Post by: losdaddy7 on March 20, 2012, 08:36:24 PM
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? :dunno:
Post by: Miles on March 21, 2012, 12:30:26 AM
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
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 21, 2012, 05:30:49 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on March 21, 2012, 10:12:15 AM
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.
Post by: Bean Counter on March 21, 2012, 10:20:33 AM
Post by: luvmystang67 on March 21, 2012, 10:25:20 AM
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.
Post by: Miles on March 21, 2012, 11:20:25 AM
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.
Post by: losdaddy7 on March 21, 2012, 11:31:07 AM
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?
Post by: Miles on March 21, 2012, 11:38:03 AM
No need to use a bag liner, so I never have.
Post by: hirshey on March 21, 2012, 11:40:58 AM
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.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.
Post by: Miles on March 21, 2012, 11:43:01 AM
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.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.
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.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on March 21, 2012, 12:09:54 PM
Post by: Miles on March 21, 2012, 12:15:09 PM
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.
Post by: JPhelps on March 21, 2012, 12:17:30 PM
My marmot helium has held its own down to the 20* rating and I'm a cold sleeper.
Post by: MikeWalking on March 21, 2012, 12:33:09 PM
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.
Post by: MR5x5 on March 21, 2012, 12:39:02 PM
The clear night sky is a -100 deg C heat sink. Make sure wherever you sleep you are obstructed from the sky - and the nylon ceiling of a tent barely counts, a fly certainly helps...Under a tree is better.
Ground insulation - Thermorest or equivalent is a must. Th "R" value only applies to the "lofted fill". Between your body and the ground it goes to zero pretty quickly...
Chance are you will have long johns and a hat with you. These greatly increase the effective temp range for your bag.
I use a 50 deg bag with no problems for high elk in September. Weighs 1.5 lbs.
I use a 20 deg bag down to about 20 deg and can manage temps no problem.
You start talking 0 deg F, you better go well prepared, or you'll be dead.
Post by: hirshey on March 21, 2012, 12:41:41 PM
And, really, they used to be; a 0 degree bag was rated for supposed lowest temperature for comfort, but who's comfort? The EN rating has still not completely become the US standard.. many places (REI included) started making sure there were EN ratings for the bags they sell just two years ago, but it may not be the advertised degree rating... for example, my advertised 0 degree Mountain Hardware bag has an EN rating for women around 8 degrees. You don't have to be a mathmatician to know 8 is not equal to 0. :) Bags manufactured before 2009 may not be EN rated; something to consider if you're going to purchase a used bag. Before this last Mountain Hardware bag I purchased, I didn't have an EN-rated bag.
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.
Post by: losdaddy7 on March 21, 2012, 12:59:58 PM
Other things to consider...
The clear night sky is a -100 deg C heat sink. Make sure wherever you sleep you are obstructed from the sky - and the nylon ceiling of a tent barely counts, a fly certainly helps...Under a tree is better.
Ground insulation - Thermorest or equivalent is a must. Th "R" value only applies to the "lofted fill". Between your body and the ground it goes to zero pretty quickly...
Chance are you will have long johns and a hat with you. These greatly increase the effective temp range for your bag.
I use a 50 deg bag with no problems for high elk in September. Weighs 1.5 lbs.
I use a 20 deg bag down to about 20 deg and can manage temps no problem.
You start talking 0 deg F, you better go well prepared, or you'll be dead.
All great info. I have a few pads, older ridgrest foam, a ultralight self inflating thermarest too....probably go with the foam ridgrest (less weight). Will be sleeping in my mid weight patagonia long undies and a beenie so that should add a few degrees.. I had a cats meow mummy years ago but I froze my butt off in 20 degree temps and got rid of it.
Sounds like a 15 degree EU rated bag should be enough to keep me warm and will also keep the weight down in the pack... Time to start tracking the deals on the web.
Great comments from everyone. :tup:
Post by: Miles on March 21, 2012, 01:07:36 PM
Ground insulation - Thermorest or equivalent is a must. Th "R" value only applies to the "lofted fill". Between your body and the ground it goes to zero pretty quickly...
