Re: north face sleeping bag

On 3 Dec 2003 04:28:35 -0800, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Barry) wrote:

>Been looking around for new bag. Looking at North Face Cat's Meow,
>they say its good to 20. I've only come across one reveiw, that said
>he was cold at 35 with this bag. Anybody tried this bag? Just how good
>are those ratings the companies put on their bags?
>Thanks

Some manufacturers have the reputation of using more conservative ratings
than other manufacturers.  One manufacturer, Western Mountaineering
(www.westernmountaineering.com), for example, is frequently reviewed for
being top quality and very conservative.  When they say a bag is rated to 20
degrees, most users under a variety of circumstances will find it
comfortable even below that temperature.

If you look at how much loft a WM bag offers for a given temp rating (say
5.5 inches for 20 degrees) you should have a pretty good idea of what to
look for in a good down bag's loft.

Another variable is the quality of the down used.  A high loft down fill
such as the 850 plus fill (meaning 850 cu. in. per ounce) used will not only
be lighter than a similar dimensioned bag using lower quality fill, but that
high quality fill will likely retain greater loft (and thus warmth) after
repeated use.

One should also look at how many ounces of down of a given fill are used to
fill up similarly sized bags (look at length and girth at shoulder, Hip, and
Foot).  If, within limits, one brand is using more ounces or a higher
quality down, one can expect a warmer bag.

Regardless, of which bag is chosen, one should wear clean, dry, loose
fitting clothing (or nothing) to sleep in.  This promotes good circulation
during the night.  Furthermore, one should go to sleep warm, perhaps just
after a brief exercise or a warm drink.  Physical condition such as not
being exhausted or sick can affect how warm one sleeps.  Recent weight loss
and amount of body fat can have an effect.  Diet can also help or hinder.
Eating some fat in the evening can provide a slow burning fuel for keeping
one warm.  Personal variation in how warm one sleeps is also a
consideration.  One's willingness to leave a warm bag and eliminate urine in
the middle of the night can make a huge difference in how warm one sleeps;
It takes the body an enormous amount of energy to keep urine warm in the
bladder.

All that said, I would suggest that a 20 F TNF Bag could quite possibly be
cold for many at 35 degrees F.  I have a pair of TNF Bags from many years
ago, when their reputation was more top drawer.  My bags were lower quality
down than is currently available in some models (though, I think similar to
that used in the bag you are looking at).  For some time they were
comfortable for me down to their rated temps, but they have lost
considerable loft since then.  It should be noted that I have historically
been a very warm sleeper.

Still, if the TNF bag has good dimensions for your needs, and the price is
attractive, it may serve you very well within its limits.  Those limits, for
you, most of the time might not be 20-40 degrees, but rather 30-50 degrees
(or some other range of numbers).  Personally, if I were to own one bag, I
would choose a 15 degree bag again (like my first).  When it gets too warm,
one can use it like a quilt.  When it gets cold, one can hunker down and use
the hood.  That proved to be a great rating for 3 season use in Southern and
Central California mountains and deserts.

Best of luck to you.

Regards,
doc