The GoLite Fur sleep system is a closed cell pad with a "quilt" attached at its edges, saving the weight of half of a conventional sleeping bag. Note the way the neck region closes to prevent heat loss

You've saved all that weight with the GoLite Cave and Nest shelter, so now it's time to look at reducing sleeping bag weight. Rated at 20 degrees, the GoLite "Fur" ($195) sleeping system weighs in at only 2 pounds, 12.5 ounces, including a full length, 3/8-inch thick closed cell foam pad.

That impressive weight savings is achieved by eliminating the underside half of a conventional sleeping bag, which is rendered almost useless anyway because your body weight compresses heat-retaining loft on the bottom side of a sleeping bag to zilch.

The Fur is basically the top half of a Polarguard 3D bag attached directly to a foam pad. It's like sleeping in a regular bed at home - the underside stays flat, and when you roll over, the structure does not turn. No need for a bag "underside" to keep you warm when it becomes a "topside" as you roll! The feel is different from a regular sleeping bag, and takes a little getting used to, but the system works.

Clever shaping gives good foot room, and there is a small zipper to allow venting at the feet. The head end is cleverly shaped to achieve a good neck seal. Like the sides, the neck closes with Velcro, and energetic sleepers may overstress the grip of the Velcro.

There is no hood to the Fur, but you can unsnap the hood of GoLite's Coal insulated parka and wear it as a substitute. That's a great illustration of how multipurpose, adaptable equipment can save weight!

Upside: A substantial weight saving over conventional systems.

Downside: Thrashers may pull the Velcro apart at the neck, and you need to train your body to sleep as though it's in a bed, not a conventional sleeping bag.

Move on to Windwear: Bark Jacket and Trunk Pants

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