Mountain Equipment Classic 500 Down Sleeping Bag

Matt Cartney
Reviewed: 25 July 2012

Mountain Equipment Classic 500. Fantastic, no nonsense down bag.

Beautifully made
Fairly Light
Incredibly robust
Highly adaptable

None

I bought my first ME Classic 500 in a sale in about 1993. It went round the world with me, travelling, hiking, canoeing, all sorts of stuff. I must have spent hundreds (literally) of nights sleeping in this bag. Last year I finally decided it was getting a bit tired and replaced it - with another ME classic 500! I never normally pay full whack for outdoor kit but did in this case. I couldn't find it discounted and decided it was worth it. Getting on for 20 years of exceptional service is a rare thing in outdoor kit, so I'm hoping my new one is as good. Indications so far are promising!
I'm 5'10' and quite broad and find the bag easily big enough. I use it from about the end of April to the end of October in Scotland for camping (usually high up) in the mountains. That should give you an idea of its comfort rating. I find it comfy enough in my underkeks down to about 0 degrees if I pull the hood drawcord in around my face.
As I've said, I find the bag to be very well made from good quality materials.
There are lighter/higher performance down bags on the market but I find the classic 500 to be an excellent mix of high quality down and materials in a robustly made package at a reasonable price.