hikeer
Senior Member
Posts: 63 
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Post by hikeer on Nov 2, 2014 7:59:17 GMT -5
So what temperature range bags do you use for hiking in the Mid-Atlantic? I hike mostly in West Virginia, Spring through Fall, although contemplating a winter trip this year. I currently have a 15* bag, which I estimate will keep me warm down to the low-mid twenties, but will probably be too warm above 45 or so. Trying to decide on the next step up and whether I should go with a 30* bag or maybe higher. I tend to sleep a little on the cold side.
What combination of temperature rated bags do you keep in your gear closet?
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Post by dunkard on Nov 2, 2014 8:31:03 GMT -5
I leave the bag at home for summer trips and just take an old flannel bed sheet. Spring and fall trips I take my bag. Can't remember what's it's rated too maybe 20-30. If I'm expecting real cold temps I'll pack some thick thermals and change into them before bed.
I need a new bag the one I have is 15 years old and has been through many a college camping trip. I've been looking at the Shenandoah from jacks r better. May get that for Christmas. Big difference going to down but I think I'll like it.
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Post by arfcomhkr on Nov 2, 2014 9:41:43 GMT -5
I rarely backpack in high summer, I just don't enjoy it. So I use a lightweight 30* down bag for spring and fall and a 0* down bag for winter camping.
ETA, both of those cost a pretty penny, but weight is always an issue with me and light costs money.
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MRHyker
Forum Elder
Out to Lunch
Posts: 130
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Post by MRHyker on Nov 2, 2014 10:14:17 GMT -5
My first sleeping bag was an REI Sub-Kilo 20* down bag. Many bags are not accurately rated unless they mean the rating is "barely to help you survive" and not really intended for comfort level. That bag was, for me anyway, good down to about 35*. After about 5 years I decided to ask Santa for a gift. I had to choose between a printer that could produce up to 9 X 13 color maps or a Western Mountaineering 20* bag. I chose the former thinking I would never spend that much money on a sleeping bag for myself. I was like a 5 year old when I found both under the tree. I think Western Mountaineering, Mermot and I believe there is one more whose name escapes me are the only companies that accurately rate their bags. My summer bag is an old Sierra Design. It has very little insulation and none in the back whatsoever. It's major downside is that the zipper is 3/4 length but then I'm mostly on top of it until the we hours.
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christopherrobin
Forum Elder
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.”
Posts: 257
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Post by christopherrobin on Nov 11, 2014 9:59:19 GMT -5
Anyone using quilts? As a hammock and tent user, I am thinking that a quilt would be more versatile. And lighter! I am thinking about an EE quilt.
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rpcv
Forum Elder
Posts: 170
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Post by rpcv on Nov 13, 2014 15:46:43 GMT -5
I sleep pretty cold and I have a down 35 degree bag for when it is warmer out. It is an REI brand one that has been discontinued. I got by on a single 20 degree bag for a long time, but it is really nice to carry such a small, light bag when conditions allow. For me, that is anything above around 40 degrees.
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Post by Hours Per Mile on Nov 18, 2014 0:39:08 GMT -5
hikeer,
I use a 20°F down bag for most adventures, and use a liner for when its cold. I also use a 45°F down bag for summer, and a 0°F for when I'm feeling youthful... It seems like your question is more of a warm weather challenge. I hammock camp as well, however I have been learning this autumn. Quilts are out of my budget for the moment, christopherrobin, but I wish... The only thing about hammock camping in the winter is 'Where do you go when you're stuck in a blizzard?' That's what my Hilleberg is for.
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christopherrobin
Forum Elder
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.”
Posts: 257
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Post by christopherrobin on Nov 18, 2014 11:41:44 GMT -5
Ok, a question.
Looking at sleep systems online, the new thing is to combine bags, or use a bag with a quilt, but how do you figure the combined rating?
Say you have a 32F bag, and then add a 20F bag or quilt on top-what does this combination rate?
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christopherrobin
Forum Elder
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.”
Posts: 257
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Post by christopherrobin on Nov 19, 2014 7:52:40 GMT -5
Just a heads up, Sierra Trading Post has some nice down bags on sale today. Brooks Range 850 fill at 2lbs or less. The 0 bag is $307, the 15 is $229, and the 30 is $189. Very tempting...
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vdeal
Forum Elder
Posts: 580
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Post by vdeal on Mar 21, 2015 8:00:03 GMT -5
When going to ground I currently use a Western Mountaineering Ultralite rated at 20°F and the rating is pretty much spot on for me. In the past I had a Moonstone Minima with synthetic fill rated at 35°F and for later spring and early fall it was great. I used to have a WM Super Narrowlite for winter rated at -20°F and I was always too warm in it. For hammocks quilts are the way to go.
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Post by Admin on Mar 21, 2015 8:09:22 GMT -5
When going to ground I currently use a Western Mountaineering Ultralite rated at 20°F and the rating is pretty much spot on for me. In the past I had a Moonstone Minima with synthetic fill rated at 35°F and for later spring and early fall it was great. I used to have a WM Super Narrowlite for winter rated at -20°F and I was always too warm in it. For hammocks quilts are the way to go. That's my primary bag (the 20*). I love it and find the rating to be fairly accurate. I would never buy it for myself because of the price. Santa brought it a few years back! I use an old 45* Sierra Design in the summer. It has no insulation in the back. It'd very light but the 2/3 zipper can be a pain in the a** especially during those late night calls of nature. Both bags are down. |
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vdeal
Forum Elder
Posts: 580
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Post by vdeal on Mar 21, 2015 8:52:28 GMT -5
MR,
I've always felt that the money spent on bags and boots was well spent - those are usually my two biggest expenses. I have a pair of boots that needs replaced but I have a REI gift card and the members 20% coupon should come out soon - I've heard the 27th, so that will help.
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Post by Admin on Mar 21, 2015 8:58:44 GMT -5
MR, I've always felt that the money spent on bags and boots was well spent - those are usually my two biggest expenses. I have a pair of boots that needs replaced but I have a REI gift card and the members 20% coupon should come out soon - I've heard the 27th, so that will help. Boots, bag and "TENT". If you can't stay warm and dry life in the wilds is not going to be enjoyable. |
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vdeal
Forum Elder
Posts: 580
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Post by vdeal on Mar 21, 2015 9:23:01 GMT -5
Well, some of us use tarps or hammocks so let's say shelter.
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vdeal
Forum Elder
Posts: 580
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Post by vdeal on Mar 21, 2015 9:24:02 GMT -5
BTW, does anyone have a firm date on when the REI 20% members discount will start? I'm jonesin' to get new boots.
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Post by dunkard on Mar 21, 2015 19:02:32 GMT -5
No firm date but I saw where my dividend was posted online. Heading up to Pittsburgh soon to get a pair of boots for the wife. The 20% deal usually comes out with the dividend. So it should be soon. Happy shopping
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tomas
Junior Member
Posts: 12
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Post by tomas on Apr 1, 2015 8:33:02 GMT -5
BTW, does anyone have a firm date on when the REI 20% members discount will start? I'm jonesin' to get new boots. I received my coupon when I got an email with my dividend.
As to the original question, I've got three bads. For the summer a very light bag that's rated to about 50 degrees, a Kelty bag that goes down to 20F which is fine for the shoulder seasons as I sleep warm, and then a 0F bag for the winter. I want/need to replace that one because it's not down and as a result fairly bulky and heavy.
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