How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
Sierra Designs Zissou 3S Plus Sleeping Bag
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Designed to excel in a variety of overnight situations, the award-winning Zissou 3-season sleeping bag uses 700-fill DriDown® to keep you warm and cozy wherever you camp.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Fill
700-fill duck DriDown
Temperature Rating (F)
15 degrees (F)
- Very lightweight and compressible, 700-fill DriDown insulation stays drier longer, lofts higher and dries faster than untreated down in the presence of humidity, rain or sweat
- Snag-free and draft-free zipper track uses a bonded interfacing along draft tube and lining to eliminate snags
- Ergonomic hood and footbox are shaped for comfort, ease of movement and thermal efficiency
- Insulation is placed specifically to ensure warmth and comfort according to the European Norm Scientific Test Method, EN13537
- Draft collar prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from entering sleeping bag
- Draft tube eliminates cold spots along zipper
- Pad lock loops keep the sleeping bag centered on your sleeping pad with the use of accessory cords or bungees (not included)
- Drawcord at collar
- Includes stuff and storage sacks
Imported.
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 Sierra Designs 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 | 15 degrees (F) - EN |
| Tested Comfort | 27 degrees (F) - EN |
| Temperature Rating (F) | 15 degrees (F) |
| Temperature Rating (C) | -9 degrees (C) |
| Shell | 30-denier ripstop polyester |
| Zipper Location | Left |
| Insulation Type | Down |
| Water-Resistant Down | Yes |
| Fill | 700-fill duck DriDown |
| Lining | 30-denier ripstop polyester |
| Sleeping Bag Shape | Mummy |
| Stuff Sack Size | 8 x 16 inches |
| Stuff Sack Volume | 14.2 liters |
| Gender | Unisex |
Buying Advice
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AzJames
Phoenix, AZ, United States
What a Great Bag!
9 years ago
I have several sleeping bags and have always found them uncomfortable, as I like to sleep on my side (not what a mummy bag is designed for). The Zissou is roomy enough to allow me to roll from side to side inside the bag and not feel cramped. I love the way the bag zips at the top to give me a feeling of a comforter to snug around my neck. The hood is roomy enough to work with a small inflatable pillow without leaving your head exposed. The long length let me keep my electronics and propane tank warm even though it was very cold outside. I will be looking to buy a summer weight bag of this design.
scooksey
Baltimore, MD
scooksey123
9 years ago
SO! I give this thing 5 stars. Why? Because it works. It has enough loft to keep you warm during the nights below 25. I was lucky enough to have this on a night when it got down to 27 and it was so warm! I didn't need my liner or anything but with the addition of the liner it would have been warm well past 27 degrees. BUT: this is a small but. I have broad shoulders and a large chest, it was snug and a little difficult to zip it completely but that's nothing to complain about. I preferred it that way, being snug helps me feel secure in the bag and helps me get a good nights rest.
JeffH.
Huntington Beach, CA
You wont regret it! Most Comfortable Bag Ever!
9 years ago
I did not think I would spend more than $200 for a sleeping bag. I was considering the Kelty Cosmic 20 ($160) and the North Face Furnace ($170). Both seem to be great bags at a good price, but after going to the store and trying them out, I was unimpressed by the shape and feel of the material. I just can't get over that tight mummified sleep position with little room to spread my feet. That's when I tried the Sierra Designs Zissou 2S in the store. It was super light, soo comfortable, soft but durable materials, and uses a high quality dridown. Not to mention, this "mummy" bag actually has a generous amount of room on the inside that allows you spread your feet, bend your legs, move your arms, and still feel like it's hugging you gently. I have to say the feature that sold me was it's ability to fold back the top flap and use it more like a comforter at home. I am a claustrophobic person so this absolutely relieves that feeling and makes it a dream to sleep in. It's so versatile, and when I need it, I can completely zip it up to only expose my head for the really cold nights. The reason I ultimately chose the 3S over the 2S was the extra security of warmth. While what I will be doing 99% of the time won't require freezing temperatures, a good sleeping bag is an investment that I plan to last me many years of adventures, and I'd like to be prepared with anything the weather throws at me. I also purchased this with my 20% REI coupon, so my out-the-door price with tax was $237. Really not much more than a cheaper quality sleeping bag not on-sale with tax. For those looking to get the best bang on a budget, I recommend waiting for the REI discount (20%), purchase the Sierra Designs Zissou 2S (originally $210), which brings it down to $176. Then, when you plan for that really cold trip, grab a Thermolite bag liner to add up to 25 degrees in warmth. In all, I recommend this 110% to anyone looking for the best price/weight/warmth/features sleeping bag. You won't regret it.
beast28223
Greensboro, NC, United States
Awesome Bag!
