Why the other options are wrong:

• She is preparing for a camping course requirement.: A camping course requirement is not mentioned.
• She wants a lighter bag for summer backpacking.: She is looking for a winter bag, not a summer one.
• She is replacing an old bag that no longer fits.: She does not say she is replacing an old bag that no longer fits.

Correct Answer: They are heavier for the same temperature rating.

Why this is correct: A comparable synthetic bag with the same minus-thirty rating weighs almost a kilogram more than the down option. Greater weight for the same rating is the stated disadvantage.

Why the other options are wrong:

• They provide less insulation when dry.: The worker compares warmth per unit of weight, rather than saying synthetic bags provide less insulation when dry at the same temperature rating.
• They lose their insulation whenever they get wet.: Synthetic bags are described as handling moisture better. Losing insulation when wet is the concern stated for down.
• They do not meet ISO temperature standards.: The worker says both options meet ISO temperature standards.

Correct Answer: It better matches her body size and heat needs.

Why this is correct: The worker suggests a women's-specific down bag that has extra insulation at the hips and feet and comes in a short length. These features match the woman's smaller body size and help reduce dead air for better warmth.

Why the other options are wrong:

• It includes a built-in vapour barrier.: The stated features are extra insulation at the hips and feet and a short length that reduces dead air. A built-in vapour barrier is not mentioned.
• It is cheaper than the men's equivalent.: It is not described as cheaper than the men's version.
• It is the only option rated to minus thirty.: It is not the only option rated to minus thirty.

Correct Answer: The comfort rating for cold sleepers.

Why this is correct: Minus thirty is the comfort rating for cold sleepers. Minus thirty-five is the lower limit and is described as not ideal for a full night's rest.

Why the other options are wrong:

• The maximum warmth added by a liner.: A liner adds about five degrees, not thirty.
• The extreme survival temperature.: Minus thirty-five is described as the lower limit, not an extreme survival rating. Minus thirty is the stated comfort rating.
• The average temperature in Jasper in February.: The rating describes the bag's performance, not the average Jasper temperature.

Correct Answer: It offers limited warmth and cannot substitute for a true winter bag.

Why this is correct: The worker says a liner might add five degrees but cannot replace a true winter bag for Jasper in February. The warmth it adds is too small to substitute for a properly rated sleeping bag.

Why the other options are wrong:

• It is sufficient if paired with a heavy sleeping pad.: The worker does not say a liner with a pad is sufficient.
• It is recommended only for synthetic bags.: Liners are not described as being only for synthetic bags.
• It can replace the need for insulation at low cost.: The worker says a liner is not enough, so it cannot replace proper insulation.

Correct Answer: Select a women's down bag with moisture protection and a high-R-value pad.

Why this is correct: If allergies are not severe, the worker recommends the women's down bag with a waterproof stuff sack and an R-value 6 sleeping pad as the best balance.

Why the other options are wrong:

• Buy a men's bag to gain extra length and warmth.: The worker recommends the women's down bag; the dimensions or fit of a men's bag are not given.
• Avoid winter camping in Jasper altogether.: The worker does not suggest avoiding winter camping.
• Choose the cheapest synthetic bag and add multiple liners.: The worker says a liner cannot replace a winter bag. The recommendation is the women's down bag and suitable pad, rather than a synthetic bag with multiple liners.