The North Face Dolomite One Review

Name: The North Face Dolomite One
Brand: The North Face

The layered versatility of this bag should appeal to campers who want a bag that can adapt to an array of climates, elevations, and seasons

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

Price: $185 List

Manufacturer: The North Face

By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 12, 2021

OVERALL
SCORE

Warmth - 35% 8.0
Comfort - 30% 8.0
Features - 25% 7.0
Packed Size - 10% 6.0

$105 at REI (40% off!)

$118 at Amazon

$199 at Backcountry

Our Verdict

Stackable and interchangeable top quilts give The North Face Dolomite One impressive versatility in a wide cross-section of climates and temperatures. Its simple zipping system gives the user a choice of three distinct layering options with temp ratings of 15, 30, and 50 degrees. No gimmicks here, these layers are easy to add and remove and they measure up to their respective warmth ratings. The Dolomite One is a legitimate choice for campers who enjoy a wide variety of climates and seasons or who sleep outdoor in a wide range of shelters such as tents, campers, RVs, or boats.

REASONS TO BUY

Very versatile

Warm

Comfortable fabrics

REASONS TO AVOID

Higher priced

A lot of zippers

Gap in foot box lets in cool air

Our Analysis and Test Results

Simple layering options make the The North Face Dolomite One a contender for one of the better 3-in-1 camping bags on the market. We feel its only limitation is its coldest warmth rating stops at 15-degrees. If this bag offered a range from zero to 50 degrees, we feel it could rival any multi-layered sleeping bag out there. That said, the warmth ratings it does offer make it very versatile and appealing to a wide range of campers who want a bag that adapts easily to climates and temperatures.

Performance Comparison

the north face dolomite one - we feel each layering configuration performed well against its... — We feel each layering configuration performed well against its listed temperature rating. We found the 30-degree, yellow quilt (seen here) was perfect for shoulder seasons when temps remain colder at night.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Warmth

We tested each layering option in a variety of climates, temperatures, and elevations and found them each to adequately measure up to their individual warmth ratings. In fact, after several nights in this bag, we can honestly say it's one of the more versatile we've seen when it comes to warmth. Even better, this bag's Heatseeker Eco Synthetic Insulation consists of 30% post-consumer material. This bag also offers a drawstring opening which allows sleepers to completely enclose the bag above their shoulders by cinching the bag around their neck. This simple feature (often missing on basic camping bags) was instrumental in keeping our testers warmer when nighttime temps inched closer to the bag's lower warmth ratings.

A lot of layers, result in a lot of zippers. We didn't like the... — A lot of layers, result in a lot of zippers. We didn't like the 2-inch opening in the foot box where all of the zippers converge.

We found the Velcro flap, designed to cover the opening, rarely... — We found the Velcro flap, designed to cover the opening, rarely stayed in place. The gap allowed our feet to easily poke out of the foot box. This opening allowed unwanted cold air to creep into our bag at night.

Lots of layering options results in lots of zippers. All of the Dolomite One's zippers converge in a clump at the bottom of the bag, resulting in a two-inch opening in the center of the foot box. The space is a result of the system which allows layers to be added and removed. There is a small, Velcro flap that covers the gap; however, we found the Velcro to be a bit cheap, resulting in the flap easily falling out place. It simply doesn't stay closed very well, which gives cooler air direct access to toes and feet during chillier nights.

the north face dolomite one - the dolomite's shell and liner fabrics are soft and pleasing to the... — The Dolomite's shell and liner fabrics are soft and pleasing to the touch. Although very effective, the bag's insulation isn't very thick, so a sleeping pad is a must.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Comfort

After sleeping in this bag for several nights, we found the 50-degree layering configuration to be the most comfortable; however, as a whole, the entire bag feels spacious and is easy to maneuver in throughout the night. Its entire shell system is made from The North Face's proprietary Cire Polyester Taffeta material, which is soft and cool against the skin and allows for ease of movement. The bag's interior lining also includes a thin microfleece weave from the midsection to the opening. Although warm, this bag's insulation is a little is thinner than many other bags, so it doesn't have a lot of natural padding. As with virtually any sleeping bag, we recommend using it with a sleeping pad for reasons pertaining to comfort and warmth.

Features

The Dolomite One comes with a few basic features, like a drawstring opening and an internal storage pouch. However, we feel its greatest feature is its simple layering system. A few companies have produced a layered bag; however, we feel the Dolomite One's simple design works exceptionally well.

the north face dolomite one - during the early mornings and evenings, we often used the bag's... — During the early mornings and evenings, we often used the bag's blue, 50-degree layer as a stand-alone quilt. It's compact and light enough to easily drag around camp for added warmth before tucking in for the night.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

For temps near 15-degrees, zip all the layers together. If it looks like weather may hover between freezing and 40-degrees, remove the blue layer and sleep with just the yellow quilt. Finally, for temperatures that are 50 or above, remove the yellow layer and attach just the blue quilt for the evening. This bag offers an incredible amount of versatility for campers in tents or RVs who enjoy camping in a wide variety of climates and every season but winter. If your van or RV is heated, this bag could be the one you use year-round.

Packed Size

Due to its multiple layering options, the Dolomite One may also have several packed sizes, depending on the temperatures the bag will be used in. For this reason, we gave it higher scores in this metric when compared to its peers. The 50-degree configuration packs down small enough to be used for a simple weekend backpacking trip. When fully loaded for warmth, the Dolomite One still packs down surprisingly well, giving it a smaller packed size than many other rectangle bags we've looked at that employ synthetic insulation.

the north face dolomite one - we liked that both top quilts came with their own storage pocket. — We liked that both top quilts came with their own storage pocket.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Value

When we scan our notes, as well as our review, we realize we have very few negative comments about the Dolomite One. Its effective layering system provides warmth in a variety of temperatures. We love its simplicity and versatility and feel it's worth its higher price tag, especially for campers who enjoy traveling a wide range of climates, elevations, temperature zones, and seasons. We would be remiss, though, if we didn't mention that our favorite 3-in-1 model costs less.

Conclusion

We were pleasantly impressed by the versatility of the The North Face Dolomite One. Its simple design is easy to use, comfortable, stylish, and effectively warm in all of its layering configurations. It's an ideal bag for campers who enjoy a variety of locations or seasons, and it could even pinch-hit on a weekend backpacking trip. Its only drawback is that its price is higher than other adequate multi-layered sleeping bags.