summer weight sleeping bags

[earthbound]

I am planning on bringing the Marmot Helium or the REI Sub Kilo (both 15 degree bags) to start with and then switching out to something with a higher rating and lower weight (on the AT). What do you think the degree rating should be: 20, 25, 30, 35, 40? What are your suggestings for sleeping bags? Things to consider- I sleep cold, I'm 5'6"

[BIG E]

I love my western mountaineering Mytlite!

[Jim Adams]

Everyone knows how much cold they can tolerate and how cold of weather they are willing to camp in but to me, the best summer weight bag rating is a very difficult decision.
In the mountains it can be 80* for a week of nights and then suddenly be 45* for a night. OTOH it can be 45* every night in the spring or fall and suddenly be 75*. I would suggest that you really try to find your comfort zones in the 40*-55* range and then try to find a bag that will fit your zone for the most nights.
I enjoy sleeping on the cold side but I hate being too cold to be comfortable. You can always sleep on top or under an unzipped bag on warm nights but being totally zipped up and still freezing is a total b**ch
I used a 20* the whole way on my first thru. A 0*, then 32* then polarfleece blanket then reversed the process on my second thru. The second was far more comfortable.
geek

[john gault]

I was in a sleet storm in Maine during July and got caught in a snow storm in Virginia in mid-may. I now carry one sleeping-bag, regardless of time of year and a liner. If it's too warm I sleep in my liner on top of my bag and if I get caught in another freak weather system, I'm ready.

[Appalachian Tater]

I used a Marmot Helium until Harper's Ferry and after Glencliff. I also used a silk liner when it was cold.

This summer I bought a Marmot Atom for a hike.

My only complaint with either bag is that the zipper only goes halfway down. If the zipper went all the way down, they would be perfect as far as I'm concerned, because I sleep hot.

But you would also likely be as happy with a WM or FF as a Marmot. If you go with a lesser brand, you might want a bag with a lower rating than 40 degrees. If you carry a liner, you can always bounce it or send it home if you decide you don't need it, but there will be times when you'll be glad to have it.

[earthbound]

To clarify, do you think that I need a liner (for warmth) with the 15 degree helium/ sub kilo or a liner with a summer bag? I too am wary about freak storms and other weather events. I was thinking that my summer weight bag would be more of a 30 or 35 degree bag and that way I can still get one that is really light, but it isn't so warm. The 15 degree bags are 1 pound, 13 or 15 ounces, so if the other bag isn't significantly lighter, than is there even a point to getting another?

[Appalachian Tater]

You don't have to have a liner if your bag is adequate. You should always have a dry change of clothes and you can sleep in them in your bag if you're cold. A knit wool cap is helpful even during the summer for regulating your body temp at night.

The reason I bought a summer bag was because I was hot at night. If you have a winter bag that unzips all the way to function as a quilt, it may not be as much of a problem. Some people use the same bag for the whole hike. I would be more worried about getting rid of my winter bag too soon, I kept mine until Harper's Ferry. You definitely need it until after the Grayson Highlands. All this assumes a normal spring start. Trying to use a summer bag plus a liner as a winter bag would probably not work. Also, the bags may be several ounces heavier than advertised, most equipment is.

[gold bond]

I have a fifteen degree bag. A TNF blue kazoo 600 down bag. In the summer I unzip it and lay directly on my mat and use it as a quilt / blanket. I made a sleeve for my mat out of an old sheet.Just slide my mat in the sheet sleeve. It's like laying on your matress at home. (yeah right!) It adds a little weight but it works for me.

[Mocs123]

Western Mountainering Summerlite 32* 1lb 3oz full zip

[tanpuma]

You didn't list where you plan to be for the summer portion. I have experienced cool weather in VA SNP , on the forth of July. And wind.
But for me mid July and August, I only need my down parka TNF-nuptse(sp??)(22 oz approx).
in my bivy, but the rest of the year I use my winter bag. Ideally I would have a fall/spring bag but I don't. Those bags you listed, aren't they both about 2 pounds? Unless you are a warm sleeper there are only a few quality bags that are only a little lighter(like the WM bags). the bivy keeps me dry under my tarp and it adds warmth. I can alway stuff the bivy with random items for loft, extra clothes, dog, leaves whatever.