The North Face (TNF) Inferno -29C Sleeping Bag

I decided that after the Mt Manaslu expedition that I was tired of constantly carrying my sleeping bag up and down.  Only having a single bag was tiresome.  It was best to leave one bag at base camp and have a second bag for higher camps.

I wanted something that would have waterproof down (TNF ProDown is waterproof) and it did not need to be as warm as my base camp bag...because I would use it with my summit down gear if required.

There was a sale on the TNF Inferno -29C bag from the US.  I could not pass this deal up.

The materials is lightweight and testing the bag out, it feels roomy enough to accommodate a down suit without issue.  The hood wraps nicely around the head and it feels nice and puffy.

The centre zip is nicely located so that I could use either hand to open or close.  Furthermore, the zip is dual direction so that you can vent from centrally whilst leaving the top zipped.

What really annoyed me was the tendency for the zip to catch on the surrounding material.  Come on TNF...it is not that difficult to add some material stiffening to stop the zip from grabbing.

It comes with a compression bag and a mesh storage sack.

The specs (from the TNF website):

• 
  A robust 800 fill ProDown™ expedition bag for extreme subzero environments
• 800 fill ProDown™
• Generous cut allows you to wear more layers or to "maytag" in the bag
• Full draft collar and integrated draft overlap for comfort and to prevent heat loss
• Water-resistant Neovent Air fabric on hood, footbox and back protects moisture-prone areas

• Trapezoidal side baffle to prevent down migration
• Center zipper for easier access
• Internal pocket for insulated storage
• Compression sack and storage sack included
• Hood cinch-cord seals out the cold

I am yet to test this bag in anger.  The material and construction feels top notch and I do like the centre zip with good insulation around the zipper.

**UPDATE**

Here are some observations I made when using the bag on Broad Peak.

1) Toe box is rather large to accommodate inner boots, but when not using it that way, it’s roominess takes some time to heat up.

2) The centre zipper could be lengthened to go down the body by an extra 40cm.  This would make it much easier to get in and out of the bag when in a tent.

3) The wide draft tube is effective, but the zipper constantly catching it is a real annoyance.  TNF please add some stiffener along the zipper so that it does not catch.

4) Love the waterproof down.  This is the future of all down wear and equipment.  It kept it’s loftiness throughout the expedition.