APPLICATION -GOLITE FEATHER BAG - Curry

Good Day:

Am posting my application for this nice bag. Definitley a hot item,
should get plenty of attention.

Regards,

RC

APPLICATION TO TEST 
GOLITE FEATHER
SLEEPING BAG

Please accept my application to test the Golite Feather Sleeping Bag..
 I have read the BackpackGear Test Survival Guide, Version 1202, and I
will follow all requirements. I have especially read Chapter 5. I have
reviewed also the new testing guide pertaining to the 4-month test. 
My tester agreement is on file with Shane.

Tester Biography

Name:                           Russell Curry
Age:                            58
Gender:                         Male
Height:                         6'0" (1.83 m)
Weight:                         185 lbs (84 kg)
Girth:                          49" (124 cm) (widest point at shoulders)
Required Bag Size:              Medium ? Regular based on the   "SmartFit
calculator
Email Address:                  mrqcace@xxxxxxxxx
City, State, Country:           Orange, TX, US
Date:                           September 15, 2005

Outdoor Background:

I began backpacking in the late 1960's.  I have hiked extensively
in Western and Eastern Texas, the Grand Canyon & other Arizona sites,
Utah, Colorado, Louisiana, Alaska, Arkansas, Germany, Turkey, Greece,
Italy and many other locations in a variety of terrain, desert,
mountains and forests. I am a 4-season backpacker and have hiked in
temperatures as low as 5° f (-15 C) to as high as 110° f  (43
C).  My gear ranges from mid weight to ultra-light weight. My other
outdoor activities include mountain and road biking, rafting,
canoeing, and many other outdoor pursuits. I prefer to hike in the
fall and winter months. I am a long time user of the Marmot Hydrogen
down bag. The Marmot has excelled and always provided me with comfort
down to 30 F (-1 C) and if I sleep in fleece or expedition weight long
johns, I can go down even lower. The problem with this is the Hydrogen
is rather confining when sleeping with long johns on, and I have
needed a bag rated to cooler temperatures many times. Also, I am a
side sleeper,and have to have a small pillow between my knees, one
against my chest, and one for my head. As much as I like the Hydrogen,
by the time I get all of this gear and me into my mummy bag, I am
cramped to say the least. I have to turn over frequently at night
also, and trying to do this and keep the pillows in the right place is
amusing to say the least. A bag that has the "SmartFit"
technology should work well to allow me a little extra room.


Expectation of Usage &
Field Information

My test plan will have me using this bag mostly in mountain type
situations, also in the desert Southwest. I expect usage in
temperatures ranging from a low of 15 F (-9 C) to highs of 40 F (4 C).
I expect no less than snow, rain, sleet, hail and windy conditions to
say the least while using this in the mountains. My last winter trip I
experienced 2 ft (61 cm) of snow and rainfall sometimes in excess of 2
to 3 inches (51 to 76 mm) per day. I have more trips planned for the
OHT in Arkansas, Big Bend in Texas, and the Weminuche area in SW
Colorado. I expect terrain to vary from mountain campsites, to desert
sand and scrub, to rustic sites in forest settings and possibly also
to one or two nights on a gulf beach. I belong to two large hiking and
outdoor clubs and have frequent, short-notice hiking trips, ranging
from overnighters to weeklong or more trips to locations all over the
CONUS. Additionally, I like to hike locally in my area of SE Texas,
where the fall and winter nights get cool and damp. I usually have a
canoe or kayak trip or two and am always in need of a good sleeping
bag for those nights on the river or creek. I expect no less than 15
to 20 nights usage for this bag under many different weather
conditions.


