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Snugpak Softie 9 (Hawk)

Overview


The Snugpak Softie 9 WGTE (sometimes called the “Hawk”) is a UK-made, three-season synthetic mummy-style sleeping bag designed to deliver good warmth for its weight, decent packability, and versatility. It sits comfortably in the category where you want a bag that performs for cooler weather (down to around -10°C in its lower rating), without carrying the bulk or price of full winter/expedition bags. Because of its insulation, hood design, reinforced foot, and zip options, it works well for hiking, backpacking, military or bushcraft applications, where rugged use and reliability matter.


Strengths



  1. Good Warmth for Conditions With a comfort rating of around -5°C and a low/limit rating of about -10°C, it will cope well in cold nights of spring, autumn, and mild winter if you're prepared. It’s not extreme, but for many users it covers a large chunk of the calendar.

  2. Synthetic Insulation The Snugpak “Softie Premier” insulation means it retains some insulative ability even if damp, more so than many down bags under wet conditions. This is helpful in humid or damp climates where condensation in the tent or rain can’t be avoided.

  3. Rugged Construction & Design Features

    • No stitch-through construction helps avoid cold spots.

    • Reinforced foot makes it more durable, especially if you sometimes wear boots or ground is rough.

    • Elasticated drawcord hood (Snugfit hood) helps seal in warmth.

    • Two-way YKK side zips with insulated baffle behind to reduce heat loss via the zip.

  4. Packability When compressed, the bag is reasonably compact (~ 21 × 19 cm for the standard version), making it more manageable to carry.

  5. Made in UK & Versatility Being UK-manufactured adds to its appeal for those who prefer locally made gear. Also, the bag is “extendable” in use: you can pair it with a liner to push warmth further.


Weaknesses


  1. Weight vs Down Alternatives At ~ 1.5 kg for the standard size, with extra-long versions heavier, it is heavier compared to many down sleeping bags of similar ratings. If absolute lightweight is a priority (e.g. ultralight hiking), down bags will win on weight.

  2. Bulk When Uncompressed Synthetic insulation tends to occupy more space when not compressed. While the stuff sack helps, in full form it can be bulky inside a pack. For minimalist setups this might be a downside. (Less of a problem if you have room in your pack.) Implicit in comparisons.

  3. Warmth Limit in Harsh Conditions While the -10°C “low” rating means the bag has been used in that kind of cold, users may still feel quite cold if conditions are windy, damp, or ground insulation is weak. The comfort rating of -5°C is more realistic for many. In truly cold environments or snow, one may need additional insulation or a liner.

  4. Synthetic Durability Over Time Synthetic fills compress over years. Although it is rugged, the insulating loft will diminish with use, washing, compressing, etc. Also, cleaning and drying properly is more important to maintain performance, since damp or mildew can degrade synthetic fill.

  5. Cost It is a premium bag for synthetic gear in its class. For some users, paying that extra may not seem justified if they accept slightly lower performance or go for non-brand alternatives.


Product Details

Specification

Detail

Temperature Ratings

Comfort: -5 °C; Low / “limit”: -10 °C

Weight (Standard size)

~ 1,500 g

Weight (Extra Long version)

~ 1,740 g

Pack Size (compressed)

Standard: ~ 21 × 19 cm; Short version slightly smaller

Shape

Mummy style with Snugfit / hood; reinforced foot; hood drawcord adjustable

Zippers

Two-way YKK side zip, insulated baffle; anti-snag webbing tape behind zip

Outer Fabric

Paratex Steelplate (100% nylon), durable, windproof & water-repellent outer layer

Inner / Lining Fabric

Paratex Light (100% nylon)

Insulation

Softie Premier synthetic fill (100% polyester)

Colours & Variants

Available in several colours (Black, Olive, Coyote Tan, Desert Tan, etc.); Left or Right zip; Extra Long version; double bagging possible by pairing two bags with matching zips

Origin

Made in the UK



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