You may be confused a little about the R-value of pads. R-value is the pads ability to insulate or "resist heat flow". The higher the number, the less heat you will loose from your body to the ground. "Lofted fill" sounds like you may be confusing it with down products?
Anyway, there is a nice diagram here that lists R-values of certain pads. (you have to scroll down a little to see it)
http://sectionhiker.com/sleeping-pad-r-values/ (http://sectionhiker.com/sleeping-pad-r-values/)
Post by: jeepster on March 21, 2012, 01:16:58 PM
paired with a polar fleece inner liner and the goretex outter layer... there isnt many place i woudnt sleep in that bag
check around military surplus sites, i doubt you would spend more than 100$ for the entire setup
toss in a thermarest and a tarp and you are good to go
Post by: MR5x5 on March 21, 2012, 02:39:12 PM
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/s~sleeping-bag/
Post by: MikeWalking on March 21, 2012, 03:08:29 PM
These folks have screaming deals from time to time.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/s~sleeping-bag/
:bash: Forgot about them. Good people too! I really like the Big Agnes bags. You can get a bag with a sleeve under it to put your sleeping pad in. No rolling off it. They will be my next summer/motorcycling bag.
Post by: losdaddy7 on March 21, 2012, 07:22:08 PM
Post by: JPhelps on March 21, 2012, 07:28:25 PM
Post by: MikeWalking on March 22, 2012, 03:14:33 AM
I found a Marmot Never Summer zero degree bag for $180...a little less than 4 pounds. Thoughts anyone?
I'd snap that up in a freaking heartbeat! Get a good waterproof compression sack and take an oath to keep it dry. :tup: I've been using down bags since 1972 year-round and have never gotten one wet.
I got lucky when I bought my REI -5 600fill it has a Dryloft Shell. My feet or shoulder can rub the wettest tent wall all night and not get a feather wet.
Post by: luvmystang67 on March 22, 2012, 07:23:39 AM
I found a Marmot Never Summer zero degree bag for $180...a little less than 4 pounds. Thoughts anyone?
Sounds great if you're going to be camping east of the cascades all the time. West of the cascades you really oughta think synthetic or plan to always pay extra attention to keep your down bag dry.
Good luck.
(You can get synthetics for the same rating, with approx the same weight for far less $$$, they just pack a little larger.)
Post by: Miles on March 22, 2012, 07:30:26 AM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpineshop.com%2Fprodimages%2F373-DEFAULT-l.jpg&hash=90cd23e279781df674f967951be9742ed62eb289)
Post by: MikeWalking on March 22, 2012, 11:42:32 AM
Older, First, Second Generation synthetics don't have much of a life span. After that plastic has been compressed over & over for a few years it stops lofting like new. That means less warmth. Newer-pricier stuff is better. If you find a really great price on a Synthetic bag look Google the filling for reviews.
Post by: luvmystang67 on March 22, 2012, 01:17:43 PM
http://www.the3best.net/Reviews/Sleeping-Bags
Post by: losdaddy7 on March 22, 2012, 04:50:36 PM
Call me a spontaneous buyer!! I picked up my brand new Marmot Never Summer today.. $180 out the door. 3lbs 14 ozs. Now I have to start searching for a compression sack..... woohoo!
Thanks for all the advice. :tup:
If anyone is looking for the same bag, there is one more, a "long", for the same price...
Post by: fair-chase on March 22, 2012, 07:10:59 PM
Post by: ridgefire on March 22, 2012, 07:36:11 PM
Post by: losdaddy7 on March 22, 2012, 08:25:29 PM
i have the same bag and use a sea to summit compression bag that i bought from rei. compresses the bag quite a bit and is also waterproof. think i paid like $35-40 for it.Which size sea to summit did you buy? Small??? I'm having a tough time figuring out the best size, I think there are 5 or 6 sizes.
Post by: head hunter on March 22, 2012, 08:48:15 PM
Post by: Miles on March 22, 2012, 11:06:27 PM
:IBCOOL:
Call me a spontaneous buyer!! I picked up my brand new Marmot Never Summer today.. $180 out the door. 3lbs 14 ozs. Now I have to start searching for a compression sack..... woohoo!
Thanks for all the advice. :tup:
If anyone is looking for the same bag, there is one more, a "long", for the same price...
