The North Face Dolomite One Review

Simple layering options make the The North Face Dolomite One a contender for one of the better 3-in-1 camping bags on the market. We feel its only limitation is its coldest warmth rating stops at 15-degrees. If this bag offered a range from zero to 50 degrees, we feel it could rival any multi-layered sleeping bag out there. That said, the warmth ratings it does offer make it very versatile and appealing to a wide range of campers who want a bag that adapts easily to climates and temperatures.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

We tested each layering option in a variety of climates, temperatures, and elevations and found them each to adequately measure up to their individual warmth ratings. In fact, after several nights in this bag, we can honestly say it's one of the more versatile we've seen when it comes to warmth. Even better, this bag's Heatseeker Eco Synthetic Insulation consists of 30% post-consumer material. This bag also offers a drawstring opening which allows sleepers to completely enclose the bag above their shoulders by cinching the bag around their neck. This simple feature (often missing on basic camping bags) was instrumental in keeping our testers warmer when nighttime temps inched closer to the bag's lower warmth ratings.

Lots of layering options results in lots of zippers. All of the Dolomite One's zippers converge in a clump at the bottom of the bag, resulting in a two-inch opening in the center of the foot box. The space is a result of the system which allows layers to be added and removed. There is a small, Velcro flap that covers the gap; however, we found the Velcro to be a bit cheap, resulting in the flap easily falling out place. It simply doesn't stay closed very well, which gives cooler air direct access to toes and feet during chillier nights.

Comfort

After sleeping in this bag for several nights, we found the 50-degree layering configuration to be the most comfortable; however, as a whole, the entire bag feels spacious and is easy to maneuver in throughout the night. Its entire shell system is made from The North Face's proprietary Cire Polyester Taffeta material, which is soft and cool against the skin and allows for ease of movement. The bag's interior lining also includes a thin microfleece weave from the midsection to the opening. Although warm, this bag's insulation is a little is thinner than many other bags, so it doesn't have a lot of natural padding. As with virtually any sleeping bag, we recommend using it with a sleeping pad for reasons pertaining to comfort and warmth.

Features

The Dolomite One comes with a few basic features, like a drawstring opening and an internal storage pouch. However, we feel its greatest feature is its simple layering system. A few companies have produced a layered bag; however, we feel the Dolomite One's simple design works exceptionally well.

For temps near 15-degrees, zip all the layers together. If it looks like weather may hover between freezing and 40-degrees, remove the blue layer and sleep with just the yellow quilt. Finally, for temperatures that are 50 or above, remove the yellow layer and attach just the blue quilt for the evening. This bag offers an incredible amount of versatility for campers in tents or RVs who enjoy camping in a wide variety of climates and every season but winter. If your van or RV is heated, this bag could be the one you use year-round.

Packed Size

Due to its multiple layering options, the Dolomite One may also have several packed sizes, depending on the temperatures the bag will be used in. For this reason, we gave it higher scores in this metric when compared to its peers. The 50-degree configuration packs down small enough to be used for a simple weekend backpacking trip. When fully loaded for warmth, the Dolomite One still packs down surprisingly well, giving it a smaller packed size than many other rectangle bags we've looked at that employ synthetic insulation.

Value

When we scan our notes, as well as our review, we realize we have very few negative comments about the Dolomite One. Its effective layering system provides warmth in a variety of temperatures. We love its simplicity and versatility and feel it's worth its higher price tag, especially for campers who enjoy traveling a wide range of climates, elevations, temperature zones, and seasons. We would be remiss, though, if we didn't mention that our favorite 3-in-1 model costs less.

Conclusion

We were pleasantly impressed by the versatility of the The North Face Dolomite One. Its simple design is easy to use, comfortable, stylish, and effectively warm in all of its layering configurations. It's an ideal bag for campers who enjoy a variety of locations or seasons, and it could even pinch-hit on a weekend backpacking trip. Its only drawback is that its price is higher than other adequate multi-layered sleeping bags.