this bag packs down nice and small. its lasted for a few years of heavy use. it's almost too hot for above freezing temperatures, but im a warm sleeper (thank god for the zipper at the feet).

Customer Service

i burnt a hole in the shell, they fixed it fine.

Similar Products Used:

old campmor and TNF bags

Overall I like this bag and I sleep in it very frequently. I'll review this with the same good-first-bad-second approach I used before:

1) the draft tube is lined with nylon oxford cloth and doesn't snag or jam.
2) it compresses well enough.

Off to the annoyances:
1) the collars don't adjust as tight as I think they should.

2) My bigest complaint - this is a narrow bag. Not excessively so, but if you are either of normal or wide build, you might not like it. Either try it in the store or (if you are shopping over the net) be prepared to pay for the shipping to send it back when it too small.

1) Depending on what you think the numbers mean, what sort of sleeper you are (I sleep cold) and how acustomed you are to the weather, this either does or does not go to 15 degrees.

I think the numbers mean, with a pad and element protection of some sort, you won't die in temp the bag is rated to if you are only wearing underwear -- briefs at that. Nothing about being as warm as when you are at home. So, if want to camp in 15 degree weather, get a 0 degree or colder bag; that's common sense.

Customer Service

No problems so far

A great bag for the money. I got it on sale for around $120. Compresses down real small with a compression bag and you can actually see it loft up right before your eyes. Very comfortable in moderately low temperatures (20-30) and good in warmer weather too. The hood can get in the way when not being used though. Also the pillow pocket does little to nothing as does the watch pocket because they are both to small. Other than that no complaints good bag for the money.

Customer Service

The north face has a guaranteed for life policy on all their products. I've never had to use it though.

Had one for many years. Great down to about 20 degrees. Then i use my Snowshoe. Love the ease of the zippers.

Similar Products Used:

Snowshoe

I used this bag on an eight night trip to the Big South Fork in early Jan. The bag did not perform very well. On nights below 30 degrees it was very cold. On the two nights it was in the teens I had to put on polar fleece. I used a full length therma rest with the bag. The bags saving grace is its cut. It fits well but not too roomy.

Similar Products Used:

I have found my Mt. Hardware Trekk, a 20 degree bag, warmer than the North Face.

A great bag. Had only used it for summer camping until last weekend when I was outside (no tent) in sub-freezing temps. Plenty warm where I was on my 3/4 sleep pad; a little cool in the lower legs, but not bad. Bag kept out the wind (15mph+) very nicely. The draft tube and the cinch down hood and opening work great. I highly recommend this bag for any 20 degree plus use and it could get by down to 10 with some extra layers.

A great bag for the money. Compresses to the size of a softball with a compression bag. Definately not for extreme cold, but it's kept me comfortable at 15-20F. Well made, durable and the best bag I've ever had for the money.

Overall great bag for the money. The shell is a little over the top in asthetic design, but functions well nevertheless. I took this bag on a summer climb of all the peaks in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, temps fell from 35F in the day to 5F, should have had a better bag, but the meow held up great even in bivouac conditions.

Customer Service

none

Similar Products Used:

Peak 1, and EMS brand bags

The newly revamped Cats Meow is rather impressive. Although the alpenglow cover may be a little too aesthetically pleasing, it performs very well. Most recently, I was camping in 10 -15 degree conditions with no tent and no sleeping pad and had no problems. Ice formed on the cover and cold wind blew consistently through the night, but the ice never soaked in and the bag was not drafty. One of the best advancements is the incredible draft tube. Very overstuffed and full lenghth- accompanied by a no snag zipper. Both top and bottom zipper are lined almost 2" with pack cloth to prevent snags with the draft tube. Footbox is roomy, but not too much to disperse heat. The hood has 2 great toggled drawcords- one around the draft collar and the other around the hood itself. I have a small head, and have had problems with hoods not cinching down tight enough- but the Cat's Meow was fine. The lining of the bag is super silky- a bit cold to the inital touch- but warms quickly- and keeps warm. The bag is mid range in heft and compressability- but does earn marks for durability. The only aspect of the bag that I feel could use improvement is with the little pocket for a pillow inside the hood. The velcro is abrasive, and the pocket itself is too small for any amound of padding. When cinched- the hood did not fit well with a light jacket stuffed in the pocket. Unnecessary touch, in my opinion especially if used with a sleeping pad.

Customer Service

The North Face has excelled in providing great customer service. I buy some of their gear because I know it's reliable, and I know that if there is a problem, it will be fixed. Their warranty dept. does take a bit of a while in returning an item- 4 - 6 weeks sometimes.

Similar Products Used:

Marmot, Sierra Designs (wild bill), older north face bags

Don't count on this bag to keep you warm in 30 F degree temps. I was a cool 55 in mine and had to wear extra clothing to get comfortable. THe temp rating is off. This is a 2.5 season bag. So depending on your needs, this bas may be for you. Don't take it cold weather (48 and below) camping or climbing.