so many sleeping bags!

[Commando]

I've been looking at all the different sleeping bags out there. holy cow there are son many to choose from my head hurts at looking at them all. so any ways I was looking at the western mountaineering and the big Agnes bags. I've narrowed it down to these two brands based on the great reviews.. so from here can anyone point me in the right direction or give some info on there bags? I like the big Agnes zirkel bag but don't like how you have to have the pad for insulation on the bottom and as for western mountaineering I have no idea. id like a 20 degree bag. I am going to use this on back pack hunts in august through Oct. me and my buddy plan on doing a few pack hunts that will last about 3-4 days.  any helps guys?

[Jonathan_S]

I realize you're currently looking at WM and BA but Marmot has some really good bags too.  A Marmot Plasma gently used would be an awesome option.

[Commando]

thanks I will look at that

[huntnphool]

I've been looking at all the different sleeping bags out there. holy cow there are so many to choose from my head hurts at looking at them all.

 You must be driving the I-5 corridor between the old Rainier Brewery and Montlake.

[jackelope]

I've been looking at all the different sleeping bags out there. holy cow there are so many to choose from my head hurts at looking at them all.

 You must be driving the I-5 corridor between the old Rainier Brewery and Montlake.

 

[JeffRaines]

...I like the big Agnes zirkel bag but don't like how you have to have the pad for insulation on the bottom...

That applies to every sleeping bag. The insulation only works when it is in an uncompressed state. When you lay on it...

With that said, Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering are the typical high end go-to bags when considering down. I personally use an older Marmot Helium(back before they went with the "water resistant" down) and it works great down to and below temp rating with a pad.

[milldozer]

I have this Marmot bag and it is fantastic for summer/early fall.  Rated down to 30 degrees and packs to the size of a football.  Pretty good price at REI right now too.

http://www.rei.com/product/102710/marmot-hydrogen-sleeping-bag-long-mens?cm_mmc=cse_PLA_GOOG-_-1027100001&CAWELAID=120217890002354797&lsft=cm_mmc:cse_PLA_GOOG

[Commando]

...I like the big Agnes zirkel bag but don't like how you have to have the pad for insulation on the bottom...

That applies to every sleeping bag. The insulation only works when it is in an uncompressed state. When you lay on it...

With that said, Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering are the typical high end go-to bags when considering down. I personally use an older Marmot Helium(back before they went with the "water resistant" down) and it works great down to and below temp rating with a pad.

Well I guess that explains why they are so popular! Looks like I will be getting a pad as well. Keep the feed back coming guys. And thanks for the new ideas I will look at those

[Karl Blanchard]

Down- Big Agnes Belly ache

Synthetic- Kifaru Slik bag

[couesbitten]

Aaaand just to add to your confusion, have a look at the Enlightened Equipment quilts.  This is the route I'm goin this year, can't get much lighter than an EE Revelation quilt and a good sleeping pad.

http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/

[JeffRaines]

Aaaand just to add to your confusion, have a look at the Enlightened Equipment quilts.  This is the route I'm goin this year, can't get much lighter than an EE Revelation quilt and a good sleeping pad.

http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/

I've been strongly considering a quilt as of late, the weight savings seems so nice. I'm just a little afraid of how it'll fair in colder temps.

[ridgefire]

I would be hesitant buying a 20 degree bag for use into October. I would also suggest looking at Marmot, I have been real happy with my helium.

[Karl Blanchard]

I logged about 30 days in my EE quilt last year and was pretty happy.  I got a 0* because like you, I was skeptical.  I am pretty warm blooded but for some reason, sleep on the cold side.  I figured worst case scenario, I would still have a light weight bag for september.  As long as you have a pad with a good R value, and a shelter that isn't too drafty, I wouldn't hesitate to run the 0* down into the mid teens.  I am a side sleeper/roller so the quilt was a breath of fresh air as I hate mummy bags.  That being said, with the quilt, you lack the ability to batten down the hatches if temps drop hard and things get real.  Be realistic about the conditions you will be hunting and match your bag to them.  There is no one size fits all when it comes to backpacking bags.

[blackpowderhunter]

One thing I would add is to for sure go to a store like REI and lay in as many as you can to get a feel for what FITS you.
Everyone is built differently.  Some of the ultra light mummy bags make me so claustrophobic it's not even funny.
Find what fits you and go from there. 

[Shawn Ryan]

Find someone near you and check out their quilt. About half the weight and price. Know that if gear has 2 purposes, then you save weight and room on a backcountry trip. Thus, if you get cold in your quilt, just put on your puffy. Down bag/down puffy. Same/same.

[Magnum_Willys]

One thing I would add is to for sure go to a store like REI and lay in as many as you can to get a feel for what FITS you.
Everyone is built differently.  Some of the ultra light mummy bags make me so claustrophobic it's not even funny.
Find what fits you and go from there. 

Some of the larger bags are really comfy but when it gets cold the extra airspace wont hold the heat.  I used to be afraid of the tite mummys around the feet but they are your friend.  I Still like some room around the chest so I run the the montbell down hugger with spiral stretch. 

[RadSav]

While they no longer have seriously cold rating bags I remain a big fan of Sierra Design bags.  Their newer Zissou Plus takes the best of a mummy and a quilt.  It's pretty impressive.  And it is plenty comfortable in your target weather range if you have a good pad.

