Sierra Designs Van Winkle Flex Down +15

Review Date
November 26, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Stumblefoot ,  Paddler

Price Paid:  $180.00

Summary:
Last April I made a 135 mile river kayaking trip. Camped out in a hammock for four nights. Used a Sierra Designs Van Winkle sleeping bag. The temperature ranged from 45 degrees to 34 degrees at night along the river. All four nights I was very comfortable. I hate to be confined when I'm sleeping and can't think of anything worse than a tight mummy bag. The Van Winkle allows me to sleep on my bag or side without feeling "cooped up". I have had no problems whatsoever with the construction and would highly recommend this sleeping bag.

Similar Products Used:
Have used other sleeping bags with polarfill fibers but down is much warmer for the same weight.

Review Date
November 11, 2004

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: LGIO ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $180.00 at Campmor

Summary:
I love Sierra Designs; I've bought several "Sandman," a "Black-Out," and a light polarguard (I forget the name.) Every Sierra Designs bag that I've bought was FANTASTIC (especially the Black-Out.)
The Van Winkle is pretty bad though. The Van Winkle leaks down feathers all along the seam-collar. It leaks down through the baffles. I've only used it light on the sofa, and I have feathers flying everywhere. In all fairness, Sierra Designs has a Lifetime Warranty (so they say.) I can't imagine why the seams on this bag are so bad though. Next time I'm going for the TNF Superlight. I have an old Superlight that doesn't leak at all (and it's over 7 years old!)Keep looking....

Review Date
September 2, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Cam (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from AB, Canada

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
This bag is very comfortable. It facilitates turning with ease...due in large to the sleeping pad anchors. The hood is great. It's nice to be able to sleep in any position I normally would at home.

The short second zipper allows an arm to be out if needs be without the main zipper creeping down all night.

The only drawback is that with no neck yoke, it's not as warm as other -9(+30) bags. The could of done something in this area.

I've been wanting this bag for awhile, I saw it on sale and I am very happy with it!

Review Date
March 7, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Joe (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $209.00 at REI outlet.com

Summary:
Awe yeah!! This bag is sweet sweet!
I just got it in the mail yesterday and have been in awe ever since. The bag really stretches. I expected it to stretch but not this much. Like the other guy, I can spread my legs out. This was the whole reason for my purchase. This bag passed the test. I'm 6' tall and regular build -purchased the long-- The pad-locks are nice. The big hood-awesome.

I know the another reviewer said it was too warm but I think it felt almost too light. I know it is down, so it'll keep ya cool in warmer conditions and warmer in cool conditions. I'll be testing the rating in 30 degree F weather in NM soon. I'm sure it will be perfect.

Now I'm finally a happy camper.I'll actually be able to sleep!

Pluses-- everything. It is down so it does pack down small; smaller than my regular length 3d bag. It breathes Down dominates 3d in every way!! It also comes with DWR which is suppose to be water resistant. I didn't know this when I bought it. Bonus!!

Negatives - minor only that the zipper zips in a v style near your neck so if you leave the bag hanging open it won't completely cover your shoulder-no biggie.

bottom line- I did't think I'd be able to find a comfortable bag. Now I have.

Similar Products Used:
REI shasta-- used once for sale $75 if interested email me!!

Review Date
February 27, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Mike (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Sacramento

Price Paid:  $209.00 at Northern Mountain Su

Summary:
I specificly bought this bag because of the awesome large hood (Im a side sleeper) and it's warmth rating. Now Im getting another bag for summer trips because the Van Winkle is a bit heavy and too warm! It's a great quality bag, but unless you only sleep in fridgid conditions, you will be toasty.

Customer Service:
none needed

Similar Products Used:
after years of synthetics, my first down bag. Very compact.