8 years ago
Bought this after having 2 previous down mummy bags. This one, long version, was very roomy and very comfortable. It has plenty of loft and compresses nicely. The extra zipper on the other side is great in that it gives you the ability to have a "blanket", especially for those that move around a lot. I've used this bag a few times already in the past month and it does not disappoint.
Yes , I recommend this product
Silver Foxx
CT, United States
Best Bag I've Ever Had!
8 years ago
Hi all, I purchased this bag about a month ago. I have taken it out several times this fall and have been very satisfied. Fit: This bag is super comfy. The relaxed mummy shape is key for me. I'm 5' 11" 185lbs and the regular fits perfectly, maybe even a little length to spare. I would say up to 6ft tall would be good with a reg. What I really like about the shape is the room to move. I am a side sleeper and did not feel constricted in any way with this bag. Performance: The first few nights out this fall in the Whites, I slept without a pad (simply because of an old pad failing). The ground was hard and cold with night temps down to 29*F. My tent had frost inside the rainfly! I was still toasty in this bag, wearing only a base layer and thin socks. The bag was also wet at the feet and sides from me rubbing up on the rain fly; remained warm and dry inside. With a pad I would imagine you could be comfy down to 25*F maybe 20*F. The following weekend I had a new pad: NEMO Astro Air Lite Sleeping Pad (great pad btw) and I slept like a log. Wearing only shorts and a thin base top, with low temps in the mid 30's, it was too hot to zip fully. Features: I love the ability to partially unzip the opposite side for the comforter feel. Also the inner collar is incredible. Traps all the heat and is large in volume. The weight was not really an issue and it packs really small. I stuff mine in a Granite Gear Rock Solid 9L compression sack and I could prob go a size down from that even. Of course, at home, I keep it out of the compression sack and leave it in the large sack that comes with the sleeping bag. Cons: Only one con for me. The zipper can be fidgety when trying to zip, unzip from inside the bag. I'm still getting used to it but have had better zipper systems before. At the $185 sale price, you really can't find a better, more comfortable bag. Hope this helps buyers out there.
Richbo
Washington, DC, United States
Love the quilt feature
8 years ago
Put this to the test on September elk hunting trip in Idaho. Temps got below freezing, but not much lower. I was plenty warm and felt as though I would still be warm even if temps were closer to 20 F. I bought a compression stuff sack and this back stuffs down small for packing. The zippers are not perfect and do get caught if you rush it. But the quilt feature is awesome. Great way to cool off, but the best thing for me was to pull it up over my head when it was cold. It's loose so it lets fresh air in the bag, but the air is not right on your face as it might be in a standard mummy. I didn't even need to wear a stocking cap on the coldest nights thanks to the quilt feature (which saved my head from itching all night). This will probably be my go-to bag any time temps are between 25 - 50 F and I suspect it will do the job if the temps dip lower than 25 unexpectedly. I would probably use my 0 F bag if temps are expected to be consistently at and below 25.
Yes , I recommend this product
alisonv
Perfect!
8 years ago
This lightweight sleeping bag was perfect for our recent camping trip. It kept me warm when temperatures dropped to below freezing - about 28 F. Love the hood and that it can roll down if I get hot.
Yes , I recommend this product
ABQChas
Albuquerque
Comfy
8 years ago
Haven't a chance to test its rate range, but it was plenty warm in a recent outing below 40. I like having the comforter configuration.
Yes , I recommend this product
Kimothy
Pleasanton, CA, United States
Sierra Designs Zissou 3S Plus Sleeping Bag
8 years ago
Absolutely prodigious! Brilliant design, affordable, warmth to be determined.
Yes , I recommend this product
northwesthiker
Newcastle, WA.
Falling in Love
8 years ago
After my older down bag (North Face Kilo) started to lose loft and no longer provide adequate warmth (18 years of use will do that), it was time to upgrade. I chose this bag because of its: comfort, packed size, warmth, weight, and review ratings. I also liked that the chest portion could be rolled down under my armpits like a blanket at home (utilizing the short zipper on the right side). I used this bag on a super rainy and stormy weekend in Cascades during an October downpour and it kept me toasty, dry, and comfortable the entire time. I was surprised how lofty it was. I did go for the Long because I wanted the ability to turn over easily without bringing the bag with me (I'm 6ft exactly and 220lbs). I fit okay in the regular size but went I compared the difference in the store I couldn't believe how much more comfortable the Long was. It is also only a few ounces more so I went for it. I"m so glad I did. I couldn't wait to go to bed the second night of our trip because I knew I was going to sleep like a baby. You will not regret this purchase if you decide to go with this bag. I really hope Sierra Designs reads the reviews and continues to produce this bag because they have a real winner on their hands in the Zissou 3S Plus. For the money, it can't be beat.
Yes , I recommend this product