ProView – Rab Women’s Neutrino 400 + Ionosphere 5 Sleeping Pad Review

I had the chance to test drive a new sleep system from Rab including the Ionosphere 5 Sleeping Pad and the Women’s Neutrino 400 Sleeping Bag (20F). I brought these items along on several camping trips in the Colorado Rockies where the weather can be unpredictable, especially during the spring season. During the trips the weather dipped between mid-30s to mid-60s. 

I have lived in Colorado for five years now and I’m going to be honest … I should’ve upgraded my sleeping bag four and a half years ago. I moved from California where my 30F down sleeping bag treated me well … especially since I didn’t camp often and when I did it was usually in the middle of summer. A few years ago I upgraded my sleeping pad after my dog punctured a hole in it and our new rule is: “No ruff-housing inside the tent.” Overall my old sleep system was fine, but now that I’ve endured five years in a colder state with more dramatic weather, it was definitely time for an upgrade.

Comfort

The Women’s Neutrino 400 Sleeping Bag provided exceptional warmth and comfort throughout the night. The bag is filled with 800 fill power goose down and I found it kept me very warm throughout the night … not something I’m used to. The bag features baffles around where your face is which is super comfortable and creates an additional barrier so less cold air gets into your sleeping bag. The Ionosphere 5 Sleeping Pad was also super comfortable to sleep on, thanks to its design and fabric. The pad features oversized outer chambers to keep you central on your mat and the fabric is designed to minimize sleeping bag slippage. I’m 5’1” and I tested out the regular sized Ionosphere 5 pad and it was perfect for me, but I’d note that the pad is on the small side. If you’re tall, I’d probably go with the long/wide version of the pad. These thoughtful details helped me sleep really well. With the 20 degree sleeping bag rating and insulated sleeping pad, I stayed warm all night long and slept like a baby.

Look

Both the sleeping bag and sleeping pad had a sleek and functional design. The Women’s Neutrino 400 Sleeping Bag is a great combo of blue and yellow that matches the yellow Ionosphere 5 Sleeping Pad … such a stylish combo!

Features

Rab did not skimp on the features. I was super impressed with the amount of thoughtful touches added to both the sleeping pad and sleeping bag. The Women’s Neutrino 400 Sleeping Bag included an anti-snag zip guard on the main zipper to prevent any fabric catching while zipping or unzipping. There is also a zipper pocket near the top of the sleeping bag that fits a phone, keys, or any other valuables. As someone who loves to stick my feet out of my normal comforter, I was really excited about the double zipper on this bag which allows me to stick my feet out of the bottom if I’m getting too warm. The sleeping bag comes with a stuff sack for adventures and a zipped cotton sack with a water-resistant base for storage at home. Last, but certainly not least, Rab also added a glow in the dark zipper pull on the main zipper which was such a nice touch.

My favorite feature of the Ionosphere 5 Sleeping Pad is definitely the pump sack that came with the pad. The pump sack is a game changer for blowing up your bag with ease. It so you’re not blowing moisture into your pad and is more sanitary. Additionally, the pad features a really amazing inflate/deflate system. For deflation, the plug opens up to release as much air as possible. For inflation, there is a one-way valve that only allows air in making sure that you’re never losing air as you try to close up the valve.

Weight/Packability

Both the sleeping bag and sleeping pad were lightweight and easy to pack. The sleeping bag comes in at 27 oz and compresses well into the provided stuff sack. The sleeping pad comes in at 19.4 oz and packs up super small. Overall, this duo is a big upgrade in terms of weight and size from my previous sleep system and I’m impressed with how much warmth and comfort is packed into such a lightweight pad and bag.

Performance

The Women’s Neutrino 400 Sleeping Bag exceeded my expectations in terms of warmth and performance. It kept me cozy throughout the night, even during my one camp trip that got super chilly at night. The sleeping pad also performed great, providing a comfortable sleeping surface and insulation from the ground. It maintained its inflation well and was pretty dang quiet for an insulated sleeping pad.

Durability/Construction 

Both the Women’s Neutrino 400 Sleeping Bag and the Ionosphere 5 Sleeping Pad are constructed with high-quality materials that proved to be durable during my first trips with them. The sleeping bag’s shell is made from lightweight and tear-resistant Pertex Quantum fabric, which held up well against rough surfaces and abrasion. The insulation, consisting of 800-fill-power ethically-sourced down, remained evenly distributed and maintained its loft even after my trips with the bag. I’m also excited about the anti-snag zip guard which will help prevent zipper snags and I think will help this bag last as long as possible.

Similarly, the Ionosphere 5 Sleeping Pad showcased excellent construction. The pad is made from durable polyester fabric that resisted punctures and abrasions, even when used on rocky terrains. The valve system, which is an essential part of the pad’s construction, proved to be reliable and efficient, allowing for easy inflation and deflation without any issues.

Friendliness to the Earth

Both products from Rab demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and the environment. The Women’s Neutrino 400 Sleeping Bag features ethically-sourced down insulation, ensuring the welfare of the animals involved in its production. Furthermore, the bag’s Pertex Quantum fabric is bluesign® approved, meaning it meets stringent environmental standards for responsible production. The Ionosphere 5 Sleeping Pad is made from 100% recycled insulation, recycled fabric, and a fluorocarbon-free DWR. Talk about an eco-friendly duo!

Who is this product for?

This sleep system is best used for backpackers who want to get a good night’s rest and sleep in ultimate comfort. It could also be used for car campers who want to keep their sleep system light and packable.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I was super impressed with the Rab Women’s Neutrino 400 Sleeping Bag and the Ionosphere 5 Sleeping Pad. Both products excel in terms of quality, features, fit, and durability. The sleeping bag offers exceptional warmth, versatility, and comfort, making it suitable for various camping conditions. The sleeping pad provides a comfortable and insulated sleeping surface, with quick and easy setup. On top of everything, for me the products’ commitment to sustainability and the environment adds a ton of value and makes me feel great while I’m using these in the great outdoors.

I would highly recommend the Rab Women’s Neutrino 400 Sleeping Bag and the Ionosphere 5 Sleeping Pad to anyone in need of reliable and high-performance camping gear. Whether you’re an avid camper or a casual adventurer, these products will undoubtedly enhance your outdoor experience and provide years of comfortable and enjoyable nights under the stars.

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