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.

[jrebel]

I have an EE 0 degree quilt with a ExPed Downmat.  I have had it in sub freezing weather in the Idaho back country and had to sleep in my underwear.  If you secure your quilt to your mattress appropriately, you shouldn't have a draft.  They come with bungies that secure your quilt to the mattress and to suck in the sides of your body.  Weight to warmth ratio is second to none.   

[Jason]

I have the EE Convert 10* 850 Down bag.quilt. You can run it either as a bag or a quilt. I’ve only used it as a bag. Really, it’s the best bag I have ever owned.

[WapitiTalk1]

Lightweight, true temp rating, fairly priced, excellent CS from a made in America Montana compan….. Look no further than VIAM Outdoors, seriously.. look at their quilts.

They are rock solid and the best I’ve used.
https://viamoutdoors.com/

[pickardjw]

I have an EE 0 degree quilt with a ExPed Downmat.  I have had it in sub freezing weather in the Idaho back country and had to sleep in my underwear.  If you secure your quilt to your mattress appropriately, you shouldn't have a draft.  They come with bungies that secure your quilt to the mattress and to suck in the sides of your body.  Weight to warmth ratio is second to none.   

Yeah I use the bungies. My issues with it probably comes from me being a pretty active sleeper…lots of moving around

[Karl Blanchard]

I'm a tornado in my sleep so when the temps dip I like to do the bottom bungee around the pad but then the upper bungee behind my back. It sucks it up a lot better that way. Button the top around your neck and its as good as your gonna get. Ive had my zero degree quilt into single digits many times. It is most definitely not as warm as an equally rated mummy but for me they are more comfortable. 

Bags are like boots or any other backpacking gear for that matter. There's no 1 and done do all bag. Its good to try and work up to having a few bags. Early season and late season.

I've gone back and forth on synthetic and down the last handful of years. Synthetic is truly bomb proof but Water proof down has come a long ways in the last few years.  You still aren't gonna be able to use down to dry clothes and gear though. Few years ago on a winter mountain goat hunt in Alaska my brother and I would have quite literally died if we had had down bags. No fire,  sub freezing temps, and everything wet always. Every night we'd have to put everything in our bags to cook off the moisture and have dry gear in the morning.  Idaho backcountry with a hot tent I'm packing the down bags every time because why carry the extra weight of synthetic.

Pick any reputable brand of down bag, 800 fill or higher and buy with confidence. So many good options. For synthetic I highly recommend kifaru slick bags. Generous cut, center zip is AWESOME, and made in 🇺🇲

[C-Money]

I have used a Slumberjack since the 90s. Is a great bag. Kept me warm on many cold nights in Wyoming & Colorado, as well as here in WA. I just got a new bag last season, a Teton. Its not one to put in a pack, as its huge. I have a huge cot as well. I like a little space to sleep in. The Teton bag seems to be a good quality bag, and I'm sure they make one for packing...

[Jingles]

Took a canvas awning from a popup trailer made a bedroll cover, (thanks to wife's sewing ability) and have used my slumber jack 0° bag in weather that caused frost on facial hair and been comfortable until had to get out to get dressed.

[jeffro]

I have a pair of Mil issued “all weather” bags.
Light weight liner for summer,
Heavy weight bag for fall, early winter,
Gortech shell for the nasty.
Combine all three, and you don’t even really need a tent.
And all fit in a stuff sack that will make it about the size of a medium watermelon.
Might be a bit heavier than a quilt or +$100 bags, but it is the only bag you’ll ever need.

Edit to add: fully mummified

[KFhunter]

I need to up my sleeping game too, I flop around like a fish all night long and hate being constrained in a bag, especially mummy with narrow foot pocket.

[aaronoto]

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.

I'm running a SG Chilkoot as well and really like it!  Great combo of packable but still being roomy.  If you're not tall and can sleep in a traditional mummy bag cut there are smaller/lighter options though.

[NOCK NOCK]

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.

You said Puffy Pants! 

I have no idea what they are, but just the wording puffy pants cracks me up. Im gonna use that on the old lady somehow. 

[trophyhunt]

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.

this is what I did years ago, didn’t have the zipper option back then, I’d like to add that. Love my quilt! I’m a side sleeper and can’t do mummy’s, I’ve always been warm but I also sleep in my puffy pant and jacket, w a puffy hat. One time I ripped the bag and customer service was great about fixing.

