Frequently Asked Questions

Which is lighter: the Kelty Mistral or the Kelty Cosmic Synthetic?

The Kelty Cosmic Synthetic wins this one by a solid margin. It weighs just 2 pounds 6 ounces, while the Mistral comes in at about 2.9 pounds. That’s over half a pound difference, and when you’re backpacking, every ounce matters. I’d only choose the Mistral if I knew I wasn’t carrying the bag more than a few feet from my car.

Is the Kelty Cosmic Synthetic worth the extra money over the Mistral?

For backpackers, absolutely yes. The Cosmic Synthetic gives you an integrated compression stuff sack, a lighter total weight at 2 pounds 6 ounces, and a more durable 20D nylon taffeta shell. If you’re strictly car camping and don’t care about packability, the Mistral’s draft collar and dual locking zippers are actually better features for the money. It really comes down to how far you’re carrying it.

Which bag is warmer: the Mistral or the Cosmic Synthetic?

Both bags are rated to 40 degrees, but I’d give the edge to the Mistral for actual warmth. It has a draft collar and dual locking zippers that seal in heat better, plus an offset quilt pattern that eliminates cold spots. The Cosmic Synthetic relies on its Cirroloft fill for warmth but lacks a draft collar, so it’s more suited to summer nights. If you sleep cold, the Mistral is the safer bet for those cooler 40-degree nights.

Can I use the Kelty Mistral for backpacking?

You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. At about 2.9 pounds and without a compression stuff sack, it takes up way too much space and weight in a pack. The Mistral is 76 inches long and 30 inches wide, which is fine for car camping, but the Cosmic Synthetic’s 2-pound-6-ounce weight and compression straps make it a much better choice for the trail. The Mistral is built for the campground, not the backcountry.

Which bag has better customer reviews: the Mistral or the Cosmic Synthetic?

The Cosmic Synthetic has the edge with 92 reviews compared to the Mistral’s 42, both averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars. That tells me the Cosmic Synthetic has been tested by more people in more conditions over time. The Mistral is newer to the market, so it hasn’t built up the same track record yet. Both are highly rated, but the Cosmic Synthetic has the longer history of happy campers.

Do both bags come with a stuff sack?

Yes, both include a stuff sack, but they’re very different. The Mistral comes with a standard stuff sack that’s fine for tossing in the trunk. The Cosmic Synthetic includes an integrated compression stuff sack with straps that lets you cinch the bag down to a much smaller size for backpacking. That’s a big deal if you’re trying to fit a sleeping bag into a full backpack.