Gear Guide 2009: Sierra Designs Big Dog

Best Kids’ bag

You don’t want to sleep cold. Why should your kid? The Big Dog (Dragonfly is the girls’ model) is true to its 20°F temperature rating–and kid-durable. The bags have kept editors’ children warm on dozens of wilderness trips, from the Grand Canyon to New England’s White Mountains. The proprietary synthetic insulation still holds its loft after several years of use and many washings. A thick draft tube and cinchable hood also make this a real backcountry–rather than slumber party–bag. Kid-friendly features include an attached mesh stuffsack, pillow and pillow pocket, and an inner lining with a fun topo or floral print. (Also available in a 40˚F model, pictured.) $99; 2 lbs. 4 oz.; youth short (fits kids up to 5′ tall)