Finding the right sleep system for your adventures is a bit like finding your security blanket. The wrong one ensures you don’t have a good time. The right one means you wake up refreshed and ready for more.
When your pack weight matters almost as much as staying warm, the Argali Alpine Sleeping System is built to strike that perfect balance. Designed for hunters, backpackers, and outdoor folks of all kinds, this ultralight mummy bag promises warmth, durability, and packability without compromise. But it’s just another sleeping bag, right?
I took it into the backcountry and cozied with it in the front country to see how it measured up. With more than 6 months of testing, I certainly have thoughts.
In short: Love-Love-Love-Love-Love. The balance between weight and warmth is just about perfect in the Argali Alpine Sleep System. Even in the 20-degree bag, I was cozy in the cold and not too hot on warm nights. The real hero, though, is the packable pillow that stays with you all night long.
Shopping for your next sleeping bag? Check out our Sleeping Bag Buyer’s Guide.
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Lightweight -
Warm (particularly for its weight) -
Comfortable -
Slick camp pillow system
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Slim design might be tight for larger sleepers
First Impressions of the Argali Alpine Sleep System
At just 1 pound, 10 ounces (regular size), the Alpine 20-degree bag is impressively light and compact. Even if you were to go for the extra warmth of the 0-degree bag, you’re only looking at packing 2 pounds, 4 ounces. That’s impressively light for a bag rated at 0 degrees.
The Pertex Quantum shell has a smooth, water-repellent finish, offering protection against dew, condensation, and light moisture. In no way does that mean you should get it wet. Don’t do that.
This is not a flashy piece of gear; its red/orange and gray color scheme certainly says functionality over flair, which is on brand for Argali’s no-nonsense, no-fluff ethos.
The bag has a well-contoured hood, a comfortable draft collar, and an intuitive zipper system. No instructions are needed. It’s a sleeping bag, and it’s simple in its design without unnecessary extras.
… and then there’s the pillow.
Argali Elite Dream Backpacking Pillow
This little pillow is my new favorite addition anytime I have to pack in. To say that the Elite Dream Backpacking Pillow is “packable” has a dual meaning to it. It is super-lightweight at only 3.5 ounces, meaning it’s easy to add to your pack, but it’s also literally packable, meaning it’s designed to have your extra layers packed in it, allowing you to decide how lofty your pillow is.
The reason this sleeping bag pillow combo is a “sleep system” and not two separate pieces that just happen to work well together, comes down to a few simple buttons.
This certainly isn’t the first time a camp pillow has come with some kind of containment system. From sleeves to zips to pockets, it seems everyone has the same issue of keeping their pillow contained with them during the night, particularly in a sleek mummy bag.
This is, however, one of the first times I’ve seen it in a dedicated hunting sleeping bag and with one of the best pillows.
Testing the Argali Alpine Sleep System
Because we have to do it, this sleeping back is larger than a Nalgene. That being said, it doesn’t weigh much more than one. I tossed mine onto the scale packed in its bag, and the readout was only 5 ounces more than listed, which makes sense since it includes the bag weight. To put that in perspective, the Alpine Sleeping Bag weighs about as much as a half-full water bottle.
This backcountry hunting sleeping bag started its journey with me as a front country fishing sleeping bag. Because I received this bag to start testing in late summer, I figured, why not? Mind you, I did not need this much sleeping bag for August musky fishing in Montana. It was overkill and then some.
That being said, I was still comfortable. Because it’s so lightweight, with the zips open, I didn’t sweat to death. I expected to be half miserable and ditch it in the middle of the night. To my pleasant surprise, I ended up being really comfy, even in my notoriously warm Roofnest.
Because of this, I assumed I’d be freezing as soon as the temps dropped.
I was wrong.
Elk Season
Early-season elk hunting was hot this year. With a massive wall tent camp and plenty of firewood to keep us cozy, there wasn’t a ton of need for much insulation.
By mid-elk season, though, it got cold in a hurry. The combination of the Argali Alpine 20-degree bag and wool blanket was more than enough to keep me warm when the temps dropped well below freezing.
When the temps dropped below zero, I added a liner (which I recommend anyway) and a high-R-value inflatable sleeping pad for some backcountry hunts. On the first trip, I got chilly, but that was expected. The second, I brought along an additional packable down blanket, and it was more than enough. If you do any late-season hunting in cold, cold temps, spring for the 0-degree bag.
Who Is This Bag For?
This bag is perfect for ultralight enthusiasts, backcountry hunters, and backpackers who prioritize a warmth-to-weight ratio. If you’re looking for a sleeping bag to handle three-season adventures with ease, the Alpine 20-degree is a stellar option.
If you’re a late-season hunter who likes to torture themselves in the cold like I do, go for the 0-degree bag.
What Could Be Improved
It’s hard to find flaws in this setup. While the Alpine 20° delivers excellent performance, if I’m being picky, the hood drawstring feels a bit finicky when adjusting it in the dark or with gloves on. But, to be fair, I think that’s the same across the board with sleeping bags.
Additionally, the slim mummy shape maximizes warmth but may feel snug for broader folks. Consider sizing up if you like extra room to move.
Final Verdict
The Argali Alpine 20-Degree Sleeping Bag is a lightweight powerhouse, perfect for those who want premium warmth without the bulk. It’s an investment piece, but for those who demand high performance in the backcountry, it’s worth every cent.
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