Test Plan

If I am awarded this test I expect to thoroughly evaluate all of the
specifications listed on the Golite website for this product, as well
as how good a job the "SmartFit" calculator did in
determining my
correct size. Of special interest to me is the "Sternum
Zipper". At
only 24 inches (610 mm) in length, I am curious how hard it is going
to be to get in and out of this bag. I foresee a possible problem
having to "scrunch" or otherwise become a contortionist to
get inside
the bag with sleeping clothes on. Also, this would not seem to allow
for a quick escape in an emergency, (bag on fire, nasty critter at my
tent door, diarrhea from drinking bad water or food) or other
unpleasant event. In addition to this, I expect to answer all of
the following queries, as well as others that may arise, which are
definitely not intended to be inclusive.

How easy to open/close the zipper? How well do the dual draft tubes
protect the zipper, and prevent drafts inside the bag?

How easy or difficult will it be to open or close the zipper when in
the bag, and in the dark?

How much room am I really going to have at my feet, waist, shoulders,
head?

Does the down move about inside the shell, and get thin or thick on
any areas?

How breathable is the shell? Is that even possible with a down bag?

Will I be able to open the bag enough on warmer nights to get some
ventilation?

Will the bag sleep too cold, too hot?

How comfortable is the 22 denier polyester lining on my skin?

How soon after using the bag will I start seeing down feathers
protruding up through the shell of the bag?

How durable is the DWR Quantum nylon shell? How well does it resist
water that may condensate on the inside of my tent? Does it attract
dust or create a static charge?

What is an "ergonomic hood" and how does that benefit me?

How well does the "FootVent" work and why do I need this?
Does it allow drafts? Does it contribute to being cold?

Really, how accurate is the 20 F (-07 C) rating in real life and real
conditions?

Does the bag have a funny smell inside, (the Marmot did for a little
while)?

Is the bag washable, does it require a special product to clean the
bag? What are the cleaning instructions for the bag?

How smooth is the exterior of the bag? Will it stay on my pad, air
mattress or tent floor without moving around?

Is there an exterior loop at the foot of the bag to hang the bag from?

Do the tags that are sewn into the bag have to be removed to keep from
scratching my neck or other body parts?

How does the bag fit in my smaller tarp tent, in my regular tent, too
wide, too narrow, too long?

What is a "face-seal gasket"? Does the hood have draw cords,
are they easy/hard to use, and stay fastened? How adjustable are they,
if the hood has them?

Do I have to seam seal the "Sil-Lite" stow sack?

Does the cotton storage sack have a good draw cord and clasp?

Is the storage sack the correct size?

Is the "Sil-Lite" sack the correct size, or do I have to
really stuff the bag down to get it inside the sack, or is the sack
too large?

How difficult is it going to be to get the bag down to a size to be
able to get it into the stow sack?

How easy will the bag return to is full shape and size after removing
from the stuff sack?

Can I air-dry this bag in my clothes dryer with a tennis ball to break
up compressed down?


Is there a warranty on this bag, if so how long?  Can I get a response
from customer service through the Golite website?

Colors like blue, yellow and red are not advised in bear country, why
did Golite choose this blue color for this bag?


I own many Golite products and have always been satisfied with the
workmanship of those products. I can give this bag a very thorough
evaluation in many different situations and weather conditions. My
current testing load of the Dunham Shoes, Spenco Insoles, Probars and
the newly awarded LedHedz light, will all work well with this testing.
Most of these items will end by mid-term of the Golite bag test. 


Given the opportunity, I will honestly and fairly evaluate this Golite
Feather Bag and report dutifully to Backpackgeartest and the fine
people at Golite. 

Here is the link to all of my reports and gear tests:

http://tinyurl.com/5tv24

Previously Written Reports:
Hiking Colorados Weminuche Wilderness
Ozark Highlands Trail Guide
Sling-Light Backpack Camp Chair
Tilley LT6 Lightweighter Hat
CamelBak M.U.L.E.
Victorinox Classic Pocket Knife
OR Crocs Cayman Shoes
Completed Tests:
Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo
Probars (Test Extended)
Smith Axis Sunglasses
Currently Testing Other Items:
Spenco IR
Dunham IR
LedHedz (waiting for item to arrive)
I am on the mentor list
Thank you for your consideration:
Russell Curry




------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> 
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/60TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->