This review dives into the Coleman North Rim 0-Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag, examining its features, comfort levels, and overall value for the price. We'll explore its practicality for various camping scenarios, focusing on the experiences of a 6'2" user to provide a realistic assessment of its size and fit. Key aspects covered include the bag's construction quality, zipper functionality, hood design, and the effectiveness of its temperature rating. We'll also discuss the included stuff sack and any potential drawbacks related to packing and storage.This detailed analysis will help you determine if the Coleman North Rim sleeping bag is a suitable choice for your needs. We'll assess its performance in moderately cold temperatures, addressing whether the advertised 0-degree rating is accurate and considering the bag's suitability for car camping, overlanding, and other outdoor adventures. Ultimately, we aim to provide a balanced perspective, highlighting both the pros and cons to help you make an informed purchasing decision based on your budget and camping style.
Pros And Cons
- Comes with a stuff sack (though difficult to use)
- Washable in a washing machine
- Has two zippers for easy access
- Zipper padding prevents discomfort
- Good stitching quality
- Drawstring hood works well
- Affordable price (around $47-$51)
- Includes velcro straps for additional closure
- Comfortable for multiple nights of use
- Stuff sack is difficult to use
- Box-shaped footbox may be tight for people with large feet
- Limited extra space, may be tight for taller individuals
- Does not unzip completely down the bottom
- Hood size might be too big for some
- Zero-degree rating might be inaccurate
Read more: Best Mummy Camping Sleeping Bags: Top 5 Picks
Stuff Sack and Bag Dimensions
The Coleman North Rim sleeping bag comes with a stuff sack, though I personally find it difficult to repack. Many sleeping bags share this issue; it's often a tight squeeze. While my Marmot and wife's North Face bags included compression straps, this Coleman bag does not. It's simply a drawstring bag.
The foot box is boxy rather than tapered, a design choice that affects comfort. My size 13 feet fit, but with minimal space. Those with larger feet should be aware of this limitation. The bag's stated length is for a 6'1" person; I'm 6'2", and while I fit, there's not much extra room.
If you have big feet or are tall, it might be a bit snug. Smaller feet would significantly increase comfort for my height. The bag includes loops for hanging or packing, which appear well-sewn and robust.
Zippers, Hood, and Baffle
The sleeping bag has a bright red zipper, easily visible in low-light conditions. It features dual zippers for convenience, allowing for easy access from both sides. While not completely effortless, zipping up is manageable, even if the bag is slightly askew.
The hood includes a drawstring for adjustment, offering a decent level of comfort, although slightly large for my preference. The bag's shoulders provide ample space. The construction seems well-made for the price point.
A chest baffle with Velcro closures is present, although I didn't notice any significant impact on warmth. This baffle secures the zipper, preventing it from rubbing against the skin. The stitching quality appears very good overall.
Overall Comfort and Temperature Rating
The interior padding near the zipper prevents chafing, providing a comfortable experience. The bag's overall comfort is good, and I never felt trapped or claustrophobic. I used it for three or four nights without significant issues.
The sleeping bag's zero-degree rating is questionable. I used it in the low 40s/high 30s Fahrenheit while wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants, suggesting the rating may be optimistic. Even so, it offered adequate warmth for the conditions.
This bag's extra velcro strap adds a feature that I'm unsure is necessary. It allows you to close the bag while unzipped, perhaps for ventilation. This wasn't needed in my experience.
Final Verdict
The Coleman North Rim sleeping bag is a decent option, especially considering its price (around $47 on Amazon and $51 at Walmart). While not the highest-end bag, it offers good value for budget-conscious overlanders and car campers.
Its comfort is acceptable, but the zero-degree rating is likely overstated. The features are functional, though some (like the extra Velcro strap) seem unnecessary. For its price, it's a reasonable choice.
Overall, this bag offers great value. If you're on a budget and need a bag for car camping or overlanding, it's a solid option. Just don’t expect it to perform perfectly in truly frigid conditions.