I agree with the opinion that weight can be saved in areas other than sleeping equipment. If I get good rest, it more than compensates for the extra pound of weight. Use a compression sack, but (of course) store the bag uncompressed to maintain its loft. the hood is large, but very adjustable. I have a very comfortable mask that prevents facial exposure from being an issue on very cold nights. Temp rating is pretty much right on, and I've used it on very cold nights (below zero deg F), and I was warm, with an extra fleece layer inside the bag. Without extra layers, you'll be cold in this bag below 20 deg F. Overall, a VERY comfortable bag over a wide range of temperatures. Not the lightest, not the most compressable, but in my opinion, well worth the compromise, especially on shorter trips.

Customer Service

Never needed to speak with them ... yet. The bag is well used, and shows no signs of wear.

Similar Products Used:

TNF, EMS , Feathered Friends (great company with EXCELLENT but pricey bags)

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Was recently stranded on an island in the Adirondacks in the middle of October. Driving winds and hail was the story all night long. The bag was comfortable and a joy to sleep in. If you were are not interested in going light, a normal size pillow actually fits in the hood. If it gets cold, the large hood has cords to make the opening conform to your face. Only place the bag is lacking is in its ability to compress. The stuff sack is huge and the bag needs all of it. It also is not the lightest of bags. I do enjoy the comfort however.

Similar Products Used:

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Great product. What else can be said that has not been said? On the negative side, the hood hole can let air in given that the hood is rather large, but for me, that is much the beauty of this bag--there is so much room in it, yet it is still cozy warm. I haven''''t pushed it below it''''s rating. The coldest nights I have spent in it were in Yellowstone, 24F, and at the top of the Grand Canyon, 18F). It was toasty warm. I am 5''''10 and about 180. The 6-foot bag is right on with plenty extra wiggle room near the bottom--Sandman sizes run a bit long. I wanted a no-nonsense 3D bag and tried both TNF and Moonstone via mail order. The TNF was either too big or too small (reg/long); the Moonstone 3D was a beautiful bag, but it was, well, a true mummy and not my cup of tea--a very tight squeeze widthwise and I am not even wide in the shoulders. The Sandman fit the bill. I new the moment I climbed in that it was the bag for me while the others I actually had to try and talk myself into, but couldn''''t. Something told me to keep looking and I am really glad I did. Weight, when an issue backpacking, can be sacrificed other places, in my opinion, and should not be an issue with your sleeping gear--where is the value in saving 12-18 ounces if it means you are tired the next day to to restlessness in a cramped mummy? I''''d much rather be energized the next day carrying a little extra weight than tired carry a pound less. As noted by others, if stuffability is critical, buy a compression sack. If these issues are hang-ups for you, buy down; if you reason like myself, go find a sale and snag a burgundy Sandman. You will enjoy being able to expand the chest cavity of this comfy winner.

Customer Service

Have not had the need--the zipper and draft tube are rugged!!!

Similar Products Used:

Kelty, TNF, Moonstone

This bag is the feather bed that John Denver spoke of. It is fairly light and extremely comforable. I agree that compressability is not as nice as a down, but come on. A little elbow grease and a compression bag and you can compress to a down bag size. Lots of comfy room and rating is right on. The hood makes those cold ones a bit more bearable and room enough for a waterbottle or two. Its tough shell is indestructable and quality craftsmenship. Sierra Designs keeps gettin better all the time.

Customer Service

Excellent Customer Service, I rate there team as one of the best in the industry. They have been nothing but amazing with their answers to my questions and always patient.

Similar Products Used:

Slumberjack, Wenzel, Marmot, TNF

This is one great bag which definitely works for me. I've used this during my winter trips to the White Mountains of NH, and the Adirondacks. The bag has kept me warm and dry and most of all--comfortable. I can actually enjoy my sleep now.
The stuff sack is larger than normal but so long as it fits into my bag compartment in my pack I'm okay with it.
As far as compressibility--I've had no problems with it. Great bag!!

Customer Service

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Similar Products Used:

Vintage WWII German Military
US Military sleeping bags
North Face Cat's Meow
Mountain Hardwear Zone 3

By far the worlds most comfortable bag. Until it gets real cold. The HUGE hood and lack of a draft collar keeps this chilly sleeper too cold. I am 6'6" and feel as though I get lost with the hood closed up. There is too much "face hole" when the hood is drawn up. It is bulky and heavy. But by far the most comfortable I've ever slept in. It is a awesome car camping bag.

Similar Products Used:

North Face Cats Meow

I was sold on the features of the bag at the store. I said to myself, "A better night's sleep? More elbow room? More head room? Why not?" I carried this baby for three trips, and it hasn't left my closet since. Saying that it doesn't compress well is an understatement. The stuff sack is bigger than my 2nd dimension (my new bag) and it's also harder to stuff it all the way in. Also, my only experience before was with cheap kelty bags. The Mtn. Hardwear gives me more than enough wiggle room. I feel dissappointed that Sierra Designs would make a bag like this and charge such an exorbitant price. They should give you a discount for all the extra weight you have to carry.

Similar Products Used:

Kelty Serrano, Mtn. Hardwear 2nd dimension

I have never been able to use a mummy bag until now. I toss and turn while I sleep and I definitely can't sleep on my back. I decided to try a sandman and what can I say its the best bag I have ever tried. I can finaly sleep on my stomach with my knee pulled up. Its warm and comfortable. the pad locks are nice to have too

Similar Products Used:

Colman, Cabelas,Kelty

grat bag great value iprobably will buy it if the price comes down the way i drove chicken thighs down

Customer Service

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Similar Products Used:

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There are two things I will not compromise on a multi-day trip. I am willing to schlep all over hell's half acre for a good water source and a comfortable nights sleep. Hence, my pad and bag are the most comfortable available. If you are looking for a roomy nonrestrictive bag, look no further than this bag. It's a little heavier and a little bigger at the bottom of my pack but when I wake up in the morning I am so glad I brought I it. If I can ever find a down bag like this I would consider selling my bed!

Similar Products Used:

US Government Issue Mountain Bag Regular and North Face Cat's Meow.