Need A New Cold Weather Sleeping Bag

[Rat44]

Had an unfortunate accident with my old bag.
Used my old Army Mountain bag since the 80's.
Was the old style feather mummy bag and served me well.
Kept me warm in -0 degree weather.
Looking at new bags for hunting season this year.
Usually in a unheated tent mostly solo.
Mountain winter use down below zero is seen on occasion.Will be used with a thermal pad.
Looked a little bit on line but of course I am leary of 'Reviews' on retail sites.
Any suggestions on real world use would be appreciated..

[MADMAX]

I like my cabelas mummy bag

[jjhunter]

I nearly froze on a Colorado hunt a few years when it dumped a couple feet of snow on us in Sept.   came home and bought a zero degree bag from feathered friends.   I’d highly recommend anything they make.  I bought the long/wide version and it is a first class bag in every category.

[jrebel]

I use an enlightened equipment quilt in conjunction with a exped down mat.   I won’t talk wide as the extra weight was negligible and it packs down to the size of a football.  I have had it for 6 years and have used it in Canada and Idaho and have zero complaints.

Enlightened equipment also makes bags.  I just like the room to move around.

[vandeman17]

I use an enlightened equipment quilt in conjunction with a exped down mat.   I won’t talk wide as the extra weight was negligible and it packs down to the size of a football.  I have had it for 6 years and have used it in Canada and Idaho and have zero complaints.

Enlightened equipment also makes bags.  I just like the room to move around.

I second that enlightened equipment quilt. I was always a cold sleeper so I was hesitant to get a quilt but after using it, I really like it. Mine is a 20° bag and it keeps me warm

[actionshooter]

I have always used and like Montbell, but gave this one a shot a couple years ago and really like it a lot... Chilkoot 0*, Also for a pad, haven't been able to beat the Exped Downmat
https://www.stoneglacier.com/collections/sleeping-bags/products/chilkoot-0

[JWBINX]

Western Mountaineering.

[elkaholic123]

I purchased one from Cabelas years ago, their outfitter -40 bag, top is down fill. I have been in sub zero temperatures in Montana and have never been cold in it!
I believe it is now called Alaskan Instinct!

[WapitiTalk1]

Had an unfortunate accident with my old bag.
Used my old Army Mountain bag since the 80's.
Was the old style feather mummy bag and served me well.
Kept me warm in -0 degree weather.
Looking at new bags for hunting season this year.
Usually in a unheated tent mostly solo.
Mountain winter use down below zero is seen on occasion.Will be used with a thermal pad.
Looked a little bit on line but of course I am leary of 'Reviews' on retail sites.
Any suggestions on real world use would be appreciated..

R44, for backcountry Soldier, pick up a good Nemo pad (bombproof) and one of these https://viamoutdoors.com/product/insulator-quilts-wide-width-58/, you won’t be disappointed. I have a 15 degree VO bag and it kept me very comfortable on my last backcountry ID hunt in 16 degree weather.  If u have specific questions, send Tristan at 6AM Outdoors a note and he’ll work with you and set u up with a bag mister..trust me. 

[MADMAX]

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,287046.0.html

[WapitiTalk1]

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,287046.0.html

Nice!

[spin05]

Had an unfortunate accident with my old bag.
Used my old Army Mountain bag since the 80's.
Was the old style feather mummy bag and served me well.
Kept me warm in -0 degree weather.
Looking at new bags for hunting season this year.
Usually in a unheated tent mostly solo.
Mountain winter use down below zero is seen on occasion.Will be used with a thermal pad.
Looked a little bit on line but of course I am leary of 'Reviews' on retail sites.
Any suggestions on real world use would be appreciated..

R44, for backcountry Soldier, pick up a good Nemo pad (bombproof) and one of these https://viamoutdoors.com/product/insulator-quilts-wide-width-58/, you won’t be disappointed. I have a 15 degree VO bag and it kept me very comfortable on my last backcountry ID hunt in 16 degree weather.  If u have specific questions, send Tristan at 6AM Outdoors a note and he’ll work with you and set u up with a bag mister..trust me.

This is the Quilt my son and i went to this year. Excited to trying it out with our insulated pads

[dreadi]

I also recommend Western Mountaineering.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms

[trophyhunt]

I use an enlightened equipment quilt in conjunction with a exped down mat.   I won’t talk wide as the extra weight was negligible and it packs down to the size of a football.  I have had it for 6 years and have used it in Canada and Idaho and have zero complaints.

Enlightened equipment also makes bags.  I just like the room to move around.

I second that enlightened equipment quilt. I was always a cold sleeper so I was hesitant to get a quilt but after using it, I really like it. Mine is a 20° bag and it keeps me warm

love my custom made EE quilt, super light !

