Mont Bell Burrow Bag Liner

[Moondog55]

I just got this from Nuts and I thought I would post a review here to help others.
It's described as a Thermal Sheet
UNBOXING
I do not know the Australian RRP but $USD99-
http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=2321186
The stated weight is accurate on my scales and I am guessing the insulation weight is 40/50 GSM the same as in my Thermawrap.
First off impressions?
It's tiny. Very slim fit and will fit inside any normal sleeping bag with ease. The shell fabric is not windproof
Second impressions?
As a summer only bag it opens out to a quilt style very well but I think the 10C rating should be taken with the usual warning as I would think it would only be comfortable to 15C
Nuts guesses that it would add 10C to the rating of a sleeping bag and I agree; but a warm sleeper may find it adds a little more

Not yet field tested

My intended use is a little different from most peoples, I intend to use it to replace my older Thinsulate bag for emergency use in winter and therefore the very slim fit is perfect. The ultralite down half bag I had made for me is exactly the same dimensions so when fitted inside this bag it fills all the spare space but I still have sufficient room for my LW insulated pants.

I tried the sprinkle test and there appears to be no DWR on the shell fabric. That I will fix with a Nikwax treatment as for winter use it is essential.
For those who want to try snow camping but do not have a -18C rated sleeping bag the slim fit and light weight make it a cost effective way to get the desired temperature rating needed without buying a dedicated winter bag and the weight penalty isn't that great and the compact stuffed size would mean that it could be added to the day back for emergency use without too much trouble
As soon as I clear the chip in my camera I will post pictures
As soon as I use it I'll add a secondary review

[Moondog55]

Heres the pictures

Attachments

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500ml iced coffee to show size packed but not compressed; it will go smaller

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[Nuts]

SO your feets fitz then?
I hadn't thought of using it inside the bag, not a bad idea, not concerned that the dew point/effect could leave the moisture in the outer bag?
(in my case a down bag)


(don't have a lot of MB gear but it came from Prolite, they're a good operator).

[Moondog55]

In the long run I would be making that a consideration Nuts. But most people don't get away for weeks at a time and you need the discipline to dry the SB at every opportunity anyway
Yes my feet just fit
I like the way the bottom of the zipper separates so you can use it as an ultralite quilt

[Moondog55]

Was 5C last nite so I tested the set-up in the backyard
I come to the conclusion that the Burrow is not enough insulation on its own or is it big enough for me as a survival bag for winter.
Just not enough room inside it to wear an insulated jacket or parka
The shell fabric isn't windproof so it would need a shell or bivvy bag
To make this a fair test considering the mild overnite temperature I wore my daytime sox to bed to replicate a true bivvy situation as I do not keep a spare pair in my daypack [ perhaps I should?] and I did not wear a beanie or gloves. I was however wearing my full winter underwear and LW fleece layers and the LW Mont-Bell Thermawrap parka.
My legs were warm my torso wasn't

[Nuts]

yeah, i didn't think so either, light because its small.

[Moondog55]

Use it as a booster tho and I think it would work very well
Maybe I'll add it inside my Thinsulate bag and give that a try tonite
If I do I may add a 50mm foam mattress for comfort tho
There are two little glove clips on the outside bottom of the Burrow liner, bigger Mont-Bell bags must have matching loops/rings to keep the bags together; a very clever idea

[Nuts]

Maybe a better match for someone smaller

Why not DIY?, synthetic bags & quilts are pretty easy.

Though this was my attempt at a do-all bivy/ survival/ sleeping bag (not too successful, kept waking up in a sweat with cuben side on the top.. )

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[Moondog55]

I tried it again last nite with Evans Tyvek SB cover over it and that made a lot [ at least 5C ] difference.
Except for UL summer trips I don't think I will be using it tho.
I think it will go into my "Stash" to help out people who want to try winter camping in 2016 but may not have a warm enough SB or I may just on-sell it if anybody is interested in a 10C boost to an existing bag
Yes a DIY half bag in synthetic with a WPB outer shell is I think the answer. My old Goretex half shell is too heavy by far