I would bet that the medium (Sea to Summit E-vent) would work. If you end up having a little extra room in the medium, you could always stuff some extra gear in there (socks, shirt, etc...).
**Edit** On second thought, with a 0 degree/600 fill bag, the smallest I think you could go would be a medium.
Remember, don't try to roll the bag or anything like that as you are putting it in the compression sack. Just start stuffing it in, one handful at a time.
Post by: Miles on March 22, 2012, 11:07:54 PM
http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Sea-to-Summit-eVent-Compression-Dry-Sack_10046615_10208_10000001_-1_ (http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Sea-to-Summit-eVent-Compression-Dry-Sack_10046615_10208_10000001_-1_)
Post by: KFhunter on March 27, 2012, 10:39:21 PM
Post by: KFhunter on March 27, 2012, 10:49:50 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fclemans.typepad.com%2F.a%2F6a00d8341ca67e53ef0120a6582391970c-800wi&hash=7679afec5f66efd6cf4735963e0738dec110acc2)
I'm buyin that sucker!
Post by: hike2hunt on March 29, 2012, 12:52:51 PM
Other things to consider...
The clear night sky is a -100 deg C heat sink. Make sure wherever you sleep you are obstructed from the sky - and the nylon ceiling of a tent barely counts, a fly certainly helps...Under a tree is better.
Ground insulation - Thermorest or equivalent is a must. Th "R" value only applies to the "lofted fill". Between your body and the ground it goes to zero pretty quickly...
Chance are you will have long johns and a hat with you. These greatly increase the effective temp range for your bag.
I use a 50 deg bag with no problems for high elk in September. Weighs 1.5 lbs.
I use a 20 deg bag down to about 20 deg and can manage temps no problem.
You start talking 0 deg F, you better go well prepared, or you'll be dead.
:yeah:
You have to know what your body is capable of handling in what conditions.
I travel light and stay comfortably cool at night.
Semper Fi
Post by: Snapshot on March 29, 2012, 02:06:19 PM
I have found from experience that wearing anything in a sleeping bag counters its' insulating qualities. A wool beanie is the only thing I take inside my sleeping bag liner.
Post by: timberghost72 on March 31, 2012, 04:35:01 PM
Post by: buckfvr on March 31, 2012, 04:44:52 PM
holy crap I found it!
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fclemans.typepad.com%2F.a%2F6a00d8341ca67e53ef0120a6582391970c-800wi&hash=7679afec5f66efd6cf4735963e0738dec110acc2)
I'm buyin that sucker!
Thats n.e. jammies..... :chuckle:
Post by: losdaddy7 on March 31, 2012, 07:09:51 PM
Anyone try the North Face Cats Meow? I was looking at that one today at REI. Its rated at 20*, EN rated for men at 23*. Weighs in at 2 lbs 10 oz. Costs $180.00 and has a 4.5 star rating. Seems like a great deal especially with the weight to temp ratio at that price.I'm not sure if you are aware, but North face was bought out by Vanity Fair not too long ago. They are not the same company anymore. I took my own cats meow back for a refund this past week because it had lost all of its loft, even after hanging and proper storage. If your looking right now, I would suggets checking out the clearance 600 fill down Marmot bags on sale. Depending on your build, you may fit in the womens teton, which is rated to 2 degrees for men. The never summer is even better. Both are around 3.5 lbs. You should be able to pick one up on sale for around $200 minus the 20% off for one item which is good thru april 20th..
Post by: AKBowman on March 31, 2012, 07:16:37 PM
Anything over 20* is too heavy for a legitimate backpacking bag IMO. I use everything I have to keep warm if it gets to that. I will layer the inside and outside of my bag with my extra clothing and slip my empty pack over the end of the bag to keep my feet warm. I've spent nights when it was in the low teens like this. yes, I didn't get much sleep and froze my arse but being comfortable is not on my priority list when on a backpack hunt. light weight and killing something are what I'm worried about.
Post by: timberghost72 on March 31, 2012, 09:21:12 PM
The North Face Cats Meow 20*.
