Kelty Galactic 30 Hoodless Sleeping Bag Review

The Kelty Galactic 30 is a hoodless rectangular sleeping bag that compresses down to a surprisingly compact size. It is insulated with water-resistant DriDown with a full-length side zipper, which also makes it possible to combine two bags to create a double. I’ve taken it down to 35F and think it’s a great value, especially if you dislike mummy bags, but don’t want to spend big bucks on a custom-made quilt or one of the premium hoodless sleeping bags I recommend in Hoodless Ultralight Sleeping Bags: Pros and Cons. 

Specs at a Glance

• Temperature Rating: 30F / -1 C
• Weight: 2 lbs 7 oz
• Fill weight: 17.6 oz
• Shape: Rectangular
• Type: Hoodless
• Insulation: 550 fill power down (actual 650 fill power)
• RDS-certified: Yes
• Construction: Sewn-thru
• Length: 76″
• Shoulder Girth (Width): 68″
• Stuff sack size: 8L
• Shell and Liner: Polyester Taffetta

Hoodless rectangular sleeping bags are a lot easier to use than backpacking quilts because they block drafts without the need for a sleeping pad attachment system while providing the freedom to sleep on your side without the awkwardness of a mummy hood. While you can spend an arm and a leg on an ultralight hoodless sleeping bag from the likes of Feathered Friends, Western Mountaineering, or Zpacks, I’ve found the Galactic 30 to be a surprisingly good value (and 1/3 of the price) if you don’t mind carrying a little more weight. It also makes an awesome bag for car camping, whether you’re sleeping in your car or outdoors in a tent.

The Kelty Galactic 30 is insulated water-resistant DriDown, so it will dry more quickly than untreated down if it gets damp or wet. The bag is spec-ed for 550 fill power down, but mine turns out to have 650 fill power down instead, which is substantially warmer by weight. The manufacturer tag comes with a code that you can look up at Trackmydown.com,  My tag reads “1104L20F2618”, if you want to try looking it up. If you can find the Galactic 30 in a store, it might be worth checking each of the bags on display with a Smartphone browser to find the ones with the highest fill power down.

The Galactic 30 is generously dimensioned if you like space to stretch out. It has a full two-way zipper (so you can vent your feet) that runs down the side and along the bottom that’s backed by a down-filled draft tube to prevent cold air from leaking past the zipper. Being hoodless and rectangular, you can simply flip the bag over if you prefer a right or left-hand zipper, or on top or beneath you, which is one of the perks of using a hoodless sleeping bag.

The top of the bag closes with a drawstring and a cord lock which you can cinch above your shoulders to lock in its warmth. It doesn’t have a dedicated draft collar like a premium hoodless sleeping bag, but there is a baffle of down at the top hem, which does a pretty good job as is. If you still feel a draft, a good hack is to wrap an insulated jacket or fleece hoody around your neck and upper chest, which will seal in the warmth. With hoodless bags, many people wear a hooded jacket or sweater, to insulate their head, which can have the same effect. The interior is lined with Polyester Taffetta which is quite comfortable to the touch. I still recommend that you sleep in lightweight long underwear because it will keep you warmer, and keep the inside of the sleeping bag clean.

A nylon storage sack is included with the Galactic 30, but it also fits into an 8L Sea-to-Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Stuff Sack with room to spare. It really is surprisingly compressible, making it a viable but low-cost option for backpacking and other adventures where space is at a premium.

Recommendation

The  Kelty Galactic 30 is a rectangular hoodless down sleeping bag that’s surprisingly warm, compact, and inexpensive. While somewhat heavier, it’s a great alternative to a more expensive backpacking quilt or premium hoodless sleeping bag that’s perfect for car camping and more casual backpacking trips. A reader suggested I review the Kelty Galactic 30 as a lower-cost option for people wanting to give hoodless sleeping bags a try and I’m glad I did. It’s really an excellent value.

Disclosure: The author purchased this sleeping bag.