feet versus maximizing warmth with the option of a tighter fit.
Its list of features continues with the ability to uncinch the hood with one hand on the cordlock, anti-snag zippers (on the main zipper) for easy use, and fabric loops on the interior to secure a sleeping bag liner if desired. Big Agnes sells both right (women's) and left-sided (all-gender) zippers that allow bags to be zipped together for those who desire to create a double bag with their partner, while exterior loops allow you to store or hang your sleeping bag to dry easily. Perhaps our only complaint about all these features is the extra weight they add to the design and the limited warmth when the side panels are fully extended. That being said, this bag is a contender for those seeking a relatively lightweight, feature-rich down-filled option that will keep them securely attached to their sleeping pad during a cold summer night.
If additional features are your thing, the Torchlight EXP 20 is the sleeping bag for you. The design includes 650 fill Downtek with a DWR treatment that we found comfortable to about 32F. The ultralight ripstop polyester ripstop is quiet when you move and comfortable next to your skin while features such as expandable side panels, a sleeve for your pillow, and the ability to fasten both your sleeping bag liner to the interior as well as fasten your sleeping bag to your sleeping pad create a unit that's tough to beat, especially for those who move in their sleep. Overall, this bag supplies unique features that greatly enhance comfort and will provide performance that exceeds the price tag.
The Torchlight EXP 20 is tough to beat when it comes to additional design features. This bag has everything from the ability to stow your backpacking pillow or down jacket in a separate sleeve to expandable side panels and fastenings that allow you to attach your sleeping bag and pad into one unit. For those of you who want the luxury of a down sleeping bag without these added features and increased price point, we recommend the Sierra Designs Get Down 20. It is much more affordable, but the design does not include nearly as many tools. If you're willing to invest in a down-filled option that offers a more stripped down, yet high-performing construction, especially for cold alpine bivies, check out the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15. The Phantom is much warmer and includes a compression sack with your purchase. If you're after our favorite sleeping bag overall, check out the Western Mountaineering AlpinLite. It includes minimal features yet provides a great fit for the average female, along with thoughtfully placed baffles to provide superior comfort and warmth.
