Kelty Clear Creek

Review Date
April 6, 2002

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Jeff (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Longmont, CO

Price Paid:  $70.00 at REI

Summary:
The bag is a little heavy for long hikes, wishing it was a pound lighter. As a budget bag it's worth the money. Roomy at the shoulders and comfy cotton lining. Combine it with a fleece liner and it becomes a true 3-season bag. Only wish it had a draft tube for the collar though.

Review Date
January 3, 2002

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Reviewed by: Diane Thornton(Unregistered User) ,  Car Camper , from Broken Arrow, OK, USA

Price Paid:  $80.00 at REI.com

Summary:
Purchased this bag on price and the stated temp ratings. Would not buy it again. Have 2 reg. 20's and 2 short 20's. I agree with everyone who's said it should be rated 35 degrees and it's too heavy for real backpacking. If you go below 35 plan on a GREAT sleep mat and a polarfleece liner with a couple layers of clothes if you actually want to sleep.

Customer Service:
Wish they would have taken it back after one use, but I didn''t even try.

Similar Products Used:
coleman Alaska, much better insulation, also car camping, way too heavy for backpacking.

Review Date
August 19, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: liam stannard(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from atlanta, ga

Price Paid:  $80.00 at REI

Summary:
I bought this bag 'cause it was fairly cheap and I'd read in other reviews that it was roomy enough for a big guy (I'm 6'4, 210#s). Sadly, I found this to NOT be the case -- I couldn't zip it up the whole way. It seems like a good bag for someone smaller. I'm taking mine back to REI.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
May 24, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Luke Middleton(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Lawrence, Kansas

Price Paid:  $70.00 at Campmor

Summary:
I have both the Clear Creek 20 degree and 0 degree. The Clear Creek 20 is a little overated as far as temperature goes. If it really does get down to 20 you'll be a bit chilly. However, it's a great three-season bag, and you can't beat the price. I especially love the cottony interior. I've had several bags with the same nylon material inside as out, and maybe it's just me, but it makes me sweat, even when I'm cold. I have to use a bag liner with those, but not with the Clear Creek. It's very nice and soft inside. I haven't found the shoulders to be restrictive at all, but I am kind of thin. Nevertheless, compared to some of the true mummies out there, such as the North Faces, I don't know how anyone could say the Clear Creek has narrow shoulders. Maybe they're comparing it to a rectangular bag. I've done extensive hiking with my CC 20, and since I have the long version it is a tad heavy compared to some pricier bags. However, I'm still young and I would rather carry an extra pound at most and save fifty to a hundred dollars. You can't beat the price. Campmor sells the 20 for less than $70.

I also have the Clear Creek 0 (long version again) and one thing I can say is that it's definately not a backpacking bag. Car camping is fine, but I can't even get it to fit in my Jansport Rockies sleeping bag compartment, and it's huge. I've used the Clear Creek 0 down to 10 degrees and I was plenty warm. I can't say if it would have been adequate at it's 0 degree rating, but maybe I'll find out next winter.

I think both bags are great values for the money. They're a little heavy, but think of what you're saving.

Similar Products Used:
Slumberjack, Coleman, Sierra Designs bags.

Review Date
February 1, 2001

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Bob Sutherland(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from St Louis Mo

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Gart Sports

Summary:
I purchased this bag on my way to a trip and spent no time researching it or trying for fit. Bought purely on price. And I paid the ultimate price of not having a decent night sleep any time I have used it.
I have larger than average sholders ( but not massive) which means the fit is very tight. The draw cord is useless.
I really like the inner material though.
The 20 rating is not even close. I would say 35.
The weight is to much for serious backpacking.
Apart from all this I actuly think it would be a very good bag for the money if it fits you and you do not intend any cold weather trips.

Similar Products Used:
North Face
Mountain Hardwear