AsABat
2004-10-04 02:51:43 UTC
My IR follows. The HTML version with photographs is available in the
Test/Tests folder at
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/Sierra%20Designs%
20Van%20Winkle%20Sleeping%20Bag%20-%20IR%20Bill%20J/
SIERRA DESIGNS VAN WINKLE SLEEPING BAG - INITIAL REPORT
by Bill "AsABat" Jeffrey
Email: wjj2001 "at" yahoo "dot" com
October 3, 2004
TESTER PERSONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Bill Jeffrey
46 year old male, 6'4" (193 cm) tall, 225 pounds (102 kg)
San Diego County, California
Email: wjj2001 "at" yahoo "dot" com
I have over 30 years backpacking experience, starting with Scouting
as a youth. I am currently the High Adventure Leader for a Scout
Troop. I try to get out once or twice a month, plus at least one week-
long trek each year. My trips are of two types. First, I am hiking
the Pacific Crest Trail in sections, and generally use a lightweight
approach on these typically solo trips. Other trips involving family
involve more traditional backpacking equipment. Terrain varies from
sea level to 14,000 feet (4,300 m), desert to mountain, and trail to
cross country, occasionally including snow travel.
Sierra Designs claims that the hood will "allow you to configure it
for your preferred sleeping position" and includes belly, side, and
back sleepers. If this was a multiple choice test I would choose "D" -
all of the above, although I prefer to call my sleeping
position "occupy as much space as possible."
THIS IS THE FIRST OF THREE REPORTS OF THE SIERRA DESIGNS VAN WINKLE
SLEEPING BAG and is based solely on inspection at home. Future
reports will describe my experiences with the sleeping bag over two
and then six months.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The Van Winkle is manufactured by Sierra Designs. The manufacturer's
website at http://www.sierradesigns.com has detailed information on
the unique features of this bag. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail
Price is $229.95.
The sleeping bag arrived by UPS Ground in a corrugated box in fine
condition. I cut the box open very carefully and was glad I did, as
the sleeping bag, in its storage bag, completely filled the large
box. Cutting the box open with a large knife could have been
disastrous.
Included in the box were:
* Sleeping bag, which I weighed at 4 pounds (1.81 kg) (PHOTO)
* Nylon stuff sack, blue, 18 inches (46 cm) long and 8 inches (20 cm)
in diameter (both measured and per manufacturer), 2 oz (57 g)
* Cotton storage bag, bright orange, approximately 30 inches (76 cm)
long and 13 inches (33 cm) in diameter, 4.5 oz (128 g)
* An attached tri-fold card describing the features of the sleeping
bag and how to adjust the NightCap Hood (TM) for sleeping on one's
side, belly, or back.
The claimed weight of the sleeping bag is 3 pounds 3 ounces (1.45 kg)
according to the hang tag and 3 pounds 6 ounces (1.53 kg) according
to Sierra Designs' website, but mine weighed 4 pounds (1.81 kg),
which is 13 ounces (369 g) or 25% more than that listed on the hang
tag. I was very disappointed, but not surprised, to find that the bag
weighed so much more than advertised. I do not understand how the
manufacturer weighed the bag. Slight variations in fabric weights do
occur between lots, but this seems excessive. Maybe they only weighed
the down fill and shell fabric and left out the weight of the zippers
and webbing!
The sleeping bag is made of smooth 50D polyester, rust orange color
outside and black inside. There is a faint pattern to the fabric
which I presume must be what the manufacturer calls "octa-rip"
or "fancy ripstop" as the typical heavier ripstop threads are not
present. The outer fabric has a durable water repellent (DWR) finish.
The inner fabric is claimed to be moisture wicking. The fabric tag
states the finished size is 94 x 31 inches (239 x 79 cm), which is
what I measured the fabric of the shell to be when laid perfectly
flat. The girth of the bag is also listed different on the hang tag
and website, as follows:
Per hang tag Per website My
Girth Normal Flexed Normal Flexed Measurement
Shoulder 62" 68" 66" 72" 66"
(157 cm) (173 cm)(168 cm)(183 cm)(168 cm) (measured inside
sleeping bag at longest seam)
Middle 56" 62" 56" 62" 56"
(142 cm) (157 cm)(142 cm)(157 cm)(142 cm)
Ankle 41" 43" 42" 44" 41"
(104 cm) (109 cm)(107 cm)(112 cm)(104 cm)(measured inside
sleeping bag one seam up from the bottom end of the bag)
The Van Winkle is filled with 28 ounces (794 g) of 600 Fill Goose
Down, according to Sierra Designs' website, although the weight could
not be measured. The fabric content tag indicated that the contents
were "Goose Down Minimum Down 75%. This was on a sticker which
covered printing on the tag stating "Goose Down Minimum 80% Goose
Down." The fabric care tag simply says "Goose Down." There is
embroidery on the bag reading "Van Winkle 600" which does suggest the
down is 600 fill. Because none of the tags sewn on the bag state the
down quality, I do not know if the fabric content tag was originally
printed incorrectly and corrected with the sticker, or if the quality
of down used in the bag changed after the tags were printed. A higher
percentage of down versus feathers results in higher loft for the
same weight, and, therefore, less fill is needed for the same loft.
