SLEEPING BAGS
The North Face Cat’s Meow Sleeping Bag: The Warmest Synthetic Bag on the Market
You can start an adventure without much money, compass, without goals and planned destination. However, you cannot start an adventure without a sleeping bag. You can easily find food in nature, especially in the warmer seasons. For directions, you could always ask around.
However, at the end of the day, you must sleep and rest for the next day and an inevitable question pops for a sleeping place. People require a warm, dry and possibly comfortable place for sleeping in order to function properly the next day.
If you have ever found yourself in a situation to sleep outside on a warm night, you definitely understand the description above and you know that for such a situation, a sleeping bag is a must, and that is why we decided to review the North Face Cat‘s Meow model and present to you all the features that make it one of the best in its class.
A sleeping bag is a bit more than just a camping equipment. It represents a small, intimate space which you will use as a bed for the camping days. It also allows you to unburden yourself of negotiating for rents and discussing sleeping conditions in some accommodation while bringing you closer to nature.
Theoretically, if it weren’t the laws who forbid a person to sleep wherever he can and likes, as well as the mosquitoes, no one could stand in his path. The only equipment you will ever need is a toothbrush, a sleeping bag, and clothes on your back. The rest, is an adventure!
So, if you don’t know how to choose a sleeping back, you are on the right track. This buying guide will help you make the right choice and it might save you some money too. As a bonus, we are including a suggestion, a North Face sleeping bag which is perfect for the warmer periods.
Before choosing a sleeping bag, you need to decide the destination and your own needs and requirements. Will you go camping in the summer; will you go backpacking on a mountain; or are you planning a winter hiking trip? This is important because the final choice you make will highly depend on these factors. According to these factors, you will be directed to a winter or a summer bag which is made from specific materials.
For instance, if you are planning on spending the night next to a river, you should probably decide on a winter sleeping bag. The heavier a bag is, the more volume it takes. The more lightweight, it is, and the more natural it is, the more expensive it is. These are just a few of the factors you should consider before buying a sleeping bag. In addition, we are explaining all the things which you should consider before even going through the different sleeping bag options on the market.
Review
Packaging
The North Face Cat’s Meow comes with a stuff sack for storing the sleeping bag for easy transport. The Cat’s Meow also comes in different sizes. Since our sizes differ, the producers of the Cat’s Meow have done an amazing job in producing different sizes of the sleeping bag to suit almost every size.
If you are the plump sized individual, you can go for the extra long while the not so plump ones can go for the regular sizes. The Cat’s Meow also comes with an insulation filled box to provide more warmth in harsh weather conditions.
Design and Durability
This sleeping bag contains ceaseless baffles all through, it comes with hood and side pockets. The hood adds extra warmth to your head while the pockets can be used to pack snacks for the night. The stuff bag that comes with the Cat’s Meow can be used to store the sleeping bag for easy transportation.
The North Face used a Nylon material to design the Cat’s Meow making it more lightweight than ever. The sleeping bag’s hood has been shaped in a way to provide more warmth to the user. If you are camping in the summertime in scorching temperatures, the hood can be removed to allow more air in the bag.
Insulation
The additional insulation filled in the foot box plus hood where women want it most, including the soft, lightweight material used in producing the bag. The pack pocket in the inner part of the bag is a decent size for keeping a headlamp or snacks for the night. The features that differentiate this bag from other versions is the added 10 Oz insulation attached to the hood and foot box of the sleeping bag.
Additionally, the recently added fleece warmer pockets. This sleeping bag capitalizes on the insulation and keeps you at ease at any kind of temperature. If you feel too much heat, you can effortlessly unzip the sleeping bag, keeping your arms outside if you wish. A distinctive technology is included in the sleeping bag which increases the insulation of the bag by making use of compressible vertical baffles.
Warmth
The North Face Cat’s Meow sleeping bag is the warmest of the synthetic bags in the present market. It keeps you warm in high-altitude during the summer months, when temperatures can come down into the 30s. The key to this warmth is due to the fit of the sleeping bag.
The North Face has also included additional insulation in the hood and foot box of this specific sleeping bag to keep the extremities nice and comfy. The North Face has also included internal hand warmer pockets to the North Face Cat’s Meow for extra warmth.
