Snugpak's premium 3-season sleeping bag, the Softie 9 Hawk is filled with its own Softie Premier filling, the premium version of its time-served synthetic Softie fill. This aims to rival Primaloft in terms of weight and thermal performance which, based on the stats it just about manages to do.
Total package weight is 1,500g, which is good considering the comfort rating of -5 degrees C. With its packed bag measuring 21cm x 19cm, it's a bit of a squeeze to get the Softie into the stuff sack but once you do you can reduce the size down even more with the compression straps, although nowhere near as much as you can with a down bag.
The smooth-running 2-way zip allows you to regulate temperature at the top or bottom of the bag, and you can also connect two Softie 9s together as long as they're opposite handed.
Space inside is generous with plenty of elbow room. The hood opening starts out rather large but you can cinch it down a decent amount using the drawcord. The hood itself could come over the head a little more though, as it often feels like it's sitting too high on the forehead to be effective.
The inner isn't silky smooth next to the skin so if you want to add a little extra comfort a silk liner would be recommended.
Unlike many other sleeping bags in this category there is no thermal collar in the Softie 9 Hawk but there is a thermal zip baffle which reduces heat loss through the zip area.
The Softie 9 is made in the UK and retails at around £120 which is fantastic value for what we consider to be a high-end sleeping bag that you could happily take hill walking and wild camping most of the year.