Anything over 20* is too heavy for a legitimate backpacking bag IMO. I use everything I have to keep warm if it gets to that. I will layer the inside and outside of my bag with my extra clothing and slip my empty pack over the end of the bag to keep my feet warm. I've spent nights when it was in the low teens like this. yes, I didn't get much sleep and froze my arse but being comfortable is not on my priority list when on a backpack hunt. light weight and killing something are what I'm worried about.
a 2 lb 10 oz bag is too much to carry? Are you kidding? What are you using for a bag that weighs less with a rating of 20* + or -? A garbage bag?
Post by: timberghost72 on March 31, 2012, 09:33:35 PM
Anyone try the North Face Cats Meow? I was looking at that one today at REI. Its rated at 20*, EN rated for men at 23*. Weighs in at 2 lbs 10 oz. Costs $180.00 and has a 4.5 star rating. Seems like a great deal especially with the weight to temp ratio at that price.I'm not sure if you are aware, but North face was bought out by Vanity Fair not too long ago. They are not the same company anymore. I took my own cats meow back for a refund this past week because it had lost all of its loft, even after hanging and proper storage. If your looking right now, I would suggets checking out the clearance 600 fill down Marmot bags on sale. Depending on your build, you may fit in the womens teton, which is rated to 2 degrees for men. The never summer is even better. Both are around 3.5 lbs. You should be able to pick one up on sale for around $200 minus the 20% off for one item which is good thru april 20th..
I was not aware of this. Good to know.
Post by: pope on March 31, 2012, 10:43:49 PM
Post by: xsf1 on March 31, 2012, 10:46:09 PM
search ebay for this, I was in Korea for a little bit had to sleep outside and broke ice off the sleeping bag to get out. you can pick up a use one for about 65 with shipping (if you act fast) http://www.ebay.com/itm/USGI-Army-Modular-Sleep-System-/180850775474?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1b8bd5b2 you have 19 hours before this system goes off ebay.
oh yea and they are waterproof...
Post by: AKBowman on April 01, 2012, 09:46:28 AM
The North Face Cats Meow 20*.
Anything over 20* is too heavy for a legitimate backpacking bag IMO. I use everything I have to keep warm if it gets to that. I will layer the inside and outside of my bag with my extra clothing and slip my empty pack over the end of the bag to keep my feet warm. I've spent nights when it was in the low teens like this. yes, I didn't get much sleep and froze my arse but being comfortable is not on my priority list when on a backpack hunt. light weight and killing something are what I'm worried about.
a 2 lb 10 oz bag is too much to carry? Are you kidding? What are you using for a bag that weighs less with a rating of 20* + or -? A garbage bag?
TimberGhost- I think I miscommunicated my message, I meant to convey...I would go with The North Face Cat's Meow. I've had the Cats Meow for around 8 years now (2 different bags) I found them on sale at REI about 2 years ago for right around $100 so I bought a second in long. Anything over 20* is too big or heavy. The Cat's Meow has everything I'm looking for in a backpacking bag; a 20* rating, one of the lightest weights in its class, sythetic and compactable.
I've tried putting a garbage bag over the top of me at night...didnt work out so well my bag was soaked b/c plastic doesnt breath. I guess I didnt have to be a genius to figure that one out :chuckle:
Post by: trophyhunt on April 01, 2012, 09:59:32 AM
Post by: high country on April 01, 2012, 10:06:12 AM
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=products&page=Sleeping%20Bags&cat=Microfiber%20Series&ContentId=34
I would highly suggest this bag if you don't have your high school body anymore.
Post by: TwoSixFourWins on April 01, 2012, 10:33:02 AM
Post by: xsf1 on April 01, 2012, 10:39:59 AM
I have one of those army bags with the gortex liner, do any of you guys know what it's rated at? It's fairly light but a bit bulky, always seems to keep me warm.
im not 100 percent sure but I think its like -15C or something. whatever it is its sure to keep you warm
Post by: trophyhunt on April 01, 2012, 11:53:47 AM
Thanks, it is really warm but it's also about 2' long and about 18'' in diameter. Kinda big for the long packs but light enough to bring a long.I have one of those army bags with the gortex liner, do any of you guys know what it's rated at? It's fairly light but a bit bulky, always seems to keep me warm.
im not 100 percent sure but I think its like -15C or something. whatever it is its sure to keep you warm
Post by: xsf1 on April 01, 2012, 12:23:24 PM
Thanks, it is really warm but it's also about 2' long and about 18'' in diameter. Kinda big for the long packs but light enough to bring a long.I have one of those army bags with the gortex liner, do any of you guys know what it's rated at? It's fairly light but a bit bulky, always seems to keep me warm.
