Hi all
I'm in the planning stages for doing the AT thru hike starting the first week of March 2014. As part of that process, I am evaluating sleeping bags with the hope of only using one for the entire trip. I can afford two if I have to but would just as soon use one.
Obviously over the course of the trail there are very cold parts and very warm parts. My experiences has been that it is easier to make a colder rated bag warmer than to make a warmer rated bag cooler. With that in mind, I am currently looking at a Mont-bell UL Super Spiral Down Hugger, either a #5 ( 40 ℉) or a #3 (30 ℉). They weigh in at 1 lb. 3 oz. and 1 lb. 6 oz., respectively. My feeling is that the 30 ℉ bag would be a bit warm in the hottest part of the hike so I am leaning toward the 40 ℉. For what it is worth, I am a hot sleeper. Taking all that into consideration, I have been looking at the Sea To Summit Thermolite Reactor sleeping bag liners as a possible way to reach acceptable warmth levels with a 30 or 40 ℉ bag. They have three models that they claim increase the warmth by up to 15 ℉ (Reactor - 8.7 oz.), 20 ℉ (Reactor CompactPlus - 9.3 oz.), and 25 ℉ (Reactor Extreme - 14 oz.).
My question to you guys is, (1) have any of you had any trail experience with the Sea To Summit Reactor series of bag liners, (2) if you did, which one or ones have you used, and (3) how would you rate its effectiveness for adding additional warmth to your bag.
Any input would be appreciated.
David