The seams all appear to be well made and free of stray threads. The
fabric appears to be very down proof, having only found two stray
feathers poking out in a week of pushing and poking at the bag. The
outside fabric is water repellant, and a couple tablespoons of water
dropped on the bag just sat there in a pool until wiped up (PHOTO).
The inside fabric is "quick drying" and "highly wicking." Water drops
on the inside spread across the fabric quickly.
The Van Winkle is one of Sierra Designs' Flex (TM) sleeping bags.
According to Sierra Designs, "The Flex construction has flexible,
expandable baffles that increase the girth where you need it, without
creating empty spaces that lead to cold spots." The outside baffle
seams look like they are elastic (PHOTO), and stretch. The inside
seams do not stretch.
Another unique feature of this bag is the NightCap Hood (TM). The
hood has two drawstrings. The first, a round cord, is in the usual
location to cinch the hood closed around the face. The second is
located just short of the top of the hood. If this flat lace is left
loose, the hood has enough room up top for me to sleep with my arms
extended over my head while still inside the warmth of the bag, or to
sleep with my arms under my head like a pillow. With the NightCap
Hood and Flex Construction, it is possible to sleep in any position
with all arms inside the bag, and to turn inside the bag without the
usual restriction of a mummy bag. (PHOTOS)
The main zipper is a 66 inch (168 cm) YKK zipper. This zipper can
also be opened near the foot of the bag for ventilation. The long
bags are right-zippered. There is a second zipper on the left side
that is just 7.5 inches (19 cm) long that will open the top of the
bag a few inches for extra ventilation. Both zippers are backed by
insulated draft tubes to keep out the cold. The draft tubes have a
heavier fabric facing the zipper to prevent snagging the zipper in
the fabric.
Attached to the bottom of the sleeping bag are two Pad Locks (TM).
These are thin web straps attached at either side of the shoulder and
midsection of the bag. They are light and easy to use, adjusting with
a ladder lock buckle. The lower Pad Lock is sewn with a spacing of
23.5 inches (60 cm). The spacing between the Pad Lock at the
shoulders is 24 inches (61 cm). It is possible to put a somewhat
wider pad in, but this will cause the sleeping bag to spread wider
and lose vertical space inside as well as flatting the loft. Narrower
pads will fit well, of course, but tightening the Pad Locks too
securely around them will cause the sides of the bag to pull
together, narrowing the room inside. (PHOTOS) Leaving them a bit
loose still keeps the pad under the bag.
The stuff sack is made of fabric a bit heavier than the sleeping
bag's shell. The seams are all finished and there is a pull loop at
the bottom to hold them sack while removing the sleeping bag. The
draw string is sturdy and has a toggle closure, but the round flap to
close the sack has unfinished edges that show a tendency to unravel
and is, in my opinion, just a bit too small. The stuff sack itself is
properly sized for the sleeping bag, requiring just a bit of effort
to stuff the last bit of sleeping bag inside.
INITIAL IMPRESSION:
So far, in the comfort of my living room, the Van Winkle is even more
comfortable than advertised. The Flex Construction allows more
freedom in the bag without compromising warmth. The NightCap Hood is
the most roomiest hood I've seen on a mummy bag, and I appreciate the
room to stretch my arms over my head. My one big disappointment is
that the weight is significantly more than advertised. I suspect this
will limit my use of the bag during warmer months.
NEXT: The Van Winkle will be used on all my trips during the next
several months. These will be primarily in the deserts of Southern
California where the nighttime temperatures can dip to freezing.
Subsequent trips will include a snow camp at 7,000 feet (2,100 m) in
February. I expect temperatures around 15 degrees F (-9 C) and
possible rain and snow. During this test I will look at how well the
Flex Construction and NightCap Hood accommodate my varied sleeping
positions, focusing on comfort and warmth.
