EMS Down Under 25

Review Date
August 28, 2001

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: Steve (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from OR

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I agree with the previous review. This bag is not good for backpacking.

Customer Service:
Again, I agree with the previous post

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
August 27, 2001

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Gary(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from NH

Price Paid:  $119.00 at EMS

Summary:
Purchased this bag a few months ago because my old 30deg REI bag was looking pretty ragged after 10 years of use. Well I am now back to using my old REI bag because it is warmer than this new one from EMS! I am a pretty average sleeper and I was really cold in this bag when the temperature dropped into the low 30's. I had to wear all my clothes to stay warm. And that's not the only thing I didn't like about the bag. The the zipper constantly snagged, the stitching didn't look like it would last my first trip let alone many years, and the down was coming out at the seams. This is not the first EMS product to fail for me over the years.

Overall, I would not recommend this bag (or anything with EMS on it) to anyone!

Customer Service:
When I returned this bag they would only give me store credit after I argued with them for about a half hour. I kept my composure but it sure was tough, they were so rude! My past returns were also difficult. The sales help was no help at all. They were mostly inexperinced high school kids with no product training.

I live in NH and I remember when EMS was locally owned and they were a fine company to deal with. However, several years ago they were bought by a rich family in Europe and the level service plumeted. Now I gladly drive 2 hours to the REI in MA for all my gear.

Similar Products Used:
I've had and tried many bags over my 30 years of backpacking.

Review Date
August 27, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Jerry G(Unregistered User) ,  Paddler , from Dekalb, IL

Price Paid:  $99.00 at EMS

Summary:
What a great sleeping bag for the $. Compresses to the size of a
loaf of bread. I use this bag primarily as a 3 season bag. I agree
with the other reviewers that its probably best for above freezing
temps. The bag has proved sturdy and simple in design. Wish the
zipper was full length. This is a great deal for a down bag that in
my view beats synthetics.

Customer Service:
EMS people have always been quite helpful.

Similar Products Used:
Sierra designs, REI, coleman, slumberjack.

Review Date
July 2, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: z3kracer(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from maryland

Price Paid:  $69.00 at e.m.s.

Summary:
this bag is fantastic. got it on sale for $99 and had special coupons for the other $30. anyways, it comes with me on all my trips. i will agree that 25 degrees is really pushing it for this bag, but with a fleece liner and a wool blanket, i have used this in 10 degree weather.i can compress it super small and i am told it is light as far as a sleeping bag at this cost is concerned. it is also ultra comfy as far as the down filling is concerened, although some feathers leak here and there. great for three of the four seasons, but for winter, pack some liners to be sure you still have 10 toes in the morning.

Customer Service:
e.m.s. has superb customer service! i have brought several well used products back and returned them no questions asked! my brother returned a bookbag he had bought there 5 years prior and they replaced it! you can't beat e.m.s.!

Similar Products Used:
none really. mabey a coleman from wal-mart

Review Date
June 14, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Mark(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Chicago, IL

Price Paid:  $100.00 at EMS

Summary:
I love this bag!! I bought it on sale for $96 about three years ago. This bag, AND my Ultra-Lite (long) sleeping pad will fit in the sleeping bag compartment of my pack with room to spare!! How many other systems can you name that will allow you to do that and still get an awesome night's sleep!! I sleep warm, so the 25 degree rating is about right, but any colder and I get a little chilly.

Customer Service:
Haven't needed it.

Similar Products Used:
Peak 1 Gray Fox