My BF has the men's and he complains it's too hot! This could be a little biased too, as I tend to sleep freezing cold no matter what, but I do use a closed cell foam sleeping pad. Having said that, I have to agree with other reviews that I've read in that it is not quite a 20° bag, more like 30 or 40, but this can be easily mended with any liner really (I just use a poly one). Overall I think it's a great bag for the price and it will remain a staple in my gear for excursions that could be moist or chilly. I got this bag for my first 'real' backpacking bag and used it over 1400 miles on the PCT (border to Sierra City). If you are well versed in high-performance ultralight bags, you would probably pass on this one but if you are looking for a solid, general purpose synthetic bag, this might be the ticket for you. (note: for tests, I used a mylar heat reflective bubble wrap style base sheet with a Therm-a-Rest 1' Trail Lite pad over it)Ĭonclusion: Overall, I think most people would find the bag fulfills the needs of three-season backpacking and camping. Since I've found the lower end temp threshold at 35°, I don't feel the need to try it in sub freezing temps. It has a pillow sleeve in the hood so your camp pillow or sweatshirt doesn't shift around too much.Ĭonstruction and durability: I find that the bag is well made and has withstood the test of time.Ĭonditions: I've used the bag in summer and fall weather from 70° nights to 35°. I would prefer an inside pocket if I'm in any below freezing temps so my contact solution in my lens case doesn't freeze. No rips in the stitching.įeatures: Small pocket on exterior flap that folds over the zipper. The mini pocket is still in-tact, velcro still sticks, zipper works, hood baffle is still working. The Cat's Meow is the darker bag in the foreground.Įase of Use: All parts work well. This makes me wonder if it has lost some over the years from the previous owner. Loft: Even after a washing and a fluffing, the bag doesn't seem to have much loft. You can get it down to a 9 x 12 pretty easily with a compression bag. I think it is advertised as a 9x 17 stuff sack. Packability: Packs down decent for a synthetic 20° bag. Since synthetics don't absorb moisture to a great degree, I've had no problem with it. Moisture Resistance: One morning my foot box was moist from contact with the tent wall but I didn't notice it in the bag. It's easy to release the hood baffle and access the zip. This model does not have the annoying nylon strip that gets caught in the zipper so it opens and closes great. The hood snugs well around the head.Ĭat's Meow is the darker bag in the foregroundĮntry/Exit: Most reviews on the newer model say that it sticks. The length in the regular was perfect for me at 5'11'. I found it to be amply wide and comfortable. After dozens of bags, I would say that most bags' comfort level is roughly 15☏ over the listed (survival) rating so this bag fits into that category since it is listed as a 20° bag.įit and Comfort: The cut on the older model is wider in the foot box and legs. Anything above 35☏ and I think you'll be fine. At 35°, with a base layer shirt and pants and socks, I felt a bit of a chill and was brought slightly out of my comfort level.

Warmth: I found the threshold for warmth and comfort to be about 35☏. It seems as though the older model gets a better review than the newer model.

Many of the reviews on Trailspace are divided on the bag. It seems as though it has been a solid seller for North Face so I thought it must have a decent cost/performance ratio.Īfter having slept in it on a number of occasions now, I would say that It's a pretty decent bag. I've always been intrigued by the Cat's Meow.

Level 115 meow match