Any thoughts on sleeping bags for the high country??

[losdaddy7]

I'm finally plan to do some pack hunting this year, possibly both modern deer and elk seasons.  I have my summer vacations planned out for scouting (supportive wife, huh?).  I know the weather can vary greatly during both seasons, and I plan to be around 6000' for deer and 4500' elk.  Any thoughts on sleeping bag brands and tempertaure ratings that would fit the bill?  I dont think my old summer 30 degree bag will cut it for these temps...
I am anticipating a nightly range anywhere from 10 degrees to 45 or so.....  Do I really need a 0 degree bag for those chilly nights, or will a 15 or 20 degree suffice?  I'll be in an old 2 man(maybe 1 1/2 man) Moss Starlet GT I kept from my summer packing days, so moisture isnt an issue..    Also, anyone use the bag liners and are they worth it? I am attempting to pack as light as possible, so weight is also a consideration.

.......and the kicker.....  I only have around $100 bucks or so to spend on that new bag?

Thoughts anyone?   

[Miles]

You're going to be hardpressed to find a quality bag that meets those specs. for less than $100.


I posted a 0 degree bag below this topic a few days ago that is a very good deal.  If you could gather up the additional cash, that would be the route to go.


If not, golite also has a 25* bag that is on sale for $75.  It's a little heavy at 3lbs 6 oz, but it's new and they are EN rated, so not much need to worry about the temp rating.   
Here's a link if you want, but I would really try to save a few extra bucks and get the better bag.  http://www.golite.com/Ms-RS-3-Season-Mummy-Regular-P753.aspx

[Skyvalhunter]

If you know anything about sleeping bags you will know that a 0 degree bag is really a 32 degree bag the ratings never stack up. So if you buy a 0 degree bag plan on putting hot water in a water bottle in the bottom of your sleeping bag if it truly is 0 degrees out.

[luvmystang67]

I bought a North Face Snow Leopard 0 degree bag for $129 on sale at Sunnysports.com a few weeks ago.  You can still find pretty good deals on them elsewhere, but it looks like that deal has expired.  Its synthetic so it packs a little larger, but for a 0 degree bag its pretty lightweight.  I feel like synthetic is the best option for the northwest due to the rain (dry much easier and dont sacrifice as much warmth if they get wet). 

It is very nice and comfortable, but I haven't used it in a real cold high mountain scenario, but that is my plan.  I'd say a zero degree bag is probably only comfortable to about 15-20 degrees.  At zero degrees it just keeps the frostbite out.

Being cold while you sleep SUCKS, keep that in mind.  Don't go with a 20 degree bag for a 20 degree weather expectation, you will not sleep and be disappointed/mildly pissed you went a pound lighter and $30 cheaper.

[Bean Counter]

Are you going to backpack in? Or is this essentially car camping? If the latter you can save lots of cash by simply getting a heavier bag. Warm + heavy = cheap. Cold +heavy  = a little more. cold + light = spendy.

[luvmystang67]

On the snow leopard (kind of made for snowshoeing type folks), from a guy that commented on a you tube review (so take the source for what it is)...

There's a bit of deception regarding the Snow Leopard Temperature Ratings

This is from a CR rep from The North Face

-4degrees C (24,8 F) is the temperature at which a standard woman can expect to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position.

-11degrees C (12.2 F) the temperature at which a standard man can sleep for eight hours in a curled position without waking.

-30degrees C is the minimum temperature at which a standard woman can remain for six hours without risk of death from hypothermia.

[Miles]

If you know anything about sleeping bags you will know that a 0 degree bag is really a 32 degree bag the ratings never stack up.

Not true AT ALL.  Sure if you buy the Coleman weekend warrior sleeping bag at your local Walmart, you'll get that kind of performance.  Many quality sleeping bags today are rated using the EN system.   You should research it.   I have a 20* bag that is EN rated and stay plenty warm when the temp hits 20*-25*.  I would actually take it below 20*, but that's not for everyone.

[losdaddy7]

Are you going to backpack in? Or is this essentially car camping? If the latter you can save lots of cash by simply getting a heavier bag. Warm + heavy = cheap. Cold +heavy  = a little more. cold + light = spendy.

This would be a backcountry only bag, packing in.  I've been looking at the Marmot Trestle, Go-Lite, and Mountain Hardwear Ultramina.  Also found a site www.geartrader.com where used bags are sold (looks like from retailers returns).   Looks like Ill be closer to 150-200 bucks....