Temperature Rating
The temperature rating of the North Face Cat’s Meow is -7 degrees, the temperature system is more precise and simplified, and every product contains a label with temperature statements guaranteed by the manufacturer. There are critical or lower temperatures and comfort temperatures.
A comfortable temperature is an outside temperature, which the bag is able to endure without you freezing inside the bag. For you, this means that at this temperature you would be able to have a good night and comfortable sleep at the temperature stated without feeling the cold outside. A critical or lower temperature is the border temperature at which the manufacturer guarantees that you won’t get hypothermia.
For you as a user, this means that you should only remember this temperature for extreme conditions which hopefully you will never find yourself in. At the lower temperature, you would feel very cold inside the bag, but you will not freeze to death. Even though this is a bizarre thing to say, it is necessary that you understand the markings on the sleeping bags.
These temperature statements mean that every sleeping bag which is offered on the market is subjected to standardized laboratory testing and experiments. For the testing, a thermal sensitive mannequin is used.
Weight
This model is no longer the lightest synthetic bag due to the addition of fleece hand warmer in the interior of the bag and other redesigns of the shape, the bag weighs a little above 3 pounds. Though, it is still lighter than most sleeping bags in the market. The North Face Cat’s Meow sleeping bag uses a lightweight exterior material to keep the bag relatively light, though it still does not pack down very well.
Size
The North Face Cat’s Meow is not recommended for individuals taller than 5’5 because of the size of the sleeping bag. There is more than enough room to move the shoulders to wear an extra layer if the weather seems cold.
The feel of its soft-shell material on the skin is a plus, and the added insulation sited in key spots to give rise to a comfortable sleep. The enormous baffle around the neck at times feels a bit deterring, but the additional warmth delivered by this baffle makes it worth it.
Versatility
Because of its largeness and weight, the Cat’s Meow is much less versatile than most sleeping bags in the market. But for what it’s worth, the Cat’s Meow sleeping bag is a workhorse and is decent for trips where you anticipate the weather to be wet and chilly; its synthetic insulation will hold its loft when wet better than any other sleeping bag that will lose its loft and insulating ability.
The Cat’s Meow is a great introductory bag for a beginner backpacker since it is not expensive for its quality, and it is also perfect for anyone who is looking for a cheap summer backpacking sleeping bag that will keep them warm in all weather conditions.
Value for money and guarantee
This is an excellent value at approximately $189 for a great product that can get you underway on your outdoor journeys. There are many sleeping bags which are very expensive but low in quality and still cost more than the North Face Cat’s Meow. The Cat’s Meow has much better value and also has higher quality materials and design. It is just as warm and comfortable as the heavier, more expensive sleeping bags in the market today.
The North Face company guarantees to return any damaged product in as much as you have not used the sleeping bag. So, if you purchase the North Face Cat’s Meow and it is faulty or a part is missing, you should request for a new sleeping bag by sending them an email and you will get a new bag.
The main purpose of wearing a sleeping bag while camping is so that you are protected from the elements. A user should expect at least this much. However, every manufacturer focuses on different features, so you should choose the ones which you require the most. The outer material of this sleeping bag is made from nylon and the inside is full with a synthetic blend.
Synthetic blends tend to be less expensive because they are very well known for their inability to keep your body warm in extreme temperatures. Having this in mind, it is important to mention that this sleeping bag will keep your body temperature in spring and summer. Even though this product is advertised as a three season sleeping bag, I wouldn’t go that far with its warming properties.
This North Face sleeping bag uses a Heatseeker synthetic technology, which has more insulation than heating properties. The hood for the head is a nice addition which would keep your body a bit warmer. There is a draft collar, which acts as an isolation between you and the outside elements. It is integrated into the bag since it blocks the cold air and it is trapping the heat produced from the body inside the bag.
However, this only works on warmer temperatures. The comfort temperature advertised from the manufacturer is 33 degrees. I would say that the comfort temperature for cold sleepers is around 38 degrees. The lower limit, however, is not recommended to test. The EN lower limit of this North Face product is 22 degrees.
It is interesting to mention that this sleeping bag has padded loops, which allow the user to safely attach the sleeping bag to the sleeping pad if he uses any. However, the attachment parts are sold separately from the sleeping bag. The neck baffle is also a great addition which keeps your neck warm if you tuck it around. It is also very soft and comfortable. When you lay your head on the soft neck baffle, you would fall asleep immediately.
