Post by: phildobaggins on March 14, 2022, 01:49:45 PM
What are your favorite bags that doesn't swallow a ton of space in your pack?
Post by: Stein on March 14, 2022, 02:07:41 PM
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.
Post by: huntnfmly on March 14, 2022, 02:13:08 PM
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.
:yeah:
That will be my next bag/quilt
Post by: AppyMtnBoy on March 14, 2022, 02:14:01 PM
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.
Post by: Stein on March 14, 2022, 02:19:39 PM
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.
Post by: Bareback on March 14, 2022, 02:24:38 PM
Post by: pickardjw on March 14, 2022, 03:46:59 PM
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...
Post by: Stein on March 14, 2022, 03:50:35 PM
Post by: phildobaggins on March 14, 2022, 04:04:48 PM
Seems like the main difference between the Enigma and the Revelation is the sewn footbox, correct?
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 14, 2022, 04:14:25 PM
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.
Post by: 92xj on March 14, 2022, 04:18:42 PM
Post by: actionshooter on March 14, 2022, 06:20:00 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on March 14, 2022, 06:25:22 PM
Post by: pickardjw on March 14, 2022, 06:31:14 PM
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.
Post by: ridgefire on March 14, 2022, 07:58:29 PM
Post by: jrebel on March 14, 2022, 08:42:59 PM
Post by: Jason on March 14, 2022, 09:10:59 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on March 14, 2022, 09:21:51 PM
They are rock solid and the best I’ve used.
https://viamoutdoors.com/ (https://viamoutdoors.com/)
Post by: pickardjw on March 15, 2022, 05:27:25 AM
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. :tup:
Yeah I use the bungies. My issues with it probably comes from me being a pretty active sleeper…lots of moving around
Post by: Karl Blanchard on March 15, 2022, 07:21:35 AM
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 🇺🇲
Post by: C-Money on March 15, 2022, 08:28:51 AM
Post by: Jingles on April 22, 2022, 05:17:37 PM
Post by: jeffro on April 22, 2022, 06:07:12 PM
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
Post by: KFhunter on April 22, 2022, 06:58:31 PM
Post by: aaronoto on April 22, 2022, 07:08:47 PM
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.
Post by: NOCK NOCK on April 23, 2022, 06:23:27 AM
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! :chuckle:
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. :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: trophyhunt on April 23, 2022, 08:02:18 AM
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.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.
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.
Post by: kselkhunter on April 23, 2022, 08:19:53 AM
https://featheredfriends.com/
Post by: Houndhunter on April 23, 2022, 09:40:24 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on April 23, 2022, 09:48:57 AM
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.
Post by: fishngamereaper on April 23, 2022, 09:53:59 AM
You need a down bag, syn bag and a quilt. :chuckle:
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
Post by: Houndhunter on April 23, 2022, 10:18:08 AM
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.
Post by: phildobaggins on April 25, 2022, 03:49:44 PM
Pretty much solves it...
You need a down bag, syn bag and a quilt. :chuckle:
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!
Post by: Macs B on April 26, 2022, 09:03:01 AM
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.