Vango Latitude Pro 400 Sleeping Bag Review

Vango Latitude Pro 400 Sleeping Bag Review: A Practical Look

Overview: The Vango Latitude Pro 400 is a 3-season sleeping bag designed for campers seeking comfort and warmth without breaking the bank. This mummy-style bag boasts a generous fill of Thermo-Guard™ synthetic insulation, aiming to keep you toasty even in chilly conditions. Let's dive deeper into its features and see how it performs.

Key Features Analysis:

• Temperature Rating: 400 - This rating indicates the bag is suitable for temperatures down to 1°C (34°F). However, individual warmth perception can vary depending on factors like personal metabolism and layering.
• Fill Power: The bag utilizes Thermo-Guard™ synthetic insulation, known for its quick drying properties and resilience against moisture compared to natural down. While Vango doesn't specify fill power, it's generally considered a mid-range option offering good warmth-to-weight ratio.
• Mummy Shape: This tapered design minimizes wasted space, concentrating heat around your body for maximum efficiency. However, some campers might find it restrictive for movement.
• Hood & Draft Collar: A snug-fitting hood with a drawcord and internal draft collar help seal in warmth by preventing heat loss from your head and neck area.
• Zipper System: The full-length two-way zipper allows for ventilation and easy access, while an inner baffle prevents cold air ingress.
• Packability & Weight: While not ultra-lightweight, the Latitude Pro 400 balances warmth with portability. It compresses fairly well for backpacking trips.

Pros:

• Affordable Price: The Latitude Pro 400 offers good value for its performance and features compared to similar sleeping bags in the market.
• Warmth & Comfort: The Thermo-Guard™ insulation effectively traps heat, making it suitable for chilly nights throughout the camping season.
• Durable Construction: Vango uses quality materials and construction techniques that ensure longevity with proper care.

Cons:

• Limited Water Resistance: While synthetic insulation dries faster than down, it's not fully waterproof. Prolonged exposure to rain could compromise its performance.
• Not Ultralight: If weight is a top priority for your backpacking trips, there are lighter options available.
• Mummy Shape Might Be Restrictive: Some campers might find the mummy shape confining, especially if they prefer more room to move.

At‑a‑Glance Specifications

| Spec | Detail | | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Temperature Rating (EN 13537) | Comfort ‑4 °C / Limit ‑11 °C / Extreme ‑30 °C | | Fill & Construction | Thermo‑Guard™ 7‑hole hollow‑fibre synthetic; Thermal Reverb lining | | Total Weight | ≈ 2.1 kg | | Packed Size | 40 × 27 cm (compressed to ~24 cm diameter) | | Max User Height | 195 cm | | Shoulder / Foot Girth | 80 cm / 50 cm | | Shell Fabric | 210 T diamond‑ripstop polyester with PFC‑free DWR | | Season Rating | 3–4 season |

Field Test: Two Frosty Nights on Helvellyn

Pitching at 720 m in the Lake District, overnight lows dipped to ‑3 °C and humidity hovered around 90 %. The Latitude Pro 400, paired with a NeoAir XTherm pad, kept a 180 cm tester warm in base layers only. The Thermal Reverb lining noticeably reflected warmth back toward the core, and the 50 mm shoulder baffle prevented heat loss during side‑sleeping. Condensation beaded on the shell but dried within 20 minutes of morning sun.

What Stood Out

1. Zip‑guard success: The anti‑snag strip meant zero caught fabric during half‑asleep exits.
2. Ergonomic hood: One‑hand draw‑cord cinched in a tight seal without pressure points.
3. Room to stash electronics: An internal pocket kept a phone above 40 % battery despite sub‑freezing temps.

How It Compares

| Model | Temp (Comfort) | Weight | Fill | RRP (GBP) | | ------------------------------------ | -------------- | ---------- | ------------------------ | --------- | | Vango Latitude Pro 400 | ‑4 °C | 2.1 kg | Thermo‑Guard™ synthetic | £95 | | Mountain Hardwear Lamina Eco AF 15 F | ‑9 °C | 1.13 kg | Recycled synthetic | £240 | | Rab Solar 3 | ‑6 °C | 1.26 kg | Stratus™ synthetic | £215 | | Kelty Cosmic 20 | 0 °C | 1.3 kg | 550‑fill down | £165 |

Despite being heavier, the Latitude Pro 400 undercuts mainstream rivals by £70‑£145, making it attractive for budget‑minded weekend backpackers.

Packing & Usage Tips

• Maximise loft: Shake the bag vigorously after unpacking to re‑fluff fibres.
• Vent smart: Use the two‑way zip at the foot box to bleed heat on milder nights.
• Stuff not roll: Stuffing protects synthetic loft better than tight rolling.

Care & Longevity

1. Machine‑wash on a 30 °C synthetic cycle using non‑bio detergent.
2. Tumble‑dry low with two clean tennis balls for ~60 min to restore loft.
3. Store uncompressed in a mesh sack to maintain fibre resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it backpack‑friendly?
The 2.1 kg weight is on the heavy side for thru‑hiking but fine for DofE expeditions or short treks.

Will the insulation clump when wet?
Thermo‑Guard fibres retain loft even after heavy condensation, drying faster than down.

Can I zip two bags together?
Yes—left‑ and right‑hand zips mate to form a double quilt for couples.

Updated Rating & Verdict

Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5
The Vango Latitude Pro 400 delivers expedition‑ready warmth, robust construction and excellent value under £100. Weight‑conscious alpinists may want lighter synthetics, but for scouts, Duke of Edinburgh groups and cost‑savvy backpackers, this bag remains a stand‑out workhorse.