North Face Sleeping Bag Roundup

Although North Face is now best known to many people as a clothing company, they started out in the 1960s making climbing/mountaineering gear — which, naturally, included a North Face sleeping bag.

With a history of innovation, including being a pioneer of internal frame backpacks, they continue that tradition with designs like their 3-in-1 sleeping bags. They’re also known to be at least somewhat environmentally friendly, in that they use a lot of recycled material and give funding for environmental non-profits.

Here’s a list of our top picks for North Face sleeping bags…

North Face Dolomite One Sleeping Bag

The Dolomite has been my family’s go-to 3 season (not the best for winter) sleeping bag for the last 15 or so years.

I bought them about 15 years ago to use during one of my son’s Cub Scout camping trips (it rained so hard I thought our air mattresses beneath the bags were going to float away).

And both of my kids used them at Summer Camp.

Not to mention my wife and daughter used them for Girl Scout camping trips over a decade ago.

And just last Fall our daughter and her friends used them for their annual “campout with the basketball team” outing up at school (she’s in College now).

Our 4 Dolomite sleeping bags have proven to be worth every single penny that I paid for them almost 15 years ago… and going strong!

Here’s what you need to know:

The North Face Dolomite One is a 3-in-1 bag that features a top layer with 50-degree Heatseeker Eco synthetic insulation (made with recycled material) to keep you warm in mild weather, and a mid layer with 30-degree Heatseeker Eco synthetic insulation for cool nights. When combined, the two layers create a 15-degree bag for cold-weather camping. So that’s three different temperature ranges that can be handled by one bag.

While its versatility makes this an attractive option, this is by far the heaviest bag listed on this page — so not your best choice for backpacking; I’d recommend it for car camping only (or maybe motorcycle camping).

The Dolomite One is also designed with a polyester taffeta for a softer feel, as well as a comfort polyester liner on the mid layer that is super soft. And there’s a rectangular footbox that gives your legs room to move. Whether you’re new to camping or an experienced outdoorsman, the North Face Dolomite One sleeping bag is sure to keep you comfortable and cozy all night long.

You can find the Dolomite One at a good price on Amazon, or check it out on eBay.

North Face Cat’s Meow 20F

The North Face Cat’s Meow Sleeping Bag, with a shell made of 20D recycled nylon treated with non-PFC durable water-repellent, is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and warm sleeping bag. This bag is designed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as 20F. The Cyclone construction wraps the synthetic insulation around the bag in efficient, compressible, vertical baffles. This design helps the bag maintain its thermal efficiency while taking up less space in your pack.

The fully insulated hood with an insulated cinch collar is designed to seal out cold drafts, keeping your head warm. The durable YKK® 2/3 side zipper makes getting in and out of the bag easy, and helps to keep the weight of the bag down. Shock cords on the back of the bag attach to a sleeping pad so that the pad will stay in place while you sleep.

Being only one ounce less weight than the Wasatch below, but with a 10 degree colder rating, makes me think of this sleeping bag as the stand out choice for cold weather backpacking, out of all the bags on this page. And it comes in four sizes and four color combinations!

Amazon is a good bet for a low price on the Cat’s Meow, or check it out on eBay.

North Face Wasatch 30F

The North Face Wasatch 30F sleeping bag is relatively inexpensive and lightweight. It features full-length synthetic insulation made from 50% recycled content. Plus, it has a durable water-repellent finish to help keep you warm and dry.

The Wasatch 30F if designed with a full-length zip for easy entry/exit, and features an articulated hood with cinch-cord to keep your head and neck warm and comfortable. You’ll stay warm and comfortable in this sleeping bag, with a temperature rating of 30-degrees Fahrenheit (-1 Celcius) and up. Note, however, that this bag is not EN tested.

I know I said the Cat’s Meow was the stand out choice for cold weather backpacking, but if it’s not quite so cold and you want to spend less, this is the better bargain.

You can find the Wasatch 30F on Amazon, and you can probably also find it on eBay.

North Face Eco Trail Synthetic 20F Sleeping Bag

The North Face Eco Trail Synthetic 20F sleeping bag is an environmentally friendly sleeping bag option. This bag is made of 100% recycled shell fabric, features attractive embossed lining, and is filled with 100% recycled synthetic insulation, which means you can rest easy knowing you’re doing your part to reduce waste.

I consider this a second choice for cold weather backpacking behind the Cat’s Meow above, because it adds about a pound (or more for larger sizes) of extra weight. But it’s about half the price, so you might prefer to pay less and carry the extra weight.

The extended width at the knees allows for comfortable movement and the wraparound J-zip provides increased mobility and ventilation. Finally, the fitted hood with cinch-cord and draft collar provide extra comfort and keep heat from escaping, while the tie-down loops let you securely attach the bag to your sleeping pad.

I always check prices on Amazon, or you check it out on eBay.

FAQs

What makes The North Face One Bag unique?

The North Face One Bag features an innovative 3-in-1 layering system that provides three different temperature ratings in a single sleeping bag. It consists of a base layer with minimal synthetic insulation, a light synthetic top layer for mild conditions, and an 800-fill down top layer for colder weather. You can use each configuration separately or combine them for maximum warmth, giving you effective temperature ratings of approximately 40°F, 20°F, and 5°F in a single product. This versatility eliminates the need to purchase multiple seasonal sleeping bags, making it perfect for year-round campers.

How accurate are The North Face sleeping bag temperature ratings?

