Staff Pick: Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20F UL Sleeping Bag Review
Quick take: One of our staff carried the Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20F UL for 150 days on the Continental Divide from Mexico to Canada. Its 800-fill hydrophobic down kept him warm through springtime Colorado snowstorms even when damp, the knee-length zipper vented well on warm desert nights, and the long size gave his 6'3" frame room to move without feeling drafty. A strong pick for thru-hikers and anyone cutting pack weight without sacrificing warmth.
Tested on a 150-Day Thru-Hike
"I used this sleeping bag on my 150-day backpacking trip from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide," our staffer writes. A thru-hike like that throws just about every condition at a sleeping bag, from high-elevation snow to hot desert nights, which makes it a great real-world test.
What Stood Out
Warm when damp
The 800-fill hydrophobic down kept him warm through springtime Colorado snowstorms, even when the bag was damp. Treated down resists moisture better than untreated down, which matters on long trips where you can't always dry gear out.
Ventilation for warm nights
The knee-length zipper provided enough ventilation when unzipped for warm desert nights, so the bag stayed comfortable across a wide temperature range.
Roomy long size
At 6'3", he chose the long size and found it gave enough space to move around without being drafty.
A cheerful color
As a bonus, he notes the bright color keeps the inside of your tent cheerful on gray mornings.
Who It's For
The Parsec 20F UL is a great fit for anyone attempting an ambitious backpacking trip or trying to lighten their pack without giving up warmth. If you'll face mixed conditions with real potential for moisture, the hydrophobic down is a meaningful advantage.
Shop Sleeping Bags and Backpacking Gear
Sleeping bag availability changes with the season. Visit our Grand Avenue store in Portland's Central Eastside to see what's in stock, or browse sleeping bags online.
- NEMO Forte 20 Synthetic (Men's) 20-degree synthetic alternative
- NEMO Forte 20 Synthetic (Women's) 20-degree synthetic alternative
- Featherstone Moondance 25 Top Quilt Ultralight quilt option
- Mountainsmith Apex 60 Thru-hike capable pack
Therm-a-Rest Parsec FAQ
Is the Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20F warm when wet?
It uses 800-fill hydrophobic down, which resists moisture better than untreated down. Our staffer stayed warm in springtime Colorado snowstorms even when the bag was damp, though no down bag should be soaked.
Is the Parsec good for thru-hiking?
Yes. Our staffer used it for 150 days on a Mexico-to-Canada Continental Divide hike and found it warm, light, and versatile across snow and desert conditions.
Should I get the regular or long size?
Taller hikers should consider the long. At 6'3", our reviewer found the long size gave room to move without being drafty. Check the manufacturer's fit chart for your height.
How does the Parsec vent on warm nights?
Its knee-length zipper opens up enough to dump heat, which kept it comfortable on warm desert nights.
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