From the perspective of the average person…the Ozark Trail Cocoon 200 is a great bag…that is both well-designed and well-made for about the price of your average discount bag. The compromise is not in insulation value…but primarily weight and compression. The hood of the Ozark Trail Cocoon 200 uses some of the very best design features found in sleeping-bags made by such notables as Western Mountaineering. For example…the hood uses what is called a reverse differential construction which is a fancy way of saying that it uses over-sized cuts of fabric on the inside of the hood to allow the down to fill in around the head without the need to over-cinch the hood.
The zippers come along the whole length of the sleeping bag, ensuring you safety from insect bite or frost bite. This washable sleeping bag also has elastic roll-up straps that help you to fold and store it easily. Whoever said, “it’s the little things in life that matter,” or whatever variation thereof, was definitely on to something, especially when it comes to hiking and backpacking gear. The big things – pack, tent, sleeping bag and such – yes, they’re huge, but a few key small items can really provide an extra measure of comfort, convenience and safety out on the trail.
If I could change anything…maybe make it just a tad wider for us big guys. Nonetheless, I was still comfy and warm, and that’s what the bag is designed to do. The facts of its weight and price are huge added bonuses in my book.
Beyond this…the cord-locks and shock-cord used are too large in size and diameter respectively. It is such a value in fact…that I have on more than one occasion found myself laughing (alone in the woods) ozark trail chair at what a great overall value the bag is…and I promised myself in those moments that I would do a review to share my discovery. Our proprietary tech ensures that recalled items are never listed.
I can’t say I was warm, but I wasn’t shivering, freezing, or cold either, although I did wear 2 layers of clothing. I won’t ever buy an expensive sleeping bag after carrying this cheapo, unless I can find a cheap bag that weighs a lot less. Along the zipper a grosgrain zipper-stiffener and a pleasantly over-sized draft tube runs the entire length of the bag…features one comes to expect of high-end bags to be sure…but not something I would necessarily expect from an $80 sleeping-bag. I have never really had the problems with zippers that others complain about…but in the year of testing I have subjected this bag to I was always easily able to zip the bag open and closed using a single hand…and the draft tubes kept that cold zipper and drafts on the other side of my warm pocket of air.
Cash savings which can in turn be used to purchase better shoes…a better pack…and a better shelter…which will increase enjoyment in the outdoors infinitely more than a fluffy fancy-labeled sleeping bag by every step a person takes…ounce he or she carries…and drop of rain he or she is shielded from. This sleeping bag I always sleep in @ night @ home because I like it better than a regular blanket. It is terribly heavy for backpacking and definitely not rated correctly.