No one uses the bag liners? 

[Miles]

You'll be fine with the trestle, and they are EN rated.   A friend has the 15* and he was plenty warm when we spiked out at 20*.   They weigh a little more, and are bulkier to pack than a more expensive bag, but they work. 
No need to use a bag liner, so I never have.

[hirshey]

If you know anything about sleeping bags you will know that a 0 degree bag is really a 32 degree bag the ratings never stack up.

Not true AT ALL.  Sure if you buy the Coleman weekend warrior sleeping bag at your local Walmart, you'll get that kind of performance.  Many quality sleeping bags today are rated using the EN system.   You should research it.   I have a 20* bag that is EN rated and stay plenty warm when the temp hits 20*-25*.  I would actually take it below 20*, but that's not for everyone.

That being said, you would need to make sure the bag you get is EN rated and not make the assumption that all bags are comfortable at the advertised temperature. Sval is right; bags that are not EN rated and say they are a "0 degree bag" may not be at all comfortable at that temp. One of my friends went into the November Idaho hunt in a -10 degree Marmot bag and they received six inches of snow overnight while staying in a kelty tarp hutch; guy was miserably cold. Eyeguard was in a 0 degree REI bag next to the guy and was perfectly comfortable. Not all bags are created equal. I have a Mountain Hardware UltraLamina 0 degree F that works great for me... next thing to figure out is if you can get a comfortable night sleep in a mummy bag... mummy bags are more form fitting so can cut some weight/bulk, but its not worth it if you feel claustrophobic and can't sleep.

[Miles]

If you know anything about sleeping bags you will know that a 0 degree bag is really a 32 degree bag the ratings never stack up.

Not true AT ALL.  Sure if you buy the Coleman weekend warrior sleeping bag at your local Walmart, you'll get that kind of performance.  Many quality sleeping bags today are rated using the EN system.   You should research it.   I have a 20* bag that is EN rated and stay plenty warm when the temp hits 20*-25*.  I would actually take it below 20*, but that's not for everyone.

That being said, you would need to make sure the bag you get is EN rated and not make the assumption that all bags are comfortable at the advertised temperature. Sval is right; bags that are not EN rated and say they are a "0 degree bag" may not be at all comfortable at that temp. One of my friends went into the November Idaho hunt in a -10 degree Marmot bag and they received six inches of snow overnight while staying in a kelty tarp hutch; guy was miserably cold. Eyeguard was in a 0 degree REI bag next to the guy and was perfectly comfortable. Not all bags are created equal. I have a Mountain Hardware UltraLamina 0 degree F that works great for me... next thing to figure out is if you can get a comfortable night sleep in a mummy bag... mummy bags are more form fitting so can cut some weight/bulk, but its not worth it if you feel claustrophobic and can't sleep.

Sval didn't say anything about EN ratings...  He just said 0* bags are really 32* bags.   

And to use his words, anyone who "knows anything about sleeping bags" would/should be familiar with the EN rating system.

[JimmyHoffa]

You can get bag liners that add 10 degrees or more for each one used.  They are light weight.  Also, I've always found the coldest part of sleeping bags is where the bag contacts the ground, so a sleeping pad makes a huge difference.

[Miles]

You can get bag liners that add 10 degrees or more for each one used.  They are light weight.  Also, I've always found the coldest part of sleeping bags is where the bag contacts the ground, so a sleeping pad makes a huge difference.

Pay attention to the R-Value when purchasing a pad.  Not all pads are created equal, and it pays to do your research.

[JPhelps]

I believe marmot is EN rated (at least some of the bags).

My marmot helium has held its own down to the 20* rating and I'm a cold sleeper.

[MikeWalking]

100$ ?? Look at Second Ascent or another Used gear shop.   Temp ratings have to be taken with a big grain of salt. They don't meant squat with some brands, pretty good with others.

I  used a 15 degree synthetic bag from Marmot? that left me shivering  on warm summer nights at 5000 feet.  I have  -5 down bag that kept me more than cozy in my tent through 3 days of knock you over winds in February at 5200 feet, when my $2 thermometer said 10-15 inside the tent.

Liners??  I'd just as soon put on an extra layer of long johns.  I would strongly recommend looking at a sub zero rated bag.