The bag has excellent durability, many users have reported on using the product for decades. As far as durability goes, synthetic materials are known to have a larger shelf life. Since this bag’s outside is made from nylon material, it is less subject to tearing it or damaging it some other way. So if you are looking for a durable sleeping bag which you are going to use for years to come, look no further.
The compression is easy and very fast. A compression bag is included in the price. It packs down small, almost as small as a down bag. It is also very lightweight. The bag also comes with a compression stuff sack, which is very useful. It is attached to the bottom of the bag and it measures 10 x 18 in. Keep in mind that you should never store the sleeping bag in a compressed state. This rule applies to almost every sleeping bag on the market.
Keep in mind that some sleeping bags won’t keep you warm unless you are wearing additional thermal underwear. Also, in order to feel the features of a sleeping bag, you must avoid humidity, water, and the wind. Of course, there are some models which have features specific to these conditions, but their price is also pretty high.
Besides packing a sleeping bag, it is also good to pack a sleeping pad in order to isolate yourself from the cold ground. This is especially beneficial if you are planning a trip in cold weather conditions. Even the warmest sleeping bags cannot protect you from the cold if you are not isolated from the ground.
Pros:
- The Cat’s Meow is fairly lightweight
- It is comfortable to sleep in
- The zipper of the bag does not stick
- It is also fairly compact
- Compression is easy and very fast
- It comes with a stuff sack
Cons:
- Its possess a 35 Degree threshold
- It is not suitable for very tall individuals
There is also a possibility of buying one woman’s and one man’s bag and zipping them together. Make sure you check the zipper’s side since they have an option for a sleeping bag zipper on either side.
The sleeping bag is not waterproof, although it is more water resistant from many other models out there. This doesn’t mean that it won’t get wet if you leave it out in the rain, but it can endure a little rain or splashing. This is due to the nylon exterior, which is making it slightly water resistant.
However, if the nylon material is damaged somewhere, which is very likely since it is very this, water will come inside and you will spend the night in a wet bag. The downside of this bag is that it is not appropriate for very tall people. If you are tall, however, and you like this product, make sure you double check the dimensions. Tall people should avoid the regular size sleeping bag and order a larger version.
Western Mountaineering has been handcrafting sleeping bags for over 40 years. They’re a well-known and high-quality brand for durable sleeping bags that keep you warm, comfortable, and don’t add unnecessary weight to your hiking pack. The Western Mountaineering TerraLite Sleeping Bag is the latest addition to their ExtremeLite series, which includes ten sleeping bags for all of your camping needs.
Recommended for ultralight backpacking and camping, the TerraLite is a wide mummy sleeping bag, specially designed for side sleeping comfort. Perfect for side sleepers who enjoy camping in a variety of seasons and weather conditions, the TerraLite has received great reviews from customers. This sleeping bag will keep you warm in temperatures as low as 25°F and provides ultimate comfort from its rip-stop outer shell for durability and taffeta lining for softness against your skin.
Its insulated hood with drawstring closure will keep you warm in the coldest conditions, and the dual zipper design allows the bag to open completely for camping in warmer months. The Western Mountaineering TerraLite sleeping bag is a high-performance, comfortable sleeping bag with premium goose down, making it a great value for the price.
In today’s review, we take a look at this amazing bag and what it has to offer. We will also look at similar sleeping bags in the market and get to compare their features and prices with the TerraLite. Read on for more detailed information.
Review
Packaging
The TerraLite sleeping bag comes in one size; a 6’6 inches right zip and weighs about 4.6 pounds when shipping. You will only get this in one color, a combination of blue and black, therefore if you like having a variety of sizes and colors, you might have a hard time with this.
Your purchase also comes with a stuff sack that you can use to store your bag and other items as you hike. Other related items like a sleeping mat and pillows are sold separately.
Design & Durability
Designed with a dual zipper that allows the sleeping bag to open completely, this sleeping bag is compatible with other sleeping bag models for couples or campers with young children who want to create a larger sleeping space. The TerraLite takes into account that there is nothing more important to the quality and function of a sleeping bag than its insulation.
