Recommend Sleeping Bags
- This topic has 35 replies, 21 voices, and was last updated Sep 21, 2009 at 4:55 pm by
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Chris brings up a good point… size matters. Trying before buying is always nice. Though, many brands (especially Feathered Friends and MontBell) are not available in most “brick and mortar” stores. I modified my post above to include some size info. I’d suggest taking a flexible sewing tape measure and getting an idea of what would fit. I always add an inch or so to permit me to supplement my bags with a jacket and puffy pants to boost the temp ratings. Though, don’t get too over-sized as your body has to keep all that airspace warm while you sleep.
Invest in a Western Mountaineering bag. I promise you won’t regret it. At least give WM a look, especially if you’re considering a high-end Marmot bag.
Bivy sacks do not need to be overly complicated… They are essentially sacks that cover your bag with a bottom made of waterproof fabric (e.g. silnylon) and the top of breathable water-resistant fabric (e.g. momentum, pertex quantum, etc). They certainly boost the temp ratings but be very cautious using cheaper (e.g. less breathable) bivys. Essentially they become saunas and trap body vapor inside your bag, which leads to wetting of your down and loosing loft. I’ve made this mistake once and suffered a night of sit ups to generate enough body heat to stay [s:1tfndfrx]warm[/s:1tfndfrx] alive. If you are not in a rush, the lightest, most breathable, and functional bivy on the market is made by a very reputable guy (Ron Bell) in his garage. A cottage industry of sorts – Mountain Laurel Designs. Here’s the link:
At 6 ounces, this thing will drop in your fishpond waist pack and you’ll forget it’s even in the pack.
As for your sleeping pads, before purchasing top dollar pads, try adding a 1/4 to 3/8 thick closed cell foam “on top” of the inflatable pad next time. I bet you notice a difference in warmth.
Available here:
Thinlight Foam Pad – 1/8"Chris – OR is a great company – no doubt about it. I love their gloves and hats. Regarding the OR advanced bivy – while it may have a lifetime warranty the currently available version weighs 39 ounces – the MLD superlight bivy weighs 6 ounces.
I guess this is a situation where one needs to weigh durability versus weight. My experience with floor of shelters/bivys like the MLD superlight bivy (made from 1.3 ounce per square yard silnylon) is that it is very durable if you treat it with reasonable care. Doing so, it will last a long time (at least a decade).
This boils down to how you are using the gear. If you are not packing it far (from the truck to the car camping site), the 2 pounds difference may not be significant. Though if you lugging it 20-30 miles on your back (up and down several thousand feet of elevation) those 2 pounds become more of an issue… Especially if you are shaving off 2 pound here and 2 pounds there… My son has an equation he likes to quote: “ounces add up to pounds and pounds add up to pain.” As I get older, I tend to agree with him.
Brian- I agree with you completely on the weight. It is a big factor when miles and elevation change are increased.
Chris – Its nice to have gear that has got you through some rough weather. I too have my old standbys that I wouldn’t replace. Though, I’m equally excited about how technology and new fabrics are making our pack weight lighter and lighter and not at the expense of safety.
Great responses and suggestion from all!
Here is my set-up:
I spend the majority of time in the Rocky’s, sleep in a bag all year. Yes, dead of winter too, for snowboarding and some fishing.
Marmot bags here. Have a few from Helium EQ 15 to the Col EQ -20. All mine have a waterproof/breathable shell, better safe than sorry with down.
Big Agnes pad – 2 1/2 inches off the ground, you can sleep on rocks and never feel them. Its at least a 1000 times lighter, more comfy and warmer than a thermarest. (thermarest are junk IMHO) I haven’t looked into pads for a few years now, but there are other brands out there that are similar to the Big Agnes, might want to look at those too. Also you can get an insulated and a non-insulated. I use both. I’d also suggest get the widest size they come – nothing is worse than trying to sleep with your arms on the ground 2 1/2 inches lower than your body ; )
under-layers add 5-10 degrees, liner boost that anther 10, same with socks and a beanie.
IMHO – I would not buy a 3/4 zip! …not comfy
I’m curious what you go with, please post when you pull that trigger.
You might want to consider a bag with expandable legs. I remember in years past there were manufacturers (I want to say Big Agnes) that did these.
Zach, I just got a marmot “mystic” bag from sierra trading post this weekend. It’s rated at 20 degrees. It’s a synthetic. I decided to go synthetic b/c the rei salesperson really talked me into. It’s very easy for a bag to get wet in our chosen sport so I didn’t want to take a chance on that.
I also decided to go with a 20 as you can always add on a pair of thermals or a liner, but it’s hard to make it cooler if it’s hot out.
Zach,
Interesting that you are looking too. I have been checking out the Big Agnes bags, specifically the ones with more room since I like to roll around at night (Lost Ranger, Encampment) but have not pulled the trigger yet. Anyone have any experience with these?
You should also keep an eye on Steep and Cheap http://www.steepandcheap.com/ there are often some great deals on bags.
I have been checking out the Big Agnes bags, specifically the ones with more room since I like to roll around at night (Lost Ranger, Encampment) but have not pulled the trigger yet. Anyone have any experience with these?
I have a Lost Ranger and it’s been a nice bag so far.
I am also in the market for a sleeping bag. Being a bigger guy (6’2″ 250lbs), I have always had problems with mummy type bags. Need more room. The BA Lone Star looks like it might be a good option. Any other recommendations on bags for those of us on the larger end of the spectrum?
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