20 or 40 degree bag??

[woodsman]

Heading out next Sunday from Pa 501 for 4 weeks. Just curious if a 40 bag with liner will work or do I need the 20? Don't really see any cold cold temps in the long range, but we all know that can change.

[nsherry61]

What are the bags and what specific liner? Do you sleep warm or cold? Would you rather carry a warmer bag or sleep with all your insulating layers on?

[woodsman]

20 is a WM Alpinlite and the 40 is a Kelty and no I really don't want to sleep all layered up. My liner is a silk liner that says it will give you up to 9 more, but I doubt that.

[Grampie]

Definitely take the 20 degree bag. I started my thru on April 9 with a 20 degree bag and spent several nights when I was cold.

[Secondmouse]

what is Pa 501? if this is in PA, then I would definitely say 20* bag.

one year my grandparents were snowed in from April 12 to tax day. not all that unusual...

[MtDoraDave]

After being uncomfortably cold 1 night, I swore I would never be cold again on a hiking trip. I had 3 layers of thermals on and I was still cold.

When all else fails, I want to KNOW that I'll be warm enough inside my sleeping bag. I bought a zero degree bag. 15 degrees out? I'm warm in my bag with only my base layer on.

[squeezebox]

Do keep in mind you are packing for the lowest possible temp. not average temp.
A related question. Where do you go to get info about lowest temp? Instead of average temp.
Thanks!!

[bigcranky]

For a 4-week trip in PA in April and early May, I'd bring the 20. Yeah, I'd probably be using it as a quilt most nights, but then there will be that one cold snap when I'll really appreciate it. I had a Kelty 40F bag and it was really a 50F bag if I was lucky. Nice bag, but not very warm.

[mitch]

I have a 20degree Z pack bag, @ 20 degrees I want my base layer on.

[Venchka]

20 is a WM Alpinlite and the 40 is a Kelty and no I really don't want to sleep all layered up. My liner is a silk liner that says it will give you up to 9 more, but I doubt that.

Take the Alpinlite. You really don't have to ask. Take the liner if you want to keep the Alpinlite clean or need to use it as a sheet on top of the Alpinlite if you encounter warm temperatures.
You didn't say which way you are hiking. North or south?

Wayne

[Rain Man]

I've hiked the AT through PA and personally I'd take the 20-degree gear. The coldest night I ever spent on the AT was in August, because I thought "summer, it's gonna be warm, if not hot." FAIL.

Also, at the end of a long, strenuous day, my body metabolism begins to shut down and stops generating internal warmth. I actually shiver if I'm not careful, even often on summer evenings on the trail. Not to mention, but cold fog with a breeze? CHILLY!

[Singto]

It's easier to cool off than heat up in cold weather.

[JumpMaster Blaster]

The Alpinlite all day long. I have that, a Kelty 20 degree bag and a US Army issued 40-50 deg bag, and believe it or not, the WM is still my lightest bag.

[rafe]

I use a 45 degree bag between May and September.

[gypsy97]

I used a 40 degree ag for 2 years of prepping for a thru hike. The week before I left for Springer I bought a 10 degree Western Mountaineering down bag. Best thing I ever did. You can switch the bag out when you hit the mid section of the trail during warmer weather.