View Full Version : Has anyone used the Big Agnes sleeping system?
Glebbber
03-11-2009, 01:44
I was considering getting a "fish hawk" long rectangular bag, and an "isulated air core" long rectangular pad for my atempt at a thru-hike of the AT this year?
Has anyone used the big agnes system and have any reports?
What draws me is the room and comfort. I am 6' 225 lbs. I have hiked in the past with a thermarest prolite 3 regular pad and a rei kilo 20 degree regualr bag and was very uncomfortable. My arms where either cold and numb outside the bag, or cramped and numb inside the bag. I also did not enjoy not being able to spread my legs. Heat and moisture would often accumulate there.
What worries me about the system is that Big Agnes does not seem to insulate the bottom of their bags, which may be inconvienient if using the bag without the pad. Though I cant think of a situation where that would arise and be a problem. Another worry is that this combo is relativley heavy, but that is the trade-off when seeking comfort.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
medicjimr
03-11-2009, 01:56
Well I just bought the Big agnes 15 enchantment the synthetic one and have the insulated air core pad by BA will be going out this weekend for an over night gear testing and I will let you know my thoughts I am 6' 230 lbs and felt cramped in a north face I original purchased to claustrophobic warm but not for me.
rpenczek
03-11-2009, 09:50
Search this section using the term "Big Agnes" and you will find tons of info/opinions
skinewmexico
03-11-2009, 11:15
REI Kilo is a skinny bag. Weight has always scared me off from the BA systems, you'd think they'd be lighter without insulation in the bottom, instead of heavier. I'd spring for a big WM bag.
bulldog49
03-11-2009, 11:39
REI Kilo is a skinny bag. Weight has always scared me off from the BA systems, you'd think they'd be lighter without insulation in the bottom. I'd spring for a big WM bag.
I second the WM bag recommendation.
Bottom insulation in a sleeping bag is really quite useless because it gets compressed when you lie in your bag and provides very little, if any, warmth. You should rely on your pad for insulation instead. I highly recommend the Prolite 4 for cold weather as the best warmth to weight ratio.
Glebbber
03-11-2009, 15:47
What is WM?
I already have a prolite 4 for cold weather, though it seems to have accumlated some sort of mold or mildew on and inside the fabric.
skinewmexico
03-11-2009, 16:09
Western Mountaineering.
flemdawg1
03-11-2009, 16:51
The Fish Hawk is only rated to 30 deg. For the practically same price and 4 oz more I'd get the Lost Ranger. http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/41577151/c/3691.html
I'm 6' and 200lbs (42" chest) and I use a BA Crater 15 w/ no problem down to the low 20s.
My husband is a major BA fan. He can't stay on a pad unless it's attached. (Sad, but otherwise he's great guy.) He has the Horse Thief sleeping bag.
In both of our opinions, the insulated pad is not very warm. If night temperatures get near freezing and below, we put a CCF pad on top of the BA pad.
My husband is skinny guy, so I can't speak to whether the setup would be roomy enough for you.
i tend to take my bag with me when i roll around at night (instead of turning and twisting around in the bag), so bottom insulation on a bag is important to me. i had to stay away from BA b/c i'm afraid i'd wake up w/ my pad on top of me all sore and cold from the ground
A New Convert
03-13-2009, 02:31
I wasn't a big fan of the ba system. I found the temp rating to be very generous and it was so large inside that the dead space was impossible to adequately heat at any temp within 10* of the bags ratingfor reference I had an encampment (15*) in the Everglades in January and was cool in the low 40's. I'm also 6'3" 200lbs.
BC
Cabin Fever
03-13-2009, 09:23
There's another thread that is debating BA pads vs. TR pads. It's like Hatfields and McCoys. Most people agree that the BA sleeping bags are too heavy and the lack of bottom insulation is not sufficent.
I, personally, use a BA pad with either a 45d Lafuma bag, 10d Lafuma bag or 0d Sierra Designs bag. Lafuma is not spoken of a lot, but they have won me over. Super light, compress down to nothing and are true to their temp rating. I stole my SD bag. It was marked down from 280 to 80 on Sierra Trading Post. I think I bought the last one.
Glebbber
03-14-2009, 02:27
Thanks for the helpful info.
I looked into the WM and they seem to be a real good option, but they are more expensive than I am willing to pay right now.
I think I will go with the lost ranger. BA seems to be a good fit for me because I enjoy my space and tend to sleep warm (that means you usually are too warm, not too cold right? idk). Now to find a local retailer with everything in stock and lay in the long configuration and the regular to see what works best.
