Mountain Hardwear Phantom -9 Sleeping Bag

The Phantom -9 Sleeping Bag is customizable, offering zippers located on either the right or left-hand side when you order. Regardless of which side you want the zipper on it is a two-way zipper which includes generous pulls at both the top and bottom which allows for easy ventilation. 

The lightweight #5 zipper features an anti-snag ribbon along the draft tube, ensuring easy entry and exit while the zipper pulls themselves are glow in the dark and features reflectors so they can be found more easily in the dark.

A draft collar helps block the escape of warm air, and a down-filled face gasket blocks drafts at the hood opening. The hood itself is constructed with four chambers in order to maintain loft around the head.

The contoured footbox provides maximum warmth and comfort for your feet by following their natural position. 

Insulation: 850-fill goose down 90% Goose Down, 10% Goose Feather
Shell: 10D recycled shell 

• 850-fill goose down insulation for optimal warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility
• 10D recycled shell is extremely light and highly compressible
• Lightweight but durable #5 zipper with anti-snag for easy entry and exit
• Contoured footbox follows natural foot position for maximum warmth and comfort
• Draft collar blocks the escape of warm air from inside the bag
• Efficient performance mummy cut for maximum warmth and minimum weight
• Four-chamber hood design maintains even loft around head for consistent warmth
• Lightweight nylon compression sack and mesh storage sack included
• Two-way zipper allows for easy ventilation
• Down-filled face gasket comfortably blocks drafts at the hood opening
• Glow in the dark, reflective zipper pull
• Performance Mummy bag shape
• Durable water-repellent finish

The Phantom -9 is a great lightweight sleeping bag for cold weather excursions with quality materials being used for every detail, making it a solid choice.

The draft guards along the zipper and collar are large in comparison to many bags I’ve used which really helps keep the warm in and cold out. I also really appreciate that the anti-snag material along the zipper is actually effective; many bags have this feature but they are not always very effective. Mountain Hardwear also included a small gusset made of the same anti-snag material at the bottom end of the zipper that not only helps with the zipper not snagging but plays a part in sealing the bag up tight against the elements.

I was really impressed with the size and weight of Mountain Hardwear's Phantom -9 Sleeping Bag especially when you consider the size once compressed into the included compression sac. That being said, when compared to the competition, its warmth to weight ratio isn’t quite as impressive. Last year’s Gear of the Year Award went to the Sea To Summit SpIV sleeping bag which has a -15º temperature rating and is 61 grams lighter. That said, Mountain Hardwear Phantom -9C Sleeping Bag still offers excellent warmth to weight and considering the price, it can't be beat.

One feature I look for in a sleeping bag is a small stash pocket near the hood. For many, this might not be a game-changer, but for me, it’s a key feature that I really appreciate. If it’s really cold you want batteries to be warm when you use need them, so being able to keep your headlamp in a secure location within the sleeping bag is pretty handy. Also, I wear contacts and it’s nice to have a secure spot to put my contact case where my lenses won’t freeze overnight.

On the whole, the Phantom -9 is a great addition to anyone’s kit and great value at a totally reasonable price point.