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Backpacker Magazine – April 2009

Gear Guide 2009: The North Face Chrysalis Sleeping Bag Review

Want a great bag at a great price? Look no further than the Chrysalis.

by: Steve Howe

The North Face Chrysalis (www.sethhughes.com)

Gear Guide 2009: More Three-Season Bags
Search through our extensive library for more reviews.

Killer Deal
Champagne taste, beer budget? Get the Chrysalis. "It's incredibly well-built and warm for the price," summed up one tester after trips from Alaska to Colorado. "A great buy for high-mileage users." You get plenty of 600-fill down, a 62-inch shoulder girth for wider-than-average interior space, and a water-resistant ripstop nylon shell.

And there's nothing cheap about the details: The hood's face muff nestles perfectly, the draft yoke seals out the chill, and closures and zip sliders work smoothly. There's even a welded pocket on the outside for a watch or other widgets. It's not ultralight, just ultrafunctional. $209; 2 lbs. 12 oz.; 15°F

Thenorthface.com

FULL PRODUCT SPECS: W Chrysalis