If you’re an avid outdoorsman, hiker, or camper, you know that having the right gear can make all the difference in your experience.
A good sleeping bag is one of the most important pieces of gear for any outdoor excursion.
A sleeping bag guarantees a home-away-from-home camping experience by keeping you warm and cozy, which is where the Kifaru slick bag comes in.
Kifaru is a household brand in the US known for its high-quality outdoor gear, and the slick bag is no exception.
In this article, we’ll review the slick bag and how it’ll help keep you warm and comfortable during outdoor adventures.
Overview of the Kifaru Slick Bag
The Kifaru slick bag has been in production for nearly a decade. Suffice to say, the bag’s underlying technology is mature, and at the forefront of the industry.
The slick bag offers maximum value to outdoor enthusiasts who are particularly concerned about their sleeping bag’s durability, comfort, and functionality.
It comes in different modular variations that appeal to many users.
Here we’ll take a quick look at the product parameters to better understand what makes this sleeping bag unique.
Design
The Kifaru Slick Bag comes in a tapered shape that optimizes weight, ensuring that it is lightweight without skimming on warmth and comfort.
The bag is narrower at the foot, but that’s only relative to its mummy-style structure.
The foot section boasts a roomy foot box spacious enough for your legs to wiggle around, even if you are wearing your boots to sleep.
From the shoulder upwards, the bag widens significantly. The implication is that you can easily layer clothes underneath for better comfort.
The top of the bag features a drawstring hood (not unlike a hoodie) that can be clinched down for added warmth.
One of the most prominent design elements is the zipper. The slick bag features a 3-slide center zipper design for maximum flexibility.
Suppose you want to turn on your lamp or text without leaving. You can easily do so by unzipping a portion of the bag while remaining safely tucked beneath the warmth of the bag.
The zipper is lined from top to bottom with a draft tube to prevent cold air from entering.
It is worth mentioning that the slick bag’s zipper does not open up the bag completely, unlike some other brands.
Notwithstanding, the bag’s unique zipper ensures that you won’t have any problem getting in or out of the bag.
Materials
Kifaru’s slick bag is crafted from high-quality materials that are designed to be both lightweight and durable.
The bag’s inner lining is made from a soft and comfortable microfiber fabric that feels good against the skin.
The bag’s outer shell is made from ripstop nylon.
Ripstop nylon is a type of fabric that is woven with a grid pattern, which helps to prevent small tears and rips from spreading.
This makes the Kifaru Slick Bag more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Additionally, the nylon shell is treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish that sheds moisture, ensuring the bag is dry even in wet conditions.
Insulation-wise, the slick bag features Climashield Apex synthetic insulation.
Climashield Apex is a high-performance insulation material manufactured in the US with excellent warmth and compressibility properties.
It has a major advantage over down insulation which loses its insulating properties when wet.
Temperature
Kifaru bags are available in two temperature ratings: 20F, 0F, and -20F. This roughly translates to -6, -17 and -37 degrees Celsius. And these are the bags’ ‘comfort’ ratings.
Size and Weight
The Kifaru Slick Bag is available in different sizes to accommodate different body types and sleeping styles. It is also designed to be lightweight and easy to pack.
You can get the slick bag in wide and long size options. This translates to 4 size variations (regular, wide, long, and wide long).
Now that we’ve explored the nuances of the Kifaru sleeping bag, let’s quickly review its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros of Kifaru Slick Bag
The Kifaru slick bag boasts many merits that make it the ideal sleeping bag. They are:
Lightweight and Packable
Thanks to its design philosophy, and manufacturing material, the sleeping bag is lightweight and compressible.
This makes it easy to use, pack and carry-on backpacking trips or other outdoor adventures.
Excellent Warmth
The bag’s Climashield Apex synthetic insulation provides excellent warmth even in wet conditions, making it a reliable choice for cold-weather camping.
Durable
The bag’s ripstop nylon outer shell, microfiber inner lining, and zippers are all high-quality materials that are designed to withstand wear and tear for long periods.
All these resilient components combine to form a highly durable sleep bag that is long-lasting.
Comfortable and Flexible
The Kifaru slick bag features many integral elements that prioritize the user’s comfort. The bag’s microfiber inner lining is soft and comfortable against the skin.
Additionally, the bag’s tapered design and drawstring hood help to minimize drafts and cold spots.
Furthermore, the bag’s mommy style ensures that you are snuggled comfortably without worrying about the elements.
Easy to Maintain
Kifaru’s slick bag insulation material is synthetic.
The implication is that the bag is machine washable and can easily be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and clutter.
This makes it easy and hassle-free to clean and maintain over time compared to similar products.
Cons of Kifaru Slick Bag
It’s worth mentioning that the sleeping bag is not all rainbows and sunshine. Like with every good thing, it has its flaws. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Price
The Kifaru Slick Bag is a high-end sleeping bag, and its price point may be prohibitive for some budget-conscious shoppers.
May not be Suitable for Taller Individuals
The bag’s maximum length is approximately 81 inches, which may not be long enough for taller individuals.
May not be Suitable for Warm Weather
The bag’s synthetic insulation may be too warm for use in mild or warm weather, and the bag’s tapered design may make it less comfortable in hot and humid conditions.
Guide to Washing the Kifaru Slick Bag
The Kifaru slick bag is synthetic, making it easier to wash and maintain than down brands. It’s simple and straightforward as long as you know what to do.
Spot Clean
Subjecting the slick bag to constant wet washing and drying stresses the fabric and seams and decreases the loft over time. Spot cleaning is your actual first step.
If there are any stains or spots on the bag, try to spot them clean before washing.
To spot clean your slick bag, use a toothbrush or bristled brush damped with non-detergent soapy water to gently clean the shell.
Pay more attention to the hood and collar. Hair and skin oils tend to accumulate in these areas.
You’ll typically have to use your slick bag for at least a couple of years before it’ll need washing.
Washing the Slick Bag
Waiting for a couple of years before washing the slick bag is not a hard and fast rule.
If you notice that the slick bag is losing loft and discolorating due to grime, then you should definitely wash it.
To get started, check the bag’s care label. The Kifaru slick bag comes with specific instructions for washing and drying. Ensure you follow them.
That said, you can either have the bag dry-cleaned, or you DIY it.
If you’re doing it yourself, you can either hand wash or use a washing machine. Either way, there are certain dos and don’ts that you must follow to prevent damaging the bag.
DO NOT dry clean the slick bag. The solvents present in dry cleaning agents counteract the natural oils used to ensure the bag keeps its loft.
DO NOT use bleaches, fabric softeners, or any other alternative-bleach products.
DO NOT wash the slick bags in an agitator-enabled top-loading machine. The agitator may cause the bag seams to tear or strain. Top-loaders without agitators are acceptable. A front load machine on a gentle cycle is ideal.
Drying the Slick Bag
After washing, hang the slick bag up to air dry, or use a dryer on low heat. Avoid using high heat or over-drying, as this can damage the bag’s insulation.
Final Thoughts
The Kifaru Slick Bag is an exceptional product that has been designed and crafted with care.
From its carefully considered structural design to its high-quality materials and excellent performance, the product is a top-of-the-line sleeping bag that keeps you warm and comfortable outdoors.
While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, its superior quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a long-lasting and high-performance sleeping bag.
If you are in the market for a new sleeping bag, the Kifaru Slick Bag is definitely a product to go for.
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