The Quechua Forclaz 10 ° ultralight sleeping bag comes in a small range of colors with a hood to keep your head warm on cold nights. It is a “mummy style” bag, which essentially means that it tapers towards the bottom. This helps keep it smaller, but some people find this style of bag small compared to the more rectangular versions.
There are two sizes, medium and large, with a pair of three-quarter length zippers to provide extra airflow in hot or congested rooms. You can also join two Ultralight bags together if you are traveling as a couple.
The large version of the bag weighs just under a kilogram (2.2 pounds) and 217 x 80 cm (85 x 31.5 ”) when unrolled. The midsize model weighs a bit less and is a bit narrower and about five inches shorter.
Regardless of the model you buy, the compression cover and straps make it noticeably more compact in transit. It is 100% polyester inside and out and is machine washable. However, unless you have access to a mild commercial dryer, you will need to hang it up to dry.
The Forclaz 10 is marketed as “comfortable” at 10-15 C (50 – 60F).
Real world tests
One of the main reasons for choosing this particular sleeping bag was the need for it to fit in a 30 liter backpack. Fortunately, it made it comfortably, the small bag size impressive not only in the store but also when quickly packed in the morning.
The compression straps are partially sewn into the cover, which means you can’t lose them, and it also makes them easier to use. Unlike many other sleeping bags, this one was easy to roll up, taking less than a minute to tuck the bag into its cover, attach the straps, and pack it up.
The hood is most valuable to people who sleep on their back or side, but even those who lie on the front will find a use for it as a makeshift pillowcase when needed. If there are no pillowcases available, or if you don’t like the state of the one you have been given, tucking the pillow inside the hood and lying on it is a much more pleasant option than lying directly on the same pillow as hundreds of people . other people before you
If you have nothing to rest on, you can even put sweaters, T-shirts, and other clothing inside the hood, and use it as a makeshift pillow.
The bag is roomy enough for those of medium height and is built to stay comfortable, without feeling particularly cramped. While the zippers initially seemed uncomfortable to sleep in, the padded internal fins keep them from digging you most of the time.
Hiking during the spring in southern Spain, temperatures were typically quite warm during the day, but dropped to 40F or below at night. The apartment was either poorly heated or not heated, so it wasn’t much warmer inside than outside.
In early fall in northern Portugal and Spain, things weren’t much different. While it was too hot to sleep in the bag for the first few nights, it was decidedly cool overnight towards the end of the hike.
The bag stayed warm and comfortable in the coldest conditions, but would not have done so if the temperature had dropped much lower. However, adding a sleeping bag liner and / or an extra layer of clothing would allow the bag to handle cooler temperatures, as long as it’s inside, or at least out of the wind.
Verdict
Overall, the Quechua Forclaz 10 ° Ultralight is a solid performer in three seasons. Heat shouldn’t be a problem unless the outside temperature drops to the low 40s, and even then, the bag was big enough to accommodate an extra lining and clothing. It was quick and easy to pack, small and light to transport, and comfortable to sleep on.
It’s a great budget option for those looking for a small, lightweight sleeping bag for their next trip.