I do like the idea of the Big Agnes.  I know a lot of guides that carry those.  I have not yet used one, but the guide friends swear by them.  And the friends with extremely broad shoulders say there is absolutely no comparison.  I figure if I ever felt a need to try something other than Sierra Design I'd have to give Big Agnes some serious thought.

[bowhunterty]

Mtn Hardwear have great bags, have same 20 deg bag for 10 yrs now. Check out Backcountry.com. Great deals on tents, bags, etc.

[jbeaumont21]

If you are like me and hate the tight mummy style and want more leg room I would look into Sea to Summit or the Nemo bags.  Both are sold at REI. Also from my experience if a bag is rated down to 20 degree, then that means really only good down to 30. Maybe I just get cold easy 

[kellama2001]

tagging

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

If you are like me and hate the tight mummy style and want more leg room I would look into Sea to Summit or the Nemo bags.  Both are sold at REI. Also from my experience if a bag is rated down to 20 degree, then that means really only good down to 30. Maybe I just get cold easy 

To a point. I've had my 15 Helium down to 22 and was toasty.

You probably get more variety in ratings on cheaper bags.


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[buglebrush]

Some brands rate based on survival.  Other rate based on comfort.  Still others rate both ways.  Go with the comfort testing and you will be golden.  I love my marmot, but they are tight. 

[Crunchy]

Im tagging this one.  Have a back country hunt in Sept (Whiteriver) and looking for a good bag that is reasonably priced.

[davk]

Just have to read reviews and if possible check them out in stores ... then kind of pick one for whatever reason and go with it. Color is a as good of a reason as any  .  Or just have a general idea of what you want and when I sale pops up, jump on it.  There are so many good options out there now, its hard to say you will go wrong with any of them.  I have a Kelty 20 deg bag that I have had for quite a few years.  Its a little heavier and bulkier than my other bag so it has become my warm weather bag.  Then I have a a North Face 15 degree bag that I take when its cold.  As far as temp ratings they are all over the place and not really standardized.  Id say if you are sleep warm go with one lower, if you sleep cold go with what they say.  My wife is cold in a 20deg bag when its 40, and Im in my boxers with the bag unzipped.

[Miles]

If you are like me and hate the tight mummy style and want more leg room I would look into Sea to Summit or the Nemo bags.  Both are sold at REI. Also from my experience if a bag is rated down to 20 degree, then that means really only good down to 30. Maybe I just get cold easy 

To a point. I've had my 15 Helium down to 22 and was toasty.

You probably get more variety in ratings on cheaper bags.


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EN rating.  Look it up, understand it, then research bags.

[huntnfmly]

Yes check out what en ratings are
That will help you decide and under stand better temp ratings

[eastfork]

Anyone have any experience with kuiu super down? Are they overrated?

[dreamunelk]

I have a Kifaru  0 degree slick bag.  Nice bag.  Not worth the money and no were close to a 0 degree bag.  And if you are over 5'6" order the tall.  Much better options on the market as mentioned on here. 

[Duckslayer89]

I have a Kifaru  0 degree slick bag.  Nice bag.  Not worth the money and no were close to a 0 degree bag.  And if you are over 5'6" order the tall.  Much better options on the market as mentioned on here.

Thanks for the heads up I was looking at these. I have a kelty cosmic down 0 degree bag and it's super lightweight and warm.

[davk]

I have a Kifaru  0 degree slick bag.  Nice bag.  Not worth the money and no were close to a 0 degree bag.  And if you are over 5'6" order the tall.  Much better options on the market as mentioned on here.

  Do you have experience with other bags to be able to state that the bag isnt actually 0 deg?  I guess Im asking if you consistently find the bags to be true to ratings or are always cold.  My wife gets cold in my 20 deg bag when its 40.  Im usually just in boxers with it zipped open and Im half out of the bag at 40.  Ive taken that bag out in -5.  So if she would come on her and state _____ bag temp ratings arent close ... it really isnt true to the bag but to her personally.

[dreamunelk]

I have a Kifaru  0 degree slick bag.  Nice bag.  Not worth the money and no were close to a 0 degree bag.  And if you are over 5'6" order the tall.  Much better options on the market as mentioned on here.

  Do you have experience with other bags to be able to state that the bag isnt actually 0 deg?  I guess Im asking if you consistently find the bags to be true to ratings or are always cold.  My wife gets cold in my 20 deg bag when its 40.  Im usually just in boxers with it zipped open and Im half out of the bag at 40.  Ive taken that bag out in -5.  So if she would come on her and state _____ bag temp ratings arent close ... it really isnt true to the bag but to her personally.

Yes, I have a lot of experience.  There were times I was spending 200 nights or more a year in multiple weather conditons.  I would have a problem calling my bag a 20 degree bag.
My Kifaru Woobie is warmer.

[M_ray]

I use
Enlightened Eqipment quilt 20* ... 18 ounces
Or
North Face cats meow 20* 2lbs 3oz

When it's really cold I just keep my clothes on and wear my Kelvin puffy and a beanie! No need to carry a zero degree bag that is double te wieght when you already have merino layers and warm clothes that will take the place of a heavier bag! 

[Stein]

I have a Marmot Goretex down that I bought in about 1993.  It has been awesome and held up great, I've been in it down to -20 wearing everything I had and a bivy sack.

[MtnMuley]

Check out the Montbell Downhugger. Very spendy, but worth every penny. I went with the 2 and long. As light as quilts and much more comfy, being a stretch bag.