Rab Summit 600 $699.95

Used by: Cold-sleeping features and trips writer Hazel Phillips
Used for: 12 months

I’m a sucker for a certain shade of purple and when I saw the very purple Rab Summit 600 on sale for $420, I seized the opportunity to add it to my quiver of sleeping bags (or is that a ‘quilt’ of sleeping bags?). With 600-fill power hydrophobic duck down, it complements my gruntier 800 bag and my very lightweight summer bag.

I’ve used the Lapis (1090g) in a variety of situations: snow camping in Mt Tongariro’s South Crater; at the ski club lodge; at a friend’s bach; on frosty nights on Mt Taranaki; and even just snuggling into it in the living room, because who doesn’t love the soft downy feeling of a new sleeping bag?

I tend to get extremely cold, so I’m pleased this one ticks the box for snow camping. It’s a mummy shape, which can feel restrictive, but in this case still feels roomy.

The only feature I don’t like is that it doesn’t completely unzip – but a full-length zip would defeat its intended purpose.

It packs down quite small given its volume, and the Pertex outer fabric is water-resistant – a real bonus.

Verdict: A bag that will bridge the gap between alpine use and colder tramping nights.