The North Face Solar Flare Endurance -20°F

 

Page Type Gear Review
Object Title The North Face Solar Flare Endurance -20°F
Manufacturer The North Face
Page By Bryan W
Page Type Mar 18, 2004 / Mar 18, 2004
Object ID 1042
Hits 14106
Vote
Named after the fiery solar flares from the sun's surface, this bag is probably not quite as hot, but is certainly something to look forward to after the long climb to base camp. Premium 800 fill goose down and top-quality construction combine to make a bag of superior warmth.

Temp Rating: -20 degree F/-29 degree C
Average Total Weight: [reg] 4 lbs 2 oz (1883 g) [lng] 4 lbs 6 oz (1980 g)
Fill Weight: [reg] 2 lbs 2 oz (972 g) [lng] 2 lbs 4 oz (1030 g)
Stuff Sack Size: 11" x 21" (28 cm x 53 cm)
External Length: [reg] 86" (218 cm) [lng] 92" (233 cm)
Max User Height: [reg] 6'0" (183 cm) [lng] 6'6" (198 cm)
Shoulder Circumference: [reg] 64" (163 cm) [lng] 64" (163 cm)
Hip Circumference: [reg] 60" (152 cm) [lng] 60" (152 cm)
Foot Circumference: [reg] 43" (109 cm) [lng] 43" (109 cm)
Shell Fabric: Pertex Endurance Winner of 2003 Backpacker Editor's Choice Award
Key Features:
Sub-zero, 800+ fill down bag for expeditions in extremely cold conditions.
800+ fill Eastern European goose down
Ripple Construction evenly distributes down yet prevents it from shifting from side to side
Waterproof/breathable Pertex Endurance coating on shell fabric
Pertex microlight taffeta lining
Adjustable down-filled draft collar with microfleece cord tunnel
Five-chamber hood
Oversized top draft tube
Oxford cloth-lined footbox
Pack cloth-lined zipper columns
Head-level watch pocket
One-hand color-coded pull cords for easy hood adjustments
Flat cord for hood adjustment and shockcord for chest adjustment
Easy-grab pull tabs

Reviews


Viewing: 1-2 of 2

dabender - Aug 5, 2004 3:55 am - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
This is a terrific bag. Toasty, roomy, great hood. I used it on Aconcagua where the temperature hit -15 inside the tent and Denali which was actually warmer. Didn't zip it up past half way until the temperature got below 0 or so. With the bag fully zipped I didn't need to wear clothes even on the coldest night.

It packed OK and delivered full loft soon after being taken out of the compression sack. It comes in regular and long lengths. I used the long but didn't really need it. It's clearly heavier than my summer bag but probably comparable to other bags with the same temp rating.

Paulfall - Apr 4, 2005 12:10 am - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
Haven't used it on anything impressive yet, but tested it several times in mid-Jan and mid-Feb at 11,000ft. The extra weight is negligible when compared w/the incredible loft and warmth. The Endurance coating is very handy for keeping the down dry. By far the best bag I've owned to date.

Viewing: 1-2 of 2