I own an EV 300 sleeping bag, but I needed something suitable for warmer temperatures as the EV 300 can be stifling on hot days. What better than the OEX Fathom EV 200? Since purchasing it, the Fathom EV 200 has been used across a wide range of environments and activities — alpine bivvies, bikepacking trips, wild camps, valley camps, hiking adventures, nights in caves, on ridges, and even at a couple of music festivals.
The key features[1]:
- Season rating: 2-season sleeping bag
- Insulation: Lightweight synthetic fill
- Comfort temperature: 7°C
- Limit temperature: 2°C
- Extreme temperature: -12°C
- Fabric: 20D nylon shell and lining
- Unpacked size: 215 × 80 cm
- Packed size: 30 × 17 × 17 cm
- Weight: 800 g
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Price Comparison Table
| Model | Weight | Comfort Temperature | Price (Members Price) | Link |
| OEX Fathom EV 200 | 1.3 kg | 2 oC | £29.00 | Go Outdoors |
| OEX Fathom EV 300 | 1.7 kg | -3 oC | £49.00 | Go Outdoors |
Performance and Use
The Fathom EV 200 cost £29.00 from Go Outdoors (with a discount card) — and for that price, it’s excellent value. The small pack size has been especially useful for multi-day hikes and alpine bivvies where every gram and litre of space matters.
Throughout most of the British spring and summer, this bag has been my go-to. When the temperature is expected to dip, I combine it with a bivvy bag and/or sleeping bag liner to boost warmth.
One notable test came during a trip to northern Italy to climb the Southeast Face of Piz Badile. We bivvied under a boulder the night before the climb, and temperatures fell close to the stated limit. With a bivvy bag, a good roll mat, and my clothes, I stayed warm and comfortable all night. Without the extra layers, it would have been a shivery experience.
Build Quality and Durability
The main downside of the EV 200 is its poor build quality. In several areas, there’s only a single stitch holding the seams together. I ripped open one of these seams shortly after purchase, and over a couple of seasons, the tear expanded until I eventually had to make a self-repair.
Verdict
In my opinion, the Fathom EV 200 is best suited for comfortable valley campsites or casual summer camping. It performs well at its comfort limit if you’re inside a tent, but for serious mountain or alpine adventures, it’s not the one.
Pros
- Lightweight (800 g)
- Small pack size
- Fast-drying synthetic fill
Cons
- Poor build quality
- Regular retail price (+£40) is too high — buy only when on offer
- Temperature ratings are ambitious; extra layers needed for true comfort
[1] https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15904989/oex-fathom-ev-200-sleeping-bag-15904989
