The North Face Blue Kazoo 15

Field Notes: When forecasts predicted dropping temperatures, testers were relieved that TNF’s Blue Kazoo was in the mix. Over the initial two-week testing trip, this 650-fill sleeping bag was a favorite from backpacking trips to car camping scenarios and proved to be a solid choice in cold weather sleeping bags.

Pros: With the best cinching hood of women’s sleeping bags tested, it socked in warmth and allowed for a minimal yet comfortable breathing channel. The women’s-specific shape offered plenty of room in the hips while it narrowed in the shoulders and feet to maximize heat retention.

Cons: Bulky when packed, the Kazoo could be stuffed with a higher fill down to increase compressibility. But such an increase in down fill power would likely jeopardize Kazoo’s attractive price point. Slight zipper snags were a recurring problem.

Favorite Feature: The overall warmth of this down sleeping bag. Multiple features – including the fill, baffle construction, hood design, etc. – united for an exceptionally warm 15-degree bag.

Bottom Line: If warmth is the focus, the Kazoo is an excellent bet. While lacking compressibility, the bag earned its extra ounces when testers pitched camp in cold locales