Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag Review

Thermarest Questar HD Pro

Warm days and cool nights mean camping and sleeping out under the stars.  With the Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag, it’s time to get out into the wilderness for a few nights.  The Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag is the newest member in a series of sleeping bags for Thermarest.  One thing is for certain, Thermarest knows a thing or two about sleeping in the backcountry.  Founded in 1971 Thermarest has had a niche in creating sleeping bags and pads for overnight adventures.  The Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag is an affordable three season sleeping bag that I have had a chance to try out and put to the test this spring.  

Initial Thoughts on the Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag

The first feature I noticed when I first picked up the Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag is the price tag.  Wow, a hydrophobic down sleeping bag for the price of 249.95.  This price point definitely had my attention.  This could be a game changer for anyone initially investing in backcountry gear.

The Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag features 650 Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down.  There is a continuum rating for temperature with comfort down to 31℉ and a transition range down to 20℉ .The final portion of the continuum rating is “risk” which is at -11℉.  Online Thermarest does a nice job of explaining how their sleeping bags earn their ratings.  Bottom line is at 31℉ the Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag should keep the average 5’6” 160lb man warm.  Within the transition temp zone, down to 20℉ coldness but not hypothermic levels could exist.  Below 20℉ is not so comfortable, speaking from experience.

Features of the Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag include Synergy Link Connectors which allow for the integration of the sleeping bag to a sleeping pad or blanket.  These look like loops on the back side of the sleeping pad which allow for the sleeping pad to slide through.

Thermarest Questar HD Pro Loops

The down fill is placed into zones that keep the fill in place.  This helps with weight as well as with warmth.  Also added to help with warmth is a toe warmer in the bottom the sleeping bag.

Thermarest Questar HD Pro Toe Warmer

Around the collar of the Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag is a soft collar and a cinchable hood.  The snag free zipper of the bag can be used from both inside and out.

Thermarest Questar HD Pro Soft Collar

Field Testing the Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag

For my testing, I was able to use the bag on a variety of outdoor experiences with completely different conditions. My first experience with the Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag was fishing trip at 8,000 ft of elevation with a forecasted low of 32℉.  During that trip, I fished well into the night and I was chilled by the time I reached camp.  I hopped into the bag for the night around 10pm.  That night I was pretty cold.  Sometime in the middle of the night I had to reach around for any extra clothing to stuff into the sleeping bag or put on.

Thermarest Questar HD Pro Sleeping

The morning temp according to my thermometer was 22℉ which is near the bottom of the “Transition Zone.”  Clearly, I missed the mark on a fair trial for this sleeping bag.  As a point of reference however I am 5’10” and 165lbs, which is close to size of the “average man” that the comfort ratings are built around.

Using the Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag in the proper temperatures

My next camping trips went much smoother and were definitely more enjoyable.  Both of these camping trips had low temperatures in the 30’s. The sleeping bag performed well and I stayed warm.  I did not have any of the issues of the first trip. Thermarest does make 750+ down fill sleeping bag that has a larger comfort range. This may come in handy if you plan to camp in an area with drastic temperature swings.  However, if you can count on being in the 30℉ mark you should wake up toasty warm.

My final camping trip was completed in my pop up trailer with my family.  We used the heater during the night as I have a one year old.   During that warm night I had to sleep with the sleeping bag partially unzipped but I stayed very comfortable.

The features of the sleeping bag that I really liked are the straps that hook onto the sleeping pad.  What an awesome feature.  I have had a number of backpacking trips where the tent was not set up on an even surface.  In the morning both of us in the tent had rolled onto each other on the downhill side.  These straps kept me tight to the pad so I never had the chance to roll off.

Another feature I really like is the zipper that can be zipped from the inside of the sleeping bag.  This makes it super easy to get zipped up and stay bundled.

All of the other features such as the toe warmer, fleece collar, and cinchable hood made for additional comfort during my camping adventures.

Specs of the Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag taken directly from Thermarest

• MSRP $249.95
• SynergyLink™ Connectors
• ThermaCapture™ SeamsZoned Insulation
• 650 Fill Nikwax® Hydrophobic Down
• Foot Warmer Pocket
• Quilt and Blanket Loops
• Fleece lined collar

Final Thoughts on the Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag

The Thermarest Questar HD 20 Down Sleeping Bag will be hard to beat for the price point of $249.95.  With a comfort rating down to 31℉ and  650 Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down this is a solid sleeping bag for late spring, summer, and early.  However when the temperature ratings are pushed to the limits there is the potential for a pretty cold night.  Additional features such as a fleece lined collar, a zipper that can be zipped from the inside of the bag, and a toe warmer make this bag a contender for your next sleeping bag purchase.