|
|
Post by digitalnomad on Jul 12, 2016 10:16:25 GMT -8
What is a decent sleeping bag that packs down small without spending an exorbitant amount of money? I'm in the market for a new one because i'm tired of lugging my old huge one on the trail. I will be doing a lot of cold weather trekking in the mountains so I need one that will keep me warm too.
|
|
BlueBear
Trail Wise!
@GoBlueHiker
Posts: 3,224
|
Post by BlueBear on Jul 12, 2016 10:29:10 GMT -8
How warm do you need? Does "cold weather trekking" mean something below 32*F, or below -10*F? What kind of a budget are you looking at? And, what range of weight? Any particular type of bag, or features you want?
The request, as is, is kinda vague. Just something to keep in mind, the old adage goes for sleeping bags: "Warm. Light. Cheap. Pick any two." You'll probably want to prioritize which of those is most important to you, and go shopping for your best deal accordingly.
If you can be somewhat specific about your needs, folks could probably help you out a bit more. In the meantime, best of luck!
- Mike
|
|
zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,886 
|
Post by zeke on Jul 12, 2016 10:30:29 GMT -8
What is your budget? You'll find quilts may be your best bet. A good down quilt can be had from many makers, but I like Underground Quilts, but they will still run you $300. Might be the last bag you buy for a decade or so.
How cold? Looks like you might need 2 bags. One for 3 season and 1 for shoulders seasons and when it gets cold.
|
|
|
|
Post by paula53 on Jul 12, 2016 10:33:39 GMT -8
I second what Zeke said. A good quilt will cost less than a equally rated sleeping bag.
|
|
|
|
Post by digitalnomad on Jul 12, 2016 15:58:42 GMT -8
The Quilt idea is interesting I'll have to check that out thanks! I can't spend more than $300. When they rate a sleeping bag say 32*F does that mean you up be comfortable down to 32*F or you will survive down to 32*F? I'm not totally sure how the rating system works and how they determine that number.
|
|
|
|
Post by dirthurts on Jul 12, 2016 17:10:13 GMT -8
If it's EN Comfort rated (a standard that many companies are using), you'll probably be warm at that temperature (but not a woman. That's usually about 10 degrees lower). An EN lower limit means you will probably sleep, some. An EN survival rating means you'll stay alive but hate life a bit. However, if it's not EN rated, who knows. It's up to the manufacturer to decide and that should be looked at with extreme scrutiny/distrust.
Quilts are a very, very good way to go. You cut weight, lose no comfort and gain flexibility. Consider the Nemo Siren Quilt, it's my favorite and warm to 30 degrees.
|
|
reuben
Trail Wise!
Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,163
|
Post by reuben on Jul 12, 2016 17:18:49 GMT -8
Stick with EN rated bags. It's an imperfect system, but it's the best we have. As an example, a 30F bag can be use to 20 or maybe even 15F if you don't "sleep cold", and add a some good dry layers, and a skull cap or something similar, and some dry socks.
|
|
zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,886
|
Post by zeke on Jul 12, 2016 17:21:01 GMT -8
The idea behind quilts is that the insulation under you, in a sleeping bag, gets compressed and does you no good. Your only factor for warmth under you is the pad you sleep on. Watch for an R factor for the ground pad. The higher R, the warmer you will be. Measure around your arms at your chest. Include enough to either let the quilt hit the pad, or to tuck under you slightly. If you can get by with a 56" wide quilt, you can get a very good 30* one, and maybe get a little over stuff for the foot box to ensure they stay warm.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kevin Palmer on Jul 14, 2016 15:59:04 GMT -8
I recently purchased the REI Igneo with a 20% discount. I'm happy with it so far, although I have yet to use it under 40°. It weighs just under 2 lbs. Although it packs down very small, REI ships it in a ridiculously large box for some reason. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2016 16:34:41 GMT -8
The Kelty's seem to be a good entry point bag too....you might give the light year a look.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,685 
|
Post by rebeccad on Jul 16, 2016 19:21:11 GMT -8
What I will recommend is simply, get the best bag you can afford, and even go over your limit a bit. I went through at least 2 cheap bags fast, because I stuck with a reasonable budget from a financial perspective, which didn't allow for very good bags.
I'll also note that Tigger is the king of stretching the temp ratings, by wearing lots of clothes to bed. I'm learning to emulate that some, as I've been using a 32* bag for several years now, even when temps in the high mountains drop below 20. Sometimes it's not comfy, but I've learned to put on more clothes!
|
|
|
|
Post by johntpenca on Jul 16, 2016 21:05:20 GMT -8
Don't forget you will need a good pad for lower temps.
|
|
almostthere
Trail Wise!
putting on my hiking shoes....
Posts: 696
|
Post by almostthere on Jul 17, 2016 8:00:37 GMT -8
To be warm at night, you need an adequate bag and pad, and to be hydrated, and to be well fed, and to wear dry clothing (the colder it is the more important that becomes).
Also, have something to protect you from breezes and precipitation - that's really what the tent is for. (I hear a lot of people talk about a "warm tent" - that's usually the same folks who complain about condensation in the morning since they fail to stake it out so it's ventilated.)
It takes a bit for your body to warm up the inside of a bag. If you have poor circulation or just generally seem to have trouble with that, a second pot of hot water in a Nalgene can help you with that.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2016 10:23:16 GMT -8
For $300, you should be able to get a really nice bag; in my opinion.
|
|
almostthere
Trail Wise!
putting on my hiking shoes....
Posts: 696
|
Post by almostthere on Jul 19, 2016 17:33:34 GMT -8
No, for $300, you might get a really nice bag used.
A really nice bag would be something like Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends -- accurately rated, light, quality materials, but NOT CHEAP. They rarely go on sale. Unless you figure it will last you for decades, if cared for properly, and then you can sell it for $300 used if you stop needing it, getting quite a bit of the investment back.
Unlike some cheap bag that you'll never sell for half what you bought it for.
The economics of a really nice bag are a bit different than are immediately apparent.
|
|
