The North Face Snowshoe is a durable bag for cool weather use
Written: Jun 26 '02 (Updated Oct 28 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Accurate temperature rating, good zippers, durable.
Cons: Not much stretch for side sleepers.
The Bottom Line: Recommended for cool to sometimes cold weather. Side sleepers may want to consider a bag with stretch, such as those made by Sierra Designs.
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| jvandegr's Full Review: The North Face Snowshoe 3D Sleeping Bag |
Please note: this review is of the 1995 model.
Features and Performance
For 1995, the North Face Snowshoe 3D was rated to 5 degrees F. Based on my experience, this rating seems to accurately reflect its warmth (please note that I prefer sleeping in cooler weather vs. warmer weather). After 7 years of use, the bag has held up very well. No tears, no zipper breaks. I have used it on cold desert nights, in alpine environments, and just three season camping in state parks in the American Midwest. In all cases, it performed very well. Compressibility is decent, but not as good as the 15 degree bags. The extra insulation in the foot area works as advertised, keeping my occasionally cold feet warm on brisk nights. I've cinched the top closed around my face using the draw cord only a couple times. For the most part, this worked as expected, leaving only my eyes and nose exposed. Unlike some recent bags, this bag does not flex well if you are a side sleeper. Stomach and back sleepers will likely find this bag comfortable with enough room to adjust (please note that I'm 5'11" with a light frame).
Stupid Human Tricks
Due to leaky tent problems, I've had the bag take on some moisture a couple times. It continued to insulate well, but of course there's nothing more uncomfortable than a wet sleeping bag. Because the bag was not completely soaked, I was able to air dry it for half a day while I went hiking and it was ready to go by night fall.
The only other problem I've encountered is that the bag is often too warm. This is not the bag's fault, but rather the fault of its owner for being dumb enough to use a 5 degree bag in the summer. With that in mind, I think it is very important to pay close attention to the degree ratings of sleeping bags. After my experience with this bag, my next will likely be a 15 degree bag and I'll buy a liner or fleece blanket for extra warmth when needed. The advantages to this approach are numerous: the bag is more compressible, less expensive, and can work in a variety of climates.
Recommended:
Yes
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