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Snugpak Softie Elite 3 WGTE Sleeping Bag Review - Comfortable, Adaptable & Built for Real Adventures
- UKSN
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
The campsite was quiet as the sun dipped behind the trees, and the cool evening air reminded me that it was time to settle in. I pulled my gear from the rucksack, stretching out my legs after a long day on the trails. There’s always a small, satisfying moment in laying out your sleeping space, arranging your mat, and unrolling your sleeping bag for the night.
This time, that sleeping bag was the Snugpak Softie Elite 3 WGTE. Coming out of its compression sack, it immediately began to spring back into shape, the insulation filling out the mummy design with a reassuring puff. The olive fabric felt both sturdy and soft to the touch, hinting at durability without being stiff. There was a satisfying weight to it, enough to feel substantial, but still easy to manoeuvre as I laid it out on my mat.
I quickly discovered, however, that taking decent photos of a sleeping bag is much harder than expected. It’s not exactly the most cooperative piece of kit to make look glamorous, and thanks to the water-repellent outer fabric, it’s got a slightly shiny finish that catches the light at every angle, making it a bit of a nightmare to photograph neatly.
Snugpak Elite 3 WGTE Sleeping Bag Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
Durable, water-repellent outer fabric
Expander panel adds 25 cm of extra space
Comfortably warm to -5ºC; extreme to -10ºC
Snug-fit hood for head warmth
Chest pocket for small essentials
Adjustable length clips for shorter users
Compression sack with excellent cinch straps
Lightweight and compact pack size
Breathable and moisture-wicking interior
❌ Cons:
Packing back into the compression sack can be tricky
Zips can occasionally snag (as with many sleeping bags)
UKSN Rating: ★★★ (3/4)
Elite 3 Materials & Construction
One of the strengths of the Snugpak Elite 3 WGTE is the careful choice of materials. Each layer has a purpose, working together to create a warm, durable, and practical sleeping bag for real-world conditions.
Reflectatherm: A lightweight, breathable lining designed to reflect body heat back toward you. It adds around 15% more warmth without adding bulk or weight.
Softie® insulation: A synthetic, down-like polyester fill that retains heat even when damp - a big plus for unpredictable British weather.
Paratex Micro (outer): Tough but light, this outer shell is windproof, water-repellent, and built to handle the rigours of repeated use outdoors.
Paratex Light (inner): Soft against the skin and excellent at wicking moisture, helping to keep the inside of the bag dry and comfortable overnight.
Together, these materials give the Elite 3 its reliable performance - warm without feeling clammy, tough without feeling stiff, and well-suited for three season camping, bushcraft, and mixed weather conditions.
Comfort, Fit, and the Expander Panel
The mummy shape tapered at the feet felt snug without being restrictive, naturally helping to retain heat.
One of the standout features of the Elite 3 is the EPS (Expander Panel System). This thick zip baffle can be opened up to add around 25 cm of extra space across the chest and knees - perfect for broader shoulders, better airflow on warmer nights, or simply creating a less restrictive fit. When zipped shut, it acts as a draft baffle, sealing in warmth and helping to maintain a consistent temperature.
This design means the sleeping bag can easily accommodate a wide range of body types and adapt to changing conditions, keeping you at a comfortable temperature whether it’s a mild evening or a cold autumn night.
A Note for Larger Campers
One of the things we aim to do here at UKSN is look for kit that can genuinely accommodate the ‘larger’ camper, because not every piece of outdoor gear is designed with absolutely all body types in mind. With that said, the Elite 3 does an absolutely stellar job of doing just this.
Although the Elite 3 was a perfect fit for me (5ft 9, female, medium/large build), anyone with a much 'broader frame' may find it a bit on the snug side, although it is a mummy bag after all.
While the built-in Expander Panel System does add a useful amount of extra room, it won’t solve everything for everyone.
The good news is that Snugpak offers additional expander panels (sold separately) that can be used with some of their other sleeping bags to provide even more space. This is something we’re excited to explore further.
Keep an eye out for our next Snugpak review, where we’ll be looking at their new sizing options, designed to make sure their sleeping bags can fit absolutely anyone, no matter their size or shape.
Inside the bag, there’s also a small gear pocket positioned near the chest, just the right size for keeping essentials like a phone, torch, or wallet close to hand during the night. It’s a simple addition, but a genuinely useful one when you don’t want to rummage through your rucksack in the dark.
The snug-fit hood is comfortable and cinches down easily with one hand, keeping warmth around your head. The anti-snag two-way zip allows opening from both the top and bottom, and the nylon baffle helps prevent fabric snags when adjusting the zip mid-night.
Temperature Ratings Explained
The Elite 3 is temperature-rated:
Comfort: -5ºC (23°F)
Extreme: -10ºC (14°F)
The comfort rating is where most adults can sleep comfortably; the extreme rating is the theoretical survival limit. On our autumn camping trip, the bag kept me warm and comfortable without ever feeling too hot. We haven’t yet tested it in extreme sub-zero conditions, but the design and materials suggest it will perform well down to -10°C.
Moisture Management
The combination of Sofite® insulation and Reflectatherm lining wicks moisture effectively. Even when the outer fabric gathers dew or condensation, the inside stays dry. Like all sleeping bags, keeping insulated from damp surfaces is important, but overall, this bag does a good job of managing moisture.
Adjustable Length Clips for a Perfect Fit
The clips at the foot end allow shortening the bag for smaller users, helping retain body heat efficiently. Less empty space keeps warmth close, while taller users can leave the bag fully extended for comfort. You can additionally use them for hanging the bag out to dry after a damp night or wash.
Portability and Packing
At 1.6 kg including the compression sack, the bag is light enough for longer hikes. The compact pack size (26 cm x 22 cm) fits easily into a rucksack.
As with most sleeping bags, packing it back into the compression sack is a bit of a nightmare, and I needed some help to get it neatly inside. It made me wish more companies created oversized or easier-to-use sacks, while still keeping pack size compact. The compression straps on the sack, however, are excellent, forming an “X” to cinch the bag down consistently once it’s inside.
The muted olive colour blends naturally into the outdoor surroundings, making it practical for camping, bushcraft, and wilderness adventures.
Elite 3 Key Specs
Temperature: Comfort -5ºC / Extreme -10ºC
Weight: 1600 g (3.5 lbs, including compression sack)
Dimensions (standard): 220 cm L x 75 cm chest + 12 cm expander, 65 cm knee, 32 cm foot
Dimensions (baffle deployed): 220 cm L x 87.5 cm chest x 72.5 cm knee x 42 cm foot
Outer fabric: Paratex Micro | Inner: Paratex Light | Insulation: Sofite® & Reflectatherm
Single standard size, left-hand zip
Snug-fit hood, chest pocket
EPS expander panel for extra width
Hanging clips for shortening the bag
Compression sack included with excellent cinch straps
Snugpak Softie Elite 3 WGTE Verdict
The Snugpak Softie Elite 3 WGTE is a versatile, practical, and well-constructed sleeping bag. Its combination of temperature ratings, EPS expander panel, adjustable length, and thoughtful features like the hood and chest pocket make it adaptable to a wide range of conditions.
For a synthetic, all-rounder sleeping bag that doesn't break the bank, and is suitable for camping, bushcraft, and outdoor adventures, the Elite 3 WGTE is a solid choice.
UKSN Rating: ★★★ (3/4)
