How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
The North Face Cat's Meow 22 Sleeping Bag
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The quintessential synthetic, 20° bag for 3-season backpacking, the Cat's Meow 22 sleeping bag has an efficient design that maximizes warmth and compressibility while reducing weight.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Fill
Heatseeker Pro
Temperature Rating (F)
20 degrees (F)
- Cyclone construction wraps a blend of continuous-filament and cut-staple insulation around the bag in efficient, compressible vertical baffles
- Heatseeker™ Pro synthetic insulation is warm, light and compressible; synthetic insulation continues to insulate well even when damp
- Shaped hood fits snugly about your head and face for more warmth and comfort
- Draft collar blocks out cold air and prevents trapped heat from escaping
- Pad loops give you a way to attach the sleeping bag to your sleeping pad (sleeping pad and attachment hardware sold separately)
- Compression sack and storage sack included
Temperature ratings are intended as a guideline to help you compare products, rather than a guarantee of warmth, since many different factors contribute to your comfort while you sleep. Backpacking bags are typically rated for temperature according to an independent testing protocol—currently International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 23537, though some older items followed European Norm (EN) 13537. Testing is based on a person wearing one base layer and a pair of socks, sleeping on an insulated surface with a minimum R-value of 5.38.
Each bag then gets 2 ratings: the Comfort rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average "cold sleeper" comfortable, and the Lower Limit rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average "warm sleeper" comfortable. Some brands determine their own temperature rating by aligning to the Comfort rating for women’s bags, to the Lower Limit rating for men’s bags, or somewhere in the middle for nongendered bags.
View all The North Face Backpacking Sleeping BagsEach bag then gets 2 ratings: the Comfort rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average "cold sleeper" comfortable, and the Lower Limit rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average "warm sleeper" comfortable. Some brands determine their own temperature rating by aligning to the Comfort rating for women’s bags, to the Lower Limit rating for men’s bags, or somewhere in the middle for nongendered bags.
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Tested Lower Limit | 22 degrees (F) - EN |
| Tested Comfort | 33 degrees (F) - EN |
| Temperature Rating (F) | 20 degrees (F) |
| Temperature Rating (C) | -7 degrees (C) |
| Shell | Body: 20D ripstop nylon; hood/footbox: 30D nylon/polyester taffeta |
| Zipper Location | Left |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| Fill | Heatseeker Pro |
| Lining | 30D nylon taffeta |
| Sleeping Bag Shape | Mummy |
| Stuff Sack Size | 9 x 16 inches |
| Stuff Sack Volume | 16.6 liters |
| Compressed Volume | Unavailable |
| Gender | Unisex |
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Doug
Seattle, WA, United States now
Quality Sleeping Bag
8 years ago
My wife and I bought our bags 26+ years ago when we first got married at the Berkeley NF Outlet. We got left zip and right zip talls so we could be together in the not as cold temps. We've used them for ourselves many times in many camp sights. We now have 4 kids (the youngest age 11 used it for 5th grade camp this year) and those same bags have been on many a scout/girls camp outings and are still in use today!. We paid $110 each back then and my wife was worried about the price. I'm pretty sure we got our monies worth. They've always kept us warm. I'm sure they've lost some warmth but after that long who doesn't. A great bag.
Yes , I recommend this product
KCMil
Seattle, WA, United States
Love this bag
9 years ago
This bag is great and I'm sure it's even better with upgrades over the years. Mine has lasted so long.. My Dad bought me a Cat's Meow almost 30 years ago and I still use it today. It's been to camp, all over the US for all season camping, Europe twice, and around Mt. Rainier. This bag has great compressibility, warmth, and ventilation. Highly recommended.
Yes , I recommend this product
Dazzling Urbanite
Anchorage, AK, United States
Warm & cozy
9 years ago
Bought this for our hiking adventures in Utah & Arizona (Bryce, Zion, North Rim Grand Canyon). I like this bag because it's light, warm, and surprisingly thick. I'm 5'9" 194 lbs and I wasn't sure between the regular & long fit. I bought the regular thinking i would be fine with it, but it was a little snug. If you're wanting more leg space i would recommend the long. It got pretty chilly in Bryce nights, but I zip this all the way to my head and i was warm comfy and cozy. Couldn't ask for a better sleeping bag.
