Sleeping Bags!

[phildobaggins]

I've been rocking a Slumber Jack sleeping back from the 80's since I was old enough to wipe my own butt. It's still so comfortable and nice, but it's BIG. It's time I invest in a good lightweight, packable sleeping bag.

What are your favorite bags that doesn't swallow a ton of space in your pack?

[Stein]

I just bought my second Enlightened quilt, 10 degree this time.  They have a new model that can work as a quilt or zip up to be a normal bag minus the hood.

Well made, you can pick the fill, bag type and even color and thickness of the inner and outer shell.  They sell off the shelf or full custom stuff.

If you go that route, they also have a section of the website where they sell custom bags that didn't sell or were returned for a nice discount.  I lucked out and found one that was almost exactly what I wanted.

[huntnfmly]

I just bought my second Enlightened quilt, 10 degree this time.  They have a new model that can work as a quilt or zip up to be a normal bag minus the hood.

Well made, you can pick the fill, bag type and even color and thickness of the inner and outer shell.  They sell off the shelf or full custom stuff.

If you go that route, they also have a section of the website where they sell custom bags that didn't sell or were returned for a nice discount.  I lucked out and found one that was almost exactly what I wanted.

 
That will be my next bag/quilt

[AppyMtnBoy]

I have been using a Kelty Sine 20 for a few years now.  Paired with a good sleep pad, it has never let me down.  Been in it a few nights that dropped closer to 0 and was still able to be comfortable enough to sleep.  Although rated for 20 deg, it has a dedicated foot zipper if its too warm.  Comes with a mesh storage bag to keep it lofted and a compression sack for packing.  Weights very little and compresses down pretty small.  This is a mummy style bag which helps reduce size and weight.  I'm 5'10" 185# and fit just fine in it.

As with all down sleeping bags, they will not work if you get them wet.  Don't store it very long in the compression sack as it will diminish how well it will loft and provide insulation.

[Stein]

You didn't ask, but for temp ratings I got tired of having to guess or be cold.  The ratings on most legit bags is standardized and tested now although there are still some gimicky things going on.  I assume the rating will be the temp I will be cold but doable based on my prior experience.  It won't be fun, but not horrible, so, I add 10 degrees to that to be comfortable.  I then assume it could be ten degrees colder than I expect or is forecasted due to a storm, altitude, sleeping low in a valley by water, etc.

So, for September where I hunt the nights are usually about 30 degrees at the low, hence my 10 degree bag.  It's only an ounce or two heavier and virtually no packed size difference and I'll be warm and happy.

[Bareback]

 Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32 UL - super light, packs down real well. Very, very warm for weight. I used it through September. I bought it used off of REI used gear website. The wife really likes it now since I had a hard time zipping it up do to shoulder mobility. I replaced it with a Mont Bell 30 degree SEAMLESS DOWN HUGGER 800 #3. It’s not quite as warm as the Hyperion but at 19 oz I can deal with. Lots of good stuff out there.

[pickardjw]

I just bought my second Enlightened quilt, 10 degree this time.  They have a new model that can work as a quilt or zip up to be a normal bag minus the hood.

Well made, you can pick the fill, bag type and even color and thickness of the inner and outer shell.  They sell off the shelf or full custom stuff.

If you go that route, they also have a section of the website where they sell custom bags that didn't sell or were returned for a nice discount.  I lucked out and found one that was almost exactly what I wanted.

I bought an Enlightened Enigma 0 degree (sewn closed footbox, 850 down fill, regular/wide) and an Enlightened Revelation 30 degree (zippered footbox, 850 down fill, regular/wide) last year and used both throughout the summer and fall.

Really like the Revelation for summer camping. I used it once in the hammock even and zipping/cinching that footbox around the hammock was really handy. Love that feature. Keeping it for sure.

I didn't like the Enigma as much. Not because it's not a good bag, but in general a quilt might not right be my ideal cold weather bag. In a floorless shelter it was very drafty and I definitely had to layer up under it in 25-30 degree weather. Gonna go back to a traditional bag for the zero degree.

Was hoping the new Big Agnes sidewinder would come in a zero but it doesnt...

[Stein]

Yeah, the quilt is through mid-September for me and then I grab my Marmot -20 down with a goretex shell.  It probably has a foot of loft if not more.

[phildobaggins]

Man, I might have to pull the trigger on one of those Enlightenment quilts. Thanks for the recommendation!!

Seems like the main difference between the Enigma and the Revelation is the sewn footbox, correct?

[pianoman9701]

I've been rocking a Slumber Jack sleeping back from the 80's since I was old enough to wipe my own butt. It's still so comfortable and nice, but it's BIG. It's time I invest in a good lightweight, packable sleeping bag.

What are your favorite bags that doesn't swallow a ton of space in your pack?

I've had two of these for about 20 years. I think it costs me more to take them to the cleaners each year than they cost originally.

[92xj]

I have two EE quilts, one down and one syn.  Matched with a proper rated r value pad they are hard to beat. 

[actionshooter]

 I was looking for a synthetic bag this year and gave the Stone Glacier Chilkoot a run.... I was very impressed, super light, warm and made with big guys in mind.

[trophyhunt]

Really like my EE quilt, if it’s real cold I just wear my puffy pants, puffy coat to bed, with my puffy hat, never cold. Had to send it in once for repairs, ripped right at the split on the bottom, woke up with down floating all over. The customer service was really good.

[pickardjw]

Man, I might have to pull the trigger on one of those Enlightenment quilts. Thanks for the recommendation!!

Seems like the main difference between the Enigma and the Revelation is the sewn footbox, correct?

Yep, that should be the only difference.

[ridgefire]

I have had good luck with my Marmot Helium. Warm and fairly light.