I suppose this is just a matter in how much hardness one can tolerate, but is there a pad that can be used in the shelter and actually place some comfort between you and the platform? It seems that it would have to be pretty thick and then too bulky to pack away conveniently.

Hello everyone, I am leaving this coming Monday to hike from Hanover, NH to Lee, MA (or maybe Great Barrington), and I am in need of a new sleeping bag. I returned the REI one I used on a 650-mile trip in 2011, so am planning on getting a Sierra Designs Zissou Dri-Down bag when they go on sale this Friday at REI.


My question is regarding temperature ratings- my 2 choices are between the 23 and the 12 degree bags, for the sale and the dri-down. The 23 is $219.95 (before 30% off sale) and weighs 2 lbs, 4oz and the 12 costs $269.95 and weighs 2 lbs, 10oz.


I am inclined to get the 23 degree bag, but I just want to make sure this will be warm enough - I am using a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo tent (not just a tarp), and I'd think that a 12-degree bag would be overkill. Then again, I have also been hiking in March, although at Springer - but that trip, it got down to the 20's one night in the Smokies.


I've also got a nice, light, Deuter 50-degree bag for the summer. I guess I am just wondering if I would really ever have the need for a 12-degree bag? I doubt I'd be hiking in the winter, but it can certainly get cold in the shoulder seasons.

Thanks,

No Hurry

Looking for recommendations for a 50 degree summer down bag to be used while staying in hostels in Europe this summer. Not interested in a quilt at this time. Any thoughts?

Regards...

I'm looking at the Sierra Designs Ridge Runner or Arrow Rock down bags, but I'm having trouble finding info on how small those will compress. Websites that sell them give the 'stuff size', but I'm not sure if thats the smallest they will compress or what. For example, the Ridge Runner 30 bag has a 7x16 stuff size, according to info on Backcountry.com. The Backcountry.com rep said thats the smallest compressed size, but that just seems kinda large for a 30degree down bag to me. Heck, my TNF Aleutian 20 synthetic will compress about that small. Can anybody help me out with some 411? Thanks

I am looking to switch from a sleeping bag to a quilt. I really like the looks of the Jacks R Better High Sierra Sniveller. Has anyone out there tried one? If so, what would you list as the pros and cons for this quilt.

Thank you!

Hello experienced hikers,
Up to this point, I've only used cheap synthetic sleeping bags. However, now I live in the region of the Cascades, where it is quite rainy most of the year. I want to get a sleeping bag that would be appropriate for the climate.

Now, while I certainly want to keep weight minimal, it is my understanding that down sleeping bags just do not work well when wet. There are times here where it will rain on and off for a week, meaning there'd be little drying time available.
Would anyone be able to point me in the direction of the lightest synthetic bags, say around 20 degrees? Or, if you have a different experience with down, some advice on the matter?

Thanks!

Anyone out there try one? I bought one and I feel like it is substantially colder than some of my other pads with lower R value (i.e. Thermarest ProLite). It is certainly very comfortable though. Just curious to hear what others are saying.