View Full Version : Will TNF Cat's Meow work as UL bag?
Phoenix7
09-15-2007, 04:07
As far as 20deg. rated bags go, the Cat's Meow seems to have decent weight properties. Is there something better out there? I like down in the Winter, but for 3-season use I'd fear it would get soaked and become useless, so I like the idea of a synthetic-fill bag.
Any ideas, suggestions?
Thank you,
Phoenix
Two Speed
09-15-2007, 07:26
The Cat's Meow is definitely a good bag but most folks don't consider it UL these days. However, if you're gonna insist on sticking with synthetic I think it's a decent choice, particularly if you're getting a good price on it.
bigcranky
09-15-2007, 08:06
If you want truly UL synthetic, you could look at the Cocoon quilts over at BPL. Not cheap -- not by a long shot -- but light. You could also make your own, for a lot less $$$.
The Cat's Meow is a nice, classic synth bag, but it's hardly UL.
Finally, you might reconsider your down aversion for three-season use. Two things to consider: 1) while it is possible to get your sleeping bag soaking wet to the point where it's unusable, that takes a surprising amount of effort, and 2) a soaking wet synthetic bag isn't really "warm when wet." Just be careful with it, and a sub-25 ounce down bag will be lighter, and pack up much smaller, than the TNF bag.
In case you don't already know it, the temperature rating of the Cat's Meow is VERY over rated. I owned one quite some time ago and had a near disaster when the temperature plunged. Figure on it being a high 20's bag, at best. BTW... I've been a strickly down bag hiker for quite a few years, now.
Phoenix7
09-15-2007, 08:41
Thanks for the replies, it helps me a lot. If I can find something lighter I will.
TY,
Phoenix
I had a Cats Meow from a few (4?) years ago; it's a fine bag, but from my perception today it's way too bulky and heavy --- mine weighed 45 ounces, without the stuff sack. I actually used a compression stuff sack, due to the bulk, so the real weight was over 3 pounds.
My wife has a relatively new "rated to 20 degree bag" by Western Mountaineering that weighs 30.6 ounces. Less bulky, and WM bags are well regarded in terms of how the temp rating matches up to reality, though of course YMMV due to a host of factors like personal body chemistry, clothing worn, etc etc.
Her bag is down, not synthetic, and was more expensive than the cat's meow. I live in the Pacific Northwet (misspelling intentional <g>), so never used to consider a down bag. Now it's all I use; it's just about taking reasonable care. I personally use a bag rated to 32 degrees for all but winter camping, and in colder weather augment with clothing. My bag weighs 20.4 oz and packs quite small (without a compression stuff sack).
There are a lot of options out there, but if you're serious about the term "UL", go with down and just take care. And expect to pay more for the bag.
TexasDreamer
09-15-2007, 15:56
LOVE my Western mountaineering Ultralight. Have a lot of mileage on it, in all kind of weather and still going strong. Don't be afraid of down--the rest of your shelter/tent setup would have to be pretty bad to damage it enough to be a problem. One thing people rarely mention when talking about bags: as with all light weight gear, they are more delicate--not from the down, but from the lightness of the fabric. Your skill level has to go up a notch when using any lightweight gear. I use a tyvek groundsheet under my lightweight bag to protect it, even in shelters.
The Solemates
09-15-2007, 17:16
In case you don't already know it, the temperature rating of the Cat's Meow is VERY over rated. I owned one quite some time ago and had a near disaster when the temperature plunged. Figure on it being a high 20's bag, at best. BTW... I've been a strickly down bag hiker for quite a few years, now.
I completely disagree. I have a Cats Meow that is almost 15 years old and it still keeps me warm to about 30 degrees. When it was new I spent many a nights in the teens and never was cold. Thats compared to some of the other bags that Ive had of similar temperature that caused me to get cold.
In case you don't already know it, the temperature rating of the Cat's Meow is VERY over rated. I owned one quite some time ago and had a near disaster when the temperature plunged. Figure on it being a high 20's bag, at best. BTW... I've been a strickly down bag hiker for quite a few years, now.
I'll second that! Its says 20*, but I dont take it down below 40*...
I bet they were quite different even ten years ago. Alot of changes in the last several years.
Mines only a year old. I do tend to need to be warmer than most when I sleep, but I would not count on that bag to keep me warm in cooler weather. (thats what my Montbell is for!!)
To put my temperature rating into perspective. I just returned from my thru hike of the Long Trail where I used a 50F Mont-Bell #7 bag down to under 40F regularly wearing only shorts and a T shirt. I sleep VERY warm.
Passionphish
09-15-2007, 22:37
Check out the quilts over at Fanatic Fringe! A pound lighter than the cat's meow, best synthetic insulation and you will sweat in the quilt in the 30's. I love mine! Just be sure to tuck it in! If I expect to get into the 20's or lower I use my Big Agnes!! I'm a big guy and just love their stuff!
Appalachian Tater
09-16-2007, 05:10
As far as 20deg. rated bags go, the Cat's Meow seems to have decent weight properties. Is there something better out there? I like down in the Winter, but for 3-season use I'd fear it would get soaked and become useless, so I like the idea of a synthetic-fill bag.
Any ideas, suggestions?
Thank you,
Phoenix
A synthetic bag is just as useless as a down bag when soaked. The exterior fabric is usually fairly waterproof, anyway.