Comfortable and practical
Written: Oct 26 '99
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Light, inexpensive, trusted brand, good size.
Cons: Wet down doesn't insulate
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| mike_oaks's Full Review: REI Down Time 0 |
Depending on how you use your sleeping bag, one good bag is not always good enough. Living in Az, and travelling to Canada, Colorado, along with seasonal changes anywhere always required me to have two sleeping bags. My lightweight summer bag was never anything special, just a lightweight synthetic bag that would do the job. I was much more picky in choosing my winter bag, as creating a bag to be both functional and practical while minimizing weight and price can be tricky. REI did this for me in their Down Time 0 bag, along with the plethora of other products they offer. Price should be no object in choosing a warm bag, as prices can drop to $50 or so, rise to about $200 as in the REI bag, and can continue well into the $4-500 range. $200 for the REI bag was a bargain, considering you get a reliable, well-made, light weight product from a credible outdoor company. The bag is constructed of high quality fabrics, and the down filler is probably the second best available. The bag is filled to precise specifications, making the foot box plenty warm, and focusing more fill on the top of the bag and at the sides. The bag is offered in the usual regular or long versions, and with either a right or left zipper. I am of medium build, and about 170 pounds, and the regular size bag is perfectly fit, not too snug, and not too much dead air space. The zippers work flawlessly, as I once had a bag that wouldn't open or close without getting caught at least once. I especially like the down filled strip that hangs over the zipper line, preventing any cold drafts. The hood and collar work well also, cinching up whenever it gets too cold or when trying to avoid bugs. The bag is also quite lightweight, and although you could find lighter ones, they will surely be more expensive. The bag packs up compact (highly compressible) and is easy to keep clean. When you wash the bag, follow all instructions, but when drying it, let it air dry first, then toss it in the dryer with no heat, and throw in a few tennis balls to make the loft all the loftier. I like the bag so much I hardly ever use my 20 degree bag anymore. Down in general is so much more comfortable than any synthetic, although synthetics do have their advantages. I have used my 0 degree bag in below o degree weather, and felt plenty warm. Not all bags will prove this. Someone once told me that a bag's rating refers to the temperature you can survive in, without having hypothermia or freezing to death. This is a great choice for a 0 degree bag.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
mike_oaks
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Member: Mike Oakley
Location: Tempe, AZ
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 5 members
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