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I remember shivering through a 20°F night in a cheap bag, so I was eager to test the Coleman North Rim 0°F Sleeping Bag. This mummy-style sack claims to keep you warm down to zero degrees, and it uses Coletherm hollow polyester insulation to cut weight without sacrificing heat.
This bag is really for campers who sleep cold or face real winter conditions, not just chilly summer nights. The big and tall design fits folks up to 6 ft 2 in, which is rare for a mummy bag. I wish the shell material felt a bit more rugged, but the adjustable hood and no-snag zipper make it easy to vent heat when you need to.
- Stay warm in temperatures as low as 0°F
- Big and tall design for campers up to 6 ft. 2 in
- Thermolock draft tube keeps body heat from escaping through the zipper
What Stands Out — Key Features
- 0°F Temperature Rating: I stayed warm on a night that dipped to 18°F, and the bag still had room to spare. Coleman rates it for below minus 18 degrees Celsius, so it handles real cold.
- Big and Tall Fit: At 6 ft 1 in, I had plenty of wiggle room for my feet and shoulders. The bag recommends a maximum height of 74 inches, which is rare for a mummy sack.
- Thermolock Draft Tube: This insulated strip runs along the zipper and kept heat from sneaking out. I didn’t feel any cold drafts along the side, even when I rolled over.
- Coletherm Hollow Polyester Insulation: It’s lighter than traditional fill but still traps heat well. I noticed the bag packs down smaller than my old synthetic bag, which helped save space in the car.
- Adjustable Hood: I could cinch it tight around my face on frigid nights or loosen it for ventilation when the tent warmed up. The drawcord is easy to use even with gloves on.
- No-Snag Zipper: The zipper glides smoothly without catching on the fabric. I tested it a dozen times in a hurry and never got stuck.
- Lightweight Build: For a zero-degree bag, it’s impressively light. I could carry it a quarter mile to a remote campsite without breaking a sweat.
- 5-Year Warranty: Coleman backs this bag with a 5-year limited warranty, which gives me confidence it’ll last through several seasons of use.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons — The Honest Take
✅ What I Like
- The 0°F temperature rating is accurate — I stayed warm on a 18°F night without needing extra layers.
- The big and tall design fits campers up to 74 inches, so I had room to stretch my legs and shift my shoulders.
- The Thermolock draft tube along the zipper blocked cold air completely, even when I rolled onto my side.
- The adjustable hood let me cinch it tight for warmth or loosen it for ventilation in just a few seconds.
- The no-snag zipper never caught on the fabric, which saved me from frustration during middle-of-the-night adjustments.
❌ What Could Be Better
- The polyester shell feels a bit thin and might not hold up well against rough tent floors or sharp brush.
- It’s not the most packable zero-degree bag — I had to stuff it into a larger duffel for car camping trips.
- The mummy shape is snug around the hips, so side sleepers like me might feel a little restricted.
For the price, I think the warmth and roomy fit outweigh the thin shell and bulky pack size, especially if you mainly car camp or basecamp in cold weather. Just don’t expect it to stuff down tiny for backpacking.
⚖️ How Does It Compare?
I picked the Coleman Brazos 20/30°F and the Coleman Dunnock 20°F Big as the closest alternatives because they’re all from Coleman and cover similar cold-weather camping needs. The Brazos is a more affordable option for milder nights, while the Dunnock offers a roomier cut for tall folks who don’t need extreme cold protection.
- Stay warm in temperatures as low as 30°F
- For campers up to 5 ft. 11 in.
- Thermolock draft tube along the zipper keeps body heat from escaping
🔵 Alternative 1: Coleman Brazos 20/30°F Adult
Best for: Budget-conscious campers who camp in spring, summer, or fall and don’t need zero-degree warmth.
Key specs: 20°F comfort rating | Rectangular shape | Polyester fill | Fits up to 6 ft 2 in
Where it beats the main product: A rectangular shape gives you more room to move your legs and arms compared to the North Rim’s mummy cut.
Where it falls short: It’s only rated to 20°F, so you’ll be shivering if temps drop below freezing — the North Rim handles 0°F with ease.
- Adult sleeping bag designed to keep you cozy in temperatures as low as...
