Cumulus Quantum 350 (2014)

The Cumulus Quantum 350 is an extremely lightweight bag at just 702g plus an extra 20g for the stuffsack. It also packs down very small and appears to be ideal for anyone wishing to minimise their camping kit. The bag uses a trapezoid construction, so the seams are less likely to produce cold spots, which again is ideal for efficient and comfortable camping. There’s also a long side zip, extending all the way to the foot, unlike many bags, which stop at the calf area. This zip allows good venting of the foot area, and is a real benefit in warm weather. Behind the Cumulus Quantum 350’s zip there’s a baffle to prevent cold spots, but this isn’t as well-insulated as some other bags. I also found that the zip tended to snag on this baffle more easily than some others and this appears to be because there’s no wide stiffening strip behind the zip, a feature often provided to prevent this in other bags. There’s a small baffle around the shoulder but this lacks an adjuster cord and is, like other parts of this bag, less well-insulated than some others. There is a drawcord around the hood, but this isn’t quite as cosy as other bags either. Overall the Cumulus Quantum 350 just lacks some of the insulating ability of other designs.

Specifications:

Weight (with stuffsack) 702g (722g)

Length x shoulder width 200x77cm

Packed size 25x16cm

Outer fabric Pertex

Inner fabric Pertex

Insulation 96% down, 870 fill power

Construction trapezoidal

Comfort -6 deg C

Lower comfort limit no information provided

Website www.cumulus-sleepingbags.co.uk

Verdict

The Cumulus Quantum 350 doesn’t seem to be as well-insulated or as warm as other bags in this test, so while it’s very light and a good price, it isn’t the cosiest option.

Review by Graham Thompson

Published in Trail magazine June 2014