This Bag Won’t Keep You Down: REI Down Sleeping Bag 0 Degrees.
Written: Jun 16 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Smaller profile, good quality product, very durable, great insulation rating.
Cons: Will not insulate if wet, cost is higher.
The Bottom Line: Another great REI product. If you do not mind the extra cost and you do not plan on getting wet, then this is one of the best product out there.
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| yakkowarner's Full Review: REI Down Time 0 |
Why I bought this
I encouraged my wife to get synthetic because it is cheaper and will stay warm when it is wet. No such luck. She liked the smaller size, lighter in weight, and she did not care about the price tag.
The main reason we got bags that were rated so low was we wanted something that would keep us comfortable in any circumstance we may encounter. And it was a good decision.
About REI
REI has a lot of outdoor equipment from various brands. It also has its own brand of equipment that is of similar quality to the name brands for a lower price. In addition, REI members get a discount in the form of a dividend every year. I also have an REI card that earns me 1 percent credit on my purchases.
Why a Mummy Style Bag?
The name comes from the shape because it looks a little like a wrapped Egyptian mummy. The bag is supposed to follow the contours of your body. In this way there is not a lot of empty space and this should keep you warmer during the night. By following the contours of you body it is wider at your shoulders and narrower at your feet. This design also wastes less fabric and fill, therefore you have a lighter/smaller product (but not by much.)
Problems with the Mummy style.
My out-laws (I mean in-laws) do not like their new mummy bags because it constrains them too much. They like the feel of blankets and apparently roll around in bed a lot. A mummy style bag does not allow the user to move a lot. So they will be putting their new bags in storage until cold weather and use their cheaper, but a whole lot bulkier, rolled sleeping bags.
Also, children will not easily fit inside this bag with you. Normally that is a good thing, but if you feel the need to comfort your children during stormy nights, or whatever, then you should consider a different style of sleeping bag.
What is included?
Just a stuff sack. A storage sack was not included. You will have to buy that separately if you wish. I just store it under our bed.
Durability
After scanning the bag over I have not noticed any loose threads, holes or any damage to parts of the bag. None of the seams are lose and the stitching is fairly tight. My wife has used this for almost 7 years and she has had no problems with this bag.
How does it work?
Just like all mummy style sleeping bags you stuff this in a small sack for travel. It takes you about 10 seconds to stuff, 20 seconds if you are a little slow. You do not roll or tie this bag up for storage.
How cold can you go.
This sleeping bag is rated at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius.
My experience
This is my wife’s bag so it is actually her experience. And it is pretty much the same as mine. She has never been cold in this bag. Usually it is just the opposite that she has been too hot. In that case the sleeping bag is used as a blanket instead. The bag is small and it is difficult to sleep with a child of any size right next to you. My wife was able to sleep with my 5 month old daughter for part of the night, but she complained about it the next morning. It was mainly to keep my daughter warm during the night.
Who Should Buy This Sleeping Bag?
-Someone that needs a warm bag but does not have the space for it.
-Someone that will not get their sleeping bag wet in the field.
-Someone that does not care about price.
-Weight conscious backpacker
Advantages of down fill.
-Smaller profile.
-Lighter in weight.
Disadvantages of down fill.
-It loses its ability to properly insulate when wet.
-It is more expensive than synthetic.
Storage tips
Some sleeping bags come with a larger “storage sack”. This is a good idea since you really do not want the bag to be compressed when you are not using it. I actually prefer to keep my sleeping bags under my bed instead of using a stuff sack. If you keep a sleeping bag stored like this, it will last for a much longer time.
Tips to staying warm
What I recommend doing is stripping down to shorts and a t-shirt (less if you like) and put the clothes that you are going to wear the next day at the bottom of your sleeping bag (this keeps them nice and toasty.) For whatever reason, I have been warmer in my sleeping bag with just shorts than I am with a fleece or jacket on. Try it, you will be surprised at the difference in warmth.
Dimensions and weight
Length: 77 inches
Width: 26 inches at the widest point. 13 inches at the feet.
Length rolled: 18 inches
Width rolled: 10 inches
Weight (with stuff sack): 3 pounds 7.25 ounces
Note: length rolled and width rolled are uncompressed (they will compress with gear on top of them.)
Measurements are made using a craftsman tape measurer and a good cooks electronic scale.
Buying this used?
Since you can not buy this sleeping at REI.com any more you are either looking at REI’s reputation or you are buying this used. So if it is used then here is what you should look for.
-Check that the fill is still even.
-Check all seams, there should be no ropes or missing seams. Stitching should be tight.
-Colors should be uniform, no spotting.
Summary
Although more expensive than synthetic, this sleeping bag is well worth it. It weighs less and takes up less space, both great benefits for a backpacker. This sleeping bag, like more other REI products, is well made and has shown no signs of failing. And as long as my wife is happy with it, then so am I.
My other outdoor gear
The North Face Tigger Kids Sleeping Bag
REI Polar Pod Sleeping Bag
REI Base Camp
Recommended:
Yes
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