It is insulated with 850+ fill power premium goose down, the lightest and most compressible down available, and includes an insulated hood with adjustable draw closure and a three dimensional down filled draft tube for keeping the cold out and body heat in. A continuous baffle construction ensures that the down insulation doesn’t isolate to one side over time or after multiple uses.
Constructed with a 12 denier rip-stop nylon outer shell for durability and 15 denier nylon taffeta lining providing a plush and soft layer against your skin, the TerraLite is a comfortable mummy bag that keeps you protected from outside elements while you sleep soundly. The shell is treated with a surface durable water repellent finish which sufficiently shrugs off dew and condensation.
With a water repellent finish you can feel ensured that condensation from tent walls or sleeping outside under the stars won’t leave your sleeping bag weighed down with dampness. The finish can also be easily reapplied over time if it begins to wear.
Temperature rating
It’s important to always keep the weather in mind when you’re choosing a sleeping bag. You want to choose a sleeping bag that is rated for the temperature range you plan to go camping in so know which seasons you plan to use this sleeping bag for. The TerraLite sleeping bag has a 25°F temperature rating making it ideal for spring and fall camping.
However, it also has some additional temperature control features for colder or warmer nights. On cold nights the adjustable drawstring hood and insulated draft tube will help keep your body warmth in and the cold out. The wide mummy design of this sleeping bag also allows you to stay comfortable while sleeping with extra layers on if the temperature drops unexpectedly.
On warmer nights, take advantage of the dual zipper design which allows the sleeping bag to unzip completely. You can unzip it and sleep on top of your sleeping bag or keep your feet unzipped to let some cool air in. With all of the temperature control features that the TerraLite offers, you’ll be comfortable camping in almost any weather conditions. Keep in mind that sleeping bag manufacturers display the ideal weather use with a temperature rating, but these ratings are just guidelines so use your best judgment.
Dimensions
The TerraLite weighs less than two pounds, making it one of the lightest sleeping bags on the market despite its mummy shape and size. This mummy bag is designed for ultimate sleeping comfort, especially for those with a wide frame or who are often restless sleepers. Wide throughout the middle for side sleeping comfort, the mummy design offers a comfortable shape without added weight.
You also want to make sure you have the proper length before you purchase a sleeping bag. Most sleeping bags come in regular or long sizes, but the TerraLite offers three lengths: 5’6”, 6’, and 6’6”. Its product dimensions are 9 x 9 x 22 inches, weighing in at exactly 1 pound, 13 ounces.
Comfort
This mummy bag is wide throughout the middle to prevent any discomfort when sleeping on your side or tossing and turning throughout the night. Campers with wide frames and restless sleepers find that this sleeping bag provides ultimate comfort without compromising unnecessary weight or quality. This bag provides plenty of room even with extra layers on and has no limitations for moving and rolling during the night.
Unique Features
The TerraLite has a mummy design which is efficient and contains the heat your body generates as you sleep. Moreover, the design uses less materials and therefore the sleeping bag is ultra light and compresses easily. Has a 12 denier rip-stop nylon fabric which is not only breathable and water resistant, but also durable.
The bag will serve you for a very long time without any wear and tear. The shell will help you keep warm even in cool temperatures, by preventing any heat from escaping from the sleeping bag. Not forgetting the taffeta lining that is of superior quality, breathable and soft on the skin.
There are two zippers that allow for maximum comfort as you are sleeping by making the sleeping bag even roomier. As a side sleeper, you will love the wide girth that goes through the middle of the bag. You also have the option to unzip the bag at the bottom to let in air during those warm summer nights.
To top it off, the TerraLite weighs less than 2 pounds, which makes it the perfect ultra- light sleeping bag companion for all your outdoor expeditions. You don’t have to worry about feeling any extra weight as you trek.
Value for Money & Guarantee
You must be thinking that purchasing this bag will break your bank, right? Wrong! At only approx. $500, this is the most affordable and ultra-light sleeping bag you will find in the market with superior features. If price is the one factor that determines whether you will buy an item or not, then this is just the bag for you.
Purchasing the TerraLite will get you a lifetime manufacturers warranty. There is no other information provided in this regard or even about guarantee in case you end up having a problem with your sleeping bag after buying. Contact Western Mountaineering if you need to make inquiries or get more information about the warranty.
