Kirsty Pallas rates the adjustability and comfort of the Big Agnes Torchlight EXP 30° sleeping bag from Big Agnes.
The Torchlight series from Big Agnes is a new range with different temperature ratings, but all with one thing in common; the option to adjust the shape of the bag to suit you. While the Big Agnes Torchlight EXP 30° is a mummy style design, an additional zipper down each side allows the user to expand sections if you would like more room at the shoulders, feet or all over.
Kirsty Pallas’ Best in Test
Overall the Torchlight is a great bag, and was ideal for a warm spring when I wanted to move light but still have a few comforts in place.- weight
- padlock sleep system
- pillow barn
- no compression sack
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $329.95 / £279.99 (available from LD Mountain Centre) Weight: 870g with stuff sack, stuff sack weight 31g Fill: 311g 650 Downtek PFC Free Shell: Recycled 20D polyester ripstop with PFAS-free water repellent finish Construction: Baffled Zip: Two way ¾ length YKK anti snag zipper Length: 168cm max user height Rating: Comfort 3°C, Limit -2°C Sizes: Small, medium, large Women/Men’s version: Unisex www.bigagnes.com |
The zips are double ended, but small so I did find they would catch on the fabric if I tried to move them too fast. As I’m quite petite, I didn’t find it a feature I massively needed, but I am a side sleeper, so it’s nice to have the option for more room at my shoulders for this. Another couple of nice features are the padlock sleep system and pillow barn, which just keeps everything where it’s supposed to be, including you!
I often turn over at night and I didn’t find myself falling off my mat, or losing my pillow with these systems. But wrangling my pad into place took a bit of practice and I was glad it wasn’t raining when I was trying at first, as I needed a bit more space than my tent allowed! The hood is a good size with the ability to snug it around your face, and the toggle is tucked under the draft collar so you don’t end up lying on it and can use it without having to take your hands out of the bag.
The draft collar is just on the upper side but quite easy to tuck around your face and feel cosy. This was the lighter of the two bags I tested and so wasn’t rated as warm, but I found it suitable for spring conditions, and could always buff it up with a liner or thermals for the chillier nights. It felt very light to carry, and packed down fairly small, although unfortunately didn’t come with its own stuff sack.
The baffles are all horizontal, and I did notice some movement of the fill down towards the sides, but this could easily be fluffed back to the right places. It’s also a unisex model, so the warmth rating might feel a bit out for women, and so looking at the lower temperature ratings would be an option.
Overall the Torchlight is a great bag, and was ideal for a warm spring when I wanted to move light but still have a few comforts in place.
Testing Conditions
These bags were tested through a warm and dry spring in the Highlands. Kirsty is five foot tall and sleeps fairly warm. All weights are from her own scales. This review was first published in the September 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.
