What is the Solar Ultra 1?
This is one of Rab's specialised synthetic sleeping bags, providing advanced insulation and dependability, even in cold, damp conditions - a regular occurrence in the UK! The cutting edge of synthetic sleeping bags, the Solar Ultra 1 is an excellent investment for those who enjoy alpinism, light mountaineering, backpacking or bikepacking in cooler temperatures.
What is it made of?
Insulation: The Solar Ultra sleeping bag is constructed using a synthetic (artificial) insulation, known as Stratus™ Eco, instead of popular goose or duck down. Stratus™ Eco has been developed by Rab, using recycled fibres to create a high performance insulative material. Stratus™ Eco traps heat, boasting a high warmth to weight ratio, whilst still providing insulation when wet - this is one advantage for synthetic insulation over down. Ideally, making it a better option in colder, damper climates where it's likely you'll run into a rain shower or two.
Stratus™ Eco uses 100% recycled fibres made from post-consumer PET bottles. Recycling single-use plastics helps reduce waste and energy consumption, whilst keeping valuable resources in action, out of landfill sites that pollute our beautiful planet! A fantastic option for the more eco-conscious adventurer.
Outer fabric: The outer of this sleeping bag uses a 20D Atmos™ Recycled Nylon Ripstop, which provides a durable yet breathable outer shell, able to resist abrasion well. This material is treated with a fluorocarbon free durable water repellent (DWR) for extra weather resistance in slightly harsher conditions. Fluorocarbon free finishes don't use harmful chemicals that cause damage to the environment, another bonus feature for those seeking a more sustainable sleeping bag.
Lining: 20D Atmos™ Recycled Polyester Ripstop provides a lightweight, flexible lining which is comfy on the skin. Its fluorocarbon free DWR coating provides a light water repellence - super handy for accidental drink spills or getting caught out in sudden showers when setting your kit up.
Scrim: The scrim is where it gets even more technical! The Solar Ultra 1 uses TILT scrim technology on a 100% polyester fabric with an aluminium coating. Bit of a mouthful, right?
What is a scrim, you ask? A scrim is a piece of loosely woven fabric often used as a backer or a lining. It sits just underneath the lining on a sleeping bag to help enhance the breathability or insulation of a product - in this case, both!
TILT Technology (Thermo Ionic Lining Technology) reduces radiative heat loss by reflecting it back towards the body. Using TILT Technology increases the warmth to weight ratio of the sleeping bag. It is also much healthier for the body, as it will use less energy to generate heat when inside the sleeping bag.
Overall, the loose weave polyester scrim is very lightweight, which helps to wick away moisture and enhance breathability.
What are its features?
Our heads are one of the largest contributors to body temperature regulation, so if they get cold, we get cold! Keeping your head covered when sleeping is an efficient way to retain warmth, helping you catch those much needed z's in comfort. The hood of the Solar Ultra 1 has reduced volume, which helps increase heat retention, keeping you feeling cosy all night long.
A close fitting adjustable neck baffle helps prevent heat from escaping deeper within the bag whilst providing extra insulation for the neck/shoulder area. The sleeping bag is fastened with a YKK® 3/4 length main zip on the left, with a synthetic 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 in the zip and snagging or tearing.
The sleeping bag is constructed using offset localised quilting and elasticated internal quilting. This helps reduce cold transmission by drawing the synthetic insulation towards the body, eliminating cold spots and reducing cold transmission when moving around inside the bag.
As found on the Solar Ultra 1, a tapered mummy shape is the slim fit of sleeping bags. Tapering the silhouette allows it to retain warmth more efficiently as there is less excessive room for hot air to escape.
A compression stuffsack is included to carry and store the sleeping bag. Synthetic insulation is suitable for storing in a smaller, more compressed environment. It has much better resistance to compression, allowing it to loft easier than down. However, a stuffsack is still 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 insulation, preventing cold spots from developing when stored.
Features:
- Rab Sleep Limit: -4°C (25°F)
- ISO EN: Comfort: 6°C (45°F), Limit: 1°C (35°F), Extreme: -14°C (5°F)
- 20D Atmos™ recycled nylon ripstop fabric (38gsm) with fluorocarbon free DWR
- Lining: 20D Atmos™ recycled polyester ripstop fabric (41gsm) with fluorocarbon free DWR
- Scrim: 100% polyester scrim with aluminium coating (15gsm)
- Upper: Recycled Stratus™ Synthetic Sheet Insulation in a triple layer construction (100% Recycled Polyester 100gsm/100gsm/40gsm)
- Base: Recycled Stratus™ Synthetic Sheet Insulation in a dual layer blanket construction (100% Recycled Polyester 40gsm/40gsm)
- Internal TILT Scrim Technology on upper for reduced radiant heat loss
- Triple layer concertina blanket construction on upper for improved loft and warmth
- Elasticated internal quilting to draw insulation towards user and eliminate cold spots
- Offset localised quilting to reduce cold transmission
- Reduced volume hood for better heat retention
- Close fitting adjustable neck baffle design for decreased heat loss
- YKK® 3/4 length main zip with synthetic insulated zip baffle to trap warmth
- YKK® Anti-snag zip insert and anti snag internal zip guard
- Compression stuffsack included
- Outer: 100% recycled polyester. Lining: 100% recycled polyester
- Tapered Mummy Shape