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Post by WoodChuck on Aug 16, 2015 14:39:51 GMT -8
Howdy Yall,
I will start this off by saying that there are a million and one choices on sleeping bags. That is what I am having problems with. Now I do like to backpack thought just about all seasons (a little less in the winter but still do). Yet i am having a terrible time trying to choose a bag that will fit with what i want to do. I want a down bag to replace the monstrosity that i already have. Just for an fyi, i live in the smokies. This area is known for temp swings in the fall and winter; especially at elevation. i have only ever had old army issue down bags and the god aweful bag i have now. so other than that i am completely open to yalls suggestions.
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Post by WoodChuck on Aug 16, 2015 18:42:41 GMT -8
I recommend getting a bag for three of the seasons, smaller and less bulky, and another bag for the winter time. I do have to say that funds are fairly limited. I don't have enough to buy two bags. Yet I would like something to get me through my trips. Should I just buy a bag for the lowest temps i intend to encounter and just make due with it in the warmer months or what?
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Aug 16, 2015 19:29:52 GMT -8
TNF Blue Kazoo, Marmot Sawtooth are two mid-priced all-rounders that may meet you needs. Check out the specifications. Still have a Blue Kazoo I purchased in 1988 that my son still uses.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Aug 16, 2015 19:45:50 GMT -8
Considering average weight and volume over trips you'll probably take, I'd go for the best three-season bag you can afford now, and pass on the winter bag until resources allow.
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Aug 16, 2015 20:51:49 GMT -8
I use my three season bag through all four seasons by supplementing with clothing. I wouldn't do it if I were you until you were confident that you could push to the lowest temps you'll ever experience. That said, it is definitely doable. I've been doing it for years.
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on Aug 17, 2015 4:11:02 GMT -8
How much are you actually looking to spend? "Enough for one bag" can mean a pretty wide range.
If it were me, I'd try to buy a good 20-degree bag and a summer-weight quilt. You can use both in winter. Lots of decent 20-degree down bags out there on sale; check Sierra Trading Post and Campmor for the best deals. Try to get a sub-2lb one if you can. For the quilt, a summer synthetic quilt will weigh around a pound and are relatively inexpensive. Combination will give you pretty good 4-season coverage without paying a big weight penalty in warmer weather. Also might be nice to have a synthetic option in Tennessee.
If your budget doesn't allow two new bags, consider buying used. It's a great way of getting high-end gear on a budget. Good down bags last a lifetime.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Aug 17, 2015 8:22:23 GMT -8
What are the night time temperatures you expect to encounter in summer? How about in winter? It's possible you could get a bag for winter and just use it a lot less efficiently for other seasons; I'm faced with that routinely when I have a route that extends from the lower elevations around 4K up to 11 or 12 K in the California Sierra, I carry a bag for the higher elevations (and far lower temperatures, I routinely expect to get snowed on in August and usually do at least once, the dry adiabatic lapse rate is a wonderful thing) and on the days closer to the TH and lower down just use it as a quilt.
As others say the one additional aspect is the bag is only a part of the system: there's the shelter and the sleeping pad as well: the pad especially can be upped for winter use as a thought.
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Post by ashepabst on Aug 17, 2015 8:54:40 GMT -8
fellow Tennessean here... the system I've settled on involves a 30 degree quilt and a 10 degree bag. the quilt is my go-to for all three season backpacking, and even a lot of the winter trips.
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Post by WoodChuck on Aug 17, 2015 11:20:20 GMT -8
Well what about specific brands? Im sure that there are some better than others. Ones I have been considering are like the kelty trailogic 20, Sierra designs zissou 12, and a few others. One of the problems is that there are so many that I like and have features that I like.
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Post by WoodChuck on Aug 17, 2015 11:26:32 GMT -8
What are the night time temperatures you expect to encounter in summer? How about in winter? Well lows in the summer are around 80-60 winter can easily get into 20s and even lower. Yet I don't intend on pushing it past the 20s.
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Post by WoodChuck on Aug 17, 2015 11:27:20 GMT -8
fellow Tennessean here... the system I've settled on involves a 30 degree quilt and a 10 degree bag. the quilt is my go-to for all three season backpacking, and even a lot of the winter trips. whats your bag?
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Post by trinity on Aug 17, 2015 11:52:08 GMT -8
A 20 degree Revelation from Enlightened Equipment might be a good choice. www.enlightenedequipment.com/revelation/ . Only $250, not much over a pound, will keep you warm in cooler weather and is easier to vent in warmer weather than a bag.
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Post by ashepabst on Aug 17, 2015 12:11:24 GMT -8
brand doesn't matter as much as "fill power". the higher the fill power the higher quality down... more insulation per ounce.
my quilt is a Thermorest Alpine (I think that's what it's called) the bag is a REI something-rather.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Aug 17, 2015 12:44:42 GMT -8
Look into quilts. You can get some really nice ones cheaper than a full bag, and what you sleep on top of does you no good. Check out Enlightened Equipment, UnderGround Quilts, Jacks R Better. I happen to really like UGQ
Quilts have been a big deal for the last several years. I first heard of them about 5 yrs ago. Footbox that allows your feet to stay warm, wide enough to cover you like your bed at home, and light enough to make a difference.
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on Aug 17, 2015 13:28:18 GMT -8
The SD Zissou's a nice bag but it's EN-rated to 12 degrees, so it would be a winter bag for you. That means carrying an almost-3lb bag around in summer.
Don't take this the wrong way but you're sort of all over the place in terms of "I like" and "I want".
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