share it

User Review: ALPS Mountaineering Crescent Lake 20

vote down

April 22, 2009

Rating:
Design: Mummy long
Fill: 210T Polyester
Temperature Rating: 20
Weight: 4 lb. 6 oz. (Long) /3 lb. 12 oz. (Regular)

Needed to buy my son some camping gear for Scouts and decided to splurge on a new bag for myself. Bought the Crescent Lake Long since I like extra room in my bag given my 250lb 6' frame.

First, use was during a winter camping trip in the Los Padres. Overnight temps got down to the teens. Bag felt warm and comfortable and the easy drawstring hood came in handy. Both nights slept very warm and second morning woke up with frost around the hood so I know it was cold. No question it stood up to the test for cold.

Second use was a winter camping trip to Yosemite. Overnight temps in the 20's. Given the light weight it was an easy backpack in. Unfortunately I had a mattress failure so I had little insulation between myself and the snow. My body did stay warm, but I could feel the cold against my back and did make it a bit uncomfortable. I would not blame this on the bag as you should always use an insulated ground pad for winter camping.

Third Use was an overnighter where we slept under a rain fly. Overnight temps in the 40's. Again the bag was comfortable.

Fourth use was warmer spring night. Overnight temps in the 50's. Slept in a hammock. Bag was very comfortable and not overly warm.

Overall: I am very impressed with the bag. The draft tubes keep out the cool air effectively and create a snuggly sleeping environment. The hood worked brilliantly in the cold and was easy to open and close. The stuff sack that comes with the bag has four drawcords and can pack the bag down to less than a ft^2 and can easily fit into an internal frame pack sleeping bag pocket with a lot of room to spare for a pillow or a ground pad.

My son (11) has been with me on every trip and has the smaller Crescent Lake 20 regular. He has not complained of cold either. Both of us are very satisfied customers.

The only issue I have with the bag is the zipper gets caught on the draft tube fabric and can be frustrating at times. This is minor considering the functionality of the bag in multiple conditions.