A new bag in my future? [Archive]

View Full Version : A new bag in my future?

mnof1000v

11-04-2005, 20:50

hikerjohnd

11-04-2005, 22:19

You're going to get lots of info on this topic... Like all gear, you have to find what works for you.

Having said that - I love my Kelty Light Year 25 (and I have a 45 as well). It is roomy, and as a big guy, I find it warm and comfortable. I sleep warm, so I have not needed anything warmer (and I've had the 25 down to about 15 with no problem).

Almost There

11-04-2005, 22:21

Marmot Helium 15 degree down. Weighs 1lb13oz. The loft is fantastic...and I have never seen anyone say anything but wonderful things about it. It will last forever. You can find it for around $310 if you shop around online. The Kelty bags are great too. I have a 45 degree down for summer hiking. Good Luck.

TDale

11-04-2005, 22:49

Campmor 20F down bag. Best bargain out there.

Burn

11-04-2005, 23:11

i've got a 15* kelty and a slumberjack that you will survive in but is really a summer bag. since yer going in winter (march) yer gonna want the lower temp bag. i personally prefer synthetic bags....down just does't hold up to the moutain rain. you get it too.

if yer bag works fine, but yer worried about lower temps, maybe you could add an inexpensive liner (nylon or fleece) and ship it home once you get to daleville.

DangerPea

11-04-2005, 23:32

Ok, so I don't have the most expensive bag or anything, but it's kinda suited me well in the times I've needed it. I have a simple, inexpensive EMS brand Solstice Switchback rated both 25 and 45 degrees, depending on which side you choose to use. It's been pretty cozy, but I'm thinking that might not be quite enough for the early part of my AT run (which I hope to start in early March '06). Any thoughts, or suggestions for other bags?:-?

For an early march start I highly suggest something that will keep YOU warm at 10 degrees. You can expect if not one night at 10 degrees, several.

There were several people out there in early march with WM ultralight 20 degree bag, considered a conservative rating, and they froze (Stick most noticably). We used versalite supers from WM and they kept us warm...

Danger and Gravity

Kerosene

11-05-2005, 15:44

The premium manufacturers are Western Mountaineering (http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=Products&page=Sleeping%20Bags) and Feathered Friends (http://www.featheredfriends.com/productoverview.aspx?CatId=1&selection=0). Nunatak (http://www.nunatakusa.com/down_outerwear_sleeping_bags.htm) offers some rather unique high-quality bag designs. Marmot (http://www.marmot.com/products/subcat.php?cat=bags&subcat=33) makes some nice bags also. I ended up going with a WM Ultralite due to availability, but I was intrigued by the Moonstone 800 Lucid (http://www.moonstone.com/).

Whatever you end up with, make sure that you get a DWR (durable water-repellent) shell, which really comes in handy if you're in an open-face shelter and the rain/snow/fog drifts in, or if you're in a tent with condensation issues.

alalskaman

11-05-2005, 18:36

I think the answer to how warm a bag you need, sort of depends on how many clothes you carry...reading these threads, it seems (to me, just me) that some people carry an entire closet of clothing...which if they wear it all to bed, they can get by with a rather light bag. Now, for some reason, my method for years has been to wear one set of clothing, freeze or sweat during the day, tough it out, and then have a really warm bag for night...if I think its going to be 10, have a zero bag, etc. Lately, I've been wondering why I've done it that way....a couple more layers, windshirt, whatever, turns out to be rather nice for during the day...so I'm moving the other direction, carry a few more clothes and a lighter bag....I'm still convinced you need a killer pad, though. People IMO seriously underestimate the amt of heat you lose to the ground. Bill