[jjhunter]

My EE quilt is what I almost froze to death in🤣

[chukardogs]

My wife bought me a NF Snowshoe sleeping bag in 94', it started out about the right size and was a great bag except for one issue. Just hanging in the closet, it seemed to shrink slightly each year. After 30 years my wife got tired of me complaining about feeling like I was sleeping in a cocoon. A few years ago she bought me a Nemo Disco 15, duck down bag. This bag is awesome. Last couple years I decided to just use tarps, skipping the weight of a tent all together. Two years ago on last night of the season, heavy snow brought my tarps down on top of me and just made it warmer. I wouldn't say it could withstand below zero temps but I wouldn't expect to ever see those temps where and when I'm hunting. Good luck, a good night's sleep makes all the difference to a good hunting experience.   

[highcountry_hunter]

I have a black ovis chugach 0° bag I’d be willing to part with fairly cheap. Slept 20 nights in it roughly. Woke up with my Nalgene mostly frozen one morning and I never woke up through the night.


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[Houndhunter]

I would look into stone glacier, been really impressed with there 0 degree bags and how the down holds up after a lot of use. If synthetic is an option I love my kifaru slick bag, pretty bulky but it's bomb proof and what I use mostly on all my pack in hunts.

[The scout]

 

My EE quilt is what I almost froze to death in🤣

Quilts are garbage in really cold weather

[Rat44]

Lots of good choices presented.
Not sure if my budget will allow some of these options though.
Retired now so don't have the disposable toy money I once had .
Lots of reading to do.
Thanks .
Dennis

[Macs B]

I wouldn't want to pack it but my US Army Issue, extreme cold weaqther sleep system is absolutely foolproof as far as I am concerned.  It is a three peice system of -20 out bag, lighter weight 30 degree inner bag, and a gore tex bivy sack.  You can use any of the three elements in any combination to match the envirement. 

All three combined will keep me sleeping warm in weather I wouldn't be dumb enough to go out in. 

[Wanttohuntmore]

For truck camping look at the browning Denali -30f at Midway USA now for $69.  Used it at 0 F and was great.   Just bought a 2nd for my son.

[Rat44]

I wouldn't want to pack it but my US Army Issue, extreme cold weaqther sleep system is absolutely foolproof as far as I am concerned.  It is a three peice system of -20 out bag, lighter weight 30 degree inner bag, and a gore tex bivy sack.  You can use any of the three elements in any combination to match the envirement. 

All three combined will keep me sleeping warm in weather I wouldn't be dumb enough to go out in.

Yes,that is a great system.
Tried to find one of those but they don't come up for sale very often.
Mine was the older 70's 80's style Mountain bag.

[ACCUBOND]

Another for feathered friends, the one I have has 7 oz more fill that the comparable Western Mountaineering bag

[Seabass]

I have been happy with my Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3 n 1 0 degree. It has a 35-degree quilt that attaches to your pad, so you never slip off. It also has a 20-degree mummy that goes inside to make it 0-degree.

Some nights I will only use the quilt and some nights I use them both. I don't remember what the system weighs but it's not heavy nor bulky.

Also, your pad is really important. I use a 4-season insulated pad. I have done several nights in the teens with no issues using this system. If it gets below zero, I will sleep in my puffy layers.

[MR5x5]

Consider using a military bivi bag in conjunction with your sleeping bag and pad.  The bivi adds lots of heat.

[blackveltbowhunter]

Are you needing to pack this system, or sleep in it from a rig? I am not familiar with the army setup you speak of so pardon my ignorance. If not packing its hard to beat doubling up on coleman type bags IMO. I just get an Xl 0 and a large 15 stuffed inside, sleep like a baby. If concerned go with colder ratings. you can buy 4 of them for the cost of a 850 down packable bag and sleep better.   

[Rat44]

I usually set up camp near my Jeep.
Feet wont let me pack in anymore.
I use a small sleeping platform with a inflatable thermal pad and an old wool Army blanket on top of me.
Combined with my old mummy bag worked for me down to 0 degrees.

[blackveltbowhunter]

Then save the dough on the down stuff. If not saving weight its not worth it IMO. There are tons of options that are zero degree or more that will have more room, be more comfortable, more durable, and cost a fraction of the price.

[pickardjw]

My EE quilt is what I almost froze to death in🤣

Which model, fill and pad?

I've had my 0 degree enigma 850FP down quilt into the low teens paired with an x-therm (6.9 R-value I believe) in a Cimarron floorless tipi and was very comfortable. No snow but plenty of wind.