As covered in our review, Western Mountaineering has a solid history of creating wonderful sleeping bag products and the TerraLite is no different. This well-known and high-quality brand doesn’t disappoint with this model from the ExtremeLite series, offering a sleeping bag that will keep you warm, comfortable, and won’t add weight to your hiking pack.
The TerraLite is highly recommended for ultralight backpackers and campers as it weighs in at less than two pounds. Its wide mummy design is a customer favorite as side sleepers find plenty of space for moving around in this roomy sleeping bag. With 850+ fill power premium goose down insulation, this sleeping bag will keep you warm in temperatures as low as 25°F.
Pros:
- Right price for value of the product
- High-quality insulation, outer shell, and liner materials
- Draft tube keeps cold out
- Attached adjustable drawstring hood
- Dual zipper allows bag to open completely
- Ultralight (less than 2 pounds!)
- Ultimate comfort and plenty of room to move
- Includes stuff sack
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Very slick, slides off sleeping mat
- May be too cold in winter if the temperature drops below 25°F
- Might be too warm in summer months
Plus, it provides ultimate comfort from its rip-stop outer shell for durability and taffeta lining for softness against your skin. The Western Mountaineering TerraLite sleeping bag is a high-performance, comfortable sleeping bag with premium goose down, making it a great value for the price.
SLEEPING BAGS
Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag: A Perfect Fit for All Your Backpacking Needs
Your muscles are tired and aching after a long day’s hike. You have had your meal, erected your tent, rehydrated and watched as the stars flickered to life. It’s time to sleep, and if you have done enough research, a well-rated, soft, and warm sleeping bag is important if you are to wake up re-energized come the following morning.
You slide into your sleeping bag, and after a few minutes, you realize that the cold seems to find its way into the bag. You start to wonder what could be wrong. You are in a bag rated 20 and its only 25oF outside. You should be okay, right?
This is precisely why a good sleeping bag comes in handy. If you are unfamiliar with the Western Mountaineering, you should know that this company is one of the best sleeping bag manufacturers. It is well-known for making compressible, and lightweight products with the 850+ fill power goose down. With just a weight of 1 lbs. 13 oz., the Ultralight is one of the most versatile yet lightweight gear available and can easily compress into an eight-liter waterproof stuff sack.
The Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag can be used to move through different climates during hiking trips and summer bike tours. You can sleep on it, or in it and no one would care. When the temperatures fall, zip up and get under the hood where you’ll be warm owing to the draft tube and a full down collar.
Review
Packaging
The UltraLite sleeping bag comes in blue, and in different sizes ranging from five feet to six feet either for the right or the left zip. It all depends which side you need to have a larger fit. The actual bag is 11*12*17 inches, with a shipping weight of about 1.63 pounds, perfect for camping and hiking.
Design & Durability
The horizontal baffles on the sleeping bag make for a simple-to-use thermostat. It’s down chambers surround the gear from zipper to zipper, making it possible for you to shift the down towards the top for cold nights. On the other hand, it’s possible to shift material underneath the bag during warmer nights. Opening the sleeping bag and laying it flat allows you to press down and run with your arms in any desired direction, pushing the insulation in the areas you need it to be.
Similar to the AlpinLite, this bag incorporates a reverse differential hood that is amazingly comfortable. This implies that the fabric on the bag’s interior is larger compared to the shell fabric. The hood covers your head, providing the comfort desired and is suitable for trapping the heat without the need to tighten it much.
Western Mountaineering utilizes a one-inch tape on both ends of the zipper which helps in facilitating an easy, snag-free functionality. The draft collar on the bag and the draft tube on the zipper are lofty; they mate perfectly, keeping the cold air out and the warm air in.
Nonetheless, Western Mountaineering should come up with a different technique for closing the hood and the draft collar of the UltraLite. The good thing about this draft collar is that it allows minimal cold to get into the bag. Both Closures are pieces of Velcro which are difficult to identify and operate and don’t open easily during the night.
Versatility
The UltraLite is one of the most versatile outdoor sleeping bags. This piece of equipment is capable if unzipping during warm weather condition and can also be used in temperatures of twenty degrees Fahrenheit as rated. For people who experience the cold earlier than others, or during extra cold nights, it’s possible to add a lighter weight jacket to help boost the warmth of the bag.
