Product Specifications

Manufacturer: Kelty
Model: Cosmic 0
Size: Long  – Fits up to 6’ 6”
Temperature Rating: 0° / -18°C
Trail Weight (per manufacturer): 5 lb. 1 oz. / 2.27 kg
Dimensions: Length: 84” / 213 cm, Shoulder girth: 64” / 163 cm
Stuffed Dimensions: Diameter: 12" / 30 cm, Stuffed length: 20" / 51 cm
Insulation: Cloudloft™ Pro (Synthetic)
Fill Weight: 50 oz. / 1.40 kg
Style: Mummy
Zipper/Drawcords: Generic 3/4-length, two-way locking zipper
Shell Material: 50D polyester taffeta
Liner Material: 50D polyester taffeta
Color: Risky Red
MSRP: $119.95 USD
Product Number: Kelty 35414011

Manufacturer Product Features

Two-layer off-set quilt construction
Top baffle collar
Insulated hood baffle
Zipper draft tube with anti-snag design
Internal liner loops
Sleeping pad security loops
Hang loops for storage
Ground-level side seams prevent heat from escaping
Differential cut to maximize loft and warmth
Stuff sack included
3/4-length, two-way locking zipper
FatMan and Ribbon™ drawcords
Captured cordlock

Manufacturer Description

“Built to perform on cold nights without breaking the bank, the Cosmic 0⁰ mummy bag provides a high degree of warmth, comfort, and durability. Equally at home in the frontcountry as it is in the backcountry, this versatile bag provides a great night’s sleep in almost any situation.”

Source: http://www.kelty.com/p-458-cosmic-0.aspx

Manufacturer Warranty

“Kelty takes pride in the quality of our products and guarantees that the materials and workmanship will be free from defects for the life of the product (with the exception of lighting, trekking poles, furniture, sleeping pads and air beds, which have a one year limited warranty). This warranty is limited to the product’s original owner.

This warranty supersedes any other warranty and is subject to the following conditions and limitations.

Since no Kelty product is indestructible, Kelty’s warranty does not cover issues attributable to or resulting from normal wear and tear (i.e. exhausted zippers), natural hazard damage (i.e. weather, animals, ultraviolet [UV] damage on tents), abuse or alteration.”

Source: http://www.kelty.com/t-warranty.aspx

Additional Documentation

Manufacturer Care Instructions: Sleeping Bag Care Instructions

Initial Observations

Purchase Date: December 29, 2012
Purchased From: AltRec Outdoors via Amazon
Purchase Price: $119.95

I was in great need for a 0-degree sleeping bag that was not too heavy, nor would break the bank. I located this bag on Amazon.com, and, in trusting the reviews, ordered the bag. It arrived several days later, fulfilled through AltRec Outdoors. The package arrived in good packaging, and in great shape.

The bag looked exactly as described, however, upon first testing getting into the bag, it would not fit a 6’ 6” person as their description states for the long model that I had purchased. At 5’ 11”, I did not have much extra room at the bottom.

The sleeping bag seemed to be well made, Kelty is a respected brand, and have owned other Kelty gear before, so I had a good baseline of trust with the brand.

I tested this out in-home for several nights before my first field test, and the bag was comfortable, easy to slip into, and zip up, and latch the velcro strap at the top of the 3/4 side zipper on the right-hand side of the bag (while in it). Not having a full-length zipper is a plus, as it is a mummy bag, and will never be used as a blanket – mummy bags are not meant for that purpose, which also means that you will not lose the zipper in unreachable places around the bottom of the bag.

I also found the pull cord to open/close the hood with ease while attempting to find it in the dark. Fully closed, the hood was comfortable around my head. It was also easy to release and open up as needed.

While tightened, I could easily slip out one arm, and then the other, if needed. I can easily feel claustrophobic, however, I did not with this bag battened down.

The liner of the bag was also very soft and felt comfortable next to the skin.

The hang-loops are also very useful in storing the bag when not in use.

Also, this is a fairly large bag in its factory stuff sack at 12” x 20”, so I immediately tossed the stuff sack aside, and purchased a Sea-to-Summit Large eVenty Dry Compression Sack. This reduced the size of the bag, fully compressed, to roughly 9” wide by 12” long. The compression sack paid for itself with this bag, by not requiring me to purchase a new backpack to carry the bag along with the rest of my backpacking gear.

Field Test

I had a chance to test this out during a recent backpacking trip, to really give it a go. Temperatures overnight dropped to the mid-to-low teens. I slept inside a shelter on a wooden bunk, with a Therm-a-rest Z-Lite closed cell foam pad on top of the bunk, a Big Agnes Air-Core sleeping pad on top of that, and underneath the sleeping bag.

Right before bed, I tossed in a fresh handwarmer at the foot of the bag, and one at the mid-section, and the four I had been using in my gloves and REI Down Booties into the bag for added warmth.

I wore my Bass Pro Shops M-Tech Midweight Performance Thermal Crewneck Shirt for Youth – Long SleeveBass Pro M-Tech Thermal Midweight Crewneck Shirt Baselayer, with a fleece jacket over the top, EMS Techwick T2 Midweight Baselayer Pants and my EMS rain pants over that, with synthetic poly sock liners and SmartWool hiker socks. I wore a fleece/wool hat over the top, and also had my Buff around my neck.

I also stuffed my “cheap synthetic Target puffy jacket” into a Large REI ditty bag, and used that as a pillow. I initially tried it in the hood of the mummy, but there was not enough room, so I instead stuck it under the hood of the bag between the bag and my sleeping pad.

I did not once have any issues with the bag slipping off of the sleeping pad, and I was so comfortable and toasty inside the bag, that it took the rest of our group actually starting to make coffee and breakfast before I could pull myself out of it. In fact, after breakfast, I wanted to crawl back in, and stay there for another night.

Conclusion

For the price, weight, and comfort of the bag – it cannot be beat. I would recommend it to anyone, who is on a budget, but needs to be warm in the winter.

I give this overall package 6/6 possible High Lifes. The zippers could be of better quality, and it could possibly weight less, but, you are getting what you are paying for, and I think in the case of the Kelty Cosmic 0 – you are getting more than what you are paying for.

DISCLAIMER: This product was purchased using out-of-pocket funds by Just Your Average Hiker. The manufacturer did not offer any compensation or suggestions for review.