The North Face Kilo Down Bag

[GitRdone]

I recenctly purchased The North Face Kilo down bag. It is a 600 + goose dwn fill and is purported to be rated at 30 degrees. It is fairly light at 2.1 pounds and cost $179. The guy at the store talked me into it. For the price it seemed like a good purchase at the time. I am now having second thoughts.

I have not yet used it but, wanted to know if any of you have used this bag model and what your experience was particularly at the lower temp level. I am a semi warm sleeper and could get into temps at or just below the rating.

The reason I am asking is I feel I have made the wrong purchase.. I have been looking at the WM Megalite, Alpenlite, and the Super Lite realizing they are a lot more money but I also might be better satisfied with their performance.... I am going a little bit crazy looking at all the bags out there. There are a lot of variables to consider. I am on the back side of 50 and am scrutinizing everything that goes into my pack for weight and performance.

Other than the Kilo the last bag I purchased was in 1994 and was a Sierra Designs Lite-N-Up with Thinsulate. I still have this bag and have used it a lot... still not a bad synthetic bag for its age.

Thanks for any constructive thoughts because I know there are lots of experienced Backpackers out there.

Bud

[maxNcathy]

My wife and I have NFace kilo bags.We like them very much... for temps down to 34F with long johns and socks.
You will be wise to test your sleeping bag to see how it works for you before a long hike.
I will be taking my 10F sleeping bag as I go NOBO on March 19th.And for extra insurance I bought a patagonia down sweater in case temps fall below 10F.

If you are not happy with the kilo get a warmer bag for early spring and late fall use.For those colder adventures check out the WM Versalite. Now that seems like the RRoyce of lightweight warmer bags.
My own 10F bag is a Moonstone PCT which I like very much.I bought it new and got it half price at $190.
Keep well, Max
Sandalwood

[rswanson]

Bud,

I own both a WM Ultralight Super and the Kilobag's big brother, the Blue Kazoo. There is no comparison between WM bags and the 600 FP North Face bags. The WM bags are superior in every way and I feel you get
what you pay for. That said, my North Face bag is reliable to its temp rating of 20 degrees. I have no issues with the construction of the bag either.

WM bags are rated conservatively and my Ultralight (listed as a 20 degree bag) is good down to about 10 degrees (for me) with a lightweight baselayer. If you have the money to spend, I'd get one. If you do, consider the Summerlight as well as the other WM bags you mentioned. But, I'll bet you can get by down to freezing and below in the TNF bag if you have some clothing to supplement it. If you're carrying a high-loft synthetic or down jacket/vest, and poly long johns, you should be ok. Give it a test before you have to rely on it to work, though.

[Jim Adams]

I bought a Kilo when they first came out (6--7 years ago?) and it is still going strong. I would recommend trying it at low temps before relying on it for an extended hike. Body metabolism changes day to day. I have been totally warm and toasty in it at 25* and also cold at 35*. Seems to me that the 32* rating is still pretty accurate. I switched out of a 0* and into my Kilo in Damascus on my '02 thru and used it to Pa. then got it back in Ct. and used it to Glencliff. It worked great. I still use it as much as I can, it is my favorite bag. I like it so much that I bought one each for my son and my daughter. Good bag!
geek

[Peaks]

Three observations:

First, with all gear, there are choices to be made based on weight, price, and performance/function.

Second, no one piece of gear is best or works for everyone.

Third, when your think about it, are there really significant differences between different brands of sleeping bags?

So, as long as the length is appropriate for you, the sleeping bag you bought should work as good as any for the temperature rating. And, we can all spend more money and get something nicer/better, but is the price worth it?

[Jim Adams]

Three observations:

...And, we can all spend more money and get something nicer/better, but is the price worth it?
Usually.;)
geek

[GitRdone]

Thanks for all the replies...good to hear from folks who actually own one but more importantly I am really on the same page as all of you. I am one of those who tends to over analyze and I am also the 60 question guy..my electrical engineer friend is the 120 question guy so I don't feel so bad most of the time :) . I'll take this bag out first chance I get and give it a decent test. At the very least, it will be a good summer bag.

Thanks,

Bud

[rswanson]

Hey Bud, no worries. If you're a bona-fide gear junkie like me, you don't mind answering any and all questions.

I think you'll get more than summer usage out of that bag. With proper clothing, must folks could thru-hike with it.

[DrewNC2005]

I bought about 3 bags trying to find the best for my situation. Finally broke down and bought a WM Megalite and it was one of the best gear-related decisions I've made.