Just Up The Trail

Mountain Hardwear Lamina 0: Conquering the Cold, But Is It Right for You?

Let’s delve into the pros and cons to see if the Mountain Hardwear Lamina 0 is your perfect cold-weather companion.

Pros:

• Warmth: Boasting Thermal Q Elite insulation, the Lamina 0 lives up to its name. Users report staying comfortable well below freezing, making it ideal for winter camping, mountaineering, and expeditions.
• Synthetic: Unlike down, this bag thrives in damp conditions. The synthetic fill maintains warmth even when wet and dries quickly, a godsend for snowy nights or unexpected downpours.
• Pack It In: Compared to other winter bags, the Lamina 0 packs down impressively small and light. This makes it a dream for backpackers who prioritize weight and space efficiency.
• Built to Last: Mountain Hardwear is known for quality, and the Lamina 0 is no exception. Durable materials and construction ensure it withstands the rigors of harsh environments.
• Extra Touches: Features like a draft collar, footbox baffle, and contoured hood maximize warmth and comfort. Additionally, the left or right zipper option caters to individual preferences.

Cons:

• Weight: While lighter than its down counterparts, the Lamina 0 isn’t exactly ultralight. Expect to add a few pounds to your pack compared to down options.
• Price: This high-performance bag comes with a high price tag. Be prepared to invest if you want its winter warmth and synthetic reliability.
• Roomy, But Not Spacious: Some find the mummy-style bag a bit snug, especially for restless sleepers who prefer more wiggle room. Consider sizing up if claustrophobia is a concern or a big boy like me.
• Not the Freshest Sleeper: Synthetic insulation can trap odors more readily than down. Regular airing and occasional washing are key to maintaining freshness.
• Temperature Rating Nuances: Remember, temperature ratings are estimates. Factors like personal sleep preferences, layering systems, and ground insulation can impact your actual comfort level. Pair the Lamina 0 with a high-quality sleeping pad for optimal warmth and insulation from the ground. Sweet winter dreams await!

The Verdict:

The Mountain Hardwear Lamina 0 is a top contender for winter adventurers seeking reliable warmth in challenging conditions. Its synthetic prowess, impressive packability, and durable construction make it a force to be reckoned with. However, the weight, price tag, and snug fit might deter some. Ultimately, consider your individual needs, budget, and sleeping style to decide if this icy titan is your perfect match for conquering the cold.

Bonus Tip:

Real World Test. December 2018

So here’s a story. Last Christmas my dear old Mum gave me this sleeping bag. Brilliant, a nice warm sleeping bag for late autumn/early spring, just what I needed. Turned out she had bought it for my brother who didn’t like it, and so she gave it to me instead. Again brilliant, it would be perfect for our Easter trip on Glyndwrs Way,  and if a little heavy, it would be warmer than the one I already had.

At some point before we go backpacking, Mum decides she would like to join us for a couple of days on the trail. No problem. Whats that? She needs a warmer sleeping bag? Well being a dutiful son I suggest she use the one she gave me for Christmas and I’d make do, and when she leaves the trail, she can take my old one home and I’ll continue on with this one.

Once Spring arrived properly I put this bag away until just last week, when I thought I might like a little extra comfort on our Round the Island hike, after all at the end of October we could get ALL the weather. It was quite a bit heavier than my alternative but it packed down nicely into the same size dry bag and to be honest, once I started hiking I didn’t really notice the difference.

The first night of the hike was quite chilly, around 5°C, so while setting up bed for the night I got out my spare fleece, puffy jacket and woolly hat and used them as a pillow and handy extra layers. I didn’t use them although I did get a little cold in the early hours. The second night we were a little further inland and it felt a little warmer and I was more than warm enough but the 3rd night we camped on the cliff tops right next to the sea and it was freezing out. I did climb into the bag with a fleece on and was glad of it for a start but woke up sweaty about midnight so I lost that extra layer and slept soundly for the rest of the night. The last night of the hike we spent “camped” in my Mother in Laws basement which was pretty luxurious and I used the bag as a duvet so I could stick a leg out easy enough to cool down.

Overall, this sleeping bag was great. It was a little on the small side for my larger frame and I’m not sure it would have been very comfortable if I hadn’t lost 2 stone over the summer, however it was easy to get in and out of, the zips worked and didn’t snag every time I used them. I didn’t notice the extra weight once I got hiking and I know if I had taken my other bag I would have been wearing all my spare clothes to stay warm, especially when we camped closer to the coast.

So it’s a great bag for late Autumn/Early Spring and a great gift. If I was choosing for myself I might get something slightly bigger so it’s not quite so tight, or I could lose some more weight! Oh and remember it kept my Mum alive in a Welsh snowstorm, which is kind of a positive.

Affiliate Link: Amazon UK