Expect unexpected — after one summer night when temperature dropped to around 7°C/44°F I had to find warmer sleeping bag in a hurry. My search ended with a twist — previously I picked Nordisk instead of OMM sleeping bag, this time the only viable option was another production from OMM — their warmest Mountain Raid 233.
The purchase demanded a leap of faith because I didn’t find any reviews, only one overview with amusing “awful colour” remark. Well, for me this shade of yellow is in fact excellent (calm and bright enough to spot a bug). I was afraid about tight fit but in worst case I could return it after all, so I ordered it, kept my fingers crossed and… I was stunned how carefully Mountain Raid 233 is made.
The fit is not an issue, you could say it is snug but is comfortable to sleep and move inside, so I was worried needlessly. No superfluous space translates to faster warming up and minimized sucking cool night air when sleeping.
As for the (dead) weight, except of small Primaloft tag, you won’t find internal pocket, embroidered labels (they are printed), additional tags, etc. Only what is really needed. Everything usually considered as promotional element is seamlessly integrated into the design itself — like zipper cord ended with OMM logo. Nicely done. Zipper is of course short, and if it was my first sleeping bag it could be a problem probably, but after using Nordisk with not so longer zipper as well I am already used to getting in and out without much of a fuss.
Zipper is a bit shifted to the center — the left shoulder does not press directly against it. Under it there is a baffle with stiffer tape, zipper works butter-smoothly so snagging fabric is unlikely.
What else? 100% velcro-free. My kind of gear.
Does this sleeping bag have some weak point at all? Yes, adding two loops at the foot box for drying is questionable. The fabric seems so thin I would not risk drying it such way — this and Primaloft tag could be scrapped.
Sewing in the ends of hood cord is not time-proof solution. I would prefer having hood channel with open ends so I could undo the cord easily, replace it or remove it. With current design it is impossible (I don’t count resewing hood channel as a sane solution).
The zipper end is a bit too delicate to my taste — I keep forgetting about zipper length when I am awaking. As the effect I open it with scary force being stopped abruptly by the bag. I am not sure how long it will stand if I continue opening it this way. And normally I would complain about zipper with autolock (you cannot unzip it by pushing your shoulders outwards) but here I will make an exception considering bag size.
And that’s all.
Well, almost. As for the original purpose the length of the zipper makes absolute sense, but the bag insulation works against it on warmer nights. So I wonder how much weight penalty for non-race/competition version would full length zipper add. It will be heavier for sure, but it would be much more versatile as well — on warm night you could use it as a blanket, and on the cold one as cozy cocoon.
So far I hadn’t pushed it to its temperature limits, but I can attest it is absolutely comfy, the fabric is a pleasure to touch, the insulation gives you a plush feel, and for sure I won’t leave home without it.
2023-07-11: Sadly this sleeping bag is insufficient for colder summer nights in Poland (around 5°C/41°F) — it is warmer than Nordisk, sure, but still not warm enough (at top I had Brubeck long sleeve base layer, Specialized Prime-Series thermal long sleeve jersey and Patagonia Nano Puff jacket and I was shivering). Considering quality I would gladly buy warmer version from OMM, however the company does not have plans to offer such product.
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