What features make The North Face Wasatch sleeping bag ideal for cold weather camping. How does its temperature rating compare to other sleeping bags. What insulation type does it use for optimal warmth. How much does the Wasatch weigh and how compact is it when packed.
Temperature Rating and Insulation: Conquering the Cold
When it comes to choosing a sleeping bag for cold weather camping, temperature rating is crucial. The North Face Wasatch boasts a 20°F temperature rating, making it an excellent choice for three-season camping. This versatile bag keeps campers warm and cozy in temperatures as low as 20°F, ensuring comfort during chilly spring nights, cool summer evenings, and crisp fall outings.
What sets the Wasatch apart in terms of insulation? The secret lies in its high-quality 550 fill power down insulation. Down is renowned for its superior warmth-to-weight ratio compared to synthetic alternatives. The 550 fill power indicates larger down clusters, which are more efficient at trapping heat. This results in a sleeping bag that’s not only incredibly warm but also surprisingly lightweight.
Benefits of Down Insulation
- Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
- Highly compressible
- Long-lasting durability
- Natural and sustainable material
Weight and Packability: Light on Your Back, Heavy on Performance
How much does The North Face Wasatch weigh? Despite its impressive warmth, this sleeping bag remains lightweight at just 2 pounds 14 ounces for the regular size. This makes it an ideal choice for both car camping and shorter backpacking trips, where every ounce counts.
Packability is another strong suit of the Wasatch. The included compression sack utilizes The North Face’s innovative ThermoBall technology, allowing the bag to compress down to a fraction of its expanded size. This compact design ensures the Wasatch can easily fit into your backpack, leaving room for other essential gear.
Packing Tips for the Wasatch
- Start by loosely stuffing the bag into the compression sack
- Gradually tighten the compression straps, working from top to bottom
- Give the sack a few gentle shakes to help distribute the down evenly
- Store the compressed bag in a dry area of your pack
Shape and Size Options: Tailored for Comfort
The North Face Wasatch features a popular mummy shape design. Why choose a mummy-style sleeping bag? This tapered shape, narrower at the feet and hips, maximizes heat retention by minimizing the amount of air inside the bag that your body needs to warm. The close-fitting design also prevents warm air from escaping, ensuring you stay toasty throughout the night.
To accommodate different body types, the Wasatch comes in two size options:
- Regular: Fits most people up to 6 feet tall
- Long: Ideal for taller campers
Regardless of the size you choose, the Wasatch’s fitted hood, footbox, and zipper draft tube work together to seal in warmth, adapting to various body shapes for optimal comfort.
Hood Design: Your Personal Heat Vault
One standout feature of the Wasatch is its well-designed hood. How does the hood contribute to the bag’s overall warmth? The insulated hood can be cinched down around your head, creating a snug, draft-free fit. This design is crucial in preventing body heat from escaping through the top of the bag, where significant heat loss can occur.
For added comfort, the hood features a soft fleece lining. This thoughtful touch not only enhances warmth but also provides a cozy feel against your skin, helping you drift off to sleep more easily in the great outdoors.
Maximizing Hood Efficiency
- Adjust the hood drawcord for a personalized fit
- Use the hood even in milder temperatures to regulate body heat
- Consider wearing a lightweight beanie for extra warmth on extremely cold nights
Zipper and Draft Prevention: Sealing Out the Cold
The North Face has equipped the Wasatch with a heavy-duty Fission Zip. This anti-snag zipper is designed for smooth operation, allowing you to easily get in and out of the bag without frustrating snags or breaks. Located on the left side of the body, the zipper placement complements the mummy design, facilitating easy entry and exit despite the narrow footbox.
To further enhance the bag’s heat retention capabilities, a draft tube runs along the zipper seam. This feature effectively seals out cold air that might otherwise seep in through the zipper, ensuring your warmth isn’t compromised.
Zipper Care Tips
- Keep the zipper clean and free of debris
- Lubricate the zipper occasionally with a silicone-based lubricant
- Always zip and unzip slowly to prevent snags
Fabric and Lining: Durability Meets Comfort
What materials make up the Wasatch’s construction? The outer shell is crafted from ripstop polyester with a durable water-resistant finish. This tough exterior serves two primary purposes: it sheds light moisture to keep you dry, and it resists tearing, enhancing the bag’s longevity.
Inside, campers will find a smooth polyester taffeta lining. This soft-to-the-touch material feels great against the skin, preventing chafing and enhancing overall comfort. Additionally, the polyester lining plays a role in maintaining the bag’s loft and warmth, contributing to its impressive insulation properties.
Fabric Features at a Glance
- Ripstop polyester shell with water-resistant finish
- Tear-resistant exterior for durability
- Soft polyester taffeta lining for comfort
- Lining aids in maintaining loft and warmth
Storage Solutions: Convenience at Your Fingertips
The North Face Wasatch includes thoughtful storage options to enhance user convenience. A small pocket on the chest provides a safe place to stow essential items like a phone, keys, or flashlight. This feature eliminates the need to frantically search for valuables in the dark, adding peace of mind to your camping experience.
For music lovers, the interior pocket includes a headphone port. This allows you to run earbud cords through the bag, enabling you to listen to your favorite tunes as you fall asleep while keeping your device securely zipped away.
Organizing Your Sleeping Bag Pocket
- Store small, frequently used items for easy access
- Use a small stuff sack for loose items to prevent pocket wear
- Consider keeping a compact headlamp in the pocket for nighttime convenience
The North Face Wasatch sleeping bag combines cutting-edge insulation technology with thoughtful design features to create a sleeping solution that excels in cold weather conditions. Its 20°F temperature rating, coupled with high-quality down insulation, ensures warmth in a variety of outdoor scenarios. The mummy shape and well-designed hood maximize heat retention, while the durable exterior and comfortable lining contribute to both longevity and user comfort.
Despite its impressive warmth, the Wasatch remains lightweight and highly compressible, making it an excellent choice for backpackers and car campers alike. Additional features like the anti-snag zipper, interior storage pocket, and adjustable footbox further enhance its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.
For those seeking a versatile, warm, and comfortable sleeping bag for their cold-weather adventures, The North Face Wasatch stands out as a top contender. Its blend of performance, comfort, and thoughtful design makes it a worthy investment for anyone serious about enjoying the great outdoors, regardless of the temperature.