The continuous baffle design allows the user to regulate the temperature further. Even for a weight-conscious individual, this 1 pound 13 Ounce sleeping bag is quite reasonable to include in your backpacking gear list and is warm enough for use in cold nights or at higher elevations.
Warmth
The twenty degree Fahrenheit rating of the Western Mountaineering UltraLite Bag is pretty conservative. This sleeping bag is certainly on the warmer ends of any twenty degrees bags available. This outdoor gear is designed to provide the warmth you would expect from any well-established brand. Similar to the MegaLite, this sleeping bag incorporates continuous horizontal baffles.
Its design makes it possible for you to shift from the bag’s top to its bottom, and vice versa. It’s quite a functional gear that allows you to control the temperatures inside it; you can add more insulation on the top during cold nights. The UltraLite also offers an opportunity to shift that down to its bottom where you can compress it to keep you warm during the warmer nights.
Weight
A regular length UltraLite gear weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces. This is among the lightest sleeping bags that are rated to temperatures below twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, the UltraLite is lighter compared to most bags rated in the range if 30-35oF. What’s even amazing about this piece of outdoor equipment is the fact that the UltraLite is significantly warmer compared to other 20oF brands, yet lighter in weight than most of them.
The UltraLite utilize “Extremelite,” a shell of 12D fabric, which is similar to what the MegaLite uses. This fabric is insanely light as it weighs less than an ounce per square yard. The ultra-fine yarn which makes up the fabric is ultra-compressible and soft.
Although somewhat fragile, the down-proof fabric largely contributes to the low weight of the bag as well as its compressibility. Another essential contributor to the low weight of this bag is its slim cut. Since it utilizes less material, the UltraLite has succeeded in cutting a handful of ounces from its overall weight.
Comfort and Fit
Soft, lofty, and lightweight materials make this product a very attractive place to lay your head after a long day’s hike in the wilderness. Nonetheless, the hip girth, as well as the narrow shoulder, make it less comfortable compared to the MegaLite, Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed, or the Nemo Salsa 30. People who love to sleep on their back will hardly detect this, but for the tummy and side sleepers, it’s likely to be noticed.
In general, the UltraLite offers the softest and most comfortable feeling than you would ever expect from a different bag of the same rating. Apart from its narrow fit, the UltraLite Sleeping Bag consists of a down collar which runs on the upper chest to prevent the heat from escaping when moving around during the night. The gear has a full zipper that is essential for venting in warmer weather, and a down-filled draft tube that prevents side drafts.
Unique Features
The UltraLite sleeping bag has interlocking draft tubes and a full down collar that will wrap snuggly around your neck to help insulate and prevent any heat loss. The draft tubes run along the bag’s zipper to keep you insulated and prevent any heat from escaping between the zipper coils.
The outer shell is not only water resistant, but also breathable and goes a long way in protecting you and the down from condensation. Your bag will always stay dry even if it touches the wet sides of your tent or when you have been sleeping under the stars on a dewy night.
And that’s not all. There is a 5 ¼ inch spacing of continuous baffles that encircle the sleeping bag from zipper to zipper making it very compressible, light and toasty warm. Moreover, they lack a side block baffle that allows you to shift down the baffle chamber and to fully adjust the temperatures during the warm weather. When it’s hot, you are advised to lay your bag down flat and move some baffles towards the bottom for less insulation at the top.
During the cold nights, you can now move the baffles back to the top to increase the insulation. A five inch of loft has a temperature rating of 20 degrees Fahrenheit that guarantees you warmth during those cold nights. Whenever it gets colder than expected, you can always layer up on extra clothing or use a fluffy sleeping pad to provide you with additional warmth.
Value for Money & Guarantee
At about $500 for a regular length gear, the UltraLite is quite a worthy investment. Additionally, if this bag can sustain over ten years of use, and is your go-to gear for most, if not all, your backpacking adventures, along with the periodic ski touring or mountaineering adventure, then the bag is an excellent investment.
There is no warranty information or guarantee pertaining to the purchase of the sleeping bag given on the site. You are advised to contact the manufacturer directly when you need more information or whenever you need to return your sleeping bag in the event that it’s either damaged on delivery or it just does not satisfy your backpacking needs.
The Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag is one of the best outdoor equipment. Although it offers a few disadvantages, it is a fantastic bag that has all the features you would expect from a bag of its type.
The UltraLite is warmer, lighter, and the most compressible gear for its temperature rating. If you are a cold sleeper, this sleeping bag is tough to contend for weight, comfort of materials, packed size, and warmth.
Pros:
- Gives you a great value for your money, when compared to other similar sleeping bags in the market
- Lightweight and compact , which makes it easy to carry around
- Keeps you warm even in temperatures as low as 8 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Has a breathable fabric and is water resistant.
- Has a nice fit , especially with the hood that has the drawstrings
Cons:
- Can be too narrow in the shoulders and hips, making it uncomfortable when trying to move around when sleeping.
- Lacks a double foot insulation, which exposes your feet to extreme cold.
Apart from that, the UltraLite offers the best value for money and is probably the best sleeping bags for its price whether regular, short, or long.
SLEEPING BAGS
Western Mountaineering TerraLite Sleeping Bag: The Ultralight Mummy Bag for Side Sleepers
Western Mountaineering has been handcrafting sleeping bags for over 40 years. They’re a well-known and high-quality brand for durable sleeping bags that keep you warm, comfortable, and don’t add unnecessary weight to your hiking pack. The Western Mountaineering TerraLite Sleeping Bag is the latest addition to their ExtremeLite series, which includes ten sleeping bags for all of your camping needs.
Recommended for ultralight backpacking and camping, the TerraLite is a wide mummy sleeping bag, specially designed for side sleeping comfort. Perfect for side sleepers who enjoy camping in a variety of seasons and weather conditions, the TerraLite has received great reviews from customers. This sleeping bag will keep you warm in temperatures as low as 25°F and provides ultimate comfort from its rip-stop outer shell for durability and taffeta lining for softness against your skin.
Its insulated hood with drawstring closure will keep you warm in the coldest conditions, and the dual zipper design allows the bag to open completely for camping in warmer months. The Western Mountaineering TerraLite sleeping bag is a high-performance, comfortable sleeping bag with premium goose down, making it a great value for the price.
In today’s review, we take a look at this amazing bag and what it has to offer. We will also look at similar sleeping bags in the market and get to compare their features and prices with the TerraLite. Read on for more detailed information.
Review
Packaging
The TerraLite sleeping bag comes in one size; a 6’6 inches right zip and weighs about 4.6 pounds when shipping. You will only get this in one color, a combination of blue and black, therefore if you like having a variety of sizes and colors, you might have a hard time with this.
Your purchase also comes with a stuff sack that you can use to store your bag and other items as you hike. Other related items like a sleeping mat and pillows are sold separately.
Design & Durability
Designed with a dual zipper that allows the sleeping bag to open completely, this sleeping bag is compatible with other sleeping bag models for couples or campers with young children who want to create a larger sleeping space. The TerraLite takes into account that there is nothing more important to the quality and function of a sleeping bag than its insulation.
It is insulated with 850+ fill power premium goose down, the lightest and most compressible down available, and includes an insulated hood with adjustable draw closure and a three dimensional down filled draft tube for keeping the cold out and body heat in. A continuous baffle construction ensures that the down insulation doesn’t isolate to one side over time or after multiple uses.
Constructed with a 12 denier rip-stop nylon outer shell for durability and 15 denier nylon taffeta lining providing a plush and soft layer against your skin, the TerraLite is a comfortable mummy bag that keeps you protected from outside elements while you sleep soundly. The shell is treated with a surface durable water repellent finish which sufficiently shrugs off dew and condensation.
With a water repellent finish you can feel ensured that condensation from tent walls or sleeping outside under the stars won’t leave your sleeping bag weighed down with dampness. The finish can also be easily reapplied over time if it begins to wear.
Temperature rating
It’s important to always keep the weather in mind when you’re choosing a sleeping bag. You want to choose a sleeping bag that is rated for the temperature range you plan to go camping in so know which seasons you plan to use this sleeping bag for. The TerraLite sleeping bag has a 25°F temperature rating making it ideal for spring and fall camping.
However, it also has some additional temperature control features for colder or warmer nights. On cold nights the adjustable drawstring hood and insulated draft tube will help keep your body warmth in and the cold out. The wide mummy design of this sleeping bag also allows you to stay comfortable while sleeping with extra layers on if the temperature drops unexpectedly.
