L.L. Bean Ripstop Goose Down

Review Date
February 28, 2001

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Doug Carter(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Stanford, Ky, USA

Price Paid:  $215.00 at LLBEAN

Summary:
Don't waste your money. The bag leaks all its down out fast and the ripstop material does nothing to keep the moisture out of the down. This bag will freeze you to death if it gets just a little damp. Don't even think about sleeping under the stars without a tent in it. The only things I like about the bag is it does have plenty of leg room and packs very very small and is very light. I have the twenty degree bag but after one year of down coming out I would not use it unless the temps were above 40 or 50 degrees out.

Similar Products Used:
Kelty Serrano 15 degree, lots better.

Review Date
February 24, 2000

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Aaron(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Las Vegas, NV

Summary:
This bag is actually my girlfriends, but I have tried it myself as well. First thing I noticed about this bag is that it leaks a lot of feathers. I don't think LL Bean calenders (down proofing) the ripstop fabric, therefore down seems to migrate right through the fabric. Too bad, because otherwise it is a nice bag with a acurate temperature rating. I guess when enough down leaks out, she'll just send it back and get another one.

Customer Service:
LL Bean will take back or exchange anything, no questions asked

Similar Products Used:
I recently purchased a Campmor +20 bag for only $120 and I have yet to see one feather fly (and I shook it hard to test its construction). For $50 less, this seems like a better deal.

Review Date
March 3, 1999

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Robert(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from New Orleans, LA

Summary:
In the -15 bag, I slept comfortably in temps as cold as -10. But the bag does ""leak."" In just two nights' use, I'd guess 10-15 down clusters came through the bag. This has never happened to me with a synthetic bag. Since this is my first down bag, I don't know what I should have expected. But I didn't expect this. If it keeps up, I may have to discuss it with my friends at LLBean

Customer Service:
The customer service has always been exemplary -- courteous, intelligent, well-informed, and energetic.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
February 13, 1999

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: John O(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from PA

Summary:
Extra light and holds up well.
The -15 degree bag is chilly below +20.

Best for those wanting to travel extra light.

Customer Service:
I love most all LL bean products , there not over priced. Good return policy

Similar Products Used:
Clothes,Clothes and more Clothes

Review Date
February 9, 1999

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Bryan(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Virginia

Summary:
This particular bag is ok, but not my favorite. The bag held up great during the cold nights on the trail. The problem that I had with the bag is the material that the shell is made of. It really is not very substantial, the down was constantly coming out of the bag, which is a real problem over time. Also the stiching on the baffles did not hold up very well on my bag. So it is definitely worth the extra money to buy a better quality bag.

Customer Service:

Similar Products Used:
I have used Slumberjack bags and North Face Bags