Augusto G. from United States, FL Public Profile

I bought this jacket for my mother so this review is partly based on her input on the use of this garment. The first impression was the jacket is quite warm, I must point out 2 facts though; My mother is the type of person who is very sensitive to cold, and she tested the jacket only at about 67F. Aside from this feature which is key for the advertised value of the jacket it is quite a flattering fit for a woman, the color is really vibrant but not to the point of being a desperate call for attention, and the built is as far as I could observe, flawless. I'm giving this rating based on the advertised features however I would enjoy a jacket like this even more if it had water resistant and not just wind resistant fabric.

I have to start by saying I have not yet tested this sleeping bag in either a cold scenario or a rainy one. The reasons I selected this sleeping bag are four; The first and most important one is water repellency, according to its description the filling material is 17 times more water repellent than synthetic material. The second reason it size and weight, my old Coleman sleeping bag was huge, it barely fit into my trusted JanSport 85L backpack sleeping bag compartment, and although it was incredibly warm (I have not tested it below 32F though) it was really heavy. This sleeping bag is not only much smaller and lighter, it is compressible enough to fit the sleeping bag compartment of my Osprey Stratos 50 backpack, although it is a tight fit, enough to work a sweat in warm weather. The next reason is the price, I think this sleeping bag provides great value at the price point it is offered in Campsaver.com, and the fourth reason is design, the colors may not be vibrant, but I find them quite appealing in the slate/blue two-tone and accent red. Built seems flawless and size is just right for me, some room to spare in height (I’m 5’10”) and a little room to spare in shoulder girth (I weigh about 187 pounds). It is important to note that getting this sleeping bag back into its pouch can be a handful, I had to resort to using a shoe lace to tie the loops in the side of the sleeping bag and only then was I able to get it back in there, other than that I’m quite satisfied with this

This fleece is most definitely a good solution to keep you warm in a dry day, or as a midlayer. The color is certainly vibrant and the construction seems flawless. It is however a snug fit for my frame, I purchased an M sized fleece as I am 5'10" and about 187 pounds and I definitely feel the compression in my shoulders from the fleece. I guess however that would only help keep me warm when needed.

I was considering purchasing the more expensive Atmos series equivalent volume backpack, but I decided I would purchase the Stratos for one key feature; the integrated rain cover. I know the Atmos has a more elaborate suspension system but it is rainy here in Costa Rica and really having this feature is quite advantageous. I have not tested this backpack yet, but I’ve owned and used for a couple of years a Stratos 34, and have hiked more than 10 miles with over 22 pounds on my back in the Stratos and I see no need for a more elaborate suspension than that of the Stratos. This is a newer version also, which resolves the 2 main disadvantages of the previous design; The fact that it couldn’t stand upright, and the fact that although the AirSpeed suspension kept your back dry, the solid shoulder pads did not. The new design allows the backpack to stand on its own, and I’m looking forward to confirm the ventilated shoulder pads allow you to remain dry all around. Compared to the 34, the 50 it is quite roomy, even with a compact sleeping bag in the designated compartment, the main compartment can take in everything that fits in the 34 and there is still some room. The side pocket is ideal for a light rain jacket, and there is no shortage of pockets for those like me who love to compartmentalize as much as possible. The only thing I would miss is the cellphone pocket in the shoulder pad but I assume the new ventilated design called for that. To summarize my feelings for this backpac

I must begin the review saying I have not tested the water resistance of this jacket, however I've had it for a couple of weeks now and the material it's made of seems really durable, it is reasonably warm, and the built quality looks great. I do have a couple of concerns though, the first is the ending of the sleeves, no adjustment there and really the way in which they end seems as if cost effectiveness was the primary objective, it is certainly not particularly beautiful to look at, at least not as the rest of the jacket. The other concern is the size of the jacket, I purchased this in size L as a gift for my brother who is 5 feet 11 inches, and over 220 pounds and I doubt it will fit him as it fits me quite tightly and I'm 5 feet 10 inches and weigh a bit over 182 pounds. Other than that it is quite refreshing to obtain a water resistant jacket so beautifully built for the awesome price at which this jacket was offered.