Coleman Autumn Trails 30 Degree Sleeping Bag

In June 2013, I purchased two Coleman Autumn Trails “Big & Tall” (20-40 degrees F) sleeping bags from Amazon, which my wife and I have used regularly while camping in Wisconsin’s state parks. As the 2017 camping season approaches, here is my field-tested opinion in case you’re thinking about purchasing this sleeping bag.PROS1. Flannel Lining: I grew up camping in a flannel-lined sleeping bag and detest the feel of cold, clammy nylon when slipping into my bag. While flannel-lined bags are hard to find these days, Coleman still offers this model, fortunately.2. Box-style Construction: I dislike the tapering, foot-restricting style of mummy sleeping bags. The rectangular, box-style of this Coleman sleeping bag offers plenty of room, particularly if you're a restless side-sleeper like me.3. No-shift Filling: The insulating material used in this bag, and the way it's sewn into each layer, doesn't shift around, unlike down feathers and some other synthetic fill-materials. This helps keep the section beneath your body "cushiony" and eliminates thin spots in the top layer that might let in the cold.NEUTRALS1. Roll-Control Clasps: Coleman’s “Roll Control” feature should help you roll this thicker, less-compressible sleeping bag up neatly, but Coleman only added these toggle-and-loop clasps to the top and middle of the bag. Lacking a third roll-control clasp at the foot end, the sleeping bag tends to "squish out" as you roll up the bag from the top/head (which you must do in order to use the "Wrap n' Roll" feature [See below], which is positioned at the foot-end for some reason).Thus, you’ll probably need a second person to hold the foot-end together as you roll to achieve a relatively small/tight roll. If Coleman included that third clasp at the foot end, this feature would be in the "Pros" section above because it's a great idea.2. No-snag Zipper: Despite its U.S. patent assuring no snags (according to Coleman’s packaging), both my wife and I experienced frequent jams when we first started using these sleeping bags. This is extremely frustrating late at night in the dark when you hear Nature’s Call and time is of the essence! There's some sort of red-plastic "thing" on the zipper pull [See photo] that presumably should prevent snags, but there's also a draft-preventer flap inside the bag along the entire zipper that often gets caught when zipping/unzipping.We soon learned to run a finger in front of the zipper pull to move that flap aside, so we don't experience snags as often now, but you shouldn't think it won't happen just because of the package description/patent.3. Weight/Roll Size: These bags are neither lightweight nor small when rolled up, but we carry all of our camping gear in our car so weight isn't an issue. Each bag weighs approximately 6.5 pounds, and measures 12" high by 20" long when rolled up. [See photos]If the overall weight and/or size of your sleeping bag matters to you, you can definitely do much better -- but you'll probably need to skip the flannel interior and the box construction.4. Exterior Pocket: Honestly, I didn't even know this was a feature when I bought these sleeping bags, but there's a small pocket on the outside (near the top outside corner when zipped) [See photo]. This Velcro-closure pocket is a great idea, but because its dimensions are fairly small (6" long x 4" high), it only holds relatively small nighttime essentials. That said, if you have a small enough flashlight, it's a great spot to keep it handy.5. Exterior Fabric: Some of the photos I've included here (generally the close-up shots) show white fibers on the surface of the bag -- resembling pet hair, perhaps. I think this is the filling used in these sleeping bags leaking through? In general, I find the exterior fabric "pilly" and somewhat thin/cheap. We haven't had any rips or tears yet, but I wish the exterior fabric was made from sturdier stock.CONS1. Temperature Range: The packaging states this bag's “Coleman Comfort Range” is 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In mid-October a few seasons ago, however, my wife and I experienced unexpectedly cold nighttime temps in the mid 30s (but still above freezing) and these bags did NOT keep us warm -- despite the fact that my wife wore fleece pajamas and thick socks, and I even pulled a fleece blanket atop my sleeping bag during the night.While I understand temperature comfort is subjective, I think the comfort range of these Coleman sleeping bags should be listed at 40-60-ish degrees F, ideally.2. Size/Length: I'm 6' tall (72") but I'm a side-sleeper, so I've never had a problem pulling the top of this bag over my head when necessary because I pull my legs up a bit. For this review, however, I measured the actual dimensions of my sleeping bag and discovered that it only measures 37" wide x 76" long -- a far cry from the 39" x 81" dimensions shown on the original packaging! [See photos]I cannot explain this discrepancy, but four years after buying it, I now wonder if I received mislabeled non-Big & Tall models, although I've never seen these for sale?Regardless, I list the size/length of this sleeping bag as a "Con" in this review because the product dimensions shouldn't be so grossly inaccurate, but as I noted above, my Coleman sleeping bag works for me because I sleep on my side. Buyer beware, and I recommend you measure your unrolled bag when you receive it. Also, if you sleep on your back, remember that the length shown is measured without someone inside; the length of the top layer will "shorten" as it covers your torso vertically.3. Wrap n' Roll #01: Coleman's packaging touts "easy storage" with this trademarked feature, but I assure you that this function is cheap, cheesy and total crap. Consisting of a very thin piece of brown cloth with a black "shoe string" sewn into each side, the idea is that you roll up the bag (head-to-foot) until this cloth encircles the sleeping bag before tying off the strings on each side to hold it neatly and compactly.Given the lack of a third (foot-end) roll-control clasp (as noted above), the low compressibility of this sleeping bag, and the cheapness of the "Wrap n' Roll" materials, you shouldn't expect this feature to help you keep these bags small/compact when you need to transport/store them.Last year, after finally growing annoyed when these bulky rolled bags kept obstructing the view out of my rear window to/from the state park, I carefully cut the single row of cheap thread that held this wrap to the foot-end of each Coleman sleeping bag and threw it away. I then rolled each bag up tightly and secured them with a nylon/plastic-clasp belt I happened to have from some old Columbia shorts I'd purchased [See photo]. The result is significantly more compact and easier to pack; plus, the belt offers a secure, reliable way to carry these bags around (See next entry).4. Wrap n' Roll #02: On the outside of Coleman's "Wrap n' Roll" material is a carrying strap/handle made from a black-nylon webbing material. Probably to keep manufacturing costs to a minimum, each end of this strap/handle is sewn to the cheap, thin fabric that enwraps the sleeping bag using as little thread as necessary. Consequently, one end of this strap tore away from the exterior wrap on each sleeping almost immediately because this strap/handle is perfunctory and not designed for functionality or longevity.Eventually, I simply removed these loose, useless straps from the exterior of both sleeping bags and carried them under my arm or gripped the rolls tightly from the side in one hand. But not creating a reliable handle on the outside of a sleeping bag is simply inexcusable.Overall ConclusionI bought these Coleman bags in 2013 for two primary reasons: I wanted a flannel interior and a boxy, non-mummy shape. Despite the few "Pros" above versus the many "Neutrals" and "Cons," I do not regret buying these Coleman Autumn Trails “Big & Tall” (20-40 degrees F) sleeping bags four years ago.That said, please understand that I feel this way because:1. I removed Coleman's crappy "Wrap & Roll" feature2. I created a better carrying handle by using an old nylon/plastic belt3. I sleep on my side; if I slept on my back, this bag would feel short4. I figured out how to zip/unzip the bag while minimizing snagsThe reality is that if I'd had other non-Coleman purchasing options, I might not have purchased these sleeping bags. Time will tell if these bags hold up, but for now, I hope my review helps you!

