Mountain Hardwear HyperLamina Spark 35 Sleeping Bag: Staying Snug on the Go

When it comes to spending nights in the great outdoors, it’s important to have a sleeping bag that can keep you comfortable and dry. The last thing you need is to start experiencing hypothermia when you’re far away from civilization.

That’s why the Mountain Hardwear HyperLamina Spark 35 Sleeping Bag is definitely a sleeping bag to consider, especially if you’re looking for a bag that is light, affordable, and easy to pack amongst your gear.

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Product Specifications

• Synthetic
• Proprietary welded Lamina construction enhances loft and eliminates cold spots
• Thermal Q insulation has outstanding compressibility and maintains excellent loft
• Performance mummy cut is snug, reducing girth, weight, and bulk and maximizing thermal efficiency
• Materials: Insulation – Thermal.Q / Shell – 22D Dpbby
• Weight: 1 lb 12 oz / 788 g

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When it comes to keeping you warm, you should know that there are a variety of different insulation materials on the market. They each have their pros and cons, so they’re worth considering depending on what you want to get out of your camping trip. The Spark 35 is made with 100% polyester insulation.

Synthetic materials like polyester are a bit less long lasting than natural ones like down feathers. Polyester also provides less warmth than a natural insulator, making this a three-season use bag.

On the other hand, the synthetic insulation has the upper hand when it comes to water resistance, so if you’re heading out to a campsite which is likely to see rain, a synthetic bag is definitely the way to go.

Review

This 35-degree, mummy-designed sleeping bag does well in most climates and regions. Though it’s not recommended for climates colder than 35 degrees, it can hold its own in temperatures that range just above or at that mark.

Weighing a mere 1lb. and 12 ounces, this bag is as light as a feather compared to the other gear that most hold in their packs. Its best use is hiking, camping or outdoor activities.

This bag is recommended for solo hikers, campers or avid backcountry outdoorsmen, who are looking for a light, versatile bag to store away in their backpack.

Though this bag could be used for most outdoor excursions and adventures, it can also be used for a wide range of activities that aren’t quite as adventurous like a sleepover, car camping, or just a night with friends.

Now that you have a quick idea on what you should be looking for in a sleeping bag, here’s our product review of one of the snuggliest three-season sleeping bags out there.

Packaging

The HyperLamina Spark 35 comes in an accompanying compression bag for easy transportation. Like any synthetic sleeping bag, it’s bulkier than a down bag, but we really can’t complain about the Spark 35’s packability.

The stuff sack is made from sil-nylon, and the whole bundle packs down to 6 x 13 inches, which is pretty small for a synthetic bag.

Two compression straps and a lid help you further minimize bulk as you can really get the air out of your stuff sack. The sack’s ripstop material prevents tears and punctures to your sleeping bag, always useful if you’re out backpacking in the wilderness and you don’t want your insulation falling out everywhere!

This sleeping bag also comes with a handy mesh storage sack for use when not in the field. Storing your sleeping bags in the stuff sack all year round can squash down the insulation, gradually compressing it and reducing your bag’s loft.

Mountain Hardwear have thoughtfully provided a solution with the storage sack, allowing you to keep your sleeping bag in an un-squashed yet relatively unobtrusive state in your cupboards at home. The sack comes with a drawstring closure and a handle for carrying.

Design and Durability

Durability is such an important feature for hiking and camping products. When you make an investment in these products, you want to make sure that the products are made of quality material and will last for the long haul.

How would you like to spend hundreds of dollars on a specialty product only to have it deteriorate over the course of one year?

The downside to this specific sleeping bag is that the insulation is made of synthetic material as opposed to goose-down or water-resistant down material, but this specific brand fairs well against other competing, synthetic sleeping bags.

Synthetic insulation tends to lose its loft quicker than down alternatives, but if you take care of your bag and store it properly, you can keep it fluffy for a bit longer.

The 22-denier nylon outer fabric stands up well against the elements, although the bright yellow color might start to look grubby after being rubbed around on the ground for a few nights.

Warmth and Temperature Rating

Outside of insulation and style of sleeping bag, you need to know that your sleeping bag is capable of handling the temperatures you’re going to be camping in. That’s why they’re assigned with temperature ratings so that you won’t find yourself shivering or experiencing frostbite.

This specific sleeping bag has a United States rating of 35 degrees F (hence its name, Spark 35), whereas most of the product pamphlets advertise it as a 32-degree rating. What does this rating mean? Basically, you will be comfortable in most temperatures up to 35 degrees; anything below that temperature might become uncomfortable for the user.

Of course, everybody is different and some users are more tolerant (or intolerant) of the cold, so this rating is based on an average user statistic.

Synthetic insulation is typically not as warm as down stuffing, but is more robust at standing up to poor weather conditions, especially rain. The Spark 35 incorporates Thermal Q insulation, which maintains good loft and resists compression.

