Sleeping bag weight

[Karl Blanchard]

I have a KUIU bag that no longer keeps me warm.  What’s the best way to refresh the loft in it....

If it's a down bag then a proper wash and dry. If it's synthetic you're out of luck. Thats one of the reasons that down trumps synthetic.

"trumps" may be a strong word. They both have their places and uses. Anyone who has ever had a down bag go flat may argue that synthetic "trumps" down 

I'm a firm believer that there is no one size fits all when it comes to sleeping bags. Most of my trips I use a down quilt but if moisture is gonna be a concern I'm taking synthetic.

My brother and I both took kifaru slick bags to kodiak last February for our winter mountain goat hunt. Not only did we stay warm but we were able to dry all our clothes using body heat inside our bags. If we had had down bags we probably would have died. Literally 

[bracer40]

A couple of summers ago, my girl and I did a backpacking trip together (her first, my first after several decades). I used my old Sierra Designs down bag that I’d used for everything from summer to winter ski trips on Rainier. It’s right around 2# and good to zero when coupled with bivy  sack.

Above snowline, I stayed plenty warm those first nights back in a little shelter, but tying to sleep in a standard design mummy gave me fits! I thought I’d have to bite the bullet and just deal with a heavier bag if I wanted more leg room.

During my research for a roomier bag, I tried out the Nemo Disco 15. 2#11oz of warm, comfortable sleeping bag. It’s been comfortable down into the upper teens. When warmer, the bag can be vented as well.

My older mummy style is lighter and more compact, but I’ll never go back to that style.

Saved 25% by waiting for it to be offered on sale

[Rob]

I have bags good from 30 degrees to -20.

I have gone down due to space and weight.  Not without risks if they get wet, but I use a waterproof stuff sack to mitigate the risk.  Some have the waterproof down but I am not sure I believe it really works!

here are my weights.  I love my 18 ounce 30 degree bag!  I carry it on day climbs as emergency gear.  smaller than a water bottle stuffed.

My go-to bag for most trips is my 19 degree Igneo.  at two and a quarter pounds it is pretty light and works for most of the situations I end up in.  if it looks to be really cold I will go with the 3 degree bag.  Downside is that it is pretty bulky. 

I have yet to use the -20 bag, but the thing is huge!

[444Marlin]

I just washed and dried 2 of my bags, my 30 degree WM and my 10 degree FF.  They both look like new and have their old loft back.  I used the sport wash and a couple of those silicone dryer balls to help them loft and break up the clumps of feathers.  There are some specific "Down" detergents, and I think they would be ideal but I wanted to use what I had.

I always use waterproof stuff sacks and even a size larger than what they come with so I don't have to wrestle with the bag every time I break camp.   If it's over-sized, then I can usually toss in a small inflatable pillow or some extra clothes that I won't need during the day.

[Taco280AI]

I picked up a lightweight quilt last year, surprisingly warm, especially for how light it is

[Rob]

The quilts intrigue me.  if I did not already have 4 bags I would look hard at them!

[Oldguy]

I have two Sierra Design quilts for different temperature ranges and I'll never go back to regular bags. My worst memories are trying to get comfortable in a mummy bag if I rolled over or tried to sleep on my side. Nice weight and bulk savings. The bottom of a regular bag gets compressed and doesn't afford any real insulation.  ( My 32 degree quilt weighs 20 ounces)   

[actionshooter]

I have a really hard time finding a bag that fits at 6'05 and 280# so this is what I am using now..
 
 For my winter bad I use a Nemo Sonic -20 Down bag at 3# even.... just got it last year and its working well so far.

For the summer a Montbell Down Hugger 20* right at 2#

For the car camping bag, I use one of the Brown cotton canvas ones with the little elk on the inside   

[MtnMuley]

I have a really hard time finding a bag that fits at 6'05 and 280# so this is what I am using now..
 
 For my winter bad I use a Nemo Sonic -20 Down bag at 3# even.... just got it last year and its working well so far.

For the summer a Montbell Down Hugger 20* right at 2#

For the car camping bag, I use one of the Brown cotton canvas ones with the little elk on the inside   

Thats ironic. I run both the same bags minus the car bag. Only beef I have, is that after a week in the tent with the Nemo, it looks like I violently strangled a goose. However, it was less than half the price of the 900 Spiral Downhugger #2.

[actionshooter]

I have a really hard time finding a bag that fits at 6'05 and 280# so this is what I am using now..
 
 For my winter bad I use a Nemo Sonic -20 Down bag at 3# even.... just got it last year and its working well so far.

For the summer a Montbell Down Hugger 20* right at 2#

For the car camping bag, I use one of the Brown cotton canvas ones with the little elk on the inside   

Thats ironic. I run both the same bags minus the car bag. Only beef I have, is that after a week in the tent with the Nemo, it looks like I violently strangled a goose. However, it was less than half the price of the 900 Spiral Downhugger #2.

Glad to see my Nemo isn't the only one that has a slow leak... 
I think the Montbell bags are one of the best on the market, but ya I don't have the -20 because of the price tag... ouch

[swanny]

I have a KUIU bag that no longer keeps me warm.  What’s the best way to refresh the loft in it....

If it's a down bag then a proper wash and dry. If it's synthetic you're out of luck. Thats one of the reasons that down trumps synthetic.

And to top it off, what kind of sleeping mat are you on? Does it have proper insulation (r-value) for the conditions you are sleeping in?

[huntnfmly]

For those looking at getting a new bag Rob Denning over on rokslide has been doing a side by side of the kuiu and WM bags 1 video he leaves them both out in the rain with the foot box resting in water for several hours checking for leaks they both passed with flying colors it's  a good video to watch it's on you tube

[TooTallMike]

Help me choose!!

Nemo sonic 0°
Big Agnes Blackburn 0°
Mountain hardware phantom 15°

For backpacking and I'm a cold sleeper. Running an xtherm

[huntnfmly]

I have a 0* kuiu on the way 2lbs 10.5oz.

[MtnMuley]

Help me choose!!

Nemo sonic 0°
Big Agnes Blackburn 0°
Mountain hardware phantom 15°

For backpacking and I'm a cold sleeper. Running an xtherm

 

You selected a great pad. Either the Nemo or BA you mentioned should be fine running that pad in colder weather in the back country. A merino top and bottom layer will be your best friend in those conditions to get either bag down closer to their listed ratings.