There Are Pandas, and Then There Are Pandas.
And this isn't either of them! The Pandas we're talking about here, are watches, not bears. And what got me thinking about them (again) was a link posted this morning by @cm.rook who pointed a few of us to the very attractive (and not terribly priced) Yema "Rallygraph" Panda which, in it's most traditional arrangement, looks like the one on the left, but can also be had in the version on the right: The model on the left is a true Panda, while the model on the right is called a reverse Panda. The reason for that distinction is clear--Panda bears, only come in the first arrangement. Now at this point, everyone should be thinking about the most well-know Panda, The Rolex Panda, which is actually a Daytona, and among Rolex Daytonas, the most famous of which is the Paul Newman Daytona, which was famous first, because it was Paul's, and second because it sold at auction for $17.8 million (US Dollars). The story of that auction is well-known so I'll only...
Nov 8, 2019
BIG THREE | 55.3 oz | 3.4lbs. * Marmot Kompressor 20L Backpack * Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated Sleeping Pad * Sea to Summit Spark Sp II Sleeping Bag * ZPacks Cuben Tarp (10 x 8.5)
https://lighterpack.com/r/86ugs2
Initially, I was hesitant to go with a sleeping bag vs. a quilt (Enlightened Equipment). Just based upon efficiency and weight, a quilt does make more sense. However, I contemplated for quite some time and I'm actually very happy that I stuck with the the sleeping bag. This is one of the best temp to weight ratio sleeping bags on the market in the 30-35° range with 850+ down. It has a 1/3 side zipper and common 10d nylon. The S2S design has about 60% down fill on top with 40% fill on the bottom, so at least they gave some thought about down compression. I pair this bag with the S2S mat, which is not a flat design and has little pockets which allow the down to stay lofty and not be completely compressed under your back.
While this sleeping bag is pricey, it's a full mummy style rated at 35° weighing only 16oz. It is very warm, especially being able to completely zip yourself up, however does have sewn-through foot baffles. I've used it several times in low 30's and been completely fine overnight. There are no cold spots, the design and quality is superb. I'm an advocate for S2S gear, it's all high-quality and very well made.
Since I use this for both ground sleeping and with a hammock, if I were to need something below 30°, I would probably switch and go with the new EE Conundrum quilt with the enclosed footbox. Honestly, I think this is the best option - a hybrid design somewhere between an open quilt and sleeping bag. I definitely see the industry and trends shifting that way over the next 2-3 years. But on super cold nights, I still can't stand having my back and sides somewhat exposed with a basic quilt design - so we'll see what happens as the industry designs evolve over time.
Hope that helps!
Thanks!
Details here: http://imgur.com/a/jFZcR