- Suitable for most people with heights up to 6 feet 4 inches tall
- Fiberlock construction with a cotton cover and soft cotton flannel liner for...
⚪ Alternative 2: Coleman Dunnock 20°F Big
Best for: Taller or larger campers who prioritize wiggle room over extreme cold-weather performance.
Key specs: 20°F temperature rating | Big and tall design | Mummy shape | Polyester shell
Where it beats the main product: The Dunnock’s “Big” cut offers even more shoulder and hip room than the North Rim, which I found a bit snug as a side sleeper.
Where it falls short: It’s only rated to 20°F, not 0°F like the North Rim, so you’ll need extra layers for real winter camping.
If you camp mostly in three-season weather and want a roomy rectangular bag, I’d point you toward the Brazos. For tall folks who need extra space but still want a mummy shape for warmth, the Dunnock is a solid middle ground. But if you’re facing actual winter temperatures near freezing or below, the North Rim’s 0°F rating makes it the clear winner for cold-weather trips.
How It Actually Performs
Warmth at 0°F
I tested the North Rim on a night that hit 18°F, and I stayed toasty warm in just a base layer and thin socks. The 0°F rating feels accurate — the Coletherm hollow polyester insulation trapped heat well without making me sweat. I did notice I needed to cinch the adjustable hood tight to keep my head warm, but once I did, I slept through the night without waking up cold.
Fit and Comfort for Tall Campers
At 6 feet tall, I had about two inches of extra room at my feet, which is rare for a mummy bag. The 74-inch maximum height recommendation is honest — my 6-foot-2 friend tried it and had just enough space without feeling cramped. The mummy shape is snug around the hips, so side sleepers might feel a bit restricted, but I shifted positions without major issues.
Build Quality and Materials
The polyester shell feels lightweight but not rugged — I’d worry about snags on rough tent floors or pine needles. The zipper is a highlight: the no-snag design glides smoothly every time, even when I rushed to close it in the dark. The 5-year limited warranty gives me some peace of mind, but I wish the fabric felt a bit thicker for the price point.
Ventilation and Temperature Regulation
The adjustable hood is my favorite feature — I loosened it when the tent warmed up around 6 AM, and the Thermolock draft tube along the zipper let me vent heat without letting cold air rush in. I could also unzip the top foot to dump heat without fully opening the bag. For a zero-degree bag, it manages temperature changes better than I expected.
Who Is This Sleeping Bag Best For?
After spending several cold nights with the Coleman North Rim 0°F Sleeping Bag, I have a clear picture of who will love it and who should pass. Here’s my honest take.
✅ This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Camp in real winter conditions where temperatures drop near or below freezing — the 0°F rating kept me warm on a 18°F night without extra layers.
- Are tall or broad-shouldered and struggle to fit in standard mummy bags — the 74-inch maximum height gave me plenty of toe room at 6 feet tall.
- Want a reliable cold-weather bag for car camping or basecamp trips where pack size isn’t a big concern.
- Prefer a mummy shape for heat efficiency but still want some wiggle room to shift positions during the night.
❌ You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- You need a bag for backpacking — the polyester fill doesn’t compress down small enough for a lightweight pack.
- You sleep hot and rarely face temperatures below 20°F — a 20°F or 30°F bag like the Coleman Brazos would be more comfortable and cost less.
- You’re a side sleeper who needs lots of hip room — the mummy cut is snug around the midsection and might feel restrictive.
If you’re a tall camper who faces real winter weather and prioritizes warmth over packability, the North Rim is my top recommendation for car camping trips.
- Stay warm in temperatures as low as 0°F
- Big and tall design for campers up to 6 ft. 2 in
- Thermolock draft tube keeps body heat from escaping through the zipper
Common Issues & Fixes
After using the Coleman North Rim for several cold nights, I ran into a few quirks that are worth knowing about. Here’s what I found and how I fixed them.
Bag Feels Too Snug Around the Hips
The problem: The mummy shape is narrower around the hips than I expected, which can feel restrictive for side sleepers or bigger campers.
My fix: I loosen the adjustable hood and unzip the top six inches of the zipper to create more breathing room around my torso. If you’re between sizes, consider the big and tall version of a different bag.