Mountain Hardwear has released the HyperLamina line of sleeping bags specifically to reduce cold spots around seams. The insulation is welded to the shell and lining without compressing it, creating full coverage insulation and a seamless bag.

The Lamina technology eliminates weak spots around seams, yet the bag still provides horizontal baffles to keep your insulation well distributed for full body warmth. In fact, the insulation weight is mapped throughout the baffles to provide extra warmth where you need it most, around your feet and core.

A few additional touches include a drawstring hood and Velcro closures at the throat to keep cold air out. The zip is only half length which also cuts down on potential cold spots near your feet, and the frontal position of the zip means that your sides will stay warm throughout the night.

Versatility

Where can your sleeping bag take you? Does it fare well in a wet-weather climate? Can it withstand warm and cool conditions? These are some of the questions to ask yourself about how versatile your sleeping bag will be.

The snug mummy fit of the Spark 35 allows for it to be versatile in compact areas (such as a car or compact tent), or just fine in a bigger space, due to its well-designed dimensions.

A real test of versatility is how well your sleeping bag can stand up against unpredictable weather conditions.

This three-season sleeping bag may not be able to provide enough warmth for the coldest of winters, but it’s cozy enough for summer, autumn and spring in most locations (maybe not the north pole or anything). The shell is highly wind-resistant as well as lightweight.

The real benefit of a synthetically-insulated sleeping bag like this one is the higher level of water resistance, over a down bag. It’s always a possibility that you will get caught in a downpour overnight and you sure don’t want to try sleeping in a soaking wet cocoon for eight hours.

Synthetic insulation keeps its warmth and shape better when wet and it also dries quicker. The Lamina technology also eliminates water entry through the seams, since there are no stitches for water to seep in through.

Size and Weight

If you’re an avid camper or hiker, you know that shaving off some weight from your gear is kind of a big deal. The good news about this sleeping bag is that if you pack it along with the rest of your gear, you might not even know that it’s there!

This bag weighs a feather-like 1lb. and 12 oz., which is very light for the quality, synthetic material that it uses (typically synthetics are a bit heavier).

Not only is this sleeping bag’s weight barely noticeable, but the size and shape of the overall sleeping bag plays a huge role in the weight distribution.

Though some may not believe that a two- or three-pound difference in weight is a big deal, until you’ve traveled with a large pack on your back carrying all of your supplies for multiple days, you may never understand the importance of sleeping bag weight.

Sleeping bags come is a range of shapes and sizes these days: mummy, rectangular, double person. Each shape has its unique set of benefits.

The Spark 35 is a mummy design, made to snugly fit one person. It packs most of its material around the core of the body, and keeps a slender shape as the bag trails down to your feet; this allows for efficient material distribution and a lighter weight.

The idea of a mummy-designed sleeping bag is to minimize the size and weight of the bag, while maximizing the warmth that can be captured and kept inside. Sleeping bags that have too much extra space will allow air to travel in, reducing the amount of heat that can be contained and distributed throughout the bag.

If you’re claustrophobic, however, this bag might not be the best fit for you; it is narrower than most bags and there isn’t a ton of space to move around. If you want a roomier bag, however, keep in mind that it might not be as snug or warm as this type of sleeping bag.

The Spark 35 comes in both a regular and long size.

Comfort

When you’re out in the wilderness, weather conditions are typically less than ideal. Thankfully, you have all the beautiful nature to surround you! Comfort in a lightweight, compact sleeping bag almost sounds impossible, but if you add the quality material it can be more plush than it would seem at first glance.

Because this bag is designed well, it’s almost a perfect, snug fit for the average user; this allows the bag to be super comfortable as opposed to other sleeping bags that may have too much extra space in the bag, which allows extra unwanted air to come in.

Many of the already-mentioned features play an important role for the user to be able to be comfortable. Primarily the weather resistance and warmth of the sleeping bag will lead to the level of comfort.

For those who are hesitant about the restrictive shape of the mummy design, Mountain Hardwear has included a footbox for extra room to wiggle your toes. Another thoughtful touch includes a double action zipper to allow for ventilation adjustments.

The Spark 35 is designed to be warm and cozy, and therefore ventilation options are limited. The half-length zip means your feet are always going to be enclosed, so the double action zipper gives you the ability to open up the mid-section if you need a bit of air down there, while still keeping your upper body warm.

Value

If you’re an avid outdoorsman and you frequent the hiking and camping scene, you know that if you want to invest in good quality, well-made gear, you might have to spend a pretty penny or two. This definitely applies to the gear that you expect to keep around for a while.

When searching for what essentially is your camping/hiking bed, you want to make sure that above all else, you’re comfortable and warm to get a good night’s sleep.

