What is the Andes Windstopper 800?
It's an updated version of Rab's Andes Windstopper 800 Sleeping Bag, that now features Gore-Tex Lab's latest Windstopper® ePE membrane, for windproof protection without the use of harmful PFAS/PFC chemicals.
This high-performance, technical down sleeping bag is engineered to provide warmth and comfort in extreme temperatures at high altitudes, making it suitable for all manner of mountaineering expeditions in challenging environments.
What is it made from?
Insulation: This high-performance sleeping bag is filled with 800g of premium 800FP European goose down for maximum loft (fluffiness) and insulation.
European Goose Down is some of the highest quality down on the current market, making this sleeping bag super high grade and efficient for keeping the heat in. The bag is also hand-filled in the UK to ensure the down has not been compressed before use to retain its loft for your first epic adventure.
The down is treated with a Grangers fluorocarbon-free Hydrophobic finish, which adds light water-resistance to the down itself.
Grangers Down Defend is a bluesign-approved hydrophobic treatment that helps keep down lofted in damp conditions. Once treated, the down is over 375 times more durable than untreated down, extending its lifespan. It's also much more water-resistant, delivering a shake test result of 15,000 minutes for virgin down, whilst also improving the down's fill power by up to 5%, overall keeping you warmer for longer.
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 800 fill power means that 1oz of this down fills 800 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 and our ecosystems, making them a more environmentally responsible choice.
Outer Fabric: The outer fabric is a 13D Windstopper® material by Gore-Tex Labs, which, although lightweight, offers complete wind protection to reduce wind chill and offer maximum shelter when camping in exposed, extreme environments. This windproof membrane still allows plenty of breathability, helping prevent moisture build-up inside the sleeping bag and balance the body's microclimate. It uses Gore-Tex's latest ePE membrane, which is made without the use of PFAS/PFC chemicals and is finished with a fluorocarbon-free DWR (durable water repellent) to encourage the fabric to shed moisture instead of soaking in. However, please note this does not make the jacket waterproof.
If you were wondering, PFAS/PFCs are per or poly-fluorinated chemicals, aka 'forever chemicals' that stay permanently in the environment and cause lasting damage to our ecosystems. This is why many companies are working towards a completely PFC-free future, and this latest ePE membrane from Gore-Tex® is a big step forward for the brand.
Lining: The lining of this sleeping bag uses 20D nylon ripstop with TILT technology for a boost of warmth, with a soft next-to-skin feel.
TILT (Thermo Ionic Lining Technology) uses titanium-coated nylon fibres to create an almost 'foil blanket' effect to reduce radiative heat loss by reflecting heat back towards the body. This technology increases warmth by 32% without adding a gram of weight, improving the warmth-to-weight ratio of the bag - perfect for adventuring in extreme environments. And no, it doesn't feel like a foil blanket; it feels just like a normal sleeping bag fabric. Neat, Right?
What are its features?
Starting with the sleeping bag's construction, trapezoidal boxwall construction directs more down towards the body's surface by forcing the down to sit in a trapezoid shape within each baffle. This construction method optimises loft and warmth of the bag.
Longitudinal chest and foot baffles help hold the bag's warmth in crucial areas. These baffles have an internal Flowgate technology to help control down movement and prevent cold spots. A face baffle and 3D neck collar also help lock in the extra heat, whilst a Gore-Tex Infinium™ lining in the facial and foot areas of the bag offers additional water resistance.
The sleeping bag is fastened with a YKK® 3/4 length main zip with a down-filled baffle running alongside to prevent a cold spot at the entry. There is also a handy zippered internal stash pocket, ideal for storing your phone, a torch or alarm clocks.
A tapered mummy shape allows the sleeping bag to spaciously surround the figure while preventing chilly gaps from excessive space. The angled foot box allows a natural, relaxed sleeping posture by providing extra wiggle room around the feet - ideal for fidgety sleepers.
Two storage bags 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 small waterproof stuff sack is also provided to compact the bag and carry it on the move with less bulk. Stuff sacks are literally 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
- Protection and breathability with WINDSTOPPER® Products by GORE-TEX LABS
- TILT lining helps to reflect and reduce heat loss
- Trapezoidal boxwall baffles to maximise loft and warmth
- Face baffle and 3D collar to seal in warmth
- Longitudinal chest and foot baffles with internal Flowgate technology to control down movement
- WINDSTOPPER® Products by GORE-TEX LABS lining in face and foot area for additional water resistance
- YKK® 3/4 length main zip with down-filled baffle to trap warmth
- YKK® zipped internal stash pocket
- Angled foot box for relaxed sleeping posture
- Zipped cotton sack with water-resistant base for home storage
- Roll-top waterproof stuff sack included
- Mummy shape