What the manufacturers say:
A sleeping bag inspired by evolution.
Chrysalis is a sleeping bag that has evolved to the next level; putting you in control of temperature and comfort by transforming from a warm, snug sleeping bag, into a cool and spacious one, with a built in LED torch to assist you.
The bag boasts all the features of a quality Snugpak mummy-style sleeping bag but the jumbo zip baffle can be opened out to give much more room within the sleeping bag by opening the expanda panel. The extra space within the bag allows air to move around, keeping the bag cooler. And if the temperature drops? Just zip the bag tighter and instantly boost the warmth around you.
Price: £94.95
• Built in Led torch (Functions: ON/OFF/FLASH) Micro torch works independently.
• Expansion System (Variable width)
• Lightweight
• Low pack size
• Clips can be used to shorten the sleeping bag (Normal Length 220cm, Shortened Length 175cm)
| Extra Long | No |
|---|---|
| Colours Available | Slate Gray |
| Weight | 1950g |
| Length | 220cm |
| Width (Chest) | 75cm +12.5cm |
| Width (Knee) | 60cm |
| Width (Foot) | 32cm |
| Pack Size | 28cm(L) x 24cm(W) |
| Origin | Imported |
| Seasons | Winter |
| Temperature | Comfort: -10°c Extreme: -15°c |
Snugpak Chrysalis 4 - Dave Mycroft
I've always had a soft spot for Snugpak and in particular their Softie and Chrysalis bags and the latest incarnation of the Chrysalis 4 is no exception after putting it to the test in a frozen Peak District. In an industry of overkill where every product seems to be engineered far beyond the capacity of most of its users the Snugpak is a breath of fresh air. It's not that it's under-engineered; its military heritage and application precludes that, it's that it's designed for what it's users really want. It's not going to be the best choice for an 8000m peak or an Antarctic expedition and it won't handle Norway in Winter but for all but the worst winter conditions in the UK it will do the job perfectly - and it won't cost you the best part of £400.
The Chrysalis 4 at full length, showing the shortening clip
At close to 2kg it's around 500g heavier than an equivalent down bag and it's not going to compress to the same extent, so you're going to need a larger pack for heading into the hills. For car based and camp site use, however, the weight and bulk are no longer an issue. The Chrysalis 4 is rated at -15°C extreme and -10°C comfort, which puts it in the range of the majority of UK winter temperatures, although significantly lower temperatures do occur on a few nights each year in some areas (Scotland in particular). As with any sleeping bag it's vital to have a good quality mat underneath to provide insulation from the ground but with an appropriate mat the Chrysalis 4 proved comfortable from +16°C to -6°C in test. Key to this was the characteristic Snug pak expansion system that provides two alternative zip paths to allow the bag to be used as standard or with an additional few inches of width. In warmer temperatures the additional space meant both better airflow and more space to heat up while in colder temperatures using the outer zip gave the zip a baffle with the additional material. The overall expansion given by the twin zip system is in the order of 20cm at chest height Internally the Chrysalis 4 uses their well known, synthetic, softie insulation so you get all the benefits of retaining performance when damp; although the Paratex Micro outer provides a decent barrier against small spills.
The twin zip system which allows extra chest room or an internal zip baffle
At 2.2m the Chrysalis 4 is a long sleeping bag but using the plastic clips it can be shortened to 175cm, meaning you get a choice of 4 "set-ups" from short and wide to long and thin depending on your combination of zip and clip placements. Logic and practice both endorse the ability to widen the chest area on demand but the case for lengthening and shortening isn't quite so strong - unless you regularly lend your bag to someone considerably taller or shorter than yourself. Likewise I'm not so sure of the need for the "integrated" LCD micro-torch that attaches to the hood! The internal pocket is fine; it's handy for keeping your batteries and/or a pair of liner gloves warm overnight but the light proved to be a "feature" too many. It lacks the manoevaribility of a standard headtorch, and when fixed in place just proved difficult to keep pointing where you want it. Add in that the moment you get out of your bag you need an alternative anyway and it seems to be a feature for the sake of adding a feature.
Pocket for the included micro-light
Irrespective of the odd hood-lamp and the questionable shortening clips the Snugpak Chrysalis 4 is a good bag for the UK in Winter. There may be the odd occassion when it's at its limits, and a few beyond it, but it'll handle an average Lakes weekend in January. At a street price of around £90 it's £200 - £300 cheaper than most of the competition, If I was starting out now on a limted budget, I'd buy it without hesitation.