View Full Version : Lighter wide sleeping bag alternatives for side sleepers
NCYankee
12-05-2008, 23:48
I am a side sleeper looking for a lighter alternative to the Marmot Sawtooth Long X-Wide. The specs in general (down and 15*) all work well but I would prefer to be a little lighter than the 3+ lbs. I just feel constricted in my current bag which is leading to the taking of a little too much Nyquil to be carried and ingested for a decent night sleep...
Any suggestions for taller side sleepers with shoulder girth?
Thanks!
deadhorsejoe
12-05-2008, 23:57
Might consider the semi-rectangular bags by Big Agnes. Not sure of exact weighs on them .
For a side sleeper, the Big Agnes bags are a natural. You use one of their sleeping pads (insulated or non), which are about as comfortable as you can get sleeping on the ground. I use a BA mummy non-insulated pad and throw a closed cell pad over it when it's cold. This I do only when I'm camping with someone who doesn't hang ;).
another thumbs up for Montbell super stretch from a side sleeper!
NCYankee
12-06-2008, 00:05
I looked at the BA Zirkel... it's pricey around $300 or so, and it puts me in the position of having to unload my thermarest, as I understand that the Zirkel needs a mummy styled sleeping pad... Then again, the entire Zirkel package comes in under 4.5lbs which is lighter than the Sawtooth and prolight combination.
I'm also going to check out the super stretch, but sounds like if it is stretchy then it might be constricting...
I wish I could sleep on my back in a hammock (my snoring my disturb those far away though)
not constricting at all! very light elastic in the baffle seams. fits like a regular bag, just allows you to move about more inside. Theres so much room/stretch, i can change into my warm clothes while still inside the bag!
The Montbell is kinda pricey! They recently leased their technology to Sierra Designs who put it to use in their bags... check out the Arrow Rock line...
I'm also going to check out the super stretch, but sounds like if it is stretchy then it might be constricting...
I wish I could sleep on my back in a hammock (my snoring my disturb those far away though)
Im a side sleeper at home, but have no trouble falling asleep on my back in my hammock. the comfort is incredible! I can also side sleep in the hammock...
NCYankee
12-06-2008, 00:31
The Montbell is kinda pricey! They recently leased their technology to Sierra Designs who put it to use in their bags... check out the Arrow Rock line...
I just saw how pricey these Montbells are. Then again $300 for under 2lbs is pretty solid... http://www.backcountry.com/store/MTB0046/MontBell-America-Inc-UL-Super-Stretch-Hugger-2-Sleeping-Bag-25-Degree-Down.html
I'm also going to investigate these Arrow Rock things... Have any links or suggestions?
Im a side sleeper at home, but have no trouble falling asleep on my back in my hammock. the comfort is incredible! I can also side sleep in the hammock...
Tried and failed at that.
OK, after reading a bunch of reviews real quick on this MontBell U.L. Super Stretch Hugger #2 25 Degree Down and seeing that it gets down to 1lb15oz, I'm pretty stoked...
Now if I can convince the wife that this is not a want and more of a need then I might have found my new bag and not need to replace my sleeping pad.
Thanks for all the quick replies :)
http://sierradesigns.com/bags.flex.html
Toolshed
12-06-2008, 00:55
Yank,
I carry a a Marmot Sawtooth X-Wide, which is relatively new 3-4 years old, but then about 2 years ago got a Mont-Bell SS#2 2 degree. I really like the Mont-Bell. It makes the Marmot seem old school, even though the Marmot is a great bag.
What I like about the Montbell is that I don't have to heat the space up like I do with the Marmot. It gently constricts around me and the nylon shell is extremely light. While I don't think it will outlast heavier, sturdier bags, I do think that each time I use it I am chipping away (amortizationally speaking) at the $220 Price Tag. I figure at 100 uses over 5 years, it will have cost $2.20 per night - Not a hefty price to pay for comfort - And odds are the bag might even last another 5 years.
I did notice cold spots last year at 30 degrees out (in a tent) , it might have been me, but it was a little uncomfortable. I haven't been cold, even down to 20 in my Marmot (in a tent).
