Review Of The Great Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag
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After three years of owning it, It’s about time I finally wrote this Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag review. In this gear review, I’ll share my experience with my Feathered Friends sleeping bag, why I picked a men’s sleeping bag as a woman, and its pros and cons. I’ll also include a comparison table to help you choose the right Feathered Friends bag for you.
- About Feathered Friends
- Choosing My Sleeping Bag
- Feathered Friends’ Ultralight Sleeping Bag Options
- Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag Review
- Lark 10 UL: Versatile Warmth for Changing Conditions
- Handling Sub-Freezing Conditions with the Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag
- Weighing the Trade-Offs: Lark 10 UL vs. Other Sleeping Bags
- Comfort and Flexibility for All Seasons
- Consider Your Typical Conditions
- Understanding Sleeping Bag Ratings
- Premium Quality and Thoughtful Features on the Lark 10 UL
- Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag Specifications
- In-Depth Look at the Features of the Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag
- Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL: Pros and Cons
- Final Thoughts on the Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag
About Feathered Friends
Feathered Friends, a Seattle-based outdoor gear company founded in 1972 by Peter and Carol Hickner, has a rich history of craftsmanship and quality. Starting in their basement with a secondhand sewing machine, the Hickners focused on functional designs made from quality materials. Their commitment to lasting quality is evident in gear that can endure for decades, with some items returning to the factory for updates after 30 or 40 years.
The Name and Ethical Practices
The company’s name, Feathered Friends, reflects its early use of high-quality goose down. Despite its whimsical origin, Feathered Friends has evolved into a serious player in the outdoor gear market. Ethical practices are paramount, with 100% of the down used certified under the Responsible Down Standard (RDS).
Innovation and Sustainability
Feathered Friends is known for innovative fabrics sourced from industry-leading partners like Pertex®, providing a perfect blend of durability, weight, and weather repellency. The company also prioritizes sustainability, using cotton from a mill that follows the principles of the Better Cotton Initiative for its down comforters and pillows.
Location and Legacy
With two factory locations in Seattle, close to the North Cascade mountains, Feathered Friends draws inspiration from the surrounding landscapes. Their retail store in the SoDo area offers a curated selection of indoor and outdoor products, including gear for backpacking, rock climbing, and expedition mountaineering. The commitment to quality, ethics, and innovation remains a core aspect of Feathered Friends‘ legacy, now carried on by the second generation of the family.
Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag
- Ultralight
- Versatile
- Spacious
Choosing My Sleeping Bag
Selecting the right sleeping bag was a significant challenge for me. After leaving Europe in 2013, I parted ways with all my camping gear, expecting to take a break from outdoor adventures for a few years. It wasn’t until 2020, after completing my higher education, that I regained the freedom to set out and acquire new gear. However, this process proved far from straightforward.
The Challenges of 2020
We all remember what happened in 2020 – COVID-19 made in-store testing of sleeping bags impossible, and limited stock further complicated my decision-making. It was during this time that I discovered Feathered Friends, a company whose values resonated with me. The glowing reviews on their website only heightened my interest. Feathered Friends offers an impressive range of over 35 down sleeping bag models designed for adventures in temperatures ranging from 40ºF (4ºC) to -60ºF (-51ºC)!
Searching for the Perfect Feathered Friends Sleeping Bag
At the time, the sleeping bags I was interested in were not available in the colors I wanted, or in the size I needed. And because of the price, I didn’t want to compromise on any aspect. So I set up a notification for the Egret 20UL, Petrel 10UL, Lark 10UL, and Hummingbird 20UL, and let fate choose for me.
These sleeping bags were hot commodities in the summer of 2020, and you had to act fast when the notification came that one was available. After missing out on a couple of other bags, and despite the hurdles and the uncertainty, I finally managed to catch a Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL sleeping bag! To my delight, the decision paid off, and I am thoroughly pleased with my choice.
4 years on, am I still happy with my choice?
While I sometimes consider opting for a women’s sleeping bag like the Egret 20 UL for its slightly lighter weight, I find that the Lark 10 UL offers the flexibility I need, especially when paired with the summer bag for colder nights. It strikes the perfect balance for my adventures, providing warmth on chilly nights without feeling too hot during the summer. The weight difference between the Lark 10 UL and the Egret 20 UL is just 4 oz, and with my summer bag adding only 8 oz, the total weight remains manageable, allowing me to stay adaptable for a variety of conditions.
