I've had a lot of sleeping bags in my life, mostly junk bags, WallyWorld specials, and MilSpec bags, but I finally decided I needed something better.
There just comes a time in your life when you realize that sleeping on a rock in the cold isn't "fun" any more. That usually strikes you about the same time maturity hits ;) Either way, I wanted a better bag.. I wanted a COMFORTABLE bag. I didn't want cold spots, I didn't want extra weight...
After a lot of shopping, we decided on The North Face brand of bags. We purchased a matched set of "Cat's Meow" bags and we've never regretted the decision. As my Wife says, "It's like sleeping in a warm marshmallow".
There IS a difference between males and females (in case you haven't noticed) and North Face makes a bag for both. The Female version is a bit roomier through the hip section, the male bags are a bit longer and wider in the shoulder areas. You can get these bags so that they zip together (on the right or left side, your choice) so that you can snuggle up to your Honey-Bunny when it's cold.
They say a picture is worth 1000 words, so below is 2000+ words.. note the difference in Loft between a MilSpec bag and a North Face..
All this comfort and loft in a package that can be compressed to about the size of a football.
The bags have storm baffles around the zippers to keep cold out and they snug up good around the facial area to keep those "rolling over drafts" to a minimum. I also like the pillow pocket in the hood which let's you stuff a blanket or shirt in it to make a pillow... and there's a watch pocket near your ear for your digital watch if you want to use the alarm function to wake you up.
The Down Side:
The bag literature says it's OK to use it down to 25 degrees F. We've found that much below 32 and you'll start to get a little cold. Living in the warmer climes of the South Eastern USA this is not a problem.. if you use it up in the mountains you might need to take along a fleece blanket.
When you zip two bags together, you get some draft in the bag (of course) since you've disrupted the mummy style pattern.
Would WE Buy It?:
We bought our North Face bags during Christmas of 2001 and we've used them in 4 full seasons in several states since then. When camping, the North Face bags go where we go.. no matter if it's "car camping" or back packing.
The inside of the bag just feels good against your skin and it's very comfortable!
Technical Specs:
Weight = Approx. 3 lbs.
Length (male's bag) fits to 6 feet 5 inches
Stuffed size is about 8 inches by 16 inches (depending on stuff sack)
Fill = approx. 2 lbs. 2 ounces of Polarguard 3D insulation.
OTHER:
Available at Campmor
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