VERSATILE THREE-SEASON SACK
Now in its umpteenth iteration, the 2007 Cat’s Meow is like its predecessors in one respect only: It’s still one of the most versatile, durable three-season synthetic bags available. The roomy sack is stuffed with lofty, long-lasting Polarguard Delta and wrapped with a tough skin of water-resistant ripstop nylon. And thanks to smart updates, the big kitty is the most face-friendly bag in the mix. The full-length zipper tucks into a housing near your head, while the closures are made from a new kind of Velcro that is neither itchy nor scratchy. Even the hood’s cinch cord is swaddled in soft nylon. 20潞F, 2.6 lbs; thenorthface.com
Bonus: The glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls and welded stash pocket are handy.
Bummer: Despite the firm zipper-track reinforcements, snags have not been eliminated.