Toolshed
12-06-2008, 00:56
http://sierradesigns.com/bags.flex.html
Wow!!! those are some really nice prices for Mont-Bell tehcnology!!!!
Our local outfitter has sales from time to time... 20% off everything in the store... including those bags!
dont need it in long do you???
http://www.campsaver.com/ItemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=sid0146&MatrixType=1
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/42763040/c/28840.html
NCYankee
12-06-2008, 01:17
dont need it in long do you???
http://www.campsaver.com/ItemMatrix.asp?GroupCode=sid0146&MatrixType=1
This is where the mental problems come into play...
The Mont-Bell is $100 more but weighs 1lb less and offers more than 6 inches of additional stretch. Since it is new to me, maybe it doesn't mean that much, but then again, I really believe that it is ultimately cheaper to buy once rather than buy cheap and then have to replace later.
I think I'm leaning towards the UL Stretch Hugger #2 @ 25 degrees. I figure that will give me solid 3 season usage and it is $60+ less than the 15 degree version.
Now I'm debating 15* versus 25*
Too many decisions but better to be making or debating decisions regarding temp rating versus not know which model I am interested in at all.
Toolshed
12-06-2008, 12:29
Yank,
The weight diff seems negligible. It's always easier to cool off a bit if you are too warm in a warmer bag , than to try the reverse with a colder bag. If it is only a few ounces and it extends the seasonal use of your bag and saves some bucks, it might be worth it. OTOH if every time you climb in it you think you'll curse it, then forgo the purchase and wait to See of 25d drops after Christmas.
NCYankee
12-06-2008, 12:55
Yank,
It's always easier to cool off a bit if you are too warm in a warmer bag , than to try the reverse with a colder bag.
I agree with you there... I'm most likely going to hold off until after the holidays and see if prices move at all.
What's funny is in summer, especially in NC, I normally only sleep in a liner.
Also check out the Western Mountaineering Badger.
I start out sleeping on my back and thrash from side to side all night long. I wanted the same qualities in a bag that U currently have. I'll ditto the MontBell UL Super Stretch bags! I'm 6'4" with med. wide shoulders and a med.(athletic, 34" waist)frame, but these bags will easily and comfortably accommodate larger sleepers. Most sleeping bag manufacturers increase the shoulder girth in proportion to increasing the length of the bag, which should help make U more comfortable.
How would you like a real bag,
How would you like a real bag,
Sorry.:D
How would you like a 6.6" W.M. BADGER brand new for under 300?
Sorry.:D
How would you like a 6.6" W.M. BADGER brand new for under 300?
U sellin?
U sellin?
NO,NO.BUT i did have a ponderosa sent yesterday from my dealer for 260 with tax and shipping for car camping.
I just want to help him out ...if i can?
LIhikers
12-06-2008, 20:35
With a few extra clothes, I've used my Montbell, UL, SS, #2 into the high teens and been comfortable, if that helps you decide.
U sellin?
Pulled it out of the sack MAYBE 1hr ago and the loft now is 7.5,and they rate 7".:D
With a few extra clothes, I've used my Montbell, UL, SS, #2 into the high teens and been comfortable, if that helps you decide.
This is what parts M.B. from W.M.
Last gather in F.L. was 28 and my 40 deg mitylite..no hood,kept me warm in my duo in just boxers....and i'm a cold sleeper.
Toolshed
12-06-2008, 21:39
This is what parts M.B. from W.M.
Last gather in F.L. was 28 and my 40 deg mitylite..no hood,kept me warm in my duo in just boxers....and i'm a cold sleeper.
Yeah but like ....... 28 degrees in Florida is like 70 degrees in Buffalo. :rolleyes:
Yeah but like ....... 28 degrees in Florida is like 70 degrees in Buffalo. :rolleyes:
YEAH BUT....i know i was WARM IN A W.M. OVER 15 DEG BAG.:D
YEAH BUT....i know i was WARM IN A W.M. OVER 15 DEG BAG.:D
SORRY ...maybe 20 UNDER.:D:D:D