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Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackGearTest/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
BackpackGearTest-unsubscribe-***@public.gmane.org
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Test/Tests folder at
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/Sierra%20Designs%
20Van%20Winkle%20Sleeping%20Bag%20-%20IR%20Bill%20J/
SIERRA DESIGNS VAN WINKLE SLEEPING BAG - INITIAL REPORT
by Bill "AsABat" Jeffrey
Email: wjj2001 "at" yahoo "dot" com
October 3, 2004
TESTER PERSONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Bill Jeffrey
46 year old male, 6'4" (193 cm) tall, 225 pounds (102 kg)
San Diego County, California
Email: wjj2001 "at" yahoo "dot" com
I have over 30 years backpacking experience, starting with Scouting
as a youth. I am currently the High Adventure Leader for a Scout
Troop. I try to get out once or twice a month, plus at least one week-
long trek each year. My trips are of two types. First, I am hiking
the Pacific Crest Trail in sections, and generally use a lightweight
approach on these typically solo trips. Other trips involving family
involve more traditional backpacking equipment. Terrain varies from
sea level to 14,000 feet (4,300 m), desert to mountain, and trail to
cross country, occasionally including snow travel.
Sierra Designs claims that the hood will "allow you to configure it
for your preferred sleeping position" and includes belly, side, and
back sleepers. If this was a multiple choice test I would choose "D" -
all of the above, although I prefer to call my sleeping
position "occupy as much space as possible."
THIS IS THE FIRST OF THREE REPORTS OF THE SIERRA DESIGNS VAN WINKLE
SLEEPING BAG and is based solely on inspection at home. Future
reports will describe my experiences with the sleeping bag over two
and then six months.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The Van Winkle is manufactured by Sierra Designs. The manufacturer's
website at http://www.sierradesigns.com has detailed information on
the unique features of this bag. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail
Price is $229.95.
The sleeping bag arrived by UPS Ground in a corrugated box in fine
condition. I cut the box open very carefully and was glad I did, as
the sleeping bag, in its storage bag, completely filled the large
box. Cutting the box open with a large knife could have been
disastrous.
Included in the box were:
* Sleeping bag, which I weighed at 4 pounds (1.81 kg) (PHOTO)
* Nylon stuff sack, blue, 18 inches (46 cm) long and 8 inches (20 cm)
in diameter (both measured and per manufacturer), 2 oz (57 g)
* Cotton storage bag, bright orange, approximately 30 inches (76 cm)
long and 13 inches (33 cm) in diameter, 4.5 oz (128 g)
* An attached tri-fold card describing the features of the sleeping
bag and how to adjust the NightCap Hood (TM) for sleeping on one's
side, belly, or back.
The claimed weight of the sleeping bag is 3 pounds 3 ounces (1.45 kg)
according to the hang tag and 3 pounds 6 ounces (1.53 kg) according
to Sierra Designs' website, but mine weighed 4 pounds (1.81 kg),
which is 13 ounces (369 g) or 25% more than that listed on the hang
tag. I was very disappointed, but not surprised, to find that the bag
weighed so much more than advertised. I do not understand how the
manufacturer weighed the bag. Slight variations in fabric weights do
occur between lots, but this seems excessive. Maybe they only weighed
the down fill and shell fabric and left out the weight of the zippers
and webbing!
The sleeping bag is made of smooth 50D polyester, rust orange color
outside and black inside. There is a faint pattern to the fabric
which I presume must be what the manufacturer calls "octa-rip"
or "fancy ripstop" as the typical heavier ripstop threads are not
present. The outer fabric has a durable water repellent (DWR) finish.
The inner fabric is claimed to be moisture wicking. The fabric tag
states the finished size is 94 x 31 inches (239 x 79 cm), which is
what I measured the fabric of the shell to be when laid perfectly
flat. The girth of the bag is also listed different on the hang tag
and website, as follows:
Per hang tag Per website My
Girth Normal Flexed Normal Flexed Measurement
Shoulder 62" 68" 66" 72" 66"
(157 cm) (173 cm)(168 cm)(183 cm)(168 cm) (measured inside
sleeping bag at longest seam)
Middle 56" 62" 56" 62" 56"
(142 cm) (157 cm)(142 cm)(157 cm)(142 cm)
Ankle 41" 43" 42" 44" 41"
(104 cm) (109 cm)(107 cm)(112 cm)(104 cm)(measured inside
sleeping bag one seam up from the bottom end of the bag)
The Van Winkle is filled with 28 ounces (794 g) of 600 Fill Goose
Down, according to Sierra Designs' website, although the weight could
not be measured. The fabric content tag indicated that the contents
were "Goose Down Minimum Down 75%. This was on a sticker which
covered printing on the tag stating "Goose Down Minimum 80% Goose
Down." The fabric care tag simply says "Goose Down." There is
embroidery on the bag reading "Van Winkle 600" which does suggest the
down is 600 fill. Because none of the tags sewn on the bag state the
down quality, I do not know if the fabric content tag was originally
printed incorrectly and corrected with the sticker, or if the quality
of down used in the bag changed after the tags were printed. A higher
percentage of down versus feathers results in higher loft for the
same weight, and, therefore, less fill is needed for the same loft.
