User Review: The North Face Dark Star

The North Face Dark Star
Above: The current Dark Star, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed March 20, 2009 by leadbelly2550

Rating:
Design: mummy
Fill: polarguard
Temperature Rating: -40 fahrenheit
Weight: 5.5 pounds
Price Paid: $125

i purchased this as a dedicated cold weather bag (it was purchased used - the prior owner used it for one season). i winter hike in the white mountains, and a zero degree-rated bag was inadequate unless i used it with a liner and a bivouac bag.

i slept in this bag in temperatures down to -20 fahrenheit this winter. because i had no experience with the bag, i also used a liner to add some warmth. i ended up shedding the liner and almost all my clothes. i don't know if the bag is as warm as its -40 degree rating, but it was more than enough for -20.

the bag has synthetic fill which is thick and feels bulky. i prefer synthetic fill because it does a better job dealing with moisture evaporation in very cold weather, but this bag is nearly six pounds in the long version - much heavier than a comparable down bag. it has a good draft tube next to the zipper, and double draft tubes at the opening, with a well-shaped hood. the hood and opening pull tight with shock cord and toggles which are a little complicated to work with. it would be a good idea to play with them and figure out how they work before you try to adjust in the dark. the bag is roomy - plenty of room for inner boots and other gear you may want to sleep with and dry out.

some nice features - a glow-in-the-dark zipper pull; a small zippered pocket for essential items, eg a small flashlight, near the top of the bag; and velcro flaps near the zipper that help fully seal the opening against the cold.

my only gripe with this bag is fitting it into my pack. even with a good compression stuff sack, this sleeping bag is comparable to a medicine ball. down bags are much better in this regard. i didn't enjoy cramming the bag into my pack, but i most certainly appreciated the warmth, the good design, and the very good workmanship.

words to the wise - do not store this or any other synthetic bag in a compression stuff sack or any other bag that limits the loft, because it could reduce the warmth of the the bag.

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Where to Buy

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Product Description

Price

Campmor 2 purchase options:	Darkstar -40 Degree Sleeping Bag Regular	$269.97	Buy Now
Campmor 2 purchase options:	Darkstar -40 Degree Sleeping Bag Long	$279.97	Buy Now