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Post by trekkerman on Dec 31, 2015 9:27:10 GMT -8
I spend my summers shuttling backpackers to trailheads in the Wind Rivers. Over the years I have overheard many backpackers announce proudly that "my bag is good to zero." or something to that effect. Why anyone would carry a bag that is heavier than required is beyond me. In the summer get a light bag (typically good to 32 degrees) and it will suffice. Let's be honest, in the summer if a serious storm hits and the temperatures do drop most backpackers head out anyway. The most important item to carry for extra warmth if needed is a pair of long johns. Wear 'em in your light bag and you'll be fine. I never leave home without 'em. Happy New Year and see you in Titcomb Valley! Trekkerman
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Post by dirthurts on Dec 31, 2015 9:36:48 GMT -8
Why anyone would carry a bag that is heavier than required is beyond me. One simple reason for me. I like to sleep in nothing but the undies. Anything else keeps me up all night. I feel restricted, and knotted up. That's enough reason for me! Proudly never bailed from a backpacking trip, except that one time there was more lightning than pine trees. That got real, real quick.
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Post by cweston on Dec 31, 2015 10:06:52 GMT -8
In the summer get a light bag (typically good to 32 degrees) and it will suffice. Let's be honest, in the summer if a serious storm hits and the temperatures do drop most backpackers head out anyway. The most important item to carry for extra warmth if needed is a pair of long johns. Wear 'em in your light bag and you'll be fine. This is my philosophy for summer high-mountain trips. I'm currently using a down bag rated at 25, and have had many camps at 12,000+ in the Rockies with no uncomfortable nights. I usually start with socks, light long johns and a light base-layer shirt. I always have additional layers, a hat, and gloves in the tent if needed, but I almost never need them. On warmer nights, it never even gets fully zipped. (At that altitude, 45 is a warmer night.) and yeah, I've ridden out some serious storms. (I never bail unless I conclude that it is a survival/safety issue.) I've used the same 25 degree bag for fall trips, with no issues. (Fall trips are more rare for me because my schedule rarely allows for them. So I'm perfectly fine with a less than fully ideal sleep system for fall.) I've done a few single-digit nights in the cascades in the fall with a three-season bag and more clothing layers. I was chilly but not uncomfortably so.
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trinity
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Post by trinity on Dec 31, 2015 10:27:05 GMT -8
I'm a gear junky, but I also think it's nice to have multiple bags for different conditions. I have a Marmot Pinnacle for winter use, rated down to 15. If it's only going to get down to around 30, I'll bring my EE Revelation 30 degree quilt, which I got with an ounce of overstuff. I've used it down into the upper 20s. For lows of around 40, I have an old REI Kilo Flash. For warm weather camping, I have a Jacks R Better Shenandoah quilt, which takes the chill off for lows in the 50s or 60s.
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Post by williamh4 on Dec 31, 2015 12:55:28 GMT -8
I would fall into the category of a warm sleeper. I can get hot easily and often sleep on top of my bed covers at home (wearing a long sleeve shirt and perhaps thermals/sweat pants). My wife prefers a down comforter, sheet and sometimes even a supplemental cover on the bed. I can't take all that.
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Post by catsquirrel on Dec 31, 2015 16:54:55 GMT -8
I also tend to sleep hot. Living in South Louisana, that's not really a good thing. I have three bags. A Marmot Sawtooth (15 deg.), a Eureka Hoback Traveler (60 deg.), and an old Moonstone (30 deg.). The Moonstone was relegated to car camping duty long ago, due to it's weight, but I occasionally pack it in for overnights for nostagiala's sake. By far, I use the Eureka the most down here, but when I'm away from our heat, I rely on the Marmot. For me, it's been an ideal bag. Even though it's rated a 15 degree bag, I find I can open it up and sleep cooler in warmer temps with long johns on. In really cold temps, I use the Eureka as a liner in the Marmot. I've slept down to 0 with that system.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2016 7:20:40 GMT -8
I like to use one sleeping bag with a fairly low temperature rating. In the summertime, I just use it as a blanket, and maybe stick a leg out. Sometimes, when it's really hot outside, I'll unzip the bag totally, and just lay on the inside without the top part over me. I love the Kelty Coromell, but I've also used a higher temperature rating bag. I suggest one of the two strategies: Use the lower temperature bag like I mentioned previously, or use a higher temperature bag in the summer, and go to bed with all of your clothes on if you're in a cold climate. I actually like the higher temperature bag strategy best. Either way would work fine, but it's really just a matter of personal preference. If you have the budget, go all in for two bags, one for summer, and one for winter!
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