School me on packable sleeping bags

[Elkrunner]

Im in the market for a new sleeping bag.  I would like to get a packable one for a few 2-3 day trips into the wilderness.  Im thinking the 15-29 degree temp bags.  I also do not want to break the bank on this.  Can anyone recommend something that may be around the 115.00 range.  I see a few on REI but I am not really sure what I am looking for. 

[Jonathan_S]

Just go check them out in person.  Get a recommended brand, you can find one on sale easily in that range that will suit your needs.  REI will something under $150 that will work well and weigh well under 5 lbs.  More like 3.

IMHO, you should focus more on a quality tent for colder weather conditions.

[luvmystang67]

A lot goes into the whole setup.  One thing you have to answer yourself is down versus synthetic.  If you think your bag may get wet, synthetic is better, but it takes up more volume and is heavier than down.  If you think you can keep yourself dry, go with down, it packs down much further and in my opinion is generally nicer.

A 20 degree bag (ballpark) is good for most of the stuff you might do, unless you like snow camping.  I use a 40 degree bag for most everything and wear my under armor cold gear to bed with a small beanie and socks and I'm good down to about 30 degrees. 

The sleeping pad is a large component.  You need a good pad to insulate you from the ground.  The new inflatable pads provide pretty good insulation and comfort at a minimal price.

For all around, normal use, I'd prescribe a 20-30 degree down bag, an inflatable air bed, and a waterproof tent.

I use a Go-Lite 40 degree down bag that weighs in at under 2 lbs and a thermarest NeoAir (not full length, which i regret) that comes it at 9 oz.  Big agnes makes good ones as well. 

[xXLojackXx]

and weigh well under 5 lbs.  More like 3.

That's extremely heavy. Its a tough call getting a lightweight bag for $115. Look for 800+ treated down if you want light weight and packable size. My Marmot Hydrogen 30 weight 28oz in the long version and compresses into a 4l compression sack, with 850 treated down. Unfortunately it wasn't $115, but its all relative to what your definition of "packable" is.

[Jonathan_S]

It's not heavy for somebody looking to do a few short 2-3 day hikes really.  For somebody starting out it would seem like a good fit 

Down is definitely lighter and more packable but I'd be hesitant to recommend it to somebody who hasn't developed a real affinity for backpacking

[swanny]

30 degree synthetic that weighs just over 3lbs for $99. It's certainly not going to be the lightest or most compact bag on the market but it will provide you warmth, comfort, and a decent starter sleeping bag.

http://www.rei.com/product/828305/marmot-trestles-30-sleeping-bag#tab-specs

Like others said, get a good insulated mat for underneath you and it will help tremendously for additional warmth. Here is a warm and durable 3 season down filled mat that packs small for what it provides you in puncture protection (75D fabric) and insulation.

http://www.rei.com/product/847123/exped-downmat-lite-5-air-pad-with-minipump

For just a hair over $200 you could have a really decent sleeping set up to handle most any late spring to early fall conditions you will experience in Washington.

[Magnum_Willys]

I use the downmat 7 without pump.  Save the weight skip the pump and get the snozzle bag (pump) which doubles as pack liner or storage bag.  Sounds weird but pumps mat up in a minute.

[Elkrunner]

Thanks for the input guys. 

[swanny]

I use the downmat 7 without pump.  Save the weight skip the pump and get the snozzle bag (pump) which doubles as pack liner or storage bag.  Sounds weird but pumps mat up in a minute.

I completely agree, that just adds another $40 if he is trying to keep the price down. The Schnozzel is the best for quick and easy inflation for sure!

[7mag.]

I use the downmat 7 without pump.  Save the weight skip the pump and get the snozzle bag (pump) which doubles as pack liner or storage bag.  Sounds weird but pumps mat up in a minute.

That's what I use, and it works awesome. Great pad too.

[Miles]

Look for a bag that is EN rated.  Thank me later.

[Elkrunner]

30 degree synthetic that weighs just over 3lbs for $99. It's certainly not going to be the lightest or most compact bag on the market but it will provide you warmth, comfort, and a decent starter sleeping bag.

http://www.rei.com/product/828305/marmot-trestles-30-sleeping-bag#tab-specs

Like others said, get a good insulated mat for underneath you and it will help tremendously for additional warmth. Here is a warm and durable 3 season down filled mat that packs small for what it provides you in puncture protection (75D fabric) and insulation.

http://www.rei.com/product/847123/exped-downmat-lite-5-air-pad-with-minipump

For just a hair over $200 you could have a really decent sleeping set up to handle most any late spring to early fall conditions you will experience in Washington.

So I just looked at the bag. What does it mean by long left, long right, etc.?  Also the add mentions being woman specific but the specs say unisex.  Im a fairly small framed guy at 5'8"  so I am assuming it wouldn't matter.  I like that price point.  Im not looking to go on a 5 day excursion, just pack and run this year for a night or 2 before I end up back at the trailer. 

[sirmissalot]

Good deals on sleeping bags like you're looking for aren't too hard to find used like at backpackinglight.com, might be something to look into. I bought my girlfriend a decent 3lb 15degree bag on there for half off that had barely been used. If she decides she likes the backcountry stuff as much as I do I'll upgrade her to a down quilt like I have or get a two person for when I take her. REI garage sales are a great place to get great deals on sleeping bags. I think if you can keep it around 3lbs you're doing fine, I lugged around a 5lb 10oz bag for several years before I caught the ultralight bug.

[Jonathan_S]

Good deals on sleeping bags like you're looking for aren't too hard to find used like at backpackinglight.com, might be something to look into. I bought my girlfriend a decent 3lb 15degree bag on there for half off that had barely been used. If she decides she likes the backcountry stuff as much as I do I'll upgrade her to a down quilt like I have or get a two person for when I take her. REI garage sales are a great place to get great deals on sleeping bags. I think if you can keep it around 3lbs you're doing fine, I lugged around a 5lb 10oz bag for several years before I caught the ultralight bug.

Out of wedlock?!   

I mean, yeah good call.