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Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32 Review

An incredibly light and packable sleeping bag that unfortunately doesn't live up to its temp rating
therm-a-rest hyperion 32 backpacking sleeping bag review
Credit: Therm-a-Rest
Price:  $460 List
Manufacturer:   Therm-a-Rest
By Jack Cramer ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 7, 2019
66
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#12 of 20
  • Warmth - 20% 4.0
  • Weight - 20% 10.0
  • Comfort - 20% 6.0
  • Packed Size - 15% 9.0
  • Versatility - 15% 4.0
  • Features & Design - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

The Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32 is an objectively awesome bag. Its performance, however, is subjectively harmed by the high expectations of its marketing hype. Although it proved to be as light and packable as advertised, in our tests its 9.2 ounces of 900 FP down weren't enough to fulfill its 32° temperature rating. In fact, our reviewers got chilled enough that we can't recommend for full 3-season use. We also aren't fans of the uncomfortably narrow dimensions that are needed to achieve its head-turning low weight. Despite our disappointment, though, the Hyperion is a great bag for summer or ultralight applications.
REASONS TO BUY
Incredibly lightweight
Packs really small
Removable sleeping pad attachment system
Comes with a great compression sack
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Colder than its temp rating
Narrow footbox
Short one-way zipper

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Incredibly lightweight, packs really small, removable sleeping pad attachment system, comes with a great compression sackSpacious dimensions, super comfortable, great loft, lightweight, made in the USASuper lightweight, incredible loft, snag-proof zipper, cozy hoodDecent weight, respectable warmth, awesome bargainGreat price, respectable weight, simple design
Cons Expensive, colder than its temp rating, narrow footbox, short one-way zipperExpensive, awkward hood, good but not great zipperUncomfortably narrow dimensions, bare-bones design, noisy fabricAverage materials, limited features, basic designSubpar warmth, annoying hood drawcords, no storage sack, mediocre versatility
Bottom Line An incredibly light and packable sleeping bag that unfortunately doesn't live up to its temp ratingThe best ultra-premium bag that combines warmth, low weight, good packability, and luxurious comfortOur favorite when ounces matter, this is a full-size mummy bag that's both warm and ultralightAn exceptional deal for a capable and sturdy backpacking sleeping bag for those looking to get outside without breaking the bankAn acceptable sleeping bag at a rock bottom price
Rating Categories Therm-a-Rest Hyperi... Western Mountaineer... Feathered Friends H... Mountain Hardwear B... REI Co-op Trailbrea...
Warmth (20%)
4.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
Weight (20%)
10.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
3.0
Comfort (20%)
6.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
Packed Size (15%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
5.0
Versatility (15%)
4.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
Features & Design (10%)
6.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
Specs Therm-a-Rest Hyperi... Western Mountaineer... Feathered Friends H... Mountain Hardwear B... REI Co-op Trailbrea...
Insulation 900 FP Down 850+ FP Down 950+ FP Down 650 FP Down Synthetic - Polyester
Compressed Volume 6.6 liters 7.2 liters 7.3 liters 7.5 liters 9.8 liters
Measured Bag Weight (Size Long) 1.14 lbs. 1.62 lbs. 1.45 lbs. 1.98 lbs. 2.74 lbs.
Manufacturer Claimed Weight (Size Regular) 1.00 lbs. 1.50 lbs. 1.33 lbs. 1.79 lbs. 2.50 lbs.
Compression/Stuff Sack Weight 1.7 oz. 1.6 oz. 0.8 oz. 1.6 oz. 1.2 oz.
Hydrophobic Down Yes No No No N/A
Manufacturer Temp Rating 32 F 30 F 30 F 30 F 30 F
EN Temp Rating (Lower Limit) 32 F Not rated Not rated 30 F 29 F
Fill Weight 9.2 oz. 13 oz. 12 oz. 15 oz. 21.1 oz.
Compression or Stuff Sack Included Compression Stuff Stuff Stuff Stuff
Shell material Ripstop nylon (10D) Extremelite (12D) Pertex Endurance (10D) 20D Nylon Ripstop Polyester w/ DWR
DWR Treatment Yes No Yes Yes No
Liner material 10D Nylon RipStop n/a n/a 30D Plain weave nylon Polyester
Neck Baffle Yes No No No No
Small Organization Pocket No No No Yes Yes
Zipper Half-length / Side Full-length / Side Full-length / Side 3/4-length / Left Side 3/4-Length / Left Side
Shoulder Girth 57 in. 64 in. 58 in. 62 in. 62 in.
Hip Girth 49.5 in. Not stated 52 in. 53 in. 56 in.
Foot Girth 43 in. 39 in. 38 in. Not stated Not stated

Our Analysis and Test Results

Selecting the products to include in our reviews is never easy. In the case of 3-season backpacking sleeping bags, we searched for the top-rated hooded bags under 2.5 pounds with temperature ratings between 20-35°F. The Hyperion was an exciting choice because it weighs just over a pound but promises 32° performance. In our tests, however, this temperature rating proved to be largely aspirational. The bag thus didn't score that well in our 3-season review, but it's worth considering.

