Fission

 

Product Description

From Campmor:

Designed to provide the optimal solution for moving fast and light outdoors while still providing essential warmth and comfort.
Ultralight, extremely compressible bags for weight-sensitive pursuits.
Polarguard® Delta synthetic insulation.
Constructed with proprietary Ultralight 15 denier HelioLite™ HD ripstop shell, which is lighter, stronger and more compressible than other available materials.
Soft and supple 20-denier lining.
Fitted hood.
Innovative vaulted footbox design incorporates a venting zipper, is roomier, allows more natural foot movement, eliminates dead air space and ensures warmer, more comfortable feet.
Down filled face comfort tube.
1/3 length zipper with no-snag stiffener in zipper column .
Draft tube and face comfort tube.
One-hand pull cord for easy hood adjustments.
Heat-transfer logos to save embroidery thread weight.
Nylon mesh storage sack and stuffsack included.
Left zip only.

Features

Also from Campmor:

Size 84 in. x 30 in. x 19 in.
Fits To 6 ft.
Fill Weight 1 lb. 9 oz.
Loft N/A
Avg. Total Wt. 2 lbs. 4 oz.
Stuff Size 8 in. x 17 in.
Temperature 20°
Mateable No
Insulation Polarguard® Delta
Inner Shell 20 denier lining
Outer Shell 15 denier HelioLite™ HD
Zipper Type 1/3 length zipper
Color Red

Observations...

I have the model of the fission that was made before the current model. The model in the picture, although I haven't used it, is definitely better than the older version of the fission, although it's an ounce heavier. The reason I say this is because the main complaint I have about the old version was the face enclosure always seemed to have a gap, no matter how tight you pulled the drawstring. According to the new description, the newer version has a neck baffle AND the has a fitted hood. I know I wasn't the only person to have this complaint because I read it on other boards and reviews also. Looks like North Face does a good job listening to the people who test their gear, because the new version looks great. Not to mention it has a zipper at the bottom for airing out when things get warmer.

With the exception of the above-mentioned problem, I've really enjoyed this bag. I've had it out in below freezing weather (mid 20's) and been plenty warm with capiline long underwear on. Of course, I had to use my fleece jacket as a neck baffle, but the overall performance of the bag was great. And the newer version seems to have this problem taken care of, which basically makes it an awesome bag.

If you're looking for a lightweight synthetic down to 20 degrees, this is the bag for you. If you don't need the synthetic fill for wet weather, go with down and you can save nearly a pound off the weight of this bag.

Lastly, I should note I tried to do a search for this bag on the North Face Website and couldn't find it (2/7/07). Hopefully they're not fasing it out...

Images