I'm not 100 percent sure but I think its like -15C or something. whatever it is its sure to keep you warm
it is a little bulky, the way I combat the extra weight is use a tarp instead of a tent then throw some 550 cord in to tie it down. IMO the warm waterproof sleeping bag is necessary. I can get ine down to about 14" long and about the same in diameter, thats a little too big for most packs but its really easy to attach to the outside of the pack. another downside is that its 11 lbs...
Post by: 7mag. on April 01, 2012, 12:25:08 PM
http://www.tacticalintelligence.net/blog/military-sleep-system.htm
search ebay for this, I was in Korea for a little bit had to sleep outside and broke ice off the sleeping bag to get out. you can pick up a use one for about 65 with shipping (if you act fast) http://www.ebay.com/itm/USGI-Army-Modular-Sleep-System-/180850775474?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a1b8bd5b2 you have 19 hours before this system goes off ebay.
oh yea and they are waterproof...
Too bad they are 11 pounds.
Post by: JPhelps on April 01, 2012, 12:39:00 PM
I would advise on putting anything on the outside of the bag. The loft is what provides the warmth/insulation and any thing than compresses the loft will have a negative effect on the bags temperature rating.
Post by: timberghost72 on April 01, 2012, 05:21:34 PM
The North Face Cats Meow 20*.
Anything over 20* is too heavy for a legitimate backpacking bag IMO. I use everything I have to keep warm if it gets to that. I will layer the inside and outside of my bag with my extra clothing and slip my empty pack over the end of the bag to keep my feet warm. I've spent nights when it was in the low teens like this. yes, I didn't get much sleep and froze my arse but being comfortable is not on my priority list when on a backpack hunt. light weight and killing something are what I'm worried about.
a 2 lb 10 oz bag is too much to carry? Are you kidding? What are you using for a bag that weighs less with a rating of 20* + or -? A garbage bag?
TimberGhost- I think I miscommunicated my message, I meant to convey...I would go with The North Face Cat's Meow. I've had the Cats Meow for around 8 years now (2 different bags) I found them on sale at REI about 2 years ago for right around $100 so I bought a second in long. Anything over 20* is too big or heavy. The Cat's Meow has everything I'm looking for in a backpacking bag; a 20* rating, one of the lightest weights in its class, sythetic and compactable.
I've tried putting a garbage bag over the top of me at night...didnt work out so well my bag was soaked b/c plastic doesnt breath. I guess I didnt have to be a genius to figure that one out :chuckle:
Ahhh! I was wondering. Sorry if I misunderstood. Yeah the cats meow has everything I was looking for especially with weight. I'm thinking a 20* bag should be good for most 3 season backpacking. I need to find one by the 15th so i can use the REI 20% off and my dividend dollars. I sleep hot and can use thermals if needed. I've winter camped in the snow with a cotton 50* Fred Meyer special bag. That was a bit cold :chuckle: The wife hated me for that.
Post by: Tim in Wa. on April 01, 2012, 06:29:42 PM
Tim
Post by: 87Ford on April 01, 2012, 06:46:10 PM
You cannot beat a Western Mountaineering Badger,they are spendy but it will be the last bag you will ever need to buy
Tim
Are you talking about the Western Mountaineering Badger in the Microfiber series or the Gore Windstopper series?
Post by: Tim in Wa. on April 01, 2012, 07:45:27 PM
Tim
google Mell Cotton sporting goods in San Jose,I got a real good deal through them
Post by: 7mag. on April 02, 2012, 11:47:46 PM
Post by: losdaddy7 on April 03, 2012, 12:14:52 AM
I would have got the Marmot Trestles. $88... EU rated 11.8 degrees comfort for men. A pound more, but probably 10 degrees warmer.
http://www.bigskycountry.com/page/item.htm?id=433084482&b_a=GoogleBase&ne_ppc_id=1183&ne_key_id=24826914
:tup:
By the way, the one on closeout is the "long wide" model...
