A good bag for mid-latitudes
Written: Aug 29 '03
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Decent quality, packs down reasonably well, built in pillow pocket is a plus
Cons: Watch holder can be annoying - it requires some sort of pad
The Bottom Line: A very good bag for the money, even when not on sale.
|
|
|
| Epicac's Full Review: The North Face Cat's Meow Reg |
I have owned the Cats Meow for 2 1/2 years now and have enjoyed it thoroughly. Physically speaking, it is a basic mummy bag that is available with right or left sided zipper and in regular or long sizes. Currently, I own the long right handed model, which suits my 6' 2'' frame.
Its temperature rating is something like 20 degrees, but I have never used it below 30 where it performed fine. It can suffice in the summer but will heat up rapidly if the outside temp is too warm. This causes the camper to sweat or be uncomfortably warm even if just lying on the top of the bag.
One feature worth mentioning is the pocket built in underneath the user's head. It can be stuffed with a jacket or other article of clothing that makes a nice, supportive pillow that can be used even when the drawstring is tightened along the top of the bag during cold weather.
The synthetic fill is a good insulator, but not a very supportive cushion. I strongly suggest investing in a thermorest or other pad when buying this bag.
The only disadvantage is the watch holder, a small pocket on the outside of the bag, affixed to the opening near the head. It has the tendency to flop around and sometimes hit the user in the face. This can be easily fixed by just cutting it off.
Keeping the bag clean is fairly simple. I wash it in a commercial washing machine and hang it up to dry. It comes out shiny, fluffy and smelling wonderful.
This is an inexpensive, entry level bag for mid-latitudes. I recommend it to anyone who likes to get out there and wants dependable gear
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID: Epicac
|
|
Member: Wally Tanqueray
Location: Norman, OK
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me: Buy it or don't.
|
|
|