Flannel inside. Like a stiff sheet on the outside. Like it's been hit with scotch gaurd. It was a gift for my father because he had the same bag for over 20 years and refused to use anything else and his was starting to fray. If history holds up It just gets more comforrable with use. Not the lightest bag. It's not one of the nylon types that's 100% polyester. It's cotton flannel inside and a cotton poly mix shell with what they call ColeTherm hollow poly fill. It holds up very well. He used it as his regular comforter for over a very long time and only in the past year did it begin to come apart a bit. If you're a backpacker you may want to go with something else depending on if you feel the extra weight and I'm sure reduced dry-ability is worth the added comfort.

I purchased this sleeping bag hoping it would be like the old plaid flannel Coleman sleeping bags we used to have. Like other reviewers, I super hate slinky nylon or overly polyester fake flannel. This may or not be a blend, but it passes for flannel on the inside and heavy cotton on the outside as far as I’m concerned. I also agree with other reviewers that the cover flap is too small and useless. I do however like the side toggle buttons to help roll it up and had no problems with the zipper. When I washed it, some of the blue from the inside material bled through to the outside but that could have been me not following directions. I know it’s clean now and doesn’t affect its use. Other than that, it washed up well.I have only used it in summer, sleeping in a camper, so I can’t speak for it’s warmth yet. Might have had to throw out a leg on some warmer nights, but it’s super cozy. I’m pretty wide, so I appreciated the oversized width and could roll over comfortably.Takes up a lot of space and weighs a lot, so it won’t be perfect for everyone, but I think people looking for this kind of sleeping bag know what they’re getting. It’s not crazy expensive, so it doesn’t hurt to have it on hand for when you want cozy and then have your super functional waterproof lightweight ultra warmth mummy bag for your backpacking trips in the Himalayas.

Soft & comfortable. Anti snag zipper works surprisingly well. I'm not sure about the 30° rating tho. On a 46° night I had to put an extra blanket under & over me to keep warm while using an air mattress. I don't like the rope & hook that is used to keep it rolled up, I suggest using a sturdier adjustable strap.

This bag smells very strongly of formaldehyde and needs to be washed before the first use.It is a bulky bag. Would be good for unexpected overnight guests. It is warm but I doubt it would be warm enough for a night of freezing temperatures. The flannel inside is soft.edit: it took 3 washings in a giant washing machine to get the smell of formaldehyde out of the bag. This does add to the overall cost. Think around 20 dollars for the big washers at the laundry mat (3 times through the wash). I

This is sleeping bag is so big and cozy. I had sent my son to camp with one of those slick cocoon bags and he hated it and was cold. So we ordered this one (on sale) and he loves it. He’s 9 so it could fit 3 of him, but it looked like it will be great for years to come. It’s a big rectangle so you can stretch out. I wouldn’t think it would be good for backpacking or carry your own gear trips. But if you’re car camping or having a sleepover in the backyard this it the bag for you.

My only complaint is that when we zip two together someone has to have that annoying flap by thier face lol. That being said very thick and comfy and warm and the zipper guide thing is awesome! It never graps the fabric and locks up, ever!

LOVE this sleeping bag. Stayed warm in the Adirondacks in 50 degree nights. I love that this a full fabric sleeping bag that is comfortable to touch, and the expand size is something that I didn’t even realize I wanted. It is also easy to roll up, transport, and store. Well worth the money.

I bought these to replace some well-loved 20 year old Coleman sleeping bags. It was hard to find something similar. This one has nice soft fabrics, not the slippery plastic you get on most sleeping bags. It is also very wide and roomy. One star off for the storage system attached to the head of the bag which is a dumb design, but which can be removed pretty easily with scissors.

Thought I would check it out so used it on bed. That was a week ago... too comfortable to put away. Washing may be difficult as it is huge.

Great sleeping bag! My hubby bought one for hunting trips when the weather was cooler. I loved it so much I bought myself one too. Thick material and Keeps you warm, lots of space inside. Rolls up neatly and quickly. Won’t be cold with this bag!

I have nothing bad to say about this sleeping bag, it's warm spacious and comfortable! I would recommend it!

A good comfortable sleeping bag.