Good Quality,Not Accurate On Comfort Rating
Written: Jul 13 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Nice Features, Good Quality
Cons: Not Cold Weather Bag As Advertised!
The Bottom Line: OK, But Not For Cold Weather!
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| sweetdaddy's Full Review: The North Face Snowshoe 3D Sleeping Bag |
A Word About Temp Ratings
Recently I Read in Backpacker Magazine that here in the US, unlike Europe, there is no standard for temperature ratings in sleeping bags. The Backpacker article went on to say that most bags were rated around 10-15°F lower than their real minimum comfort temp. After purchasing the TNF bag I can believe this.
Reason For Purchase
I purchased this for use as a lightweight backpacking bag for spring camping on snow in the Rockies. I was gunshy of down as it is an ineffective insulator when wet and have previously only used synthetic rectangular bags. It was an impulse buy, on sale at REI for $150. Price, weight and temp rating were good compared to their other offerings in synthetic bags. However, I didn't do my usual premeditated internet search of reviews on the product.
Use And Experience
I've owned the bag for 3 yrs and have used it on snowboard, fishing and climbing trips in Montana's Beartooth Mountains, as well as hiking trips in northern Minnesota. The bag consistently fails to keep me warm in less than 30°F temps without a lot of additional clothing. Doesn't matter if I use an inflatable Thermarest and Ridgerest foam pad in combination to insulate against heat escaping to the cold ground/snow. With a 0°F rating bag, I should be able sleep in my skivvies at 30°F.
Features And Performance
The zipper is better than average for snags and has a thoughtful glow in the dark tab to find it at night. The draft collar has an irritating cinch cord design that requires pulling out about 3 feet of cord to get it snug,leaving all kinds of excess stretch cord inside bag. Pillow pocket with Velcro closures under hood is nice feature, for stuffing clothes in for a head rest. Mummy hood and draw down cinch cord work much better than draft collar near neck. Bag is adequate, but not overly roomy for my 5'9 165lb frame. Shell is durable and water resistant. Bag has not lost noticeable loft in insulation since purchase.
Final Word
The bag is durable, has nice features and is fairly light for synthetic (3.5# on digital scale). It is not a bag for winter, or colder climates. I have since purchased a down bag for winter and relegate this bag to summer use.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
sweetdaddy
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Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 1 member
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