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.