The Ozark Trail Cocoon 200 comes with a large zipper that is available in both a left and right option. The large zippers are a bit of overkill in my opinion…but for folks who like to pull their way out of a difficult situation when it comes to zippers…the overly-robust zipper should prevent some unpleasant mishaps resulting from unwarranted zipper pulling. As unimaginable as it is…the following is a highly favorable review of a wonderful piece of kit manufactured by a company that has a less than perfect reputation. I think the expensive bags are just marketing and overengineering, unless you are going to the arctic. You can buy an expensive bag if you think it will make you more hardcore, but I will gladly tell everyone how hardcore you are if you pay me to do so. I was on a budget so I figured I would go with a less expensive bag.
Ear buds, compliments of Delta Airlines, complete the package. An emergency rain poncho from Walmart (Ozark Trail, 1.4 ounces, $3) lives in my day pack, so on those days when you leave the house without a rain jacket, well, at least you’re covered. Ben’s (maker of the ultimate bug repellent) Invisinet does the trick (1 ounce, $12); it resides in the pack during bug season. I do a lot of winter backpacking and needed a bag for my big, but short haired, canine companion. I picked this up at Walmart one day and have had it for two years it has withstood 4 continuous months of winter backpacking the AT. This involved a big dog crawling in an out of it every night for a third of a year and never once tearing it with his claws.
The zippers come along the whole length of the sleeping bag, ensuring you safety from insect bite or frost bite. This washable sleeping bag also has elastic roll-up straps that help you to fold and store it easily. Whoever said, “it’s the little things in life that matter,” or whatever variation thereof, was definitely on to something, especially when it comes to hiking and backpacking gear. The big things – pack, tent, sleeping bag and such – yes, they’re huge, but a few key small items can really provide an extra measure of comfort, convenience and safety out on the trail.
Cash savings which can in turn be used to purchase better shoes…a better pack…and a better shelter…which will increase enjoyment in the outdoors infinitely more than a fluffy fancy-labeled sleeping bag by every step a person takes…ounce he or she carries…and drop of rain he or she is shielded from. This sleeping bag I always sleep in @ night @ home because I like it better than a regular blanket. It is terribly heavy for backpacking and definitely not rated correctly.
I can’t say I was warm, but I wasn’t shivering, freezing, or cold either, although I did wear 2 layers of clothing. I won’t ever buy an expensive sleeping bag after carrying this cheapo, unless I can find a cheap bag that weighs a lot less. Along the zipper a grosgrain zipper-stiffener and a pleasantly over-sized draft tube runs the entire length of the bag…features one comes to expect of high-end ozark trail canopy bags to be sure…but not something I would necessarily expect from an $80 sleeping-bag. I have never really had the problems with zippers that others complain about…but in the year of testing I have subjected this bag to I was always easily able to zip the bag open and closed using a single hand…and the draft tubes kept that cold zipper and drafts on the other side of my warm pocket of air.
I’m on my second pair of Seirus X-treme All Weather gloves and I love them. Softshell material, waterproof (to a point) yet ozark trail chair breathable, and light (4 ounces, $60). Thank you for choosing Wills Deals Liquidation Services for your shopping needs.