leesaj@gmail.com
Southwestern Maine
45 years old
Female
5'7" (1.7 m)
160 lb (73 kg)

Background:
   My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included trips varying in length from one-day hikes to two-week trips. My experience hiking began with my father when I was about six years old. We hiked along the river pathways in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania.
   While enjoying the outdoors with my friends and family, I spend time hiking, geocaching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and camping.    Although I am not a lightweight backpacker, I am trying to ‘lighten up’. I spend almost as much time outdoors during the winter as I do during the summer.



Product Information:
Sierra Designs Glow Sleeping bag - Women's long
http://www.sierradesigns.com

	As Advertised	As Measured
Weight	2lb 5 oz (1 kg)	2lb 7 oz (1.1 kg)
Fill Weight	27 oz (.76 kg)
Inside Length	76 in (1.6 m)	76 in (1.6 m)
Should Girth	59 in (1.5 m)	59 in (1.5 m)
Hip Girth	58 in (1.5 m)	58 in (1.5 m)
Footbox Girth	38 in (1 m)	38 in (1 m)
PrimaLoft Sport Insulation	20D Polyester Shell Material	15D Polyester Liner Material
15 Degree F Rating (-9 C)	9 in x 19 in (23 cm x 48 cm) Stuff Size	Right Side Zipper

Product Description:
    The Glow bag arrived in good condition, with no obvious flaws. It is a bright orange and grey color on the outside, and orange inside. The fabric has a very smooth feel. The side zippers work smoothly. While inside the bag, I found it roomy enough to turn over, without being constricted. The footbox has a venting system that allows for air circulation during warmer weather. I am testing the long version, so this bag is 6 in (15 cm) longer than the regular. The company advertises the following features: 1/2 Zippers, Draft Tube, Foot Box Venting, Insulated Top and Bottom, Jacket Hood, Removable Pad Locks, Shingled Construction and Snag Free Zipper Tracks.
    The bag came with a mesh storage bag, and a nylon type stuff sack. It appears as advertised on the manufacturers website.

Test Plan:
    While testing the Glow sleeping bag, I will be looking at how well the advertised features perform, along with comfort, construction and usability. The following are the features, and some preliminary areas I will be looking at:

* 1/2 Zippers - How well do they work? Do they slide smoothly? Do they catch on the surrounding fabric?
* Draft Tube - Does the tube block wind from entering the bag? Is it well constructed? Does it get in the way?
* Foot Box Venting - How much ventilation does it supply? Can I stick my feet out the end of the bag when warm? Does it allow too             much cold air in?
* Insulated Top and Bottom - Does the insulation stay put? Does it 'clump? Is it evenly distributed? What happens when it gets wet?
* Jacket Hood - Is it comfortable to use, or in the way?
* Removable Pad Locks - I can't wait to try these in my hammock - Will they keep the pad in place?
* Shingled Construction - How does this effect the usability of the bag?
* Snag Free Zipper Tracks - Really snag free? I seem to be able to snag any zipper.

    I will be using the Glow on all upcoming trips, looking at the above items, along with how comfortable it is. Is there enough cushioning from the loft? Is the fabric cold or warm to the touch? Is it noisy when it moves? Also, how well constructed is the bag? Is the fabric tough enough to handle being used repeatedly, pulled in and out of the stuff sack and washed when needed? Are the zippers and pad straps secure? Most importantly, is it comfortable enough that I'll want to continue using it?
    I am concerned as to how it will handle getting wet, and how long it will take to dry. Nothing worse than a wet sleeping bag when I am tired!

Test Locations, Conditions and Time Frame:
        Living in Northern New England, I have the good fortune of being able to experience at least 4 seasons (sometimes within days of each other!) and some of the best outdoor areas around. Spring and Black Fly season are here! During the next 4-6 months our temperature range will typically run from the current average of 48 degrees F (18 C) up to 80 degrees F (26 C). May typically brings rain, black flies, mosquitoes and ticks.
   I spend more time camping during the spring and summer, compared to the coldest part of winter. On the weekends, I head off into northern Maine, Vermont or New Hampshire, either with friends or my kids or both.
   While hiking in northern New England, many of the trails are unimproved, meaning that I spend lots of time climbing over rocks and brush.   We also tend to camp in remote, unimproved areas, as opposed to ‘camp grounds’.

Photo taken from the Sierra Design website, http://www.sierradesigns.com

Read more reviews of Sierra Designs gear
Read more gear reviews by Leesa Joiner

Initial Report

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