Post by: fillthefreezer on May 27, 2012, 07:55:30 PM
Post by: archery288 on May 27, 2012, 08:35:26 PM
I have the Marmot Helium. 15 degree bag and really lightweight. I wouldn't personally want anything else. However, the price tag isn't very friendly. I've seen several on eBay in the mid 300's from time to time. Retails right at $400 for the regular and $469 if I remember right for the waterproof MemBrain.
Post by: jackelope on May 27, 2012, 10:58:11 PM
Retail was over $200... I can't recall the model name. If you watch that website and become a member, you can really score some deals. There's a bunch of Marmot bags on there right now.
Post by: 7mag. on May 28, 2012, 07:46:47 AM
Post by: mossyoak arrow slinger on May 28, 2012, 07:56:01 AM
Post by: 87Ford on May 28, 2012, 08:30:42 AM
Post by: C-Money on May 28, 2012, 09:15:51 AM
Post by: fillthefreezer on May 28, 2012, 10:18:53 AM
I've been close to pulling the trigger on a cats meow a couple times but for my build that bag is very constricting. thats my only hold up.
i like the fit of the big agnes bag but once you add their pad the price and weight are getting up there, their pad is almost my whole bag budget...
Post by: 7mag. on May 28, 2012, 12:44:37 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on May 28, 2012, 01:47:15 PM
I just bought a Marmot Trestle +15 bag at Sportsman's Wharehouse for $90. It is the long extra wide version. It is fairly roomy, and I hate mummy bags. I haven't spent the night in it yet, but for the money, seems hard to beat. It is synthetic, and weighs between 3 and 4 pounds.i been looking at those online, haven't checked one out in person packed down. definitely my price range.
Post by: jackelope on May 28, 2012, 07:02:21 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 28, 2012, 07:30:57 PM
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on May 28, 2012, 07:43:12 PM
How light / small (stuffed size) do you want to go? :dunno:
I have the Marmot Helium. 15 degree bag and really lightweight. I wouldn't personally want anything else. However, the price tag isn't very friendly. I've seen several on eBay in the mid 300's from time to time. Retails right at $400 for the regular and $469 if I remember right for the waterproof MemBrain.
Here you go man...I just bought this bag this year and moosejaw is selling them for a steal, with free shipping. I did NOT go with the waterproof bag, I don't remember why, but I remember being talked out of it from a friend of mine who does more backpack hunting then is healthy ;)
http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Marmot-Helium-15-Degree-Sleeping-Bag_10039785_10208_10000001_-1_
Post by: 7mag. on May 28, 2012, 08:35:41 PM
I just bought a Marmot Trestle +15 bag at Sportsman's Wharehouse for $90. It is the long extra wide version. It is fairly roomy, and I hate mummy bags. I haven't spent the night in it yet, but for the money, seems hard to beat. It is synthetic, and weighs between 3 and 4 pounds.i been looking at those online, haven't checked one out in person packed down. definitely my price range.
It comes with a compression sack. All sucked down, it's a little bigger than a football. It fits in the sleeping bag pouch in my pack.
Post by: JPhelps on May 28, 2012, 08:49:09 PM
http://www.basegear.com/marmot-sawtooth-sleeping-bag-s12.html
sign up for their mailing list and get another 20% off. Can't do much better for $160. 3 lb bag that stuffs small and is true to its rating.
Post by: fillthefreezer on May 29, 2012, 07:58:18 AM
thanks guys, sounds like marmot bags are pretty popular, that helium looks sweet but just too much $$$ right now. im thinkin i will cruise to rei and climb in them before i totally decide but its looking like sawtooth or trestles
Post by: HUNT on May 29, 2012, 08:45:34 AM
Post by: Cascade_fisher on May 29, 2012, 11:30:40 PM
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sleeping-bags~d~208/
Post by: noobshooter on May 31, 2012, 11:45:24 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 31, 2012, 12:13:04 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 02, 2012, 05:00:34 PM
Post by: Miles on June 02, 2012, 05:12:05 PM
just saw the golite 3 season down is only 199 and 2lbs. seems hard to beat. anyone use that center zip?
Yup, I've got that bag. I like it, but it's not for everyone.
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 02, 2012, 08:05:50 PM
Yup, I've got that bag. I like it, but it's not for everyone.what might deter or let me know before hand if it may or may not be for me? seems like quite a bag for that price
Post by: Miles on June 05, 2012, 04:16:46 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 05, 2012, 04:41:19 PM
Post by: Miles on June 05, 2012, 06:15:06 PM
Post by: Miles on June 05, 2012, 06:17:04 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 05, 2012, 06:37:34 PM
Post by: Miles on June 05, 2012, 06:53:19 PM
is the footbox roomy enough for boots?
