Better known for their groundbreaking range of inflatable sleeping mats, Thermarest have recently made the obvious progression into sleeping bags. Somewhere around the middle of the range lies this Questar HD - rated down to -6C and comfortable down to 0C it should cover most UK conditions.
The filling is 650 power Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, meaning it should shrug off dampness and keep insulating even when the conditions are poor - also drying far faster.
We didn't get the Questar any worse than 'bothy damp' in use, but previous experience with Nikwax down has been very positive so we have no doubt it's an advantage. Damp proof down or not however, we would like to have seen the compression sack being taped and waterproof.
There were a few other standout features for us - the first and most important being the 'constructed' toe-box (they call it the 'Toe-Asis'). Cold feet can be a real problem when the temperature drops, and just having this method of creating a warm pocket worked a treat.
The second was the straps for holding the bag to an inflatable mat. Clipping onto the back of the bag they ensure that side is always kept towards the mat. It's a great idea when the design of the Questar uses less down on that - normally compressed anyway - side of the bag. It didn't stop us rolling off the mat but it did hold that side of the bag to the mat so in that sense it was worthwhile. You can easily unclip the bands if you aren't a fan anyway.
Otherwise the Questar was a superb, warm sleeping bag with plenty of adjusters to seal in the heat. Well worth the cash, and while it is a little bulky for summer use no sleeping bag will cover all eventualities.