Post by: Skyvalhunter on April 03, 2012, 05:11:03 AM
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/SubCategory___40000000228_200368805?ip_navtype=AdvancedSearch&catFilter=&searchKeywords=200368805&ip_sortBy=&filters=Category%7EGEAR.Sleeping%20Gear.Sleeping%20Bags%7ESleeping%20Bags%20%2813%29&ip_constrain=&pageSize=24&catType=shopByBrand&searchCategory=browsefilter&manNameFilter=&sizeFilter=&ip_state=&priceFilter=¤tPage=&colorFilter=
Post by: 7mag. on April 03, 2012, 08:58:24 AM
:'( Not EU rated...
I would have got the Marmot Trestles. $88... EU rated 11.8 degrees comfort for men. A pound more, but probably 10 degrees warmer.
http://www.bigskycountry.com/page/item.htm?id=433084482&b_a=GoogleBase&ne_ppc_id=1183&ne_key_id=24826914
:tup:
By the way, the one on closeout is the "long wide" model...
Thanks for the info. That bag looks pretty good. I will have to return the one I got and just get my money back. I looked at the Big Agnes bags, but was hoping to spend less than $200.
Post by: 7mag. on April 05, 2012, 10:38:02 AM
Post by: hirshey on April 05, 2012, 11:21:49 AM
I found Marmot Trestle 15* long, extra wide at Sportsmans Warehouse on sale for $80. I think I'll get one. That seems to be a great price, they are normally $130.:tup: Nice score.. what's the weight on those?
Post by: 7mag. on April 05, 2012, 02:15:46 PM
I found Marmot Trestle 15* long, extra wide at Sportsmans Warehouse on sale for $80. I think I'll get one. That seems to be a great price, they are normally $130.:tup: Nice score.. what's the weight on those?
Right about 3 lbs., I think. I couldn't find a weight online, but I believe in the store it said around 3 lbs. That's for the long Extra wide version, the long wide is lighter, and the regular is lighter still.
Post by: losdaddy7 on April 05, 2012, 04:55:13 PM
I found Marmot Trestle 15* long, extra wide at Sportsmans Warehouse on sale for $80. I think I'll get one. That seems to be a great price, they are normally $130.:tup: Nice score.. what's the weight on those?
Right about 3 lbs., I think. I couldn't find a weight online, but I believe in the store it said around 3 lbs. That's for the long Extra wide version, the long wide is lighter, and the regular is lighter still.
4 lbs 2 oz for the long extra-wide.
Post by: 7mag. on April 05, 2012, 04:57:42 PM
Post by: Miles on April 05, 2012, 09:59:33 PM
Post by: high country on April 05, 2012, 10:12:40 PM
Post by: 7mag. on April 05, 2012, 11:03:07 PM
Make sure you get in it and try out the zipper. I know someone who owns one and the only real downfall is the zipper. It could be he just got a bad one, but he's been temporarily stuck in that back more than once... :chuckle: It's kind of funny to watch.
Thanks for the heads up. I spent a week in a tent next to my buddy who's zipper broke all the way open. That was also funny to watch.
Post by: high country on April 06, 2012, 09:11:53 AM
Post by: ribka on April 06, 2012, 08:45:26 PM
There is a wm bag on the campfire for sale...
Any idea how the antelope is size wise for bigger guys?
Post by: high country on April 06, 2012, 09:49:46 PM
Post by: Cascade_fisher on April 08, 2012, 09:44:19 PM
Post by: high country on April 09, 2012, 08:46:50 AM
Consider Feathered Friends bags. Seattle made and really nice.
I've never owned one, but have heard great things about them. Be sure to call and ask if they have a blood resistant coating.....lol.
Post by: fillthefreezer on April 09, 2012, 10:02:35 AM
I found Marmot Trestle 15* long, extra wide at Sportsmans Warehouse on sale for $80. I think I'll get one. That seems to be a great price, they are normally $130.been looking at these myself, about the only bag that comes in a long wide thats not super heavy and not $3-400...