[kselkhunter]

I love my Feathered Friends bag.  If you're ever in Seattle you can go to their showroom (across street from REI) and lay in various bags to test fit.  They'll do different fill levels as well as a custom.  I went for the 20 degree bag, but I also got their down booties with the outer liner that I use when I'm backpacking in winter in snow.  I have a couple different liners at various temp ratings I use depending on the season, so that I can increase the temperature resistance of the bag in cold weather (along with the booties).   They have quilts, mummy bags, 3 season bags, and winter/expedition bags.  As well as down jackets, pants, booties, etc.  I have an ultralight packable down jacket from them as well, that packs down tiny and is lightweight, it's always in my backpack on trips. 

https://featheredfriends.com/

[Houndhunter]

I have both synthetic and down, both have their advantages but I use my kifaru slick bag the most now. It's heavier and doesn't cinch down as small but I've literally crawled in there soaked and woke up dry several times. It's amazing how it transfers the moisture off your body. I can't have gear failure so that's why I use my slick bag for work. Its really nice to have both but for fall/winter hunting I go synthetic now.

[trophyhunt]

I have both synthetic and down, both have their advantages but I use my kifaru slick bag the most now. It's heavier and doesn't cinch down as small but I've literally crawled in there soaked and woke up dry several times. It's amazing how it transfers the moisture off your body. I can't have gear failure so that's why I use my slick bag for work. Its really nice to have both but for fall/winter hunting I go synthetic now.

I wonder how many debates we’ve had on down v’s synthetic?? I’m still confused witch one is best! What a hate about down is the feathers that always stick out. I don’t have any synthetic that I know of but love the idea of how it transfers wetness away.

[fishngamereaper]

Pretty much solves it...
You need a down bag, syn bag and a quilt. 

If your in a get wet and die situation...also know as Alaska or deep Backcountry...I'll pick my synthetic bag... another 1.5lbs isn't killing my back .

If I'm in a ...can reasonably hike to the truck in 2-3 hour's..I'll go with my down bag.

Never have tried quilts. Probably work for Sept/ Oct elk.
Doubt I would take a quilt to Alaska.

If I'm

[Houndhunter]

I have both synthetic and down, both have their advantages but I use my kifaru slick bag the most now. It's heavier and doesn't cinch down as small but I've literally crawled in there soaked and woke up dry several times. It's amazing how it transfers the moisture off your body. I can't have gear failure so that's why I use my slick bag for work. Its really nice to have both but for fall/winter hunting I go synthetic now.

I wonder how many debates we’ve had on down v’s synthetic?? I’m still confused witch one is best! What a hate about down is the feathers that always stick out. I don’t have any synthetic that I know of but love the idea of how it transfers wetness away.

Only experience I have with synthetic bags is kifaru, but it's pretty impressive and they're bomb proof. But it really just depends on the hunt and where you'll be, like I said I use both types.

One thing I will add is I never buy a sleeping bag that doesn't have a zero degree rating, down or synthetic get a zero degree bag.

[phildobaggins]

Pretty much solves it...
You need a down bag, syn bag and a quilt. 

If your in a get wet and die situation...also know as Alaska or deep Backcountry...I'll pick my synthetic bag... another 1.5lbs isn't killing my back .

If I'm in a ...can reasonably hike to the truck in 2-3 hour's..I'll go with my down bag.

Never have tried quilts. Probably work for Sept/ Oct elk.
Doubt I would take a quilt to Alaska.

If I'm

I would 100% make the same case for synthetic if I hunted ultra deep in wet weather. I still haven't pulled the trigger, but probably will in the next month so I can beat the bag up and test it before fall comes. I hunt early season pretty hard, and I generally make different arrangements for late season, i.e. wall tent or truck camp etc. I appreciate everyone's input, good info coming out in this thread!

[Macs B]

I've always relied on a "set" of sleeping bags over the years and I think they have served me very well.  I've never gone to the woods without a standard poncho liner to accompany any of these. 

The first is a standard US Army ECW Sleep system, outer bag, inner bag, Gore-Tex bivvy sack, and 2" thick Thermarest mattress.  I wouldn't want to pack it for any length of time but I do enjoy sleeping in it.  Somewhere along the way I purchased a seperate but matching extreme cold weather bag to substitute for the outer bag, it probably brings the temp rating down to -40.

The second is a marmot -20 bag set (inner/outer) with Gore-Tex shell and a thin Thermarest.  Definitely packable and good for most winter conditions that you might want to try.

Third is a spring/summer/fall set, a modified poncho liner with zipper installed to allow it to be bagged, a kelty light weight zephr bivvy and a section of parachute cloth for wind and rain deflection.