SectionHiker.com Backpacking Gear Reviews and FAQs 
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.
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Philip, this looks like a good option for my budget right now. Keeping in mind your advice to think of outdoor clothing as a system, what would you recommend as elements of a sleeping system to use this bag at the coolest possible temperatures? Are there items to consider beyond a warm inner layer/hat/socks and a bag liner?
I think a warm hat or an insulated hoody with neck controls so you can tighten it would be optimal. That’d be my main priority.
I have this bag, and another consideration is an insulated pad. Without an insulated pad, you’ll be freezing at 40F. With an insulated pad, I was fine at 35F while wearing a cotton/poly hoodie and lightweight sweatpants.
Thank you both. I just ordered a Nemo Quasar 3D insulated pad. Count me among those who are grateful for Philip’s recent reviews of less expensive but still good-quality equipment.
I’ve been planning to review more lower cost gear. More stuff in the pipeline.
Good you got that insulated pad. That’s what you want for three-season use.
We were at Guadalupe Mountains last November. I hiked Guadalupe Peak the day after Thanksgiving. That’s when I got the idea of building a system for winter camping in Texas parks. I’d love to backpack through the remoter trails in that park.