Fiona Russell finds the Rab Women’s Ascent 700 to be an ethical, female-tailored bag with good warmth and comfort.
The Rab Women’s Ascent 700 is 15cm shorter than the men’s and has a narrower shoulder width and foot area, which gives a 50g weight save. However, the same down fill weight is maintained, even though the total area of the bag is smaller, resulting in a warmer women’s bag overall.
The bag feels light but cosy, and with a comfort rating of -9C it provides confidence for warm nights even if, like me, you are a cold sleeper.
Further warmth comes from the puffy neck baffle, which can be loosened or tightened to suit, and a down-insulated baffle on the two-way zip. Note that there is only a left-hand zip choice with this bag.
One feature I really appreciate (because I’m very short-sighted) is the zipped stash pocket at neck height where I can put bits and pieces that I want to easily locate at night.
Rab has also ticked the ethical and eco boxes with RDS-certified down, 100% recycled fabrics and PFC-free DWR as part of the Pertex outer fabric.
Whilst it’s good to see a female-specific bag in Rab’s 3-season range, I’d like to see a longer option available. The height recommendation of 170cm
(5ft 7in) was only just long enough for me.
I’d also like to see a more sophisticated stuff sack, especially a compression-style one to minimise packing space, although Rab does include a storage sack with a water-resistant base.
Discover more of the best sleeping bags for women as tested by The Great Outdoors gear expert Fiona Russell.
