Newbie question

[phobos]

Hey guys,

I've lurked around the forum for months and I've finally got some ideas for gear.

I am most certainly going to buy a ULA Circuit bag.

What i'm curious about is what kind of bag would you guys recommend that packs light and compresses well? I plan to do some section hiking in the fall(sept/oct/nov) so temps. shouldn't be too cold. Although, it shouldn't be too cold, I really only want to own one bag. I'm guessing a 20-30* bag for 3 season hiking? Like I said i've read a plethora of threads regarding bags and I am sort of lost!

Thanks so much guys! I've gotten so many great ideas/reviews of gear.

[phobos]

One thing I forgot to add. I'd perfer to not break the bank :D $200ish is probably my max. Thanks guys!

[BobTheBuilder]

Down bags will pack smaller and lighter than a synthetic with the same rating, but some people get worried about not getting them wet. Since you're starting with some section hikes, I imagine that you can get the experience needed to be comfortable with a down bag. My Kelty 25 degree down bag cost about $130 a few years ago, packs small and weighs only about 2 lbs.

[phobos]

http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Light-Year-Sleeping-Bag/dp/B0017TG8XQ this one, Bob?

[sbhikes]

I have a Golite ultra 20 quilt. I paid $235 for it. If I stuffed it in the stuff sack it came with, you'd think it was a down jacket. (I never stuff it in there.) Check Campmor or Backcountry gear. They seem to have good products at good prices.

[tammons]

IF you want superlight then maybe a golite ultra 20 or whatever they are called now.
I have one and its great.
https://www.prolitegear.com/golite-ultralite-3-season-quilt-short.html

For actual bags, I like the montnbell stretch bags. Very comfortable. More than your budget though.

Campmor has a 20dF bag that weighs 2#4oz. 550 loft down wont be the most compressible but its cheap.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___40065

[Mags]

Campmor has a 20dF bag that weighs 2#4oz. 550 loft down wont be the most compressible but its cheap.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___40065

Decent to good budget bag for sure.. I know several people who've used it and have been pleased.


But, even as a dirtbagger, I'd get the best sleeping bag you can afford.
You can't go wrong with a Feathered Friends or Western Mountaineering. Expensive..but they will last a LOOONG time.

(My FF Hummingbird was finally retired after the various long hikes I did over a decade).

[ChrisFol]

Another sub 2LB/$200 down bag to consider is REI's Sub Kilo; it is currently in the Outlet section of their website and is available in both regular and long length.

http://www.rei.com/product/780903

Like Mags, I really advocate purchasing the highest quality down bag that you can afford. I own two Feathered Friends bags and I would never go back to budgets bags; yes they are affordable now, but in a few years time you will need to drop another $200 to replace it; with that $400 that you would have now spent you could have gotton a much better bag that will last you a lifetime, reletivly speaking.

However, as a once broke law student with a very limited disposable income, simply getting into the mountains was all that mattered and you can do that with any bag.

[Ladytrekker]

Hey guys,

I've lurked around the forum for months and I've finally got some ideas for gear.

I am most certainly going to buy a ULA Circuit bag.

What i'm curious about is what kind of bag would you guys recommend that packs light and compresses well? I plan to do some section hiking in the fall(sept/oct/nov) so temps. shouldn't be too cold. Although, it shouldn't be too cold, I really only want to own one bag. I'm guessing a 20-30* bag for 3 season hiking? Like I said i've read a plethora of threads regarding bags and I am sort of lost!

Thanks so much guys! I've gotten so many great ideas/reviews of gear.

I recently purchased the ULA Circuit very happy with it. Nice and light easy to wear. All the bells and whistles now come standard the little pockets on the belt are really nice did not realize how much I would use those.

[phobos]

thanks for all the great tips. I am leaning towards the amazon link I posted, which is Kelty Light Year Sleeping Bag: 25 Degree Down. Also, I am glad to hear you are enjoying the circuit pack ladytrekker. I've only heard good things about ULA packs.

[ChrisFol]

thanks for all the great tips. I am leaning towards the amazon link I posted, which is Kelty Light Year Sleeping Bag: 25 Degree Down. Also, I am glad to hear you are enjoying the circuit pack ladytrekker. I've only heard good things about ULA packs.

Caveat: the Lightyear only has a half-zipper, you may have some trouble venting when the temps warm up.

For the money I would still opt for either the Campmor or the Sub-Kilo-- they are less expensive and in the case of the latter, it is lighter and has better down fill. Not to mention the full-zipper.

[Franco]

Good point about the half zip. That is what I don't like with my WM Highlite, I use a quilt now.
Both the Golite 20 (not really a 20f for some but you can layer under that) and the Sub Kilo (I fondled one of those but never slept in it) will be a good choice.
Franco
The Circuit is nice too, the new roll top closure is better than the one I have .