Thanks again.
medicjimr
03-14-2009, 10:56
Well another option Is the montbell huggers I don't have one I have the BA which I will be trying out tonight but what I have heard about montbell is making me think twice about my BA tonights test should make that decision.
A New Convert
03-14-2009, 15:23
Well another option Is the montbell huggers I don't have one I have the BA which I will be trying out tonight but what I have heard about montbell is making me think twice about my BA tonights test should make that decision.
Sierra designs has a set of bags with the same stretch tech that the montbell bags have. They licensed it from MB. I picked up the arrow rock 15* from REI for $65+ shipping. I think I caught them in an error because the long was selling for $65 but the regular was selling for $250. :)
BC
Ramble~On
03-14-2009, 17:08
I have a Lost Ranger, Lost Dog and an insulated air core. Combined with a Ridgerest and a Thermolite liner...I'm toasty down to whatever...with the option to shed/add layers, zip venting for temperature.
I love these bags ! They're huge and with the air core pad in the sleeve it's more like being in a bed than a sleeping bag. By far the best sleep i have had in the woods. Google BA Sleep system ~ read the reviews.
Only your opinion counts. What works great for me might not work at all for you..that said though, I'm another vote for BA sleep system being awesome.
medicjimr
03-15-2009, 14:13
OK my review from last night I have the BA 15 degree enchantment it was low 38 degree I have the insulated core BA air mattress. I survived but I was honestly cold I think I will take my fleece liner with me next time to help with the bottom. And someday I will order a Montbell when I can afford it. But I will be ok for now.
I use the Lost Ranger as well with a Thermarest Guidelite 3/4 and am snug as a bug in 20* (haven't had a chance to try it in colder). Recommended!
Wise Old Owl
03-27-2009, 12:59
I was considering getting a "fish hawk" long rectangular bag, and an "isulated air core" long rectangular pad for my atempt at a thru-hike of the AT this year?
Has anyone used the big agnes system and have any reports?
What draws me is the room and comfort. I am 6' 225 lbs. I have hiked in the past with a thermarest prolite 3 regular pad and a rei kilo 20 degree regualr bag and was very uncomfortable. My arms where either cold and numb outside the bag, or cramped and numb inside the bag. I also did not enjoy not being able to spread my legs. Heat and moisture would often accumulate there.
What worries me about the system is that Big Agnes does not seem to insulate the bottom of their bags, which may be inconvienient if using the bag without the pad. Though I cant think of a situation where that would arise and be a problem. Another worry is that this combo is relativley heavy, but that is the trade-off when seeking comfort.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
And I thought it was just me..... Yea BA might not stay with you if you are a toss & turn kind of guy. Suggest going to Rei and get in it before purchase.
As for the REI KILO If you loose the weight, the bag is ok, but I now use it as a "elephants foot up above the waist" and a seperate cheap LLBEAN down jacket (1LBS) & fleese hat. It all works.
No Belay
03-27-2009, 22:48
I own 4 BA bags and used a yellow Wall 0* synthetic bag on my 30 day section hike this Feb.. I don't use an inflatable pad at all. I have a standard Z rest that I've custom cut to the bags sleeve dimensions and a 3/8ths piece of ensolite that I put on top of that for a total weight of 13.5 oz. The bag was warm on several 5* nights and and it didn't have that clammy feeling that alot of synthetic bags have while sleeping with your boots . I was a little disappointed with the hood's proportions but found it acceptable even on the coldest nights. I'm only 5'10" but always get the long bags so that I have room for my boots and other garments at the bottom of the bag. I've found the temp ratings on BA's down bags to be about 10* optimistic but the rating on this one proved to be pretty accurate.
TaTonka
Just my 2 cents, the BA air mattress was great. I started my thru hike with a z-lite, and by the time I rolled through Hot Springs, I was ready for some more cushion. Well worth the additional weight in my opinion. I carried it the rest of the way to Maine.
Sirclimbsalot
04-01-2009, 14:10
I like the insulated air core pads, and the idea is great but overall execution is a little off.....I think it's a great system for car camping but the temperature rating of the bags is a bit too optomistic. So, I wouldn't use one for the backcountry but I like the extra space for car camping.
It's really too bad that they do not work on inproving this system because I always thought this sytem made the most sense ever since I looked at a stephenson's triple bag.
I used the BA uninsulated pad for the second half of my thru hike and loved it. The comfort was worth the extra onces. I recomend the insulated pad for colder months if you sleep cold.