backpacking sleepbag

[Tim in Wa.]

I'm glad someone got it,there was another .
one on there tonight
Tim

[RadSav]

Looks like I am a little late to give advise on bags.  However, it looks like you went with a very good down bag.

I would look at adding one more thing.  I believe all down bags should have their standard compression sack replaced with an air purge compression dry bag.  Around these parts and up north it is one of the best additional 8 oz. I put on my back.  If you ever try to sleep in a wet down bag below about 45 degrees you will understand.  I like the ones made by Outdoor Research.

You probably already know this but I'll state it anyway.  Never store your down bag in a compression sack.  It should come with a white laundry style of bag for storage.  If not I store mine in an old pillow case and hang it in the closet.

[MikeWalking]

Looks like I am a little late to give advise on bags.  However, it looks like you went with a very good down bag.

I would look at adding one more thing.  I believe all down bags should have their standard compression sack replaced with an air purge compression dry bag.  Around these parts and up north it is one of the best additional 8 oz. I put on my back.  If you ever try to sleep in a wet down bag below about 45 degrees you will understand.  I like the ones made by Outdoor Research.

You probably already know this but I'll state it anyway.  Never store your down bag in a compression sack.  It should come with a white laundry style of bag for storage.  If not I store mine in an old pillow case and hang it in the closet.

    Been using Down Bags since 1971. Never had one get wet.  Still have my first.  Usable, if you're under 5'5

[dreamingbig]

REI Outlet is running an extra 20% off any item sale.  They have marmot bags in there on sale.  Add in the extra 20% and it gets pretty reasonable.

[Skyvalhunter]

Another good thing for bags is a liner. It will help in colder situations but it also helps with the wear and tear on the inside of your bag and cut down on your washing of the bag which really breaks down the bag. I went on e-bay and purchased one of those military gortex sleeping bag covers. It helps keep you bag clean on the outside and have used it in places where I might get stuck out in the rain when doing a no tent camp. Also provides some cold weather protection.

[fillthefreezer]

ordered an outdoor research dry comp sack.
been kicking aroud the idea of building myself a tyvek bivy..
never used a bag liner, do they make the bag too warm?

[Sliverslinger]

I have the North Face Hotlum 15 degree in tall. I absolutely love it.

[MikeWalking]

The best bag liner is a layer of the heaviest long-johns you have

Someone once said, If you don't wear all your clothes to bed you brought to many.

Don't know about that but I've camped above 5000 feet in a lot of winter storms.  My very roomy -5 bag was almost always enough if not then I have a Down jacket and pants (the down LJ's from Cabela's)  With lighter bags on summer trips I just pack a layer of Expedition weight LJ's   I've never found myself wishing I had a bag liner too.

[RadSav]

I tend to get all wound up in Mummy bags as it is.  Nothing worse than zipping all the way up and then waking up with the zipper behind my back.  Liners just made it worse for me.  If I think I'm going to be at the comfort temp limit with my bag I carry a down vest or Kelvin vest.  If really cold I might add the Kelvin pants.  They are slippery enough I don't seem to get too screwed up. 

First couple of nights each year is still a little bit of a claustrophobic challenge for me.  At home it's a Cal-King and I still wish I had a bit more room.  One in the long list of reasons the Squaw say's I'm messed in the head.

[Skyvalhunter]

The bag liner is more to keep you bag clean so you don't have to wash it as often, which is the leading contributor to bag breakdown

[MikeWalking]

The bag liner is more to keep you bag clean so you don't have to wash it as often, which is the leading contributor to bag breakdown

I always figured that's what PJ's were for, I always pack a layer just for sleeping in...When nature cooperates I pull the bag out of the tent, unzip it all the way and let the inside bake in the sun a little bit.  Found a product I can't remember the name of, spritz a bit on first, alcohol & water I think, and let it bake.

[fair-chase]

I always figured that's what PJ's were for, I always pack a layer just for sleeping in...When nature cooperates I pull the bag out of the tent, unzip it all the way and let the inside bake in the sun a little bit.  Found a product I can't remember the name of, spritz a bit on first, alcohol & water I think, and let it bake.

Could you elaborate on this a little bit. I've always been concerned about UV breaking down the outer shell of the bag and tried to keep it out of direct light as much as possible. Is this not necessary? I've had more than my share of tents succumb to prolonged UV exposure. Just always figured a bag would do the same.

[RadSav]

The bag liner is more to keep you bag clean so you don't have to wash it as often, which is the leading contributor to bag breakdown

I've begun wearing silk weight/silver thread long johns even during late summer/early fall hunts.  Haven't had a tick since doing that, skin stays dryer, and they work great as PJ's.  Maybe not AS clean as a liner, but I haven't had a down bag smell or look dirty in many years.  Even with all the farting I do when eating Mountain House   Liners are great and I don't discourage their use.  But, it is some added weight to consider.  And, if you are as uncomfortable as I am in mummy bags silky long johns are a little more mentally relaxing.

[MikeWalking]

I always figured that's what PJ's were for, I always pack a layer just for sleeping in...When nature cooperates I pull the bag out of the tent, unzip it all the way and let the inside bake in the sun a little bit.  Found a product I can't remember the name of, spritz a bit on first, alcohol & water I think, and let it bake.

Could you elaborate on this a little bit. I've always been concerned about UV breaking down the outer shell of the bag and tried to keep it out of direct light as much as possible. Is this not necessary? I've had more than my share of tents succumb to prolonged UV exposure. Just always figured a bag would do the same.

As far as UV exposure goes my bag is getting maybe 15-20 minutes a couple times a trip and only if it's sunny.  I've never worried about sun damage, it just doesn't get that much and the fabric is pretty tough.  On the other hand  I have had rainflys break down like sun burnt skin after a few very active summers.  I've been treating Down bags the same way since 1971 and aside from the styles you would never guess how many years one had on it.  I still have the REI bag I got in '71 and it's still just as usable. (if you're 5'5) Even after daily use over 8 months of homelessness.

The only reason I don't like Liners is that's all there are.  I'd sure buy one though for a flannel lined car camp bag..

[fair-chase]

I always figured that's what PJ's were for, I always pack a layer just for sleeping in...When nature cooperates I pull the bag out of the tent, unzip it all the way and let the inside bake in the sun a little bit.  Found a product I can't remember the name of, spritz a bit on first, alcohol & water I think, and let it bake.

Could you elaborate on this a little bit. I've always been concerned about UV breaking down the outer shell of the bag and tried to keep it out of direct light as much as possible. Is this not necessary? I've had more than my share of tents succumb to prolonged UV exposure. Just always figured a bag would do the same.

As far as UV exposure goes my bag is getting may be 15-20 minutes a couple times a trip and only if it's sunny.  I've never worried about sun damage, it just doesn't get that much and the fabric is pretty tough.  On the other hand  I have had rainflys break down like sun burnt skin after a few very active summers.  I've been treating Down bags the same way since 1971 and aside from the styles you would never guess how many years one had on it.  i still have the REI bag I got in '71 and it's still just as usable.  Even after daily use over 8 months of homelessness.

The only reason I don't like Liners is that's all there are.  I'd sure buy one though for a flannel lined car camp bag..

Good to know. Maybe I can try to be a little less anal about protecting it. Thanks.