The North Face uses standardized ISO temperature ratings that include comfort, limit, and extreme ratings. For example, The North Face One Bag has comfort ratings of 52°F, 27°F, and 21°F for its three configurations. The limit ratings (where warm sleepers may feel cold but aren’t in danger) are 45°F, 16°F, and 8°F.

In real-world conditions, most users report these ratings are fairly accurate, though your personal experience may vary based on:

• Your natural sleeping temperature (hot or cold sleeper)
• The quality of your sleeping pad (critical for insulation from the ground)
• Humidity levels (which can affect insulation performance)
• Your sleeping clothes and whether you’re using a liner

What’s the difference between The North Face’s backpacking and car camping sleeping bags?

The North Face clearly distinguishes between their backpacking and car camping sleeping bags:

Backpacking Models (like the One Bag and Cat’s Meow):

• Prioritize lightweight materials and compact designs
• Feature mummy shapes that conserve heat efficiently
• Typically weigh between 2-3 pounds
• Use premium insulation materials for better warmth-to-weight ratio
• Include technical features like draft collars and fitted hoods

Car Camping Models (like the Cozy One and Dolomite):

• Focus on comfort with rectangular, roomier designs
• Use more durable, often heavier materials
• Typically weigh 5-10+ pounds
• Often feature softer interior fabrics
• Include convenience features like full-length zippers and larger hoods

The car camping versions give you more room to stretch out and roll around but come with significant weight penalties that make them impractical for carrying any distance.

What types of insulation does The North Face use in their sleeping bags?

The North Face uses several types of insulation, each with distinct advantages:

Down Insulation:

• ProDown – 800-fill power goose down with hydrophobic treatment to resist moisture
• RDS-Certified Down – 700-fill power down that meets Responsible Down Standard for animal welfare
• Benefits: Exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio, highly compressible, longest lifespan (10+ years with proper care)

Synthetic Insulation:

• ThermoBall Eco – Synthetic clusters that mimic down’s loft but perform better when wet
• Heatseeker Eco – Made from recycled materials, provides reliable warmth even in damp conditions
• Benefits: Maintains insulation when wet, dries faster, typically more affordable, better for allergy sufferers

The One Bag cleverly combines both technologies—using synthetic insulation in areas prone to moisture and down where maximum loft is needed—giving you the best of both worlds.

How does The North Face Green Kazoo perform in winter conditions?

The North Face Green Kazoo is a winter camping specialist with impressive cold-weather performance. With a temperature rating of 0°F (comfort rating of 15°F), it’s designed for serious winter adventures.

Real-world winter performance highlights:

• The hydrophobic 700-fill ProDown maintains loft even in humid conditions
• The trapezoidal baffle design eliminates cold spots common in other winter bags
• The draft collar and fitted hood create an effective seal against frigid air
• The full-length double zipper allows ventilation options for temperature regulation

Winter campers particularly appreciate the spacious foot box that allows wearing thick socks or stuffing boot liners inside to dry overnight. The women’s version offers additional insulation in the foot area for better warmth, reflecting different physiological needs.

What should I consider when choosing between different North Face sleeping bag models?

When selecting your ideal North Face sleeping bag, consider these key factors:

• Primary Use: Backpacking requires lightweight options like the Cat’s Meow; car camping allows for comfort-focused models like the Dolomite
• Temperature Range: Match the bag’s rating to your expected conditions, adding a 10°F buffer for comfort
• Sleeping Style: Side sleepers need more room than back sleepers; consider the Eco Trail for extra knee space
• Insulation Preference: Down for maximum warmth-to-weight; synthetic for wet conditions or allergies
• Budget Considerations: Premium down bags cost more initially but last longer (10+ years vs 5-7 for synthetic)
• Seasonal Versatility: The One Bag system offers three-season coverage in a single purchase
• Size Requirements: Taller campers should look at Long or XL options; broader shoulders may need a wider cut

Remember that a sleeping bag is part of a sleep system—pair it with an appropriate sleeping pad (with matching R-value) for optimal performance.

How do I properly care for and store my North Face sleeping bag?

Proper care dramatically extends the life of your North Face sleeping bag:

Daily Camping Care:

• Use a sleeping bag liner to minimize dirt and body oils
• Air out your bag each morning by turning it inside out
• Avoid compressing the bag when damp
• Keep away from campfire sparks and rough surfaces

Cleaning Guidelines:

• Wash only when necessary (usually once per season)
• Use a front-loading washing machine without an agitator
• Use technical wash products like Nikwax Down Wash or Grangers
• Rinse thoroughly with an extra spin cycle to remove soap
• Dry on low heat with clean tennis balls to restore loft
• Never dry clean—chemicals damage the insulation and water-resistant treatments

Storage Best Practices:

• Always store uncompressed in the large cotton storage sack provided
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Hang in a closet or store loosely in a large cotton bag
• Never store long-term in the compression sack (damages insulation)
• Consider using a cedar block to deter moths (for down bags)

With proper care, a premium North Face down bag can last 10+ years of regular use, making it a worthwhile investment for serious campers.

What warranty does The North Face offer on their sleeping bags?

The North Face backs their sleeping bags with their lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty covers:

• Zipper failures
• Seam separation
• Insulation clumping (not caused by improper care)
• Shell fabric defects

The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, accidental damage, or problems resulting from improper care. For warranty service, you can return the product to an authorized retailer or contact The North Face directly through their website.

For minor repairs like small tears or zipper issues, The North Face also offers a repair service at reasonable rates, extending the life of your sleeping bag even beyond warranty coverage. This commitment to product longevity aligns with their environmental sustainability goals.

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