Application - GoLite Feather

Application to test
Go Lite
Feather Sleeping Bag
September 15, 2005

I would appreciate the opportunity to test the GoLite Feather Sleeping Bag. 
My tester agreement has been accepted and I have read the most current 
version of the Survival Guide (8/05) and agree to follow the guidelines. 

Personal Information: 
Leesa Joiner 
leesaj@xxxxxxxxx 
Southwestern Maine 
44 years old 
Female 
5'7" (1.7 M) 
160 lb. (73 kg) 
Sizing Info: Girth Measurement: 48 inches
Height: 5' 7"

I would prefer a medium length, regular girth. (I prefer a little more room)
Color: Sea


Background: 
My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included trips varying in 
length from one day hikes to two-week trips. My experience hiking began with 
my father when I was about six years old. We hiked along the river pathways 
in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. While enjoying the outdoors 
with my Girl Scout troop, friends and family, I spend time hiking, 
geocaching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and camping. Although I am not 
a lightweight backpacker, I am trying to 'lighten up' and primarily use a 
hammock for sleeping. 

Test Locations, Conditions and Time Frame:
During the fall I will be hiking in western Maine and central New Hampshire, 
with my children, scouts and with a group of friends. We typically either 
set up camp and hike out from the base camp, or we backpack in to a camping 
area. We are fortunate to live in an area where we can drive just a short 
distance and take advantage of some great hiking and camping. Most of my 
hiking is done below 3000 ft (914 m), but some spring climbs go over 4000 ft 
(1219 m). There is a wide range of types of terrain on these hikes - 
everything from well maintained trails to hiking through heavily wooded 
areas. Some trips involve backpacking into campsites and at other times I 
set up camp and hike out from there.
My Girl Scout troop is made up of young girls who are just getting their 
first experience with being outdoors for extended periods. We do at least 
one full day hike a month, and an over night trip every other month. This 
allows me time to get out with my own children and a group of friends. 
I am planning on hiking Mt. Chocura in New Hampshire with my family and some 
friends over the long Columbus Day weekend. We would also be hiking the 
weekend of September 24th, while my older son visits Maine Maritime Academy. 
There are some coastal hiking trails that we've been wanting to try. 
Other backpacking trips will be of a more spontaneous nature - day hikes and 
geocaching, along with fishing in the Saco River. We fish frequently both 
locally in fresh water lakes, and in the Atlantic Ocean which is only about 
a 45 minute drive from our house. 
Later in the fall I will be camping with my sons' Boy Scout troop in western 
Maine for 4 nights (where I am the cooking merit badge counselor). My Girl 
Scout troop's Fall Camporee will be held in mid-November and will be for 3 
nights. 
During the winter, I spend as much time snow shoeing and cross country 
skiing as possible. I am usually doing that while my kids are ice fishing. 
On average, we spend at least one day a week playing in the cold, and one 
weekend a month camping. 


Test Plan: 
My plan, if chosen to test the GoLite Feather bag, I would be able to test 
it while tent camping during the fall and then cabin and tent camping during 
late fall and early winter. Because there are at least two long weekends 
during both test phases, I would be able to field test the Feather at the 
least four times during each stage. During the next 4-5 months, our 
temperatures should range from the current 80 F (27 C) down to just about 
freezing. We typically have a wet fall and snow on the ground between 
November and December. 

While testing, I would look at the following: 
Workmanship and Materials- How well made is the sleeping bag? Is the 
stitching even and secure? How is the zipper set into the fabric? Does the 
fabric catch on the zipper? How does a sternum zipper work as opposed to a 
regular side zip? Do the baffles keep the fill from shifting and bunching? 
Are the Pertex Quantum nylon shell and Polyester lining comfortable to the 
touch, do they help retain body heat? Why is the '5-piece ergonomic hood 
with 360° face-seal gasket' a selling point? 

Temperature Ratings: Are the temperature ratings accurate? The bag is rated 
at 20 F (-7 C) I tend to be a warm sleeper, compared to others I camp with. 
Am I going to perspire and then chill in the bag? How does the bag handle 
moisture or a real soaking? How quickly will it dry? 

Comfort - How much ventilation does the foot vent provide? Does it help 
reduce moisture within the bag? How does the lining of the bag feel against 
my skin? Is it smooth to the touch, without being cold? Most importantly - 
how well do I sleep in the bag?

I would enjoy the opportunity to test the Feather sleeping bag. I would like 
to be able to compare how well it works out when camping in different 
conditions, and what the differences are when sleeping in a hammock versus a 
tent or cabin. I am currently testing the Sierra Designs Rock Creek Sleeping 
Bag, the long term report is due in November. There is a slight overlap, but 
I have already put in well over 16 nights in the Rock Creek. The temperature 
ratings are higher on the Rock Creek, so it would not likely be used under 
the same conditions anyway.

Thanks for your consideration, Leesa.

Current Tests:

Swiss Tool Spirit - LTR - October 2005
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Knives/Multi-tools/Victorinox%20SwissTool%20Spirit/Leesa%20Joiner

Sierra Designs Rock Creek Sleeping Bag - LTR- November 2005
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Sleeping%20Bags/Sierra%20Designs%20Rock%20Creek%20and%20Osage/Leesa%20Joiner/

Test being Monitored

Spyderco - Delica Spyderedge
Keen Footwear - Boulder
Flatworld - Orikaso Picnic Set
GoLite - Eisenhower Tunnel Shelter
Spyderco - Triangle Sharpmaker
Past Tests:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tester_reviews/leesajo

Owner Reviews:

Mt. Washington 20 F Down Bags
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Sleeping%20Bags/LL%20Bean%20Mt%20Washington%200%20F%20Down%20Bag/Owner%20Review%20by%20Leesa%20Joiner/

Excalibur Dehydrator
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Food%20Preparation%20Gear/Dehydrators/Excalibur%202900%20Dehydrator/Owner%20Review%20by%20Leesa%20Joiner/

Peterson Field Guide
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Books/Field%20Guides/Owner%20Review%20by%20Leesa%20Joiner/



-- 
This land is your land, this land is my land...
Woody Guthrie


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