View Full Version : Sleeping Bag Rating
Hi, I'm doing a thru-hike next year. I'm generally always cold, so I have found a great deal on a new 20 degree women's down sleeping bag by North Face (Igloo model I think). If I get a silk bag liner, and all of the appropriate clothing, will that be warm enough in the Smokies or wherever it's really cold? If not, what bag rating would anyone recommend and why? This bag only weighs 2lbs 13 oz, which I am assuming is pretty good. Thanks everyone.
--Michele
I would recomend a Western Mountaineering bag that is 20F. They are always conservatively rated and are relatively inexpensive for a down bag.
www.westernmountaineering.com
Best bags ever, and they have size small. For those of us that are small people.
Have you considered the Mountain Hardwear Womens Phantom +15 F bag? It has 800 fill down which would be warmer than the 600 down in the TNF bag and weighs a pound less. This is the bag I'm ordering for my wife for some trips later this year.
Wow, IMO 2 -13 is heavy. For 20 deg you should be able to get less than 2#.
I have never had a sleeping bag be warm at the rated temp. Just 2 weeks ago my expensive 32 deg Montbell kept me really cold at 29 deg. Next time I'm getting at least an extra 10 degrees.
Also, how about a quilt--less weight and equal warmth. The bottom of any bag is virtually usless since the down compresses to nothing.
I would recomend a Western Mountaineering bag that is 20F. They are always conservatively rated and are relatively inexpensive for a down bag.
While I agree that Western Mountaineering makes a high quality bag, they are certainly *not* relatively cheap for a down bag. The North Face Igloo can be found for $180.00 (moosejaw.com). The least expensive "comparable" WM bag is the Apache Super MF (15F) for $350.00 up to 5'6" and $365.00 up to 6'0". If you can afford it, the WM bag weighs in at 2 lb 1 oz, and I'm sure you won't be disappointed with it. In the same price range, Feathered Friends makes great bags, and the Marmot Helium is great also.
You might look at the REI brand bags, if the WM, FF, and Marmot bags are outside your price range. Check out the REI SubKilo for $220. Maybe you can search the archives or ask the list if anyone has tried it out.
It never hurts to add a silk liner- keeps you that much warmer, and keeps your bag that much cleaner. It's much easier to rinse out your silk liner than wash your sleeping bag while on the trail.
(http://www.westernmountaineering.com)
Hi, I'm doing a thru-hike next year. I'm generally always cold, so I have found a great deal on a new 20 degree women's down sleeping bag by North Face (Igloo model I think). If I get a silk bag liner, and all of the appropriate clothing, will that be warm enough in the Smokies or wherever it's really cold? If not, what bag rating would anyone recommend and why? This bag only weighs 2lbs 13 oz, which I am assuming is pretty good. Thanks everyone.
--Michele
Sleeping bags are such a subjective matter, like boots, no one is best for everyone. If you sleep cold, try out a bag in the back yard in 10-15 degree weather over the coming fall and winter (unless you'll be seeing temps like that in your area this spring). As for the liner - I've always thought that an extra set of long underwear (synthetic or wool) is a better choice, since you can wear them around camp or under your outer clothes (try that with a bag liner). The choice is up to you, but gear that can do multiple duties gives you more options in more conditions. If you do decide to go the long underwear route, wear a light stocking cap and socks to bed to keep the inside of your bag clean.
Another plus for the underwear is that it helps tone down the shock when you get up in the middle of a cold night to answer "the call of the wild".
Then again, lots of people use camp shoes, something I've done without for 20+ years. So, the choice is up to you. Just remember to make every ounce count and you won't be sorry.
Hmm I bought my Highlite for $200.
I believe that the Highlite is advertised as a 35F, 16 oz bag. My experience is that it weighs between 16.5 and 17.5 oz, including a standard sil nylon stuff sac. This is a great summer bag, or a good cooler weather bag for those that sleep hot. But Michele is concerned about staying warm, as she is a cold sleeper.
Mountain Mike
04-05-2006, 02:05
I fell inlove with my TNF Purple Haze sleeping bag on the AT. unfortunaly I don't think they make it anymore. My replacement was a Feathered friends rock wren which I had overstuffed with a few more ounces of down. It worked great. I could get up in the middle of the night to pee & never get out of my bag! Armholes zips gives me the options of cooking while in my bag. Nice for colder trips & bad weather when going utralite with my matching bivy. If you run cold they have a winter wren or you can add down to models they have. You will get what you pay for. Think of it at cost per night & what you will pay for in comfort!
I was not suggesting that the WM highlite should be used as a 20F bag, although I have been down to 22F and was still warm (with my clothing on). But this is my point I have had other bags that claimed they were 30F bags and I was cold when it hit 40F. WM doesn't seem to have this problem. Again, this is only my opinion/suggestion.
Two Speed
04-05-2006, 13:11
. . . If I get a silk bag liner, and all of the appropriate clothing, will that be warm enough in the Smokies or wherever it's really cold? Tough to say. Much depends on your metabolism, diet, etc. You probably need to try a couple of bags out if possible (borrow or rent) and see what works for you in the conditions you're concerned about.
If not, what bag rating would anyone recommend and why?I haven't done a thru but have hiked from Newfound Gap to Davenport in January and got by just fine in a 20 degree bag; a TNF synthetic, specs sound pretty close to what you're looking at. Decent bag for $80; still use it as a "loaner."
This bag only weighs 2lbs 13 oz, which I am assuming is pretty good.Not bad for a synthetic fill bag, but on the heavy side for a down bag. One other thought: depending on the tent/hammock/shelter you choose a DWR finish may be desireable, mainly for single wall tents/shelters. The hammockers on this site can advise if that's a good idea for a hammock.
As a suggestion, I've picked up a Moonstone Lucid recently, 20 degree rated, DWR finish and just over 2 lbs. So far I'm very happy with it. Can be had for $230, delivered, at C & C Outdoors, if that fits in your budget.
SideWedge
04-05-2006, 18:48
That bag definitely seems on the extremely heavy side. I have an EMS Women's Mountainlight 20 degree bag that weighs 2 lbs. Granted, I think that a 20 deg rating is a bit optimistic, but I do also sleep cold. I got it on sale, but I think it normally runs around $200. And definitely get yourself a silk liner, if for no reason other than the utter enjoyment of sliding into a silk bag after a long day...
Mountain Mike
04-14-2006, 22:13
I think proper sleeping bag/system is the most important choice on the trail. I loged over 5K miles & a good night sleep is important. Do your research, talk with friends, find what works for you! I look to it as a system where there are shelters and carry a bivy or tarp. If you are on a tight budget you get what you can. Just bear in mind you will be sleeping in it for 4-6 months.