The North Face Dolomite 20 Review

Name: The North Face Dolomite 20
Brand: The North Face

The Dolomite 20 is a multi-purpose bag that is designed with all the care and attention to detail that The North Face products are known for

The North Face Dolomite 20 Review — Credit: The North Face

Price: $100 List

Manufacturer: The North Face

By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Nov 8, 2019

OVERALL
SCORE

Warmth - 35% 4.0
Comfort - 25% 5.0
Features - 25% 6.0
Packed Size - 15% 6.0

View at The North Face

Our Verdict

As of Spring 2020, The North Face no longer offers this version of the Dolomite.

REASONS TO BUY

Simple and nice features

Relatively low price

One of the smaller packed sizes

REASONS TO AVOID

Relatively small

Doesn't stand up to colder weather

If you shy away from early Spring or late Fall camping and are looking for a quality bag that is perfect for a little bit warmer weather, The North Face Dolomite 20 could very well be the bag you're looking for. This bag is excellent for desert or summer weather camping and could easily allow you to brave a little bit colder temps if you combine the bag with warmer sleeping attire. This bag is compressible and light but still gives you the more roomy, traditional, rectangle design of a car-camping bag.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Performance Comparison

the north face dolomite 20 - we loved the dolomite's versatility and construction quality. — We loved the Dolomite's versatility and construction quality.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Warmth

The Dolomite 20 was a solid performer, but, in our opinion, didn't quite live up to the insulating power that its 20-degree rating boasts. This is still a great, well-constructed bag, made with quality materials. However, after the tests we performed, we fill a more realistic rating would be 35 degrees. In that temp range, we found the Dolomite to be warm, inviting and cozy. Additionally, we were impressed to find that the bag's Heatseeker Eco synthetic insulation is composed of 30 percent post-consumer recycled material. While this bag is incredibly warm, it was bested by the Teton Sports Polara 3-in-1, Coleman Brazos, and TETON Sports Celsius XXL 0.

the north face dolomite 20 - we were impressed to find that the bag's heatseeker eco synthetic... — We were impressed to find that the bag's Heatseeker Eco synthetic insulation is composed of 30 percent post-consumer recycled material.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Comfort

This is not the largest rectangular bag on the market, so if you're a larger or taller person, you may feel a little cramped in this bag. Overall, we found it to be relatively comfortable, easy to toss and turn in, but somewhat tighter feeling than we were expecting. When lying flat and empty, it appears to be roomier in the shoulders and hips then it actually was. Our testing indicated that the Teton Sports Polara 3-in-1 was the most comfortable competitor in our fleet.

the north face dolomite 20 - the fabric of the dolomite has a nice feel. however, the bag is a... — The fabric of the Dolomite has a nice feel. However, the bag is a little tighter than it appears.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Features

The Dolomite doesn't offer as many features as some of the other bags we tested. However, we did like its drawstring adjustable opening, which allows the user to cinch the bag around their shoulders. It also has a nice Velcro closure tab at the top of the zipper; a very nice zipper handle; and a large interior pocket.

the north face dolomite 20 - a simple pleasure we do admit, but we loved this bag's... — A simple pleasure we do admit, but we loved this bag's well-constructed zipper tabs.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

We were also impressed with the bag's limited lifetime warranty and its excellent water-resistant shell. Overall, we feel this is an excellent all-purpose camping bag.

the north face dolomite 20 - the dolomite, rei siesta, kelty callisto, and the teton sports... — The Dolomite, Rei Siesta, Kelty Callisto, and the Teton Sports Celsius XXL maintained perfect water resistance for the full 5 minutes of our water test.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Packed Size

The Dolomite is the second lightest bag we tested and fits easily into its stuff sack. The Dolomite can also easily fit into various backpack sizes, down to a 58-liters, making it a good option for doubling as a backcountry bag in a pinch.

the north face dolomite 20 - compared to some of the huge sleeping bags we've tested, this one... — Compared to some of the huge sleeping bags we've tested, this one has a more manageable packed size.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Best Applications

We really don't have a best application for this bag. It pretty much could be used for anything. It is NOT the absolute perfect bag for, really, any type of camping. But it does work well in just about any situation. The only things to keep in mind are it's not a really large bag and it's not really designed for weather colder than 30 or 40 degrees. Other than that, this an excellent multi-purpose bag.

the north face dolomite 20 - the dolomite 20 has enough features to keep you happy and enough... — The Dolomite 20 has enough features to keep you happy and enough versatility to keep you on the move.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Value

As with most North Face products, this bag is filled with class and quality. After hours of testing, we feel it's worth its price tag.

the north face dolomite 20 - the surface fabric of the dolomite 20. — The surface fabric of the Dolomite 20.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Conclusion

When it comes to bedding down for the night in a chilly mountain valley, bags like The North Face Dolomite 20 really can't compete with our Editors' Choice, the Teton Sports Polara 3-in-1. However, in all fairness, that isn't really the Dolomite's niche or design. This is more of an all-purpose bag that's designed to be a lighter, stylish, modern take of the warmer, heavier, flannel bags. We hope our review gave you insight as to whether you are leaning to old school or new school.

— Jason Wanlass