[Karl Blanchard]

Then save the dough on the down stuff. If not saving weight its not worth it IMO. There are tons of options that are zero degree or more that will have more room, be more comfortable, more durable, and cost a fraction of the price.

if not packing in you'd be silly to buy a mummy bag. Get one of those flannel lined bags with plenty of leg room that weighs 12lb I've got a 0° I bought from BiMart on sale for like $50 a decade or so ago I use when truck camping and I couldn't think of a scenario where I'd choose a mummy or quilt over that baby if I wasn't carrying it on my back

[jrebel]

 

I was curious as well.  I have the following and have never been cold.  I pair it with an exped downmat.

1 × Revelation
Down Type (DownTek Treated):
850
Temperature:
0°F (-17°C)
Length:
XLong - 7'
Width:
XWide - 64"
Outside Fabric Options:
Fern 20D
Inside Fabric Color:
Burnt Orange 10D
Optional 20D Weather Resistant Stripes:
Steel Grey 20D
 
Bought in 2017

[Rat44]

Then save the dough on the down stuff. If not saving weight its not worth it IMO. There are tons of options that are zero degree or more that will have more room, be more comfortable, more durable, and cost a fraction of the price.

if not packing in you'd be silly to buy a mummy bag. Get one of those flannel lined bags with plenty of leg room that weighs 12lb I've got a 0° I bought from BiMart on sale for like $50 a decade or so ago I use when truck camping and I couldn't think of a scenario where I'd choose a mummy or quilt over that baby if I wasn't carrying it on my back

I do want the option of being backpackable for future needs.
I do have limited mobility but can still pack if I need or choose to.
Been using mummy style bags for 50 years and dont have an issue with that style.
I do know people that have problems with being closed in with that style.

[Hunter mike]

Stone Glacier Chilkoot 15 has been great for me. The 0* would have been too warm for my uses. I’ve used it in the back of my truck down to 15 degrees or worse during ski season with no complaints. I researched both and most guys in colder climes just wear a puffy layer inside when it gets a bit too cold. I like the versatility and need to carry a puffy anyways, so made sense to me.

[Rat44]

Want to thank everybody for all the helpful hints.
Learned a lot about all the options out there.
Didn't realize the new technologies in the products available now.
Far cry from the two blankets with a flannel liner I grew up with.
Decided to take up the offer made by Highcountry_hunter for his ovis system.
Thanks again guys.

[MADMAX]

Good deal bud
When I dumped my military mummy bag from the reserves and went to the Cabelas I have now
No regrets

[BD1]

You get what you pay for...I went North Face and have never regretted it. 

[Rat44]

Received the Ovis bag today.
Looks like a very well made bag.
Be interesting to see how a hybrid down and synthetic system works.
And a tip of the hat to Kody .
Thank you sir.

[jjhunter]

My EE quilt is what I almost froze to death in🤣

Which model, fill and pad?

I've had my 0 degree enigma 850FP down quilt into the low teens paired with an x-therm (6.9 R-value I believe) in a Cimarron floorless tipi and was very comfortable. No snow but plenty of wind.

Just going through my gear today and pulled it out.  10 degree Enigma 850 fill, long, wide.  Thermarest Neoair Xlite pad.

Quilt for sale if anyone is looking for one🤣.  Probably 15 sleeps in it.

[jackelope]

Just bought a Nemo Riff Endless Promise 15 deg bag for my BWCA trip next month. Hopefully that’ll work out well.

[Stein]

Big quit fan here, I have three EE quilts that have been all over the place.  I am fortunate to have about 20 nights in my 30 degree so far this year and haven't gone hunting yet.  I bought my first EE quilt when the owner was making them himself in his garage.

  I still have a -20 down gore bag, but I don't do much stupid stuff anymore.

I like sticking with one brand because I know where I am comfortable compared to the ratings which are anything but consistent brand to brand.  Honestly, the best gauge is to just measure the loft with a ruler and compare it to the tables you can find online.  After that, it's all just preference.

There are a bunch of quality manufacturers out there, not like it was 20 years ago. 

[Rat44]

Still have my old OD Green wool blanket I use with a Thermarest 2 inch semi inflatable pad.
Also use a sleeping platform that is like a small cot that raises me about a foot off the ground.
That and a Cabelas Alaska dome tent keeps me safe from the weather.

[tgomez]

I use the USMC three season system. Just button all 3 bags together, or use individually as needed. You get the black insulation bag, the green patrol bag, and the woodland camo bivy cover. Also buy a USMC woodland poncho. They can be put inside your bag for even another insulation layer.

[Rat44]

That will work too.
In the Army we used a inflatable air mattress,a down mummy bag,a bag cover and a wool blanket on top.
Poncho liner and pup tent half if it was really cold.