15 degree or 40?

[Kitecop]

Ill be hiking north from hot springs NC for 18 dasy starting early september. Ive got a down marmot sawtooth 15 right now and a good prolite thermarest. Im thinking i may be able to go down to the Aspen 40 bag tho. opinions?

[Rasty]

Bring the 15. I have the Aspen. It good to around 40 then you will be cold.

[max patch]

I'd take the 15 and use it as a blanket.

[Papa D]

the 15 if, if those are the only choices - the mountains can turn unexpectedly cold especially after a good rainstorm - - I've been in NC in July in the 40s! You'll probably be a little hot and have to use it as a blanket on 90% of your nights but you'll be happy as a clam on those couple of cold nights.

[Kitecop]

the 15 if, if those are the only choices - the mountains can turn unexpectedly cold especially after a good rainstorm - - I've been in NC in July in the 40s! You'll probably be a little hot and have to use it as a blanket on 90% of your nights but you'll be happy as a clam on those couple of cold nights.

thats what i thought and i figured it would be lighter to take the heavier bag than the lighter one and an extra jacket and pants for the cold nights.

[Airman]

Definitely, take the 40. It is lighter and should handle any conditions in Sep. If for some reason, you have a freak cool snap, then keep your clothes on. With the 15, you only going to be sweating at night.

[Connie]

I am a warm sleeper. However, I can't get warm in my clothing in a 40 F sleeping bag. It doesn't work for me. I am always chilled. Maybe the clothing compresses? Maybe the clothing is damp?

There is something about removing outer clothing that removes the colder air clinging to it. I know that isn't a good explanation but it matches my experience.

I think a 15 F bag that you can ventilate well, or, unzip as a quilt will work. The 3/4 zipper or no zipper sleeping bag will not work.

[Kitecop]

what is the best way to test? im in FL and its def. not gonna get cold enough here before i go. I just got my 40 bag, its soooo light.

[DavidNH]

another vote for the 15 degree bag. Starting in September, in the mountains, you'll have some cold nights and will probably shiver in the 40 degree sleeping bag.

[hikingshoes]

I have a MH20 deg, marmot15 deg. I loved the 20deg,but I got a chill/cold on my last hike so i picked up my15deg bag. So my vote goes to the15 deg bag.

[Spokes]

1+ on the 15.... Easier to get cooler in the 15 than warmer in the 40.

[10-K]

I would make a decision after watching the extended forecast just before I left.

But I would plan on taking the 40* bag if my only choice was 15* or 40*.

Bring a jacket. If it gets cool at night just put the jacket on in your bag, you'll be fine.

p.s. I hope you weren't looking for 100% agreement...

[Velvet Gooch]

Another North Carolinian here. 15° bag

[Spokes]

heheheheeee.... I think people underestimate how cold it can get in the NC/GA mountains.

[hikerboy57]

ive got the aspen. take the 15.

[hikingshoes]

Very true. For me I'd like to be safe than sorry

[10-K]

heheheheeee.... I think people underestimate how cold it can get in the NC/GA mountains.

It can get dang cold, but not at the beginning of September usually. I just did a check and the average temp in Hot Springs in September using the last 88 years of data is 69.2 degrees.

Average low: 57*
Average high: 81*

I'm telling you, the first week of September is not going to require a 15* bag unless there is a weather anomaly of some sort.

I've lived in TN and NC since 1986....

BTW, here in Erwin where I live 60 miles north up the trail average temps are 3-4* higher than those in Hot Springs.

And Damascus, 160ish miles up the trail from Hot Springs has higher average Sept temps than Erwin.

p.s. Lowest recorded September temp in Hot Springs is 37*.

[max patch]

Averages can kill you.

[hikerboy57]

all i can say is the aspen was good to about 50 deg, below that Ive been cold.

[10-K]

Averages can kill you.

It's hard to be specific about the weather this coming September when it's still May.... Using known data seems like a good place to start making a plan.

Hmm... the lowest recorded temp in Hot Springs in September is 37*.... do I need a 40* bag?

Having said that, it's ok with me if he takes down pants and a Hilleberg Akto.