Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20F

A super warm sleeping bag with some unique features and qualities.

I actually won this sleeping bag in a Trailspace competition, so thanks, Trailspace and Therm-a-Rest.

I wanted to put this bag to the test before I wrote a review. The good news is that I am super satisfied with this bag. I have four other sleeping bags (some synthetic, some down) to which I can compare this bag.

I've used this bag backpacking in Canyonlands NP in sub 20 degree weather. In Guadalupe NP in sub 30 degree weather. In Big Bend NP in sub 30 degree weather. And on a few other trips. In each of these trips I was simply cowboy camping without a tent or tarp.

The bag held up to its warmth rating. It fits my 6-foot 175-pound frame comfortably. It may actually have more room than I need, but if it is warm enough who cares. The zipper on the bag works well and has not snagged on me so the entry and exit are great. During my Canyonlands trip we did have some rain/moisture, but I slept under a rock overhang and did not have any issues with moisture build up in the bag.

The loft of the bag is great. It has a 60/40 split with 60% of the down on the top and 40% of the down on the bottom. Perhaps my only gripe might be that the loft prevents the bag from being super compressible. The bag has a little zip pocket in which I store the pad straps and an inflatable pillow. 

I've really grown to appreciate the quality design and construction of Therm-a-Rest products over time. I own a couple of their sleeping pads and pillows.

My bag is constructed of white and yellow material, so I think that this material may show grime over time. The material has not absorbed any funky smells after my multiple trips, so that is a good thing.

I'm looking forward to many years of use from this product. It's a keeper.

Background

I've used this bag on about five trips over about 20 days outdoors with variable temperatures and weather conditions. Many of those nights were spent cowboy camping, some hammock camping, and a few inside a tent.