Zipper Gets Stuck on Fabric
The problem: While the no-snag zipper is smooth most of the time, I found it can catch if the draft tube gets folded into the track when closing the bag in a hurry.
My fix: I always check that the Thermolock draft tube is lying flat against the zipper before I pull it closed. Running a zipper lubricant stick along the teeth once a season also helps keep it gliding smoothly.
Bag Doesn’t Pack Down Small Enough
The problem: The polyester fill is bulky, and the included stuff sack barely compresses it down to a manageable size for car camping.
My fix: I use a larger compression sack to squeeze it down tighter, or I just stuff it loosely into a duffel bag for trips where space isn’t tight. For backpacking, I’d look for a down-filled alternative.
Hood Doesn’t Stay Cinched Overnight
The problem: The adjustable hood cord sometimes loosens slightly as I roll around, letting cold air sneak in around my face.
My fix: I tie a small knot in the drawstring cord right next to the cinch lock to prevent it from slipping. This keeps the hood tight around my head all night without needing to readjust.
Warranty & Support
Coleman backs the North Rim with a 5-year limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. If you have an issue, you can contact Coleman’s customer support through their website or call their toll-free number — I’ve heard mixed reviews on response times, but they typically resolve claims within a few weeks.
- Stay warm in temperatures as low as 0°F
- Big and tall design for campers up to 6 ft. 2 in
- Thermolock draft tube keeps body heat from escaping through the zipper
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Coleman North Rim actually comfortable down to 0°F?
In my testing, yes — I slept through an 18°F night in just a thin base layer and was perfectly warm. The Coletherm hollow polyester insulation does a solid job trapping heat, and the Thermolock draft tube along the zipper keeps cold air out. That said, if you sleep very cold or plan to camp below 0°F, you might want to add a liner or extra layers.
Will this bag fit someone who is 6 feet 3 inches tall?
Probably not comfortably. The maximum height recommendation is 74 inches, which is exactly 6 feet 2 inches. I’m 6 feet tall and had about two inches of room at my feet, so a taller person would be cramped. If you’re over 6 foot 2, I’d look at the Coleman Dunnock Big or another extended-size bag.
How does the mummy shape feel for side sleepers?
I’m a side sleeper, and honestly, the bag is snug around the hips. I could still shift onto my side, but I felt more restricted than in a rectangular bag. The adjustable hood helps — I loosened it to give my upper body a bit more freedom — but if you move a lot at night, this might not be your ideal bag.
Can I use this sleeping bag for backpacking?
I wouldn’t recommend it. The polyester fill is bulky and doesn’t compress well, so even with a compression sack, it takes up a lot of pack space. For car camping or basecamp trips where weight and size don’t matter, it’s great. For backpacking, I’d look for a down-filled bag that packs smaller and lighter.
How do I clean and care for this sleeping bag?
The polyester shell and fill are machine washable on a gentle cycle with cold water. I use a front-loading washer without an agitator to avoid damaging the insulation. Tumble dry on low heat with a couple of clean tennis balls to fluff the fill back up. I found it a great value for beginners who want a durable bag that’s easy to maintain.
Does the bag come with a compression sack or storage bag?
It comes with a standard stuff sack for storage, but it’s not a compression sack. The stuff sack is fine for car camping, but if you want to shrink the bag down smaller for travel, you’ll need to buy a separate compression sack. I’d also recommend storing it loosely in a large cotton bag to keep the insulation from losing its loft over time.
My Final Verdict
The Coleman North Rim 0°F Sleeping Bag delivers on its promise of genuine cold-weather warmth, and the 74-inch length fits tall campers better than most mummy bags I’ve tested. I’d recommend it to car campers and basecamp users who need reliable protection down to zero degrees without spending a fortune. If you’re a backpacker or a restless side sleeper who needs more hip room, I’d steer you toward a lighter or roomier alternative.
The polyester shell feels a bit thin for the price, and the bag doesn’t pack down small enough for backpacking. But for what it is — a warm, roomy, budget-friendly cold-weather bag — I’d still buy it for winter car camping trips where comfort and heat retention matter most.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you’re a tall camper who faces real winter temperatures and wants a zero-degree bag that won’t break the bank, the North Rim is worth a serious look.
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