Cirque du Sleep
We have to admit to finding the title a tad pretentious as well. But please, look past the French, because today we’re taking a look at the Cirque sleeping bag by Sierra Designs.
Professional campers, we are not, but every now and then our visitors become simply too much to handle and we send them to brave the great outdoors. They’d complain even more though if they were uncomfortable, so we send them off with a sleeping bag, and maybe a candle if they’re lucky. All of this is to lead into the fact that our visitors fight over the best sleeping bag- the Cirque.
Sure, few will appreciate the fact that it won the Backpacker Magazine Editor’s Choice Award of 2004, but they’ll definitely appreciate the waterproof (not water-absorbing like others) shell that also is impervious to the wind and dew that can make camping outside of a tent less than enjoyable. Hawaii has it’s fair share of rain, but doesn’t get too cold, so a bag like the Cirque is perfect: rated down to -18C, it isn’t over-insulated, and the goose down filling is absolutely wonderful. Other features like “baffle construction” may be, well, baffling, but you can certainly appreciate the glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls, and the snag free zipper tracks. Best of all, the bag comes in a “long” version that is perfect for those who find typical sleeping bags a bit short.
It may set you back a bit ($200 or so), but that is still much less than other waterproof bags. Unless you need something for colder weather or are looking for something for only once-a-year use, it’s hard to imagine a better sleeping bag than the Cirque.
