Review of The Great Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag
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After three years of owning it, I find it fitting to finally pen down my thoughts in this Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag review. In this post, not only will I delve into my experience with the Feathered Friends Lark sleeping bag, but I’ll also shed light on the reasons behind my choice of a men’s sleeping bag as a woman. Additionally, I’ll provide an assessment of the pros and cons of this sleeping bag. Moreover, I’ll draw comparisons with other ultralight sleeping bags offered by Feathered Friends, offering a comprehensive insight into their range of products.
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 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).
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.
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.
Choosing my sleeping bag
Selecting my sleeping bag posed a significant challenge for me. Upon leaving Europe in 2013, I parted ways with all my camping gear, anticipating a hiatus of a few years. It wasn’t until 2020, after completing my schooling, that I regained my freedom and set out to acquire new gear. However, the process was far from straightforward.
The onset of Covid prevented in-store testing of sleeping bags, and limited stocks added an extra layer of complexity to the decision-making process. That’s when I serendipitously discovered Feathered Friends, a company whose ethos resonated with me. The positive reviews on their website further fueled my interest. Feathered Friends boasts an impressive array of over 35 down sleeping bag models catering to adventures spanning temperatures from 40ºF (4ºC) to -60ºF (-51ºC)!
Despite the hurdles and the uncertainty, I took the plunge and purchased the Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL sleeping bag online without the luxury of a test run. To my delight, the decision paid off, and I am thoroughly pleased with my choice.
Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag Review
Meet the Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag, my trusted companion for year-round outdoor adventures. This men’s sleeping bag is my top choice, and here’s why. Opting for a men’s bag provides me with ample room, allowing unrestricted movement for a more comfortable sleep experience. While it may not offer the snug fit of a women’s bag, I prioritize the freedom it provides.
Versatility is key in my outdoor sleep setup. During colder temperatures, I can enhance warmth by placing my summer bag inside the Lark 10 UL. This layered approach ensures that I stay cozy when the mercury drops. In freezing conditions, I take it a step further by draping the tent comforter over the sleeping bag, creating a cocoon of warmth. The result? I’ve always enjoyed a toasty night’s sleep, even in sub-freezing temperatures. Yes, I could get similar results with a snugger-fit women’s bag that would be less weight to carry in winter, but I’m 5″10 and I don’t want to feel constricted in a sleeping bag that could be on the short side for me, and a women’s sleeping bag wouldn’t allow me extra room to place electronics, water filters, and other items that can’t freeze in my bag with me as I sleep.
What I adore about my setup is its flexibility, allowing me to comfortably sleep outdoors throughout the year. I’ve experienced sub-freezing nights, waking up to a frozen landscape, yet remaining snug and warm throughout. It’s a setup that has never failed me, and my love for it grows with each adventure. The Lark 10 UL has truly become an essential part of my outdoor lifestyle, offering the perfect blend of comfort and adaptability for all seasons.
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 |
In-Depth Look at the Features of the Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag
The Lark 10 UL 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.
Pros and Cons of the Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of the Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL Sleeping Bag:
Pros
- 60″ shoulder width: Ideal for individuals with robust shoulder builds, particularly well-suited for men with broader shoulders.
- Ultralight Construction
- Full Collar for Heat Retention with adjustable cords
- Customizable Insulation Placement
- Effective Draft Tube along the zipper
- snag-free zipper
Cons
- I wish the back side of mine was more stuffed, but that’s just my personal preference. Not necessarily a con for everyone and it may just be how mine is.
- the hood is not big enough to have your pillow in it with your head, so I have to attach my pillow to my pad to avoid losing it
Feathered Friends’ Other Ultralight Sleeping Bag Options
Crafted with precision, these sleeping bags feature Pertex® Endurance® UL fabric for durability without compromising on weight, utilizing 15 denier ripstop nylon for added resilience.
The insulation is provided by 950+ Goose Down, ensuring optimal warmth in diverse environmental conditions. Proudly made in Seattle, USA, with imported materials, these sleeping bags exemplify a commitment to quality and local manufacturing.
Feathered Friends goes beyond with a diverse range of sleeping bag options, offering multiple shoulder-width choices. This versatility caters to individuals with varying body builds, making it especially appealing for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a customized and comfortable fit tailored to their specific needs.
I included a table below with the ultralight sleeping bag models to help you compare, but you can head over to this comprehensive guide on the Feathered Friends website to read about choosing the right sleeping bag for you, including a comparative table of sleeping bag shapes and dimensions.
Ideal sleeper heights:
- Small: up to 5′ 3″ / 160 cm
- Med up to 5′ 9″ / 175 cm
- Reg up to 6′ 0″ / 183 cm
- Long up to 6′ 6″ / 198 cm
| 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″) |
Final Thoughts
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 fully enjoy camping and backpacking year-round. 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 10 UL 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 October 29, 2024.
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