Cat's Meow, Great with a few glitches

By Simon Hatfield Ranked #20 - 25 to 5 Degree Synthetic Bags December 29, 2009

The good features on this bag far outweigh the bad. The liner fabric is soft and the fill is lofty, and it comes with both an excellent (if overkill) compression bag as well as storage sack. Quality craftsmanship can be seen in the seams and smooth moving zipper. Glow in the dark zipper pull, small item storage pocket near top and mateability with the women's Cat's Meow are all convenient. If style matters to you, it is worth noting that the bag is aesthetically pleasing, with a welded pocket and slightly iridescent fabric.

The bag does fit true to size, although barely (I am 6'0" and i can just stretch out in it). My first qualm is that the bag is almost too narrow. I am slender and used to mummy bags, but this is the tightest sleeping bag I own. This does make it warmer for the weight, but if you are a wider person or want room to wiggle, look elsewhere. A second more serious problem is the face cinch. The cordlock is sheathed in fabric to keep it from rubbing your tender skin, but this makes it difficult to tighten.

As far as temperature rating, I will simply give you my experience. In dry, 31F lows, I was comfortable, in a midweight baselayer with wool socks and no hat. The bag was fully zipped but not cinched and I was in a tent, on a Neo-air. I sleep warmer than average.

All in all a high value sleeping bag. I would recommend it especially to those who are not confident in their ability to baby a down bag or live in humid but chilly climates.

View Details: The North Face Cat's Meow Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Synthetic

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