Big Agnes Boot Jack 24 sleeping bag — Backpacking Technology

I got the chance to try out the Boot Jack 24 down sleeping bag, made by Big Agnes. This bag weighs a scant 2 lb 3 oz, and compresses to about the size of a volleyball. In the quest to lighten ones pack, a sleeping bag weighing less than 3 lbs is the goal, and this one weighs much closer to 2 lbs!

Spring Break hike in Southern Utah, Dark Canyon

Big Agnes Boot Jack 24 in the Sawtooths.

This is a great bag for mid 20s and up. It packs compactly, is light, and for being a down and for its weight and temperature rating, the price is very reasonable. It has a nice collar around the neck, smooth zipper action, plenty of room for shoulders, good water repellency.

As I was trying this bag out, I couldn't help to compare it to my 32 degree rated bag which cost $350. My $350 bag had a bit more loft, weighed about 8 oz less, and was about equal in comfort. The Boot Jack 24 costs more like $190.

I have big shoulders, and had no issues with the Boot Jack. I sleep on my side and move from side to side several times during the night. I had no trouble rotating inside the Boot Jack.

It was warm at temperatures lower than its rated 24 degrees. For two nights on our Sawtooth backpack I didn't even zip it up, yet 2 other people with new 15 degree bags were uncomfortably cold on the same two nights. When we switched bags one night, the woman slept warm in the Boot Jack 24 where in the 15 degree bag she was freezing. Pretty good for an inexpensive bag.

I got the chance to try the Boot Jack 24 at a temperature below its rated 24 degrees. I was in the Ketchum Idaho area, and the sky was totally clear, so I knew it would be cold. I slept out under the stars, so it was a bit colder than if I had been in a tent. I was on a Big Agnes uninsulated sleeping pad. About midnight I had to zip the bag up all the way and get my arms inside the bag. At about 2 am I cinched up the drawstring around the face, and eventually I had to get it fully cinched down. I had a down coat nearby to use as supplemental insulation, but I didn't need it. I was wearing a wool hat, and wool socks. When I got up I had frost on the bag and on my down coat. I later learned it had gotten down to 19 degrees, and I was just fine in the Boot Jack 24. No cold spots, and my feet were warm. I'm a side sleeper, and I was able to turn from one side to another, and position the breathing hole for good breathing and warm sleeping. Nice job, BA!

This bag gets a high rating for me for quality and value, and I've been recommending it to scouts, their parents, friends and family.