I wear size 10 1/2 and I think I could fit my feet in there with my boots on. I stuffed some articles of clothing down there last fall (so I didn't have to put cold clothes on in the morning) and there was plenty of room. To put it this way... I never noticed the footbox being small or cramped. I'm 5' 10" and I went with the regular, but I have a little room lengthwise. With you being 6', you're probably right on the line between a regular and a long.
Post by: jackelope on June 05, 2012, 07:55:59 PM
Post by: Miles on June 05, 2012, 08:00:10 PM
I can not for the life of me picture sleeping with my boots in my sleeping bag.
:chuckle: Me either, but maybe he's just trying to get a feel for how much room is in the footbox???
Post by: jackelope on June 05, 2012, 08:25:56 PM
Nuddit...size 13 10" boots inside a mummy bag ain't happening in my world.
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 05, 2012, 08:26:48 PM
Post by: Miles on June 05, 2012, 10:08:17 PM
well with my current bag it won't quite come over my shoulders so theres no room for extra gear to keep warm and I've had wet boot leather in sub-freezing conditions so rather that risk frozen boots i just slept with them on...
I see. Tomorrow I'll grab my boots and try getting in the bag... I'll let you know.
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 05, 2012, 10:16:42 PM
Post by: MikeWalking on June 05, 2012, 11:02:58 PM
I can not for the life of me picture sleeping with my boots in my sleeping bag.
You have been walking for 30+hours and it's -40 degrees... :chuckle: I'll put mine in plastic grocery bags in the foot of my long bag on winter trips...
Post by: Tim in Wa. on June 06, 2012, 06:20:38 AM
Tim
Post by: MikeWalking on June 06, 2012, 06:32:56 AM
I keep finding bags every time I clean up around here, and I'm still tempted to snap that up!
Post by: jackelope on June 06, 2012, 08:23:45 PM
I can not for the life of me picture sleeping with my boots in my sleeping bag.
You have been walking for 30+hours and it's -40 degrees... :chuckle: I'll put mine in plastic grocery bags in the foot of my long bag on winter trips...
I just don't think they'd fit. I have a long bag and use about all of it. It took me a lot of self-convincing to even commit to a mummy bag. There's no way I could do a mummy bag with boots on. I don't think it's possible.
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 06, 2012, 08:39:11 PM
i hear ya, I'm not a fan of the mummy bag either, thats why kifaru bags intrigue me so much but $$$.
I just don't think they'd fit. I have a long bag and use about all of it. It took me a lot of self-convincing to even commit to a mummy bag. There's no way I could do a mummy bag with boots on. I don't think it's possible.
I'm meeting that guy tomorrow for that CL bag. :tup:
Post by: jackelope on June 06, 2012, 08:42:12 PM
Post by: MikeWalking on June 07, 2012, 02:28:21 AM
I can not for the life of me picture sleeping with my boots in my sleeping bag.
You have been walking for 30+hours and it's -40 degrees... :chuckle: I'll put mine in plastic grocery bags in the foot of my long bag on winter trips...
I just don't think they'd fit. I have a long bag and use about all of it. It took me a lot of self-convincing to even commit to a mummy bag. There's no way I could do a mummy bag with boots on. I don't think it's possible.
I'm not 6'9.. :chuckle:
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 07, 2012, 06:15:40 AM
Post by: MikeWalking on June 07, 2012, 03:46:50 PM
I was thinking you were pressing the 6'10" line :dunno:
I am. From 13 inches away... :chuckle:
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 07, 2012, 08:50:34 PM
Post by: Tim in Wa. on June 07, 2012, 09:26:15 PM
one on there tonight
Tim
Post by: RadSav on June 08, 2012, 01:16:01 AM
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.
Post by: MikeWalking on June 08, 2012, 01:37:11 AM
Looks like I am a little late to give advise on bags. However, it looks like you went with a very good down bag. :tup:
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.
:yeah: :yeah: Been using Down Bags since 1971. Never had one get wet. Still have my first. Usable, if you're under 5'5 :chuckle:
Post by: dreamingbig on June 08, 2012, 05:59:15 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 08, 2012, 06:04:30 AM
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 08, 2012, 01:08:52 PM
been kicking aroud the idea of building myself a tyvek bivy..
never used a bag liner, do they make the bag too warm?
Post by: Sliverslinger on June 10, 2012, 08:57:09 PM
Post by: MikeWalking on June 11, 2012, 01:32:06 AM
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.
