Packable sleep bag

[Big6bull]

Someone give me some insight on sleeping bags for someone with no experience in back country and I dont have a large budget. Lots of options out there.

[blackpowderhunter]

Whats your budget and what season ?
Based on a budget and temp rating should be easy to find something good that fits the bill 
I personally run an REI radiant 20 degree bag.  roomier than most mummy bags in the shoulders, and I got it with one of the normal 20% off coupons from REI so it ended up being a pretty solid deal.  compresses fairly small and at 2 lbs 8 oz it isnt the lightest out there, but for under 200 i am very happy with it.

[Branden]

I'm a big fan of down bags. They are lighter and seem warmer for the same temp rating. Pack up smaller also. I'm not sure about less expensive bags but I would do some research on REI and backcountry. You might also look at a quilt. Saves weight and also just as warm.

Regards, Branden

[Big6bull]

It would be archery elk. I usually get pretty cold at night as is so I'm assuming I'm looking for lowest temp rating I can get? Hoping to spend less than a hundred and definetly will look at used options!

[Branden]

You can get bags that are good to -40. Are you sure you want it that low?

One way to help stay warm is using a good pad underneath. Closed cell foam is cheap, warm, and light weight. Not the most comfortable though. For comfort and warmth the thermarest x-therm is awesome. But expensive.

I have used a bag rated at 40* through regular deer season in the Washington high country. I think a bag that was rated at 15-20 would be fine for most people through most of Washington hunting seasons. Especially archery elk you should be plenty warm.

Regards, Branden

[vandeman17]

Tag. I have a 0 degree bag that is great for camping but too bulky for back country.

[blackpowderhunter]

my advice, if you want a good bag in that price range..go to REI (which has a large selection on hand), hop in a few and see what fits and what works for you.
then keep an eye on steepandcheap.com, sierratradingpost.com, backcountry.com, or REI outlet.
sierra trading post a lot of time offers 25% off 100 dollars or more, that could get you a decent amount off.
a lot of times cheaper bags will probably use less quality down (if you go down) which means they wont compress as well or be as light.  A bag that doesn't compress very well can take up a large majority of your pack VERY quickly.
another thing you can do is if you go with say a 20 degree bag, you can get liners that will add some warmth, and protect your investment by keeping dirt and grime from sleeping in clothes off of the inside of your bag.
I know you want to keep it under 100, but I would rather spend a bit more and be more comfortable sleeping in the back country.
Weight wise...
I would aim to keep it under 2.5 lbs or so if possible.

[Stickerbush]

I tend to run hot I run a cheap 20 degree, it was pretty cheap from what I remember. If you are using a closed tent and pad you can go a little lighter on the bag in my opinion especially early elk

[Big6bull]

Great advice thanks guys

[Ice Cap]

http://bellingham.craigslist.org/spo/5455873060.html

[bigmike86]

Dude, it'll tell ya from experience, you don't want to be in too thick a sleeping bag in the warmer months. I get cold at night but in Afghanistan, even in colder Temps in the mountains, I would get such sweaty pits and junk while sleeping in a mummy bag. We get issued a multi bag system which isn't too common on the civilian market, but I would go lighter and then use a thicker pad or extra blanket if still cold. Waking up with sweaty man parts can ruin a hunt (people or animal) real fast. Best option in warmer to mid months is always to layer up. Can also use jackets and socks if it drops down lower than you're expecting

[blackpowderhunter]

Dude, it'll tell ya from experience, you don't want to be in too thick a sleeping bag in the warmer months. I get cold at night but in Afghanistan, even in colder Temps in the mountains, I would get such sweaty pits and junk while sleeping in a mummy bag. We get issued a multi bag system which isn't too common on the civilian market, but I would go lighter and then use a thicker pad or extra blanket if still cold. Waking up with sweaty man parts can ruin a hunt (people or animal) real fast. Best option in warmer to mid months is always to layer up. Can also use jackets and socks if it drops down lower than you're expecting

this is true
nothing worse than tryin to unzip your bag to get comfortable, only to wake up freezing, only to try to get comfortable again, only to wake up freezing, only to...wait you get my point... 
i feel like a good 20 degree bag is super versatile.
pair it with a liner in colder times, perfect in the fall, use as a quilt in the summer.

[Utah]

Someone give me some insight on sleeping bags for someone with no experience in back country and I dont have a large budget. Lots of options out there.

https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/103848/

You will not find a better bag out there than this.  I have one.  I hate the extra weight.  But it's comfort is next to none has the same stretchy thread that mntbell uses.   I've had it to 20* several nights. 20* nights only need your base layer stocking cap and 4 ounce sea to summit silk coccon.   Pretty heavy fro them 40-50* nights.  But for $100 the damn thing is gonna be the gear mix..   Look for them on ebay too.   

[Utah]

  http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sierra-designs-arrow-rock-30-f-sleeping-bag-long-600-fill-power-down~p~2316a/

Serious bag for the coin