View Full Version : Which sleeping bag to get?
I have been looking to get a new sleeping bag for a while and I would like opinions on the following 2 sleeping bags or another bag with in the price range. Here is the first bag http://www.golite.com/Ms-Z10-Three-Season-Long-P46947.aspx which is 350.00 and the other is http://www.golite.com/Mens-Adventure-20-Three-Season-Long-P46949.aspx which is out of stock but only 150.00. I plan on going out in March and want a bag that can handle the temps in VA and PA at that time of the year.
Starchild
12-08-2013, 08:32
My suggestion for a thru is a 20F quilt or top bag (other names for it as well), not a full bag, something that uses the sleeping mat for the bottom. but make sure it has enough foot room.
Any of the top quality 20 degree bags will do such as Feathered Friends, Western Mountaineer or (my favorite) Montebell.
RedBeerd
12-08-2013, 10:45
Quilts aren't for everybody, keep in mind. I'm looking at a Zpacks 20 degree.
Studlintsean
12-08-2013, 13:05
I picked up a WM Alpinelite for $360. Greatest investment I think I've made.
Feral Bill
12-08-2013, 13:17
The sleeping bag (and the pack) are the last places to skimp. Consider any higher end bag you find on a good sale. If money is a huge issue, sacrifice light weight rather than warmth.
daddytwosticks
12-08-2013, 15:16
Get the best for your money: Western Mountaineering. You won't regret it. :)
Subie Love
12-08-2013, 15:33
I made a quilt using 8oz of 900 fill power down and 1.1oz ripstop nylon and some no-see-um mesh. Cost me about $200 and a little bit of time. I've slept comfortably in the low 40's wearing nothing but boxers... and I get cold easily so I'm confident it could go colder. If that's something you're interested in doing, there are pretty good instructions on the internet on how to make out.
Subie Love
12-08-2013, 15:34
I should also add that it only weighs 17 ounces.
johnnybgood
12-08-2013, 15:45
Check Ebay for great deals, ESPECIALLY after Christmas when people get new stuff and want to unload the old. Keep checking in here for great deals too.
Does anyone have an opinion on the Golite sleeping bags?
michaelosborne
12-08-2013, 16:39
I bought the Golite Z10 but sold it to fund my purchase of a Zpacks 20 degree bag. But as far as the Z10 it's a really nice bag. It's made out of a thin material to save on the weight, the loft is great, it's got a nice collar draft tube, and is super warm. The only reason I switched bags is purely to save some weight. They did a review on backpacker.com about the Golite Z series so do a quick google search and check that out too, they were raving about the warmth.
The one thing I was not sure about is the temp rating on a bag? Do I need a 10 degree bag or go with a 20 degree bag?
michaelosborne
12-08-2013, 16:59
I'll be starting my thru on March 1st and am going with a 20 degree bag. It all depends on how comfortable you can sleep in colder weather( some people sleep really warm, some people sleep cold even in warm weather) and it will also be a factor of your layering system. If you have the proper clothing you can easily get away with a higher degree bag
In the cold weather I wear a base layer and a thick fleece pants and either a down coat or a heavy weight fleece coat. I do sleep on the warmer side. I just want to be ok, I think I will check the nigh time lows in VA in March. But I am Heading towards the 20 degree bag
The one thing I was not sure about is the temp rating on a bag? Do I need a 10 degree bag or go with a 20 degree bag?
It's easier to uncover or vent a heavier bag a little, than it is to warm up in a thinner bag.
sweettea
12-10-2013, 01:08
Man, I've got a marmot alpine trailblazer, rectangular, 40 degree, 2 lbs 10 oz, and I intend on leaving in march. I am cheap and I don't wanna buy a whole new bag, though I know that's where I could shed some oz's. Is there some sort of bag or liner that I can get to make my bag warmer without making it heavier...or should I just pony up and get the WM alpinlite, cuz dat bitch is bad.
TNF hightail series from mountaingear.com, light and toasty
Does anyone have an opinion on this bag: http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13342028&lmdn=Category&cp=3893527.11021492.29999786
Chubbs4U
12-11-2013, 01:00
If your willing to spend the money then get a WM bag. I know a site or 2 that just had a good deal on the WM bags.
CyborgAT
12-11-2013, 02:21
I have the Golite Z10 you mentioned. It won warmest bag from Backpacker Magazine and I can tell you that they were right. This bag is super warm. It packs down small and is pretty light. I'm taking it on my AT thru hike this year starting mid February and I know it will be plenty warm. I've used Golite products for a long time and you can't go wrong with them. Hope this helps.
I ordered the Z10 should be here next week. Early Christmas gift, I promise I won't open it until Christmas
Gonecampn
12-14-2013, 22:37
Marmot Down bag for me. But it's my one "luxury" item. Takes up quiet a bit of space in my Deutur bag. So worth it to me :)
Sent from somewhere in the woods.
Gonecampn
12-14-2013, 22:38
I have the Golite Z10 you mentioned. It won warmest bag from Backpacker Magazine and I can tell you that they were right. This bag is super warm. It packs down small and is pretty light. I'm taking it on my AT thru hike this year starting mid February and I know it will be plenty warm. I've used Golite products for a long time and you can't go wrong with them. Hope this helps.
I'm definitely gonna check this bag out :)
Sent from somewhere in the woods.
The Z10 is expensive compared to the 20 degree sleeping bag. The Z10 is 349.99 and the 20 degree sleeping bag is 149.99. But it packs down to 7 inches by 12 inches
RedBeerd
12-25-2013, 13:21
I feel like the z10 would be too warm for the majority of a thru hike starting in march. it may be nice at first but i sweat like crazy even in a 30 degree bag once the weather warms up! but bodies are different. i went Zpacks 20 over the WM bags due to weight. price is basically the same and they are both very high quality.
I do have a 30 degree Silver city bag that I got from Cabela's. I will use that once it gets warmer
squeezebox
12-25-2013, 23:40
Shoulder girth was a big issue for me in choosing a bag , most long bags are + 2" from regular bags. some ultra light bags are - inches from regular bags.
Just be careful that it is not a noisy one. I got one of those, and it was a horrible 10 nights and days on my section hike!