Read on for a detailed review of the Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL, including its features, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against other options for your outdoor adventures.
Feathered Friends’ Ultralight Sleeping Bag Options
Feathered Friends’ ultralight sleeping bags are meticulously crafted with Pertex® Endurance® UL fabric, ensuring durability without compromising on weight. The use of 15 denier ripstop nylon adds extra resilience to these lightweight designs.
Superior Insulation
Feathered Friends sleeping bags feature 950+ Goose Down insulation, providing optimal warmth across a wide range of environmental conditions. This high-quality insulation makes them ideal for various outdoor adventures.
Made in the USA
Proudly made in Seattle, USA, with imported materials, these sleeping bags reflect a dedication to quality craftsmanship and local manufacturing standards.
Customized Fit Options
Feathered Friends offers various sleeping bag options, including multiple shoulder-width choices. This flexibility caters to individuals with different body builds, ensuring a comfortable fit tailored to each user’s unique needs.
Additionally, custom fill weight and custom orders are available, providing even greater personalization to match your specific preferences and outdoor requirements.
How to Choose the Best Feathered Friends Sleeping Bag
To help you find the perfect fit, Feathered Friends provides a comprehensive guide on their website, including a comparative table of sleeping bag shapes and dimensions. These details, including shoulder and hip measurements along with height recommendations, ensure you can choose a bag that accommodates your build comfortably. You can also refer to the table below for these specifications by bag size:
- Under 5’9″ (small and medium): Egret, Petrel
- Over 5’9″ (regular and long): Hummingbird, Swallow, Lark, Swift, Raven, Spoonbill
FF Sleeping Bag Comparative Table
| Sleeping Bag Name | Dimensions | Temp Rating | Average Weight | Packed Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egret UL 20 Women’s | 54″ shoulder 56″ hip 38″ footbox | 20ºF / -6.67ºC | Small 1 lb 9.6 oz / 726 g Med 1 lb 11.2 oz / 771 g | 9L |
| Egret UL 30 Women’s | 54″ shoulder 56″ hip 38″ footbox | 30ºF / -1.1ºC | Small 1 lb 7.5 oz / 667 g Med 1 lb 8.8 oz / 704 g | 8L |
| Petrel 10 UL Women’s | 54″ shoulder 56″ hip 38″ footbox | 10ºF / -12.2ºC | Small 1 lb 14.2 oz / 857 g Med 2 lb 0.3 oz / 916 g | 11L |
| Hummingbird UL 20 | 58″ shoulder 52″ hip 38″ footbox | 20ºF / -6.67ºC | Reg 1 lb 8 oz / 680 g Long 1 lb 9.4 oz / 720 g | 9L |
| Hummingbird UL 30 | 58″ shoulder 52″ hip 38″ footbox | 30ºF / -1.1ºC | Reg 1 lb 5.4 oz / 606 g Long 1 lb 6.4 oz / 635 g | 8L |
| Swallow UL 20 | 60″ shoulder 56″ hip 38″ footbox | 20ºF / -6.67ºC | Reg 1 lb 11 oz / 766 g Long 1 lb 12.5 oz / 808 g | 9L |
| Swallow UL 30 | 60″ shoulder 56″ hip 38″ footbox | 30ºF / -1.1ºC | Reg 1 lb 9 oz / 710 g Long 1 lb 10.2 oz / 744 g | 8L |
| Lark 10 UL | 60″ shoulder 56″ hip 38″ footbox | 10ºF / -12.2ºC | Reg 1 lb 15.3 oz / 887 g Long 2 lb 1.1 oz / 938 g | 11L |
| Swift UL 20 | 64″ shoulder 58″ hip 40″ footbox | 20ºF / -6.67ºC | Reg 1 lb 13.2 oz / 829 g Long 1 lb 15.1 oz / 881 g | 9L |
| Swift UL 30 | 64″ shoulder 58″ hip 40″ footbox | 30ºF / -1.1ºC | Reg 1 lb 11.2 oz / 771 g Long 1 lb 12.6 oz / 812 g | 9L |
| Raven 10 UL | 64″ shoulder 58″ hip 40″ footbox | 10ºF / -12.2ºC | Reg 2 lb 2.6 oz / 980 g Long 2 lb 5 oz / 1,050 g | 11L |
| Spoonbill UL 2 Person | 104″ shoulder 90″ hip 68″ footbox | Not Rated | Reg 2 lb 6.3 oz / 1086 g Long 2 lb 8 oz / 1136 g | 17L (7″ x 14″) |
Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag Review
The Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag has become my trusted companion for year-round outdoor adventures. This men’s sleeping bag is my top choice for a few reasons. By opting for a men’s bag, I get ample room to move around, ensuring a more comfortable sleep experience. While it may not provide the snug fit of a women’s bag, the extra space is more important for my comfort.