Yes , I recommend this product
bduane
Massachusetts, United States
this is the Cat's Meow...
9 years ago
Bought after discussing a number of bags with a couple of folks at REI. I was slightly skeptical at first, but was reminded that I could always return it if it did not work out. I was heading out to the AZ desert and could have temps from 20s to 80s...so I was a little nervous. A year later, I have run this through quite a lot. Late spring at the Grand Canyon (including a very cool night on the north rim), nights in Colorado high country (summer nights are still cool) with no tent, Fall in western MA, mid spring in NH, a couple nights in CO near the divide (frost inside the tent) all backpacking as well as more than a few nights at Boy Scout camps. Simply, this bag has not disappointed. I have never really needed to add any significant sleeping clothes and I have always been quite comfortable. This compresses down pretty well and is lite enough although I do admit a periodic wandering eye toward bags that are a pound lighter (but a lot more expensive). This has been a very good value for me and it seems that it will last quite some time.
Yes , I recommend this product
backpacker365
Denver, CO, United States
Better than expected...
9 years ago
I have used this bag a few times now and it keeps me warmer than I thought is would. I thought I might need I liner for it, but that is not the case with this bag. (You would need one in winter use though.) It feels durable, also insulates, packs down light and small just like a real down bag, except not as much money. It is really cozy and there is also a lot of room to move around in. One thing I really like about this bag is neck baffle. It holds in heat and is soft and warm tucked around your neck. Another thing about this bag that is nice it that the hood can sinch down really tight so it holds in a lot of warmth. on some trips I've used this bag, I've actually had to unzip the zipper a little bit to stick my arms out... then if I get cold, I just put my arms back in and fold the front side back over but still leave the zipper open for some airflow. I would recommend this bag to anyone, even for winter use with one or maybe two liners inside. All things said, great quality bag. 5 stars by far...
Yes , I recommend this product
Backdraft
Easley, SC
Cats Meow 22 sleeping bag
9 years ago
I thought the bag was an excellent bag! it was very warm and made very well. I liked the fact that they placed a compression bag included in the purchase. The bag however was not a good fit for me due to me being a larger guy (6'4 , 250), but i would recommend this bag to smaller framed people
Lumbrjack
Jackson, WY, United States
Cure for Insomnia
8 years ago
This thing provides sleep in its purest form - outdoors, under the stars, and all in good company. If you can't have your best nights sleep in this thing, you better get back to the city, ya dang city slicker! If you buy one of these things, it'll be one of your best investments ever. My first Cat's Meow lasted me 10 years and I expect no different out of this bad boy.
Yes , I recommend this product
NorthwestFisherman
Spokane, WA, United States
Super comfortable
9 years ago
Went with the long because I'm a bigger guy and it was definitely a good choice. Tried a couple other sleeping bags and most were not made for someone with big shoulders. Feels great and keeps you warmer than expected.
Yes , I recommend this product
Aubie420
Denver, CO, United States
Ahhh. Nice and cozy.
9 years ago
I haven't had a sleeping bag in years. Boy have they evolved! This thing is great. Lightweight and almost hot inside. Great for those cool Colorado nights! I used my $20 divided, but would have gladly paid full price. I can't wait for my next camping trip.
Yes , I recommend this product
Qmed Joe
Coppell, Tx
Great bag but just not for me!
8 years ago
I purchased the Cat's Meow about a month ago and ended up returning it for the Nemo Verve 20 degree sleeping bag. it was suggested to me from a friend that had it his whole through hike on the A.T., He was very pleased with the Cats Meow but I found that it didn't suit my sleeping style . It's a great bag that's been around a long time with great reviews and is known to have lasted some hikers for 10+ years that is considerably light for a colder weather bag but being a side sleeper that sleeps with my blanket between my knees, it was a little too 'claustrophobic' for me. The bag is extremely comfortable on your skin, its a silky suede type of feeling, very smooth. I really liked the zipper that glows in the dark and the big pocket that could fit a smart phone/watch or wallet easily. If I was a back sleeper that didn't move much in my sleep this would be my go to bag. I'm giving it 4 stars despite it not suiting my sleeping style. My preference of sleeping habits does not take away from one of the best sleeping bags on the market!
Yes , I recommend this product
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