Feathered Friends Swallow

Review Date
June 3, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Sung Nicholas(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Kim

Summary:
I bought this bag because I was looking primarily for 2 things: compressibility and durability. I wanted a bag that will last me for years and years. This bag is expensive, but if you take into account how long it will last you, it is better to buy a top quality bag that will last years and provide comfort than settle for a cheaper bag to save a few bucks that you'll just have to replace later on (and cost you more money). Mine has overfill and is rated to 10 degrees but still compresses to the size of a loaf of bread. And at just over 2 lbs, it'll be one of the lightest things in your pack. The only complaint I have is that the zipper only comes down halfway so if your feet tend to get hot, you can't really stick them outside the bag. But this was done to reduce the weight of the bag. Overall, I would highly recommend this bag and this company if you are looking for the best sleeping bags, bar none.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
May 3, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Chris Fitzpatrick(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Kentucky

Summary:
Re: Feathered Friends' Customer Service. This is a follow up to a review I posted here. I had a problem with the FF Swallow bag. FF's Customer Service dept responded immediately and worked hard to solve the problem. I was satisfied with the result.

Customer Service:
See above. My ratings here are for the Customer Service department.

Similar Products Used:
Mountain Hardware Tioga, TNF Superlight and Lightrider, and Western Mountaineering Apache.

Review Date
February 23, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Chris Fitzpatrick(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Floyds Knobs, Indiana USA

Summary:
Just got a FF Swallow from the FF web site's sale page. Have used it once. Great materials and construction. Has 800 fill power down and just a little overfill, so it weighs in a 2 lbs 2 oz (rather than the standard 31 oz). Plan to use it for high altitude backpacking, where weight, warmth, and compressibility are crucial. It looked to be the best and lightest 20 degree bag I could find. So far, it looks as if it is. Paid $240 on sale, instead of the $270 standard price (for 700 fill power version). Puffs up like the ol' blowfish.

Similar Products Used:
Mountain Hardware Tioga, TNF Lightriders (reviews submitted).

Review Date
February 11, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Phil Rainwater(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Bakersfield, Ca

Summary:
This bag has an excellant cut/fit for such a light weight sleeping bag. Total weight is 2lb.1oz. which I have verified myself. The loft is 5+ inches of high quality down. Most bags in this weight range are so constricting fit wise they can become uncomfortable to me. While not being overly large, ther is more room in knee and leg area which I like. Quality of construction is amoung the finist availible. I have used several Feathered Friends bags over the years and am happy with attention to detail and service.

Customer Service:
They have been prompt and professional when I've needed their help.

Similar Products Used:
Western Mountaineering, Sierra Designs, Camp 7,

Review Date
February 9, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Adam Meyer(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Chicago

Summary:
Bought this bag on auction at $150 and it's likely one of the best investments I've made. Totally lightweight, stuffs easily and lofts like a dream (at least 5 inches). Have slept in it several times at 10 degrees below the rating, and never got cold. The seams are well done, and the down is shiftable, so if you get hot, just move it down. I would, however, add a better zipper stiffener - mine got snagged several times, and that's a pain to do in the middle of a really cold night! Other than that - great bag! Watch the auction houses for deals, it's pretty expensive retail.

Customer Service:
I emailed FF several times before purchasing, and they always got back with me within 24hrs and answered my questions completely and honestly. I would buy from them again.