Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20
Specifications
| Weight | Packed Size (L) | Warmth Rating | Fill Weight | Fill Power | Fill Type | Sleeper Height | Seasons | Shape | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 lb 11 oz | 9 | 20°F | 16.8 oz | 950+ | Goose Down | Up to 6 ft (Regular) | 3-season | Mummy | $629.00 |
Comfort & Warmth
The Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 is designed to strike the perfect balance between thermal efficiency and sleeping comfort, thanks to its medium-width, slightly relaxed mummy cut that offers more room than ultralight racing-style bags without sacrificing warmth. With generous interior dimensions—59″ at the shoulders, 64″ at the elbows, 55″ at the hips, and 42″ at the footbox—it allows freedom of movement and helps prevent down compression. Premium RDS-certified 950+ fill power goose down delivers reliable warmth down to 20 °F (–6.7 °C), aided by a 3D contoured hood, passive collar, draft tube, and continuous baffles that eliminate cold spots. A full-length two-way separating zipper and adjustable hood provide ventilation and temperature control for warmer nights, making it versatile for changing conditions.
Weight & Packability
Feathered Friends engineered the Swallow UL 20 to excel in both weight and packability, making it a standout for ultralight and long-distance backpacking. At just 1 lb 11 oz in the regular length, it offers a great warmth-to-weight ratio, especially for a true 20 °F bag. The high-loft 950+ fill power goose down delivers exceptional insulation without adding bulk, allowing the bag to compress to roughly 9 liters in its included stuff sack (can be compressed further). While its durable Pertex Endurance UL shell fabric resists moisture and abrasion, it also makes the bag slightly more resistant to extreme compression, so it may take a bit of effort to get it fully packed down. The compact size fits easily into packs, leaving room for other essentials, and the lightweight build reduces fatigue on long climbs and high-mileage days. This balance of minimal weight, dependable warmth, and manageable pack volume makes the Swallow UL 20 a go-to choice for serious backpackers who count every ounce but refuse to compromise on performance.
Price
The Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 sits firmly in the premium ultralight sleeping bag market, with the regular length priced at $629. While this is a significant investment compared to many mass-market alternatives, the cost reflects the use of top-tier materials, like RDS-certified 950+ fill power goose down and a water-resistant Pertex Endurance UL shell - along with meticulous handcrafting in Seattle. The bag’s durability, precise temperature rating, and exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio mean it’s built to perform season after season, often outlasting and outperforming cheaper competitors. For dedicated backpackers who demand uncompromising quality and long-term reliability, the Swallow UL 20’s higher price is positioned as an investment in comfort, warmth, and gear longevity.
Quality & Materials
The Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 is built with a clear focus on longevity, performance, and premium craftsmanship. Handmade in Seattle, it uses a water-resistant 10-denier Pertex Endurance UL shell that balances durability with ultralight performance, paired with a soft and breathable 15-denier Flite ripstop nylon lining for next-to-skin comfort. Its insulation is top-tier RDS-certified 950+ fill power goose down, known for exceptional loft, warmth retention, and resilience over years of use. Attention to detail is evident in the continuous baffle construction, trapezoidal footbox, passive collar, and 3D cinchable hood, all designed to maximize warmth and eliminate cold spots. No corners are cut in the build - every stitch, material choice, and fill decision is made to ensure this bag delivers elite performance for serious backcountry travelers.
Consumer Sentiment
Pros:
- Excellent warmth-to-weight performance
- Comfort-focused fit
- Outstanding durability and build quality with lifetime support
Cons:
- High price tag
- Bulkier to pack than some ultralight quilt options due to the thick down fill
- Mummy cut may feel restrictive for active sleepers
Comparison to Similar Bags
NEMO Disco 15: Compared to the Nemo Disco 15, the Swallow UL 20 is lighter, more thermally efficient, and uses higher-fill down, but offers less interior space and comfort-oriented features like the Disco’s spoon shape.
Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 20: The Swallow UL 20 is slightly roomier and more versatile than the Hummingbird UL 20, which has a narrower cut for maximum thermal efficiency at the cost of interior space.
Western Mountaineering MegaLite 30: While the MegaLite is lighter and more spacious, the Swallow UL 20 is warmer, more weather-resistant, and uses higher-fill down for better performance in colder conditions.
Who It’s For
The Swallow UL is a top pick for backpackers, mountaineers, and ski tourers who need a dependable, roomy, and warm sleeping bag under 20°F. Ideal for those valuing durability, fit, and performance over minimal grams. It shines for side and combination sleepers, or users seeking a true mummy bag experience built to last. Campers on a budget or those pursuing ultralight (<1.5 lb) backpacks may prefer lighter or more affordable alternatives.
