View Full Version : Sleeping bag question...?
Baum Trigger
02-18-2007, 15:48
I was curious if most of those that have or are planning a thru-hike use more than one bag while hiking (i.e. a 3 season bag starting out/ finishing and a summer bag for the middle summer months). Sorry if this has been answered a million times within the forum. I was thinking of buying a marmot helium or mountain hardwear phantom bag. Any info about using more than one bag would be greatly appreciated! Weight is my main concern and I'd rather not carry more than 25lbs. at any time while on the trail. thanks all!
hammock engineer
02-18-2007, 15:58
I have a fall/winter/spring bag rated to 20 that I am starting up with. I have used this with the rest of my hammock gear pretty far below its rating. I have a cheap 50 degree bag I am going to have mailed to in for the summer. If you are not afraid of a little sewing you can lighted up a cheap bag for use as a summer quilt.
I haven't thru hiked yet, so take it for what's it worth. I am also a warm sleeper.
I had a 20 degree cat's meow for the whole thing, and didn't mind the extra weight (finished with under 20 lbs). When it was hot, I unzipped it and used it as a quilt. Sure you can save a pound in summer, but it will cost you another $150. I wasn't interested in that kind of "subtraction by addition."
Jim Adams
02-19-2007, 02:15
I used a 20* on my first thru--worked OK.
I used a 0* to start, 32* from Damascus to Pa., a 100 wt. polar fleece blanket to Ct., the 32* to Glencliff and the 0* to Katahdin on my second thru--worked MUCH better.
geek
hammock engineer
02-19-2007, 02:34
If it helps, my Sportsman's guide sleeping bag I turned into a top quilt tips the scales at 15 oz, $35 shipped, and 50 degree rating. If you have a sewing machine, it should only take 2 or 3 hours. PM if you would like more info.
I'm starting my thru-hike with my Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15, but swapping it out in the summer with my Frog Sac (http://www.mountaincrossings.com/Sleeping_Bag.html).
saimyoji
02-19-2007, 11:00
In planning:
Cold weather: 3lb 4oz Mountain Hardwear 15* 2nd Dimension (I think it may be recently discontinued)
Warm weather: 1lb 4oz MH X-country 40* bag.(also discontinued)
Both bags work for me at the temps required so far, less than $200 for both. Some people will say you need to spend money on a quality bag. I say you can get what you need for much less if you are willing to do the research, experiment, send stuff back that doesn't work for you. Find what works for you.
You should have no problem staying under your target weight with whatever options you go with, even if you own two bags, you'll likely not be carrying them both at the same time. :cool:
Starting out/finishing: Western Mountaineering Alpinlite
Summer: Montbell stretchy #5