Sleep systems

Kilimanjaro: System 2

This system shows a warmer jacket than System 1. The lightweight Rondoy jacket is rated for -20°C (-4°F) daytime use, maybe a better choice for anyone unsure of their own reactions to the cold. At night, wear the down clothing inside the Hispar 500 and the combination will take care of temperatures right down to -33°C.
Typical Operating Temperature
Guideline minimum temperature. Sleeping Bag TOT: you should get a night’s sleep, under normal circumstances. Clothing TOT: you should feel warm enough, assuming low/moderate activity. Sleep System TOT: relates to full system. For more details, see our Technical Briefing.
-33°C / -27.4°F
Schematic representation of Sleep System. Actual components differ.
“The loft [of the Hispar 500 bag] really is astonishing.”

Features

  • System Products:
    • Main Sleeping Bag: Hispar 500 (Wide) (Sleep Rating: -15°C / 5°F)
    • Plus Items:
      • Rondoy Down Jacket
      • Minimus Down Trousers
      • Minimus Down Socks
  • Full System Sleep Rating: -33°C (-27.4°F)
  • Sleeping Bag Weights:
    • Hispar 500 Down Sleeping Bag (Wide): 1016g (35.8oz)
    • Standard lightweight Sleeping Bag to achieve Full System warmth: 1450g (51.1oz)

Description:

As with System 1, the Hispar 500 bag will be warm enough by itself most of the way up the mountain (we have recommended a Wide version in this system to allow the Rondoy jacket to loft fully inside the bag). Whichever route you are taking, it will only be at the last camp or two that you might experience temperatures low enough to make you look for extra warmth. No matter – wear the down clothing inside the bag and you have a system that will cope with -33°C, colder than anything you will encounter on Kilimanjaro.

It is the same on the ascent. The routes on Kili start from about 3000’ above sea level and you will not need the down gear in the lower half of the mountain. When you start wearing it will depend on the weather you encounter, but the Rondoy jacket is a superb mountain lightweight which will cope with -20°C (-4°F) on summit day and the Minimus trousers might also be welcome at the high camps.

K SeriesThe Hispar 500K Sleeping Bag (Wide) is available in the K Series: performance is the same, but the exceptional loft of 1000 down reduces the weight of the bag to an amazing 855g (30oz).

Review relates to Hispar 500 Down Sleeping Bag

"The lightest bag tested yet warmer than some ... The Hispar 500 really does deserve the description 'Ultralight' ... The loft really is astonishing for such a lightweight bag ... the Hispar 500 is my favourite of the bags tested."
Chris Townsend, Winter Down Sleeping Bags test, TGO Magazine.

Review relates to Rondoy Down Jacket

"The jackets were incredibly warm and light, equally suited to ensure we were warm when climbing and even when static, melting snow, in the advance camps."
Jonathan Phillips, Imperial College, Obra Valley Expedition (GARHWAL HIMALAYA, INDIA).

Review relates to Minimus Down Trousers

Backpacking Light - Highly recommended

"Overall Rating: Highly Recommended. These down pants are simple and light, just the way we want them. They have the most loft and highest loft:weight ratio of the three pants we tested; I couldn't ask for more. I found that I could extend the warmth of a 30°F (-1°C) sleeping bag to 15 °F (-9°C) by wearing these pants and a lightweight down jacket inside."
Will Rietveld, Backpacking Light. Read full review.

Review relates to Minimus Down Socks

"The Minimus trousers and socks are amazing. The combination of weight, compressed volume and insulation properties is outstanding. With down I was able to reduce my pack weight significantly."
Thim.

Sleep system components

Works well with
From $1,052.12 915g -15℃
Mountain lightweight for cold conditions. Ideal for fast ascents and quick travel.
From $1,054.66 620g -20℃
A lightweight mountaineers' and trekkers' Jacket for the 6000m Himalayan peaks, the high Andes, and the Winter Alps. Now also available in custom sizes.
From $221.10 90g
Unbelievably light down-filled sock for warm feet in cold tents.