Light backpackers are constantly on the look out for opportunities to reduce the weight of their gear. They use minimalistic shelter like bivvy bags and tarp. They cut their sleeping pads so they only carry what is necessary. They use multi-functional gear.
Some go further. They leave their toothpaste and toothbrush and use a T-shirt to brush teeth. They cut off the handle and drill holes in the spoon. They cut unneccessary map edges, pockets, tags, labels or anything unimportant.
But I’ve never seen anyone use 3/4 of a sleeping bag like the Elephant Foot from Brooks-Range. Anyone with a backpacking light mindset might like the idea. Why would you need the top part when a good down jacket can do the same thing?
The Elephant Foot is a 800-fill down sleeping bag weighing only 16 oz (15 oz according to Backpacker Magazine’s Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2010) and packs to the size of a football without a compression sack. It has elastic drawcord suspenders that can be worn inside a jacket so it doesn’t slip off in the night.
It is a worthy consideration for those who are serious about saving weight.
