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 sleeping bag 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.
A shoulder strap pocket to hold your smart phone is a must. Gossamer Gear makes a good one that attaches to your pack with Velcro straps and features a front mesh pocket for an energy bar, lip balm and the like (large is 1.9 ounces, $22). To the pocket, I’ve connected the Koala 2.0 Super-Grip Hangtime Phone Harness (1.2 ounces, $34), so no more worries about dropping my iPhone into the drink or off some precipice while taking a photo. Bean’s Primaloft Performance lightweight crew socks ($20) and the X-Static Liner Crew Socks from Eastern Mountain Sports ($18) in my tried and true Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots. I really liked how I could cinch the hood and collar down to keep more warmth in or open it up to cool off. I also liked the two zippers, so I could open up the foot box if too hot or stretch my legs apart.
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.
The zipper broke on my warm weather bag on the second night out. Too bad too because overall I’ve had good luck with Ozark Trail stuff. Too bad the buyer at Walmart has gone to sleep on quality control on this product. Tent stakes seem to go missing in the field like socks disappear in the dryer at home. MSR sells the Mini Groundhog in a six-pack (0.35 ounces each, includes the all-important pull loop) for $30. With a spool of generic 2-millimeter window shade lift cord ($8), I was able to tie lines from loop to loop throughout my tent interior to use for hanging my sweaty socks, damp shirt and such for drying overnight.
I bought the zero degree bag and nearly froze to death. Day one, night one…the zipper tore and cord in hood broke. Day 2 …it was closer to 6 degree and I froze…I had to hike into town, replace the bag.
The zipper closure is up the side makes it easy to get into and out of in the morning. A carrying bag is included for convenient transport and storage. This camping sleeping bag is also available in a selection of colors and designs. With the Ozark Trail Kids Camping Line, you can be sure that your little ones have their own gear that fits their size and personality.
If you just can’t afford a better bag…DO NOT GO OUT IN COLD WEATHER OR YOU WILL REGRET IT. The only way you would sleep well in this bag is if you are under 5’5″ and very slender and use it summer nights or maybe push it to early fall. A little entertainment on the trail, especially when you’re alone, is a welcome thing. I’ve traded my micro MP3 player for the Jensen AM/FM Weather Band Radio, which works great, is compact (3.5 x 1 inches), and weighs just 4 ounces, including two AAA batteries.
My wife and I used these bags for four nights on our hike to Snowmass Lake on the Snowmass Creek Trail outside of…you guessed it…Snowmass, Colo. Wife had not really touched hers until she laid it out to sleep in. When she crawled in the first thing she mentioned, in about 30 seconds, was how warm and comfy it was. It can be difficult to get reliable measures of a sleeping bag by yourself…so I will use my body-measures as reference…I am 5-10 and have a 48 inch chest…the bag fits me with room to spare lengthwise and comfortably snug in the chest and torso area.
I’m on my second pair of Seirus X-treme All Weather gloves and I love them. Softshell material, waterproof (to a point) yet breathable, and light (4 ounces, $60). Thank you for choosing Wills Deals Liquidation Services for your shopping needs.