6% of 54 verified The North Face Cat's Meow 20owners don't recommend it — based on real owner comments from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube.
For balance: 69% recommend it. This page collects the complaints so you know what you're signing up for — read the full owner report for both sides. How we score
“I did not like my North face cat's meow. I was very cold at 35-40 degrees in it in my puffy.”— GrimTuesday on Reddit
“don't get fooled by the North Face Cat's Meow..it seems like a good bag until you try packing it up and it takes up your entire backpack and only is rated down to 32 degrees.”— goaskalice3 on Reddit
“I think the NF is rated way wrong, it's more like a 35 degree bag.”— IamTheWampus on Reddit
Not complaints — practical notes from owners that didn't affect the score.
“Sleeping on a blow up air mattress (replaced this week with a trifold foam!) with a cheap-o mattress topper. Two bins- one with camping gear such as stove, pot, hammock, tent etc, other empty but was included because this was a trail for a road trip in a few months and will hold my clothes.”— missingmarbs on Reddit
“I'm just really trying to avoid that. It might be a losing battle. Thanks for the input!”— Rheanne on Reddit
“I have already used it in snow down to 25 degrees and was warm. but they are all good. most people use a 20 degree bag or quilt on the pct. try looking at the economy burrow from hammock gear in a 20 degree as a starting point.”— hikehitcher on Reddit
“Consider investing in a warmer bag (30 or 20 degrees) if you think you'll ever be touring in the fall/winter. Be sure to check the weather in the areas you'll be touring; the worst is when you are freezing your butt off in the middle of the night. It may be worth the extra investment so your bag is more versatile.”— picklesandmustard on Reddit
“The panniers I fashioned myself from military surplus bags, but most sturdy panniers will do. In one, I kept my meals, another held most of my clothes, and the largest one was primarily reserved for snack food.”— jr98664 on Reddit
“Another question--since all the backpacking I've done to date has been short trips (3 or 4 nights), I've just used a very old North Face Cat's Meow, and slept in whatever clothes I was wearing, plus my fleece if I needed it.”— [deleted] on Reddit
“I posted some pictures and a component list [here](http://www.reddit.com/r/bicycletouring/comments/qammg/no_love_at_rbicycling_38lbs_of_aggresive_steel/).”— opaeoinadi on Reddit
“I'm currently using a REI QD1 tent and a north face cats meow bag. I like the 55L of the Windrider, it gives me more room to work with if my fiance comes along and also the ability to roll the top down if I don't have as much gear.”— dankwizard22 on Reddit