On warmer nights, take advantage of the dual zipper design which allows the sleeping bag to unzip completely. You can unzip it and sleep on top of your sleeping bag or keep your feet unzipped to let some cool air in. With all of the temperature control features that the TerraLite offers, you’ll be comfortable camping in almost any weather conditions. Keep in mind that sleeping bag manufacturers display the ideal weather use with a temperature rating, but these ratings are just guidelines so use your best judgment.
Dimensions
The TerraLite weighs less than two pounds, making it one of the lightest sleeping bags on the market despite its mummy shape and size. This mummy bag is designed for ultimate sleeping comfort, especially for those with a wide frame or who are often restless sleepers. Wide throughout the middle for side sleeping comfort, the mummy design offers a comfortable shape without added weight.
You also want to make sure you have the proper length before you purchase a sleeping bag. Most sleeping bags come in regular or long sizes, but the TerraLite offers three lengths: 5’6”, 6’, and 6’6”. Its product dimensions are 9 x 9 x 22 inches, weighing in at exactly 1 pound, 13 ounces.
Comfort
This mummy bag is wide throughout the middle to prevent any discomfort when sleeping on your side or tossing and turning throughout the night. Campers with wide frames and restless sleepers find that this sleeping bag provides ultimate comfort without compromising unnecessary weight or quality. This bag provides plenty of room even with extra layers on and has no limitations for moving and rolling during the night.
Unique Features
The TerraLite has a mummy design which is efficient and contains the heat your body generates as you sleep. Moreover, the design uses less materials and therefore the sleeping bag is ultra light and compresses easily. Has a 12 denier rip-stop nylon fabric which is not only breathable and water resistant, but also durable.
The bag will serve you for a very long time without any wear and tear. The shell will help you keep warm even in cool temperatures, by preventing any heat from escaping from the sleeping bag. Not forgetting the taffeta lining that is of superior quality, breathable and soft on the skin.
There are two zippers that allow for maximum comfort as you are sleeping by making the sleeping bag even roomier. As a side sleeper, you will love the wide girth that goes through the middle of the bag. You also have the option to unzip the bag at the bottom to let in air during those warm summer nights.
To top it off, the TerraLite weighs less than 2 pounds, which makes it the perfect ultra- light sleeping bag companion for all your outdoor expeditions. You don’t have to worry about feeling any extra weight as you trek.
Value for Money & Guarantee
You must be thinking that purchasing this bag will break your bank, right? Wrong! At only approx. $500, this is the most affordable and ultra-light sleeping bag you will find in the market with superior features. If price is the one factor that determines whether you will buy an item or not, then this is just the bag for you.
Purchasing the TerraLite will get you a lifetime manufacturers warranty. There is no other information provided in this regard or even about guarantee in case you end up having a problem with your sleeping bag after buying. Contact Western Mountaineering if you need to make inquiries or get more information about the warranty.
As covered in our review, Western Mountaineering has a solid history of creating wonderful sleeping bag products and the TerraLite is no different. This well-known and high-quality brand doesn’t disappoint with this model from the ExtremeLite series, offering a sleeping bag that will keep you warm, comfortable, and won’t add weight to your hiking pack.
The TerraLite is highly recommended for ultralight backpackers and campers as it weighs in at less than two pounds. Its wide mummy design is a customer favorite as side sleepers find plenty of space for moving around in this roomy sleeping bag. With 850+ fill power premium goose down insulation, this sleeping bag will keep you warm in temperatures as low as 25°F.
Pros:
- Right price for value of the product
- High-quality insulation, outer shell, and liner materials
- Draft tube keeps cold out
- Attached adjustable drawstring hood
- Dual zipper allows bag to open completely
- Ultralight (less than 2 pounds!)
- Ultimate comfort and plenty of room to move
- Includes stuff sack
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Very slick, slides off sleeping mat
- May be too cold in winter if the temperature drops below 25°F
- Might be too warm in summer months
Plus, it provides ultimate comfort from its rip-stop outer shell for durability and taffeta lining for softness against your skin. The Western Mountaineering TerraLite sleeping bag is a high-performance, comfortable sleeping bag with premium goose down, making it a great value for the price.
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