The seams all appear to be well made and free of stray threads. The
fabric appears to be very down proof, having only found two stray
feathers poking out in a week of pushing and poking at the bag. The
outside fabric is water repellant, and a couple tablespoons of water
dropped on the bag just sat there in a pool until wiped up (PHOTO).
The inside fabric is "quick drying" and "highly wicking." Water drops
on the inside spread across the fabric quickly.
The Van Winkle is one of Sierra Designs' Flex (TM) sleeping bags.
According to Sierra Designs, "The Flex construction has flexible,
expandable baffles that increase the girth where you need it, without
creating empty spaces that lead to cold spots." The outside baffle
seams look like they are elastic (PHOTO), and stretch. The inside
seams do not stretch.
Another unique feature of this bag is the NightCap Hood (TM). The
hood has two drawstrings. The first, a round cord, is in the usual
location to cinch the hood closed around the face. The second is
located just short of the top of the hood. If this flat lace is left
loose, the hood has enough room up top for me to sleep with my arms
extended over my head while still inside the warmth of the bag, or to
sleep with my arms under my head like a pillow. With the NightCap
Hood and Flex Construction, it is possible to sleep in any position
with all arms inside the bag, and to turn inside the bag without the
usual restriction of a mummy bag. (PHOTOS)
The main zipper is a 66 inch (168 cm) YKK zipper. This zipper can
also be opened near the foot of the bag for ventilation. The long
bags are right-zippered. There is a second zipper on the left side
that is just 7.5 inches (19 cm) long that will open the top of the
bag a few inches for extra ventilation. Both zippers are backed by
insulated draft tubes to keep out the cold. The draft tubes have a
heavier fabric facing the zipper to prevent snagging the zipper in
the fabric.
Attached to the bottom of the sleeping bag are two Pad Locks (TM).
These are thin web straps attached at either side of the shoulder and
midsection of the bag. They are light and easy to use, adjusting with
a ladder lock buckle. The lower Pad Lock is sewn with a spacing of
23.5 inches (60 cm). The spacing between the Pad Lock at the
shoulders is 24 inches (61 cm). It is possible to put a somewhat
wider pad in, but this will cause the sleeping bag to spread wider
and lose vertical space inside as well as flatting the loft. Narrower
pads will fit well, of course, but tightening the Pad Locks too
securely around them will cause the sides of the bag to pull
together, narrowing the room inside. (PHOTOS) Leaving them a bit
loose still keeps the pad under the bag.
The stuff sack is made of fabric a bit heavier than the sleeping
bag's shell. The seams are all finished and there is a pull loop at
the bottom to hold them sack while removing the sleeping bag. The
draw string is sturdy and has a toggle closure, but the round flap to
close the sack has unfinished edges that show a tendency to unravel
and is, in my opinion, just a bit too small. The stuff sack itself is
properly sized for the sleeping bag, requiring just a bit of effort
to stuff the last bit of sleeping bag inside.
INITIAL IMPRESSION:
So far, in the comfort of my living room, the Van Winkle is even more
comfortable than advertised. The Flex Construction allows more
freedom in the bag without compromising warmth. The NightCap Hood is
the most roomiest hood I've seen on a mummy bag, and I appreciate the
room to stretch my arms over my head. My one big disappointment is
that the weight is significantly more than advertised. I suspect this
will limit my use of the bag during warmer months.
NEXT: The Van Winkle will be used on all my trips during the next
several months. These will be primarily in the deserts of Southern
California where the nighttime temperatures can dip to freezing.
Subsequent trips will include a snow camp at 7,000 feet (2,100 m) in
February. I expect temperatures around 15 degrees F (-9 C) and
possible rain and snow. During this test I will look at how well the
Flex Construction and NightCap Hood accommodate my varied sleeping
positions, focusing on comfort and warmth.
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Yahoo! Companion Toolbar.
Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/V4TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
To read our reviews, please visit http://www.backpackgeartest.org/
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackGearTest/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
BackpackGearTest-unsubscribe-***@public.gmane.org
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/