Lark 10 UL: Versatile Warmth for Changing Conditions
Versatility is key in my outdoor sleep setup. During colder temperatures (in the low 30s°F / -1°C to 5°C), I can enhance warmth by placing my summer bag inside the Lark 10 UL and it only adds 8 oz (227 g) of weight to my bag weight. This layered approach ensures that I stay cozy when the mercury drops.
Handling Sub-Freezing Conditions with the Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag
In sub-freezing conditions (high 20°F and below / -2°C and below), I take it a step further by draping the tent comforter over my sleeping bag, creating a cocoon of warmth. This adds an extra 1 lb 15 oz to my overall bag weight, but the result is a toasty night’s sleep, even when temperatures plummet.
Weighing the Trade-Offs: Lark 10 UL vs. Other Sleeping Bags
While a snugger-fitting women’s sleeping bag would weigh less and offer similar warmth, how often do I actually encounter sub-freezing temperatures on a backpacking trip? Not frequently. When it’s that cold, I’m typically car camping, where the car is nearby to carry the extra weight.
Plus, at 178 cm (5’10”), I don’t want to feel constricted in a bag that might be too short for me. Women’s sleeping bags also lack the extra space I need to store electronics, water filters, and other items that can’t freeze while I sleep.
Comfort and Flexibility for All Seasons
What I adore about my setup is its flexibility, allowing me to comfortably sleep outdoors year-round. I’ve woken up on sub-freezing nights in a frozen landscape, yet remained snug and warm throughout. The Lark sleeping bag has never failed me, and my love for it grows with each adventure. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and adaptability for all seasons.
Consider Your Typical Conditions
It’s essential to consider the temperatures you’ll experience most often. For example, I frequent desert trips, where winters can be much colder than summer in the mountains. In the desert, temperatures can plummet at night, even when it’s warm during the day, while the mountains might be cooler but still manageable in the summer. This is why my current setup works well for me, but it might not be the best fit for everyone. If you’re primarily camping in warmer weather or during summer months in the mountains, a lighter bag might suit your needs better. Always take the specific temperature ranges of your most common destinations into account when selecting your sleeping bag.
Understanding Sleeping Bag Ratings
Keep in mind that sleeping bags are rated to keep you alive at their lowest temperature rating, but that doesn’t always mean they will keep you comfortably warm. The rating is based on the minimum temperature the bag will protect you from the elements, preventing hypothermia or frostbite. However, for optimal warmth, you might want to choose a sleeping bag with a slightly higher comfort rating, especially if you plan to sleep soundly in cold conditions. Always consider the conditions you’ll face and whether you’ll need extra layers or insulation to stay comfortable.
Premium Quality and Thoughtful Features on the Lark 10 UL
The palpable quality of the Pertex® Endurance UL fabric in my Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag is one of the reasons I adore it. The feather-light construction adds to the overall appeal, ensuring easy portability without compromising on performance.
What truly sets it apart is the full collar that wraps around my neck, providing a comforting hug, and the adjustable cords that allow me to tailor the fit snugger around my head. These thoughtful features contribute to the exceptional comfort and adaptability that make my sleeping bag a cherished companion on every outdoor adventure.
Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag Specifications
The Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL sleeping bag is a mummy-shaped design with a #5 YKK two-way zipper featuring locking sliders. It includes a full collar for effective heat retention, a trapezoidal foot box for natural foot positioning, and continuous baffles for customizable insulation placement. The 3D contoured hood adjusts for varying temperatures, and a generous draft tube prevents cold air infiltration. The bag comes with a storage bag and a stuff sack.
| Ideal Sleeper Height | Reg: 6′ 0″ / 183 cm Long: 6′ 6″ / 198 cm |
| Dimensions | 60″ shoulder / 56″ hip / 38″ footbox |
| Zipper | Left Side, YKK #5 |
| Shell | Pertex® Endurance UL |
| Lining | Flite 15 denier ripstop nylon |
| Fill Power | 950+ Goose Down |
| Origin | Made in Seattle, USA of imported materials |
| Temp Rating | 10ºF / -12.2ºC |
| Fill Weight | Reg: 1 lb 4 oz / 568 g Long: 1 lb 5.2 oz / 602 g |
| Average Weight | Reg: 1 lb 15.3 oz / 887 g Long: 2 lb 1.1 oz / 938 g |
| Packed Size | 11L |
Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag
- Ultralight
- Versatile
- Spacious
In-Depth Look at the Features of the Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag
The Lark sleeping bag offers a combination of features that make it a versatile and reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are the key attributes that set it apart:
- Ultralight Construction: Crafted with Pertex® Endurance® 10 denier water-resistant/breathable fabric, this sleeping bag strikes a perfect balance between weight and performance, ensuring that it won’t weigh you down on your adventures.
- Mummy Shape: With an average width, it offers a snug yet comfortable fit that allows for movement while keeping you warm.
- Full Collar: The full collar creates an effective seal around your neck, trapping heat and ensuring a cozy night’s sleep.
- Trapezoidal Footbox: This innovative design allows your feet to rest naturally, without compressing the sides, enhancing overall comfort.
- Continuous Baffles: The continuous baffles permit you to adjust the insulation to your liking, tailoring warmth to your specific needs.
- 3D Contoured Hood: The hood opens wide for warm nights and cinches tight when temperatures drop, providing adaptable comfort.
- Generous Draft Tube: A well-thought-out draft tube prevents cold air from seeping past the zipper, maintaining a warm interior.
- Convenient Accessories: The sleeping bag comes with a storage bag and stuff sack, making it easy to pack and store.
Sizing Options: The Lark 10 UL is available in two sizes to accommodate campers of varying heights:
- Regular Length: Suitable for individuals up to 6′ 0″ | 183 cm.
- Long Length: Ideal for those up to 6′ 6″ | 198 cm.
Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL: Pros and Cons
Based on my experience, here’s an overview of the pros and cons of the Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag:
Pros
- Broad fit: 60″ shoulder width, great for those with broader shoulders.
- Ultralight Construction: Lightweight design enhances portability but may feel less insulated to some.
- Full collar: Ensures heat retention with an adjustable cord for a snug fit.
- Effective Draft Tube: Prevents heat loss along the zipper for enhanced warmth
- Snag-free Zipper: Smooth operation with no catches for easy access
- custom orders including custom fill weight available
- Lifetime warranty!!!
Cons
- Slightly understuffed: I ordered mine “standard”, and I wish the back had more fill, but this might just be how mine was made. In hindsight, I would request extra fill on the mid-back panels, if I were to order again today.
Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag
- Ultralight
- Versatile
- Spacious
Final Thoughts on the Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag
My experience with the Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag has been nothing short of exceptional. Its roomy design, reliable warmth, and adaptability to various weather conditions have allowed me to enjoy camping and backpacking year-round fully. Whether you’re facing chilly spring evenings or sub-freezing winter nights, this sleeping bag offers comfort, versatility, and reliable warmth.
With Feathered Friends, I’ve discovered a trusty companion that ensures I can embrace the elements and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors. If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor experience with a sleeping bag that provides the perfect blend of space, comfort, and warmth, the Lark sleeping bag is a fantastic choice.
Don’t hesitate to drop a comment below if you have any questions or share your own experiences with Feathered Friends sleeping bags – I’d love to hear from you!
Post originally published on January 16, 2024, and last updated on December 18, 2024.
