Mountain Hardwear discontinued the Heratio 15.
REASONS TO BUY
Warm
Comfortable
Lighter than a synthetic bag
REASONS TO AVOID
Low quality 650 down fill
Mountain Hardwear Heratio 15 Review
The Heratio is about average quality and weight and a decent option for any short backpacking adventure
Credit: Mountain Hardwear
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Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Average all the way around, the Heratio is a decent option when considering a sleeping bag for a backpacking trip.
Performance Comparison
The Heratio has 650 down fill, we wish it was higher quality and think that would improve its weight and packed size.
Credit: Lawrence Scheussler
Warmth
The Heratio's EN rating is 15 degrees, making it a cold-rated bag…perfect for cooler weather. We took it out during late Spring conditions and spent a few nights camped on snow (with a foam pad and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Women's sleeping pad). Temperatures got down to the low 20's but never as cold as 15, and we felt cold…so we are skeptical of this rating. We think that a higher quality 700 or 800 fill down would help in its construction. A draft collar would make this bag warmer when the temperature dips down. Overall, while it rated to keep you warm in super cold weather, we are a little skeptical. Our recommendation is to use it when temps hover just around freezing.
We wish the Heratio had an interior draft collar to add to its warmth.
Credit: Lawrence Scheussler
The Heratio has water-resistant coated down, as well as a shell coated with DWR treatment for when you want to sleep out, but don't have to worry about dew or moisture.
Weight
The Heratio weighs in at an unimpressive 40 ounces. We think again this could be helped with a higher down fill count and lighter shell materials. Overall, not the lightest nor the heaviest contender out there. it would still suffice on a short overnight backpacking trip or while hanging out around a camp fire next to the car. But leave it when you're seeking something ultralight.
Comfort
The Heratio has a "comfort mummy" cut that is tailored specifically for women. We found it comfortable and like the gradual taper from shoulders to feet. The hood fits well; overall, the Heratio fits our 5'5" testers like a roomy glove.
The Heratio is a standard mummy shape but slightly "relaxed" for a comfortable but snug fit.
Credit: Lawrence Scheussler
Packed Size
Like most down sleeping bags, this model packs down quite small. It doesn't come with a compression sack which would help get it even smaller. It fits nicely for a backpacking kit, making it a good overnight option.
Features
Mountain Hardwear provides a mesh storage bag — which we thought could be larger since the down was still being partially compressed when it was in the storage sack. This makes us feel like they were cutting corners. Otherwise, the Heratio has few bells and whistles in this department, which this is fine by us; the fewer features, the less weight!
We wish the Heratio had two different drawcords for the hood and chin so it was easier to differentiate in the dark.
Credit: Slavka Crouthamel
Best Application
This bag is a good choice for backpacking trips from late spring through early fall and could be a step up from your old synthetic bag.
The Heratio is a good choice for a backpacking sleeping bag, especially when paired with a lightweight sleeping pad and shelter like the Black Diamond Mega Lite.
Credit: Jessica Haist
Value
The Heratio offers an okay value for $260, but not the best. There are higher quality bags in this review for around the same price.
The Heratio kept us warm on late spring through early fall nights.
Credit: Slavka Crouthamel
Conclusion
We understand that Mountain Hardwear is offering women a more accessible down sleeping bag at a reasonable price, and we think the Heratio is an all-around decent sleeping bag. However, we wish they still made a high-quality sleeping bag like the discontinued Phantasia (for women).
—
Jessica Haist
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