So you're in the market for the best sleeping bag out there?

 Most leading sporting good stores like REI, Dick's Sporting Goods, Backcountry.com have the Cat's Meow in stock. Be sure to try one out in store to decide if you need the Long or Regular version, and if a mummy bag is really your thing. If you find it too confining try looking for width expander, North Face currently doesn't make one, but Mountain Headwear does make one compatible with North Face zippers.

If you're trip isn't for a while and are waiting to get one on sale, try http://www.spadout.com to notify you when the Cat's Meow goes on sale at leading online retailers like REI and Backountry.com. You might even be able to take advantage of free shipping.

eBay and Craigslist?

Since the Cat's Meow is the leading sleeping bag there are many new and used ones that turn up for sale online. If you're set on getting one new online via eBay, periodicaly they show up for $10 to $30 off MSRP.

If you're looking for a gently used Cat's Meow keep in mind just about everyone else is. Be prepared to shell out close to $80 plus shipping on a model 3 or 4 years old. That says a lot about North Face brand name huh? Consult my history page if you are unsure how old a model might be and what features it offered.

Some general tips you should keep in mind on buying used versus new bags:

• Make sure the previous owner took good care of it, ask if it was washed properly, and stored out of the compression bag in a cool dry place like a closet.
• Check if the original stuff sack and compression sack are included, if not factor that in the price.
• Look at the sleeping bag laid flat, if the loft is low in places, that's a good sign of heavy use or improper storage. Loft is the insulative power of the fill and deteriorates through washing and use. A bag advertised for 20 degrees can feel like a single sheet if the loft is damaged enough.