Performance Comparison


therm-a-rest hyperion 32 backpacking sleeping bag review - the therm-a-rest hyperion is exceptionally light. to fully enjoy...
The Therm-a-Rest Hyperion is exceptionally light. To fully enjoy this benefit consider using it with a ultralight shelter or no shelter at all.
Credit: Jack Cramer

Warmth


This bag contains premium, 900 fill power, goose down, but only 9.2 ounces of it. With this insulation, it receives a 32°F lower limit EN temperature rating. For comparison, there are other ultra-premium bags with similar 30° ratings that come with 30% more down (by weight).

therm-a-rest hyperion 32 backpacking sleeping bag review - the western mountaineering megalite (left) and therm-a-rest hyperion...
The Western Mountaineering MegaLite (left) and Therm-a-Rest Hyperion (right) both have similar quality down, but the MegaLite's extra 4 oz in fill weight bolster the bag's overall loft.
Credit: Jack Cramer

Our testers think the Hyperion feels colder than other bags with a similar rating. Based on this performance we only recommend it for summer or the warmer nights of spring and fall.

Weight


On our scale, the Hyperion weighed in at just 1.14 pounds for a size long. This is lightest of any 3-season bag we tried. However, comparing the Hyperion's weight with other 3-season bags isn't really fair. Our testers struggled to stay warm in the Hyperion at 45°F, but felt fine in some other bags down to 25°. It's still worth acknowledging the Hyperion's exceptionally low weight, but shoppers should be aware that its warmth-to-weight ratio isn't so exceptional.

therm-a-rest hyperion 32 backpacking sleeping bag review - although we think the hyperion's lower body dimensions are too...
Although we think the Hyperion's lower body dimensions are too narrow, we like its ergonomically shaped footbox.
Credit: Jack Cramer

Comfort


To save weight, this bag features particularly narrow dimensions — dimensions that were narrow enough that some of our testers that sleep on their sides or stomachs consider them a deal breaker. Therm-a-Rest also claims that the fitted length of a size Long is 78 inches (6'6"). Our 6'2" lead tester, however, felt constrained by the hood in a size Long. We thus can't recommend that size for anyone 6'3" or taller.

therm-a-rest hyperion 32 backpacking sleeping bag review - the hyperion compresses as well as just about any hooded sleeping...
The Hyperion compresses as well as just about any hooded sleeping bag. It also comes with its own light and effective compression sack.
Credit: Jack Cramer

Packed Size


The Hyperion comes with a great compression sack that's light (1.7 oz) and capable of compressing it to its minimum volume. In our test with an aftermarket compression sack it packed down to 6.6 liters, the smallest in the review. Like its weight performance, however, this packed size is partially a result of its minimal insulation that's unlikely to provide the same warmth as its slightly bulkier competitors.

therm-a-rest hyperion 32 backpacking sleeping bag review - the half-length zipper only has a single slide. this greatly limits...
The half-length zipper only has a single slide. This greatly limits your options for venting excess heat. It could also be a huge problem if the zipper gets misaligned--there isn't any way to back it down and restart it.
Credit: Jack Cramer

Versatility


To achieve its low weight, this bag uses a short, half-length zipper. This zipper also has only one slide, so you're not able to zip the bag up and then use a second slide to vent heat from the bottom of the zipper. Both the shorter zipper and the lack of a second slide limit the bag's ability to excess heat and restrict its use to a narrow range of temperatures. They also prevent you from sharing the bag as a quilt or zipping it together with a second bag.

therm-a-rest hyperion 32 backpacking sleeping bag review - there are two straps on the underside of the hyperion for attaching...
There are two straps on the underside of the Hyperion for attaching it to a sleeping pad. We really like that they're also removable if you don't want to use them.
Credit: Jack Cramer

Features and Design


Our favorite feature on this bag is its sleeping pad attachment system. If you like to secure your bag to your pad, it will get the job done. If not, it's easy to remove and trim its weight. We also like the simple button closure at the top of the zipper. It's light but effective at preventing the zipper from sliding down if you roll over in the night.

therm-a-rest hyperion 32 backpacking sleeping bag review - both of these bags were size long and advertised for heights up to...
Both of these bags were size long and advertised for heights up to 6'6". This image, however, clearly shows that the Hyperion (grey) is several inches shorter.
Credit: Jack Cramer

Value


This bags premium down and has a correspondingly premium price. For just a bit more, there are several warmer and more versatile bags available from Feathered Friends or Western Mountaineering. Our Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag Review also includes several other options that are similarly light and warm but cheaper. For these reasons, we don't consider this bag a great value.

Conclusion


The Hyperion's shockingly low weight and minuscule packed size caught our attention. A single pound for a full 3-season sleeping bag?!? That seemed impossible. Unfortunately, it turns out that it is. Although this bag's down is high-quality, the limited amount of it wasn't able to convince our testers that it can provide adequate warmth for spring or fall. The Hyperion is still a great bag, but shoppers should know that its better suited for summer or ultralight sufferfests.

Jack Cramer
 
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