View Full Version : lightweight sleeping bag ?
mtbmatty
10-05-2008, 16:29
2 part ?
i am looking for some suggestions as far as lightweight (as in OZ.) sleepingbags. i have found a few around 1lb montbell & western mountaineering. looking for others , and less expensive is always a plus
i also remember reading something about a sleeping bag liner, sounds like a good idea to keep the bag clean, and maybe add warmth. so the question is how much warmth ?? example 35 degree bag into a 25 degree bag??
thanks in advance -matt
_terrapin_
10-05-2008, 16:55
I'll put in a good word for the Mountain Hardwear "Phantom" 45 and 35. I have both. Both offer great warmth for the weight. They may be discontinued at this point, but you might find 'em on closeout or on eBay.
Most claim that a silk liner adds about 10*. This is a bit optimistic, 5* is probably more realistic. A tent or bivy will add about 10*.
If you don't want to pay for a top of the line bag, the EMS Velocity 35* is good at about $132. It weights 1.5 lb and is very compressible for a synthetic.
http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_detail_square.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=8455 24442592030&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574488340201
Also, folks have good things to say about the Campmore 20* Down bag, but it is more than a pound - 2# 4oz.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___40065
If you want the ultralight bags, you will probably have to bite the bullet and pay for them.
I honestly like the middle of the road bags. The super light weight stuff I dont sleep on well. I have to agree with the above about the campmor 20 bag as I have slept in a freinds before but I don't own one. The bag will eventually get dirty regardless of the liner and they can always be washed as long as it's done the right way.
mtbmatty
10-06-2008, 19:17
app. sc i know this is more personal preference, but what is it about a lightweight bag that affects your sleep??
i'll take another look at the mountain hardware stuff. i have not had great success w/ their website, so i dont think i took a real good look at all their stuff.
i'm not opposed to spending the $ if i'm gonna score a quality product. i definitely think you get what you pay for. so i'd rather pay now then pay later
dessertrat
10-06-2008, 19:23
Remember that nobody has found a lighter combination for a sleeping bag than a shell and down or synthetic insulation. A liner plus a light bag will usually be heavier for its temp rating as a combination than simply a light bag that is a bit warmer. In other words, you are probably better off with a 1lb 8oz bag than a 1 lb bag and an 8 oz liner.
Bags almost never get lighter than one pound. Any lighter, and they have a ridiculously high temp rating (such as 50 degrees, a temperature at which some of us, like me, sleep comfortably without a bag at all).
If you really want to stay below a pound, have you thought about a ray-way style quilt? Or maybe a silk or lightweight liner plus a quilt?
LIhikers
10-06-2008, 19:32
Montbell, ultralight,superestretch, down hugger in whatever temperature rating is best for you.
mtbmatty
10-06-2008, 19:36
i see your point. i like the idea of the liner as far as it being a piece of gear that can be shipped home, or left at home depending on the temps.
i dont know much about ray way quilts. where could i find more info??
also would a quilt pack down smaller than a sleeping bag?
daibutsu
10-06-2008, 19:56
I have a Snugfit "softie Merlin" just used it last weekend where it got down to 40's have used it down to mid 20's in a tent with ccf pad, no problem Uncompressed a little bigger than an American football. Compredded almost as small as a softball. It's my goto bag.
daibutsu
10-06-2008, 20:22
Snugpak not snugfit!!! Those are all my clothes.
Montbell, ultralight,superestretch, down hugger in whatever temperature rating is best for you.
MB has removed the rate of the bag...COMFORT ...due to poor in house and sending it out.
YOU cannot have the same temp both ways as they say,and underfill has also been a problem FOR THEM.
BOTTOM line is if you want a 2nd rate bag and pay a high price that MAY last...WELL.:-?
dessertrat
10-07-2008, 11:19
i see your point. i like the idea of the liner as far as it being a piece of gear that can be shipped home, or left at home depending on the temps.
i dont know much about ray way quilts. where could i find more info??
also would a quilt pack down smaller than a sleeping bag?
Follow link. It's not for everyone-- you probably should only use one if you don't move much when you sleep.
http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Quilt-Kit/index.htm
Cabin Fever
10-07-2008, 17:28
I bought a Lafuma Extreme 600 a couple of years and it has been fantastic down to about 40 degrees. Packs up to about a football size and was easy on the wallet. Very light also.
i've read that original post like 3 days in a row and still haven't been able to make sense of it.
i too own and am pleased w/ my lafuma summer bag CF
bigcranky
10-08-2008, 08:50
The one-pound sleeping bags are generally rated around 40-50 degrees (F). That's pretty realistic in my experience. They're fine for summer use in most places on the Trail. Some serious ultralight hikers have used this type of bag in serious cold weather, but they are the exception.
A good quality lightweight sleeping bag is expensive. Not much you can do about that.
I've never used a sleeping bag liner, so I can't comment.