What is the Ascent 500?
The Ascent 500 is a slightly lighter version of the Ascent 700 - constructed with cold, frosty conditions in mind. This sleeping bag has been upgraded to suit more eco-conscious outdoor enthusiasts, now being produced using recycled materials. The extra warm down filling makes this an excellent option for camping, trekking, or backpacking in the winter seasons, it's also a great all-round option for those looking to buy their first sleeping bag.
What is it made of?
Insulation: This sleeping bag uses 650 fill power, R.D.S Certified, European Duck Down for maximum loft (fluffiness) and insulation.
European Duck Down is fantastic quality down. It has smaller clusters than Goose Down, slightly reducing the warmth to weight ratio without impacting the quality of the bag.
The down is treated with a Nikwax fluorocarbon-free Hydrophobic finish, which adds light water-resistance to the down itself.
Can't quite catch the lingo? Here's a quick breakdown.
Fill power - Fill power measures the warmth and efficiency of the down, alongside its ability to loft (fluff up). A rating of 650 fill power means that 1oz of this down fills 650 cubic inches of space when fully lofted.
R.D.S - The Responsible Down Standard ensures that the down is sourced from happy birds who haven't been plucked and have been well cared for.
Hydrophobic - Hydrophobic down dries out and lofts more quickly than untreated down, resisting moisture from sweat and condensation that may build up when you're catching z's in the bag. Fluorocarbon-free Hydrophobic finishes don't use harmful chemicals that cause damage to the environment, an excellent feature for more eco-conscious adventurers.
Outer fabric: The outer shell of this sleeping bag is constructed using Recycled Pertex® Quantum. Pertex® Quantum is a tightly woven, lightweight fabric which is fully windproof for protection against blustery conditions and extra warmth retention. Even though recycled, the fabric is still soft and light to the touch making it super packable and comfortable for the user, a win-win when it comes to sustainability and quality kit.
Lining: Lined with 20D Recycled Nylon, the interior provides a lightweight, breathable layer that still feels soft and cosy on the skin.
What are its features?
Starting with the bag's structure, the trapezoidal boxwall construction with differential cut directs more insulation towards the body, forcing the down in each baffle to sit in a trapezoid shape. This construction method is enhanced to optimise the loft and warmth of the bag. A differential cut means that the inner lining and outer fabric are sized differently, often depending on the bag's fill power.
There is a 3D shaped neck collar that helps to trap heat inside the sleeping bag.
The sleeping bag is fastened with a YKK® 3/4 length main zip on the left side, with a down-filled baffle running alongside to prevent a big cold spot at the entry. Anti-snag zip inserts and an anti-snag internal zip guard helps to prevent the fabric from getting caught and snagging or tearing on the zip. There's also a handy zippered internal stash pocket, perfect for storing gadgets like a phone or alarm clock or even a cheeky midnight snack!
The Ascent 500's left and right hand (zip) models can zip together to make one big sleeping bag, a bonus feature ideal for camping with a partner.
The Ascent 500 has a wide mummy shape design with an angled foot box, allowing the sleeping bag to spaciously surround the figure while preventing exposed cold gaps, ideal for fidgety sleepers who need some extra wiggle room.
Two storage sacks are included with this sleeping bag. The zipped cotton sack is designed to store your sleeping bag at home and give it more breathing room. Storing the bag in a more spacious pack allows the down filling to remain lofted, helping to increase its overall performance and lifespan.
A drawcord stuffsack is also provided to compact the bag and carry it on the move with less bulk. Stuffsacks are meant to be stuffed! So do your best to cram your sleeping bag inside instead of folding the bag away. Stuffing randomly helps to prevent folds and creases in the down, which will prevent cold spots and gaps from developing.
Features:
- Rab Sleep Limit: -5°C (25°F)
- ISO EN: Comfort: 1°C (34°F), Limit: -5°C (24°F), Extreme: -22°C (-8°F)
- 30D Recycled Pertex® Quantum (50gsm) with fluorocarbon-free DWR
- Lining: 20D Recycled Nylon (38gsm)
- 650FP RDS Certified European Duck Down with Nikwax fluorocarbon-free Hydrophobic Finish
- Trapezoidal boxwall construction with differential cut to maximise loft and warmth
- 3-dimensional shaped neck collar to seal in warmth
- YKK® 3/4 length main zip with down-filled baffle to trap warmth
- Main zip on the left side
- YKK® zipped internal stash pocket
- YKK® anti-snag zip insert and anti-snag internal zip guard
- Angled foot box for relaxed sleeping posture
- Left and right zip bags can zip together
- Zipped cotton sack with water-resistant base for home storage
- Drawcord stuffsack included
- Outer: 100% recycled polyamide. Lining: 100% recycled polyamide.
- Fill: 650FP RDS certified European duck down with Nikwax hydrophobic fluorocarbon-free finish
- Wide mummy shape