Post by: RadSav on June 11, 2012, 01:48:11 AM
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. >:(
Post by: Skyvalhunter on June 11, 2012, 05:13:05 AM
Post by: MikeWalking on June 11, 2012, 11:22:48 AM
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 :twocents:
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.
Post by: fair-chase on June 11, 2012, 09:54:27 PM
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.
Post by: RadSav on June 11, 2012, 10:09:03 PM
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 :twocents:
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 :chuckle: 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.
Post by: MikeWalking on June 12, 2012, 01:38:09 AM
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..
Post by: fair-chase on June 12, 2012, 11:51:09 AM
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.
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 12, 2012, 01:09:13 PM
Maybe I can try a little less anal protecting:yike: :yike: maybe you should change who you hunt with
:sry:
Post by: fair-chase on June 12, 2012, 01:11:27 PM
Post by: RadSav on June 12, 2012, 01:24:31 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 12, 2012, 01:43:24 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 12, 2012, 09:49:58 PM
The best bag liner is a layer of the heaviest long-johns you have :twocents:I've been wanting some sort of down or primaloft pant, to go under or over or w/o my ascent pants for sleeping in super cold or glassing. what exactly are you using?
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.
Post by: RadSav on June 12, 2012, 10:06:15 PM
Post by: MikeWalking on June 13, 2012, 02:03:51 AM
The best bag liner is a layer of the heaviest long-johns you have :twocents:I've been wanting some sort of down or primaloft pant, to go under or over or w/o my ascent pants for sleeping in super cold or glassing. what exactly are you using?
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.
:bash: I just spent 15 minutes on the Cabela's web site and I can't find what I have..discontinued...?? The pants were pretty simple sewn through low cost down with a button fly, no zipper...the jacket (I passed on) was the same button up only thumb cuff...
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 13, 2012, 08:22:20 AM
Sitka's Kelvin pants and vest are fantastic! Super light, super warm and very comfortable. I think they just might be the best thing Sitka makes. You won't get them under your Ascent pants too easy, but they fit over them nice. I wear them as PJ's around the house all winter. Most comfortable things I own.ive been looking alot at those kelvin pants but theyre $$$, and at 24oz i wsh they made a "light"
:bash: I just spent 15 minutes on the Cabela's web site and I can't find what I have..discontinued...?? The pants were pretty simple sewn through low cost down with a button fly, no zipper...the jacket (I passed on) was the same button up only thumb cuff...damn, those sounded like a sweet deal
Post by: RadSav on June 13, 2012, 02:05:52 PM
Post by: fillthefreezer on June 13, 2012, 02:21:50 PM
Post by: BigTines on May 24, 2013, 07:58:41 PM
Post by: MikeWalking on May 25, 2013, 04:11:40 AM
Hey guys, anybody have an input on the kelty cosmic down 20 vs 0? I will be hunting sept to nov. in kinda a cold sleeper but don't wanna pack extra weight if I don't have to. How cold does this thing actually sleep to? Thanks!
:dunno: I carried a 20degree Kelty years back. I took a whole summer off, June to October and used it early on. I sold it after two trips up to Skyline Lake, 5200elev. I had to wear too much to stay warm, in June...
Post by: RadSav on May 25, 2013, 05:39:51 AM
Hey guys, anybody have an input on the kelty cosmic down 20 vs 0? I will be hunting sept to nov. in kinda a cold sleeper but don't wanna pack extra weight if I don't have to. How cold does this thing actually sleep to? Thanks!
Great price on that bag, but it is as mentioned before I think it's 550 down. I have not seen the zero bag in that model so can't say much about it. Not sure where the comfort rating is on that bag, but I'm guessing the 20 is going to be around the 40 degree mark. With a pad! If going into November I'd surely take the extra weight of the zero bag. 700 Dri-Down is getting more popular and prices are now starting to drop. I've had it for a while now in a Sierra Designs 20 bag. Way more comfortable than the older 550 or even std 700. If memory serves the 20 Dri-Down bag has a comfort rating of 34 with pad. Probably 50 or 55 degrees if using without a good pad.
Post by: BigTines on May 25, 2013, 08:58:26 AM
Anybody else with input is greatly appreciated.
Post by: MikeWalking on May 25, 2013, 12:59:55 PM
Currently I would be using it with a big agnes insulated air core pad. The problem is, I only have around $120-150 for a bag, and I know there isn't much in that range. I think maybe the kelty 0 will have to do even though it is a bit heavier. I was also looking at the marmot trestles but its much heavier than the kelty.
Anybody else with input is greatly appreciated.
Second Ascent in Fremont/Seattle has a lot of good gear cheap (if they're still there. Been a lot of years since I was there) I'd hit the Thrift shops too. Sierra Designs offers steep discounts. Factory seconds etc.