Summer sleeping bag recommendation

[Don H]

I'm looking for a summer sleeping bag for next years thru hike. Something for the June - August months. I'm thinking it should be down filled, in about the 35 to 40 degree range, weigh not much more than 1 pound, and have full zip. Any recommendations?

I have a Feathered Friends Swallow with 2 oz. of overfill for the spring and fall. Will this work well for the entire trip?

I use a Thermarest Prolite pad in the colder months. For summer I'll probably switch to the NeoAir.

Thanks for your input.

[ChrisFol]

I'm looking for a summer sleeping bag for next years thru hike. Something for the June - August months. I'm thinking it should be down filled, in about the 35 to 40 degree range, weigh not much more than 1 pound, and have full zip. Any recommendations?

I have a Feathered Friends Swallow with 2 oz. of overfill for the spring and fall. Will this work well for the entire trip?

I have the same bag and use it for all three-seasons in Colorado. In the height of summer however, I do switch it out for a cooler summer bag-- MH Phantom +32 which weighs in at 1lb 7oz. There is a +45 degree version which weighs 17oz, which unfortunately is not enough in the Rockies during the summer.

You could also consider a quilt for the summer: Golite Ultralite (+40/20oz). I believe that Nunatak offers the lightest quilts on the market: Arc Edge (+40/11oz) and the Arc AT (+40/8oz). You probably won't find anything lighter than that.

[TheCheek]

Not exactly the info you are looking for, but in the summertime on the AT you can get a small fleece blanket and carry less weight (although not as compressable). Usually it was warmer than what I needed. A couple times June-August it was not warm enough, in which case I would sleep in more clothes, no problem. Also don't do this if you ever plan to sleep under the stars or keep your rain fly off since a tent with fly does a lot for trapping your own body heat. As you get going on your thru you will probably shift gear around more than just once from "winter mode" to "summer mode" so consider this. Nothing worse than going from freezing to sweating all night long due to a 30-40 degree bag on a 65-70 degree night.

[Don H]

I hadn't thought about a quilt, something to consider. I considered a Western Mountaineer HighLite but it only has a half zipper which I think is essential for venting on warm nights.

[Don H]

Meant to say a full zip is essential for venting on warm nights!

[johnnyblisters]

Your feathered friends bag will certainly work for summer. It may be a bit overkill but it will certainly keep you warm, maybe too warm. I like my Lafuma X600 for summer. Its about as big as a nalgene and just over a pound. Keeps me warm down to about 40* (warm sleeper).

[BigHodag]

Anyone use a poncho liner while crossing MD/PA/NJ?

[skinewmexico]

Tought to beat FF. And I thought the Hilite had a full zipper.

[Ramble~On]

Go with what you have. If and when you decide that there needs to be a change made you can pick up a light summer bag at an outfitter along the trail. Updated and new gear goes on the market all the time and by the time you're in the market for a new bag there might be something that is better than what's available now.

[Panzer1]

I have a Feathered Friends Swallow with 2 oz. of overfill for the spring and fall. Will this work well for the entire trip?

Yes, I would go with this for the entire trip.

In the summer when it gets hot at night you can open it up like a blanket and just lay it across your legs.

Panzer

[jrwiesz]

...I thought the Hilite had a full zipper.

Half zip standard, I believe.

http://www.westernmountaineering.com...s&ContentId=16

[Kerosene]

You might also consider a quilt, which will be even lighter and without the need for a full-length zipper.

[Jim Adams]

If price is a consideration, just got an ad today that campmor has Kelty bags on sale. One of them was a 40* down Light Year model, 650 down, just over a pound and under $100.

geek

[George]

marmot atom

[Franco]

"I considered a Western Mountaineer HighLite but it only has a half zipper which I think is essential for venting on warm nights."
Yes, that is why now I use a quilt instead (JRB No Sniveller) or the Ultralite when colder.
I bought my HighLite before the Summerlite came out. I would have got that instead if it had been available. Have a look.
Franco

[Tinker]

I have one of these: http://www.backpackgeartest.org/revi...rol%20Crooker/ It's good down to around 45F without additional clothing (for me). I sleep warm. I also use it in the winter with my 40F Golite Feather-lite around my hammock to take me down to around 5F in an enclosed tarp shelter.

[Don H]

Anybody use the Mont Bell U.L. Super Spiral Down Hugger #5?
1 lb., full zip, might be just what I'm looking for.