User Review: The North Face Tundra

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

Reviewed December 6, 2004 by Nutnfancy

Rating:
Design: Mummy
Fill: PolarGuard Delta
Temperature Rating: -20
Weight: 5 lbs
Price Paid: $219

I didn't want to believe it but this bag is not warm. I do not blame the bag's construction: it is superb. Super high quality grid nylon, design, and stitching make North Face bags as good as any out there.

The problem is the insulation. This was the first time I used PolarGuard Delta and has studied its properties before buying this and some other NF Bags (Snowshoe, Cat's Meow). I was intrigued by its lighter weight, high lofting properties even when wet (very important when winter camping), and supposed warmth. But despite the promises, I ended up very disappointed. In a sucession of 10 degree tent camping excursions in the mountains in Utah the North Face Tundra failed to keep me toasty.

And toasty it should have been, as it's rated at -20 below. And yes, I had Thermax long johns on and some good body fuel in the "tank" to produce warmth. I did not get cold, but could only achieve a lukewarm uncomfortable state that prevented good sleep. I wasn't warm until I donned my LL Bean Primaloft snow suit and wore it in the bag.

I also noticed that the PolarGuard Delta insulation lacked "drape," that is the ability to mimic down and drape around voids negating lingering air pockets that sap body heat. This bag was returned to Campmor due to this unacceptable performance. Truly a heartbraker as its weight, size, and construction was everything I had been looking for.

What did I end up getting (for now)? An REI Primaloft "Nooksak" for $189 rated at 10 degrees. I tested this back in 15 degree weather and it was adequately warm. I think Primaloft is a better mimicry of down: more drapeable, softer, warmer, and more comfortable. And my experience shows it's fairly durable as well (the snow suit that has it is over 10 yrs old and has been through several washings). Only more testing with the REI Nooksak will prove its real world worth but it looks promising for 10 degree or warmer conditions. But the market truly is lacking a synthetic truly warm at -20 degree bag that is light and compressible. The quest continues...

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Where to Buy

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Product Description

Price

Campmor 2 purchase options:	Tundra -20 Degree Sleeping Bag - Regular	$209.97	Buy Now
Campmor 2 purchase options:	Tundra -20 Degree Sleeping Bag - Long	$219.97	Buy Now