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The now widely accepted Arc Concept of ultralight sleeping
bag design is unique to Nunatak Gear. Creating a quilt like
cover, by eliminating zipper and hood, has proved to be the
answer to both effective temperature control and remarkably
light, compact bags.
Here answers to some of the issues a first time user might
have:
These bags don't have hoods. How
does that work?
It's definitely different from the standard
mummy design. But then off course there's nothing standard
about the Arc Concept. Sleeping without a hood is no problem
if you have warm head wear along on your trip, and who doesn't?
It puts that emergency balaclava or beanie to double use and
will save you a few ounces, which is basically what this is
all about. You can also use our super warm down filled balaclava
for severe conditions, or carry a SkahaPlus, our ultralight
hooded down sweater. It is designed to work with the Arc Concept
bags for added warmth and versatility.
Does the sleeping PAD go inside
the foot box?
No, the foot box will not fit around any pad
on the market today, unless you cut down a Ridge Rest or something
similar. Our foot boxes are designed for maximum thermal efficiency,
which is best achieved with a snug fit. Trying to dimension
the foot box to fit around a sleeping pad would sacrifice
warmth and add several ounces in material and fill. We have
tried bags that were meant to have the pad inside and found
them to be too rigid and uncomfortable, akin to be back boarded
on a litter.
Do I run the straps under the sleeping
pad?
You can. It is one of two options, the other
being as shown in the first picture on the right. With the
straps under the pad you have more control over the sleeping
bag when turning, but more air will be trapped inside making
it the less warm of the two.
What kind of shelter do the Arcs
work best with?
Bivvy bags and lightweight tents are our preferred
shelters and the Arc line is designed with these in mind.
Tarps work fine also, but on really windy and cold nights
you have to work a little to eliminate the drafts.
What fabric should I choose?
Fabric choice is a compromise between breathability
and moisture control. Tarp and bivvy bag users should consider
leaning towards the water resistant end of the scale, since
driving rain and condensation is more likely. If you mostly
sleep in a tent, we think the choice is clear for the Quantum.
Here's a link to our fabric
page.
Are drafts a problem?
As mentioned above, if you're under a tarp
on a cold and windy night you might feel some, especially
if you toss and turn without doing the slight readjusting
of the fit that is sometimes necessary.
Are these strange bags really warm
enough?
All the sleeping bags in the Arc Line have
a conservatively estimated temperature rating. If pushed beyond
this they will eventually feel too cold. But if used correctly,
wearing adequate head gear, they are comparable to mummy bags
of the same rating.
How many custom options do I have?
Nunatak Gear is making every product to order,
and that also applies to the Arc line. If our stock dimensions
and features are different from your needs we will build your
bag the way YOU want it. Call us to discuss the procedures.
What's the difference between all
these models?
Even though they all share the Arc Concept
as their design background, there are very clear distinctions
between the individual models. First, they differ in temperature
rating, from the 40 degree Arc Edge to the dedicated winter
bag, the Arc Expedition. Following this increase in loft there's
also a change in fit. You have more room in the warmer bags.
And which should I get?
Hard one to answer. Only you know your needs.
We can say this much though: If you need the Arc Edge or the
Arc Expedition you probably already know it. These two specialized
bags are meant for the experienced back country traveler that
realizes the products strengths and limitations. On the other
hand, if you are new to wilderness travel or unsure about
the Arc Concept, a good place to start is the Arc Alpinist.
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