In order for this to happen, the sleeping bag has to be made of good quality material and give you the promise of some sort of thermal insulation.

This is an average to above average priced sleeping bag. Extra features like the Lamina sealing and Thermal Q insulation bring this bag up a level over super cheap sleeping bags which can easily let in water and cold air.

Mountain Hardwear provides customers with a warranty which covers the practical lifetime of the product. Any defects will be examined at no charge and the company will either repair or issue a credit for replacement.

The Spark 35 offers a great combination of a reasonable price, innovative technology and high quality materials.

Competing Products

Mountain Hardwear is a reputable outdoor brand with a full range of sleeping bags. If the Spark 35 doesn’t appeal to you, why not have a look at some of their other designs?

Mountain Hardwear Lamina Z Blaze 15

The Mountain Hardwear Lamina Z Blaze 15 sleeping bag is a good alternative for people who want to stay warm without sacrificing ventilation or freedom of movement.

If you want the slim profile of a mummy cut but feel constricted in a small space, this might be just what you need. The mummy cut is wider than usual and it features a full-length side zipper with dual sliders for ventilation or extra leg room.

Extra gaskets and an ergonomic collar keep you extra cozy in this 15°F sleeping bag. Similar to the Spark 35 in features like Thermal Q insulation, Lamina welding and mapped insulation, the Z blaze beefs up the warmth factor for a cozy winter option.

The nylon shell also repels water and the lining wicks it away from the inside, keeping you dry all night.

Mountain Hardwear Lamina Flame 20

The Mountain Hardwear Lamina Flame 20  is very similar to the Spark 35, with enhanced winter capabilities. It can be used for temperatures down to 20°F, so if you liked the Spark 35 but want a version for colder weather, this is it.

In fact, this sleeping bag is almost exactly the same as the Spark 35, from the mummy cut to the half-length front zipper and virtually every other feature.

The two major differences are the cooler temperature rating and an additional ergonomic draft collar to keep out frigid breezes and retain the interior heat level.It’s also blue instead of yellow.

Mountain Hardwear Ratio 32

The Mountain Hardwear Ratio 32 Sleeping Bag is a summer sleeping bag which provides warmth for cool nights, this one is actually down insulated.

For a down option, it’s very affordable at a similar price tag to the Spark 35. It has Q Shield™DOWN 650-fill down applied with a water resistant treatment.

Thermo Trap baffles are made with smaller compartments to trap the feathers and prevent them from migrating around the bag. This is still a mummy cut bag with a gasket and drawstring hood, but if you want to give down a try, this could be the right option for you.

Overview

Though it is priced above average for a synthetically-made sleeping bag, the Spark 35’s quality construction, efficient design and light weight provide reasonably good value. Some competing brands have put sleeping bags on the market that are 1-2 lbs. heavier, have a bulkier cut and don’t prove to be quite as insulated.

Extra heating features that put the icing on the cake include the Thermal Q insulation, Lamina construction and the face gasket and hood. As far as weight goes, the mummy cut very efficient, along with the 22D nylon shell and half-zipper.

Users have praised this bag’s ability to trap heat and compact down into something that’s easy to carry, especially with the use of synthetic insulation, but not everyone is pleased with its temperature rating.

A few customers have stated that this rating is optimistic, and that you’ll still need to wear a few layers of clothing in order to stay warm, even at 35 degrees.

If you’re an avid hiker or camper, this sleeping bag is a great addition to your camp pack for three season use. The only downside to this product is its price and the inevitable loss of loft over time. Some people may dislike the half-length zipper and mummy shape, but that’s really a matter of individual preference.

Use this bag for 3-5 years and you may need to trade it in for a new one (this of course depends on frequency of use), but if you take care and store this bag correctly, you should enjoy a good, comfortable few years of sleep.

However, no sleeping bag is perfect, so they’re bound to have a few pros and cons that can make all the difference for a beginner or seasoned camper.

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Pros:

• For having synthetic insulation, it packs down really small.
• One of the lightest synthetic sleeping bags on the market.
• Center half-zipper keeps your feet warm.
• Interior fabric is extremely cozy.
• Mapped insulation weight keeps key areas warm.
• Lamina technology seals against water and cold air.
• Mummy shape keeps warmth in and reduces bulk.
• Yellow color is easy to spot in the dark.

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Cons:

• Synthetic insulation isn’t very durable for the long run.
• A little colder than other 35-degree sleeping bags.
• Half-length zipper makes it difficult to get in and out.
• Not much ventilation.
• Some people may find the mummy shape too restrictive.
• Yellow color may look dirty easily.

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It has almost all of the features you might want for a 3 season bag, and many extras that make it a cut above the rest. If you have used this sleeping bag before, or a bag with similar features, please let us know in the comments section so other readers can benefit from your experience.