Feathered Friends Rock Wren

Review Date
April 13, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: phaatz ,  Climber

Price Paid:  $265.00 at featheredfriends.com

Summary:
this bag is amazing! i didn't have a winter bag so i paired the wren with my marmot 'never winter' for a late november climbing trip in yosemite. every night it was below freezing, and i was toasty warm. my poor 'never winter' was always soaked in in the morning, but the rock wren inside was always warm and dry.

in the frigid mornings (and before i went to bed), i'd wear it instead of a down jacket. i looked like a walking condom, but everyone was jealous of my warmth. plus it seemed to be a good conversation starter in the morning as i easily walked around camp. if you sinch the draw string up around your waist and fold the rest of the bag over, it's a lot more mobile.

all in all, a great idea, splendid implementation, and top quality bag.

Customer Service:
no complaints. i needed it quickly, paid 20 bucks for a rush order and got they got it to me in three days. they were more than happy to walk me through available fabrics, skins, and sizes, and send it out as soon as possible.

Review Date
January 6, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Otis Fuentes(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Claryville, NY

Price Paid:  $300.00 at emailed FF directly.

Summary:
I'm a huge FF fan, own a couple other bags and some garments of theirs. This bag is made with the usual FF attention to detail. My problem is that it is really tight (and I admit I'm uh, wider than the average bear!) and narrow. I bought this bag as the lightest bag I could find, but on the whole prefer to take the extra pound (3#s vs. 2#) and carry my FF Puffin (which is a semi rectangular bag in which I sleep like a princess...). I suppose I could use the Rock Wren as a liner too, but it would still be constraining. Go for it if you don't mind a tight, ultralight camping experience. But look elsewhere if you like a little extra room.

Customer Service:
Awesome. Had a little problem with another bag, fedexed it back, and had it back in my hands within the week. Impressive. And they make everything custom, so you get what you want.

Similar Products Used:
Nothing is similiar to the rock wren. But I love my Puffin above all other sleeping systems!

Review Date
August 10, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
2.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: billy backwoods(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Talladega AL

Price Paid:  $270.00 at ff

Summary:
uhh, the bag is reaaaaaaal nice. I ordered the 800 fill and nextec shell. The nextec is perfect- its not overly expensive like a full on ptfe, but it still keeps thhe condensation from raining on my parade- and thats worht a lot in my book. The open footbox is great especially for those cold winter bathroom breaks- the only thing better would be a catheter and a colostomy bag. Be a cool kid and buy one today.

Customer Service:
they are friendly, probably because they are stoned, which is also why it takes a while to git yer bag, but if you ask them nicely they will put down their j long enough to jam some goose in a sack and send it to you pronto.

Similar Products Used:
bearskin, motor home, neoprene wetsuit

Review Date
June 23, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Bill(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Washington, Mo. USA

Price Paid:  $340.00 at Feathered Friends

Summary:
I bought the Rock Wren several years ago with 800 fill down with 2 extra ounces and the dryloft shell. I got it in black so it will heat up and dry fast in the sun (if needed). It has served me well. I use it mainly in an OR Bivy but in nice weather I sleep on top of the bivy. It's a great mid-range bag. I, like the others, like the front zipper, drawstring foot, and zippered arm holes. You can get up and wear the whole thing like a vest. F.F. did an excellent job.

Customer Service:
They treated me well. Once I bought a Helias vest from them and they shipped the jacket. I immediately e-mailed them about the problem---with an additional problem----I liked the jacket. They e-mailed me back saying keep the jacket and consider the sleeves an early Christmas present (this was Oct-Nov). I said great and thanks.

Similar Products Used:
North Face down bags of various levels of warmth.

Review Date
April 28, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: mark burchette(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from burlington WA. USA

Price Paid:  $240.00 at seattle store

Summary:
I have had this bag for 8 years. It is by far the most versitle pieces of equipment I own! If you are in the market for a liner bag this is it hands down! The construction quality is world class and it does everything FF says it does+.

Customer Service:
I ordered this bag from Germany on a very short notice, it was completed and delivered on time. Other than that I have had no reason to contact them.

Similar Products Used:
Marmot