Perhaps now you see my dilemma. Sleeping bags designed to keep you primo warm in cold temperatures weigh more than those designed for warmer temperatures. So the decision I have to make is to carry a lighter weight sleeping bag (to keep my back happy, but to be cold at night) or to carry a heavier sleeping back (to keep me toasty as night, and let my back suffer). I hate it when I can't have exactly what I want.

Or maybe I can? The Mountainsmith Vision +15 actually makes my dilemma go away. This 750+ goose down sleeping bag keeps me plenty warm all the way down to +15 degrees and only weighs 1 pound 15 ounces (regular size) or 2 pounds 4 ounces (tall size), and stuffs down to about the size a little smaller than a soccer ball.

Now, you may be thinking, how is this possible, unless of course, some compromises have been made that detract from its light weight, like no zipper or hood, or it being so small that only a snake could love it.

None of this is true. In fact, the Vision has all the features you would expect of a world class sleeping bag. Here's a quick rundown of its features:

• Rated to +15 degrees.
  
   
• 750+ goose down fill.
  
   
• Almost full-length zipper that is snag-resistant.
  
   
• Shoulder room is 64". Foot room is 39".
  
   
• Adjustable goose down collar to prevent drafts.
  
   
• Adjustable goose down hood to keep your head cozy and warm.
  
   
• Bag material has a DWR finish to reduce the chance of getting the down wet, but at the same time allowing it to breath well. The shell is very lightweight and is greatly responsible for the overall lightweight of the bag.
  
   
• The inside of the bag uses a silky Pertex material that is down-proof.
  
   
• The bag offers a differential cut for an optimal fit and allows the down to fully loft. In addition, 60% of the down fill is located in the top of the shell for added warmth.
  
   
• The footbox is canted to match the anatomical shape of feet, making it very comfortable. In other words, there is plenty of room for you feet.
  
   
• Regular size fits to 6' (1 pound 15 ounces). Long size fits to 6' 6" (2 pounds 4 ounces).

The bag is very well made and shows fine workmanship. It comes with a water-resistant stuff bag and a cloth storage bag.

Using the Mountainsmith Vision +15 in the Real World

The coldest I have been able to try this sleeping bag so far was +18 degrees, and at that temperature, it kept me plenty warm. Of course, if you tend to sleep a little cold, as many people do, you may want to limit this bag to 20-25 degrees instead of its rated 15 degrees. Also keep in mind that the rated temperature of a sleeping bag makes the assumption that you are in a protected space (from wind) such as a tent, and are sleeping on a sleeping pad. If neither of these apply to you, then you will need to bump up the rated temperature of the bag for your personal comfort.

I am also gentle with my gear, so I imagine that the Vision will last me many years. But if you are a little rough with your gear, you may want to keep in mind that the featherweight shell material is thin and subject to potential damage if you are not careful.

Recommendation

If you are looking for a quality, lightweight, goose down sleeping bag for three-season, you can't go wrong with the Mountainsmith Vision.

Product Notes

The Mountainsmith Vision only comes in one color, silver, and only offers a right-handed zipper. The manufacturer's suggested retail cost is $300.00. Mountainsmith also offers two other very similar bags, one rated at +30 degrees, and another rated at +0 degrees. I haven't tried these, but I imagine there are as good as the Vision. So if you need a +30 or +0 sleeping bag, you should seriously consider them.