null
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Post by null on Jan 30, 2016 16:24:47 GMT -8
I'm in the market for a 15 degree men's synthetic mummy bag under 3 pounds around $200. Any suggestions?
I actually don't need a 15 degree bag, I just find that a 15 degree bag will keep you warm to about 30.
Thanks, Steve
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almostthere
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putting on my hiking shoes....
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Post by almostthere on Jan 30, 2016 17:40:39 GMT -8
If there is a thing that is worth every penny -- it's a really good down bag. I too want to spend less money, but I have splurged on high end -- and I regret nothing, not a thing, and never will. Good down gear lasts a long time and keeps you comfy. Western Mountaineering and you won't need a 15F rating to be comfy at 30 - buy a 30. Then there is Marmot, which has low end cheaper bags, mid range moderately priced bags, and high end expensive ones... this one seems to fill the bill for you. Low end, EN rating matches your needs. www.backcountrygear.com/marmot-down-sleeping-bags/marmot-electrum-30.htmlOf course, you will never be able to sell that Marmot bag for anything. But you can find 10+ year old well kept Western Mountaineering bags on Craiglist... for two thirds what the owner paid for them, 250-450 depending on how warm the bag is...
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Jan 30, 2016 19:58:16 GMT -8
While the only synthetic I own is an rei (aside from a positively ancient Sears rectangular) I love my Marmot Couloir (down) so I'd suggest looking into their Trestles 15 synthetic mummy.
ETA: took a look and it's over your weight. Perhaps because that's an EN rated bag that IS rated to 15....Their 30, EN rated to 33 is 3 lbs 3 oz.
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null
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Post by null on Jan 31, 2016 3:42:55 GMT -8
If there is a thing that is worth every penny -- it's a really good down bag.
I actually already have a Feathered Friends 20 degree down bag. I'm looking for the alternate to extend the life of the FF bag when I don't really need that much performance or in super wet locations. I'd probably pay up to $300 for the synthetic.
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Post by trinity on Jan 31, 2016 5:14:26 GMT -8
Maybe this? EN rated to 21, good weight for a synthetic, MH has a pretty good rep for sleeping bags.
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Post by scapegoat on Jan 31, 2016 6:11:59 GMT -8
The only bag I've ever had was my Coleman 30 synthetic mummy circa 1986 from my boyscout days. Just replaced it last weekend with a Marmot Electrum at half off and a Sea to Summit extreme reactor liner. Last year I picked up a super cheap ozark trail rectangular which I don't expect will perform like a great bag but maybe ok for Summer. Also scored a cocoon silk liner. I've not got to test anything yet but I keep wondering if layering sleeping gear can be similar to layering clothing. Pack what you need based on weather and of course always prepare for the unexpected.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Jan 31, 2016 11:28:03 GMT -8
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almostthere
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Post by almostthere on Jan 31, 2016 12:54:47 GMT -8
Just how much life do you need in a bag? A well kept high quality down bag lasts decades.
My down quilts have been used 1-10 nights per MONTH for nearly nine years now... they are a little frayed in the velcro on the footbox, but in fine shape. I wash them every couple years with a good down wash in a front loading machine at the laundromat.
Synthetics will wear out if used at that frequency in just a year...
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tomas
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Post by tomas on Jan 31, 2016 18:44:20 GMT -8
Synthetics will wear out if used at that frequency in just a year... I've got a Cats Meow bag that has lasted me close to 25 years. I would say in the first ten years I took that bag to hell and back. I'm a fan if down bags, but let's not undersell synthetics.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Jan 31, 2016 19:28:07 GMT -8
I've got a Cats Meow bag that has lasted me close to 25 years. I would say in the first ten years I took that bag to hell and back. I'm a fan if down bags, but let's not undersell synthetics. That's not my experience with synthetics. All of my synthetic bags lost half their loft within five years. Once I switched to Down bags, it has been night and day. I've not lost any loft on my down bags.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Feb 1, 2016 8:48:45 GMT -8
This is the correct answer for your auxiliary synthetic sleeping bag. synthetic bags lost half their loft within five years. This is true also. Perhaps save the $300 and have your FF bag refurbished at a more reasonable cost. I ve them a call.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 1, 2016 9:14:04 GMT -8
There will be plenty of decent quality down bags for 30 degrees that will weigh a lot less than that three pound limit and can be under $200, under $300 for sure. Two pounds should be easy to get to. The North Face, Mountain Hardware, Marmot, Sierra Designs, all do down bags for that temp rating (about 30). Hit REI's website and do a search. I found a lot there without trying. 2 pounds, 1 oz, $169: www.rei.com/product/864543/the-north-face-furnace-35-sleeping-bagFor a front country car campground/trailhead bag I've got my REI synthetic, but I'd never carry that weight let alone the bulk on a backpack. ETA: "superwet locations" locale is important but snowcaves aren't precisely dry and I've never used anything but down, and I've had multiple days of rain on various routes without issue so if that's the crux of your speccing synthetic maybe some more details could aid in suggestions from people with experience in the same areas. Because as noted for durability, weight for a given warmth rating and even cost, down is very compelling.
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almostthere
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Post by almostthere on Feb 1, 2016 20:15:04 GMT -8
Yes, I have used synthetics. I still have what was originally a 20F synthetic quilt. I don't use it for that low temp any longer. I stopped using it within a year and a half, and it now gets loaned to people who want to try quilts, once in a while, if it's not going to be below freezing at night.
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idahobob
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Post by idahobob on Feb 1, 2016 20:41:32 GMT -8
If you can be talked into a down bag, I recently tested a Big Agnes Boot Jack 24. Nice bag and kept me warm to 19 degrees with no tent, weighs less than 3 lbs, cost something like $185.
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null
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Post by null on Feb 2, 2016 5:44:45 GMT -8
Hmm...
1. I thought the Cat's Meow was shaped for women. Am I wrong? 2. Maybe I'll consider dri-down especially with end of season deals. 3. My [3 year old at the time] Feathered Friends had a zipper failure (jammed & would not zip) on a 20 degree night and I was quite uncomfortable. They fixed it for free but they charge a laundering fee plus the zipper they replaced it with hits me in the face all night. The previous zipper was well designed to fold under a Velcro flap.
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