PDA

View Full Version : What summer sleeping bag would you get for $100-150?



Earl Grey
03-12-2007, 22:42
For hiking the AT NOBO what bag would you get and why for that price? I got a 15 degree bag ill probaly use in the Whites and points north but until then it would be way too hot for me in the summer as I sleep rather warm.

Revolutionist_Rob
03-13-2007, 00:09
https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=1102&hinban=1121732
1lb 2oz 40degree down bag that packs to be smaller than my nalgene. i have the older model of this and can say nothing but the absolute best about it. But..... it isnt in the price range you specified. I'm just pointing it out as i know its worth every penny for a Summer bag.

The Synthetic version of it
https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=1105&hinban=1121702
is what one of my friends has, its 120$ and is fairly nice. 1.9lbs and packs up small... but it isnt nearly as small/light as the down version....

In the 2 years ive had my montbell down bag, it has never failed me ever. I've used it every single day for 8 weeks straight for 2 summers now in the ADK. Used it in a hammock, in tents, on just a pad outside. Its worked in a hammock below 30 before. I really cannot stress enough just how nice of a bag it is. In my opinion, it is 'THE' summer bag. However, i know price is a big thing, but honestly, I'd splurge. Otherwise i know the synthetic works well too.

hammock engineer
03-13-2007, 00:13
If you are not afraid to sew or know someone who can, consider modifing a cheap bag into a quilt.

Here is a link to a thread over on hammock forums where I trimed a summer sleeping bag into a top quilt. Manufactor temp rating was 50 degrees. I used it a little indoors, it seems about right. But I am a warm sleeper.

Finished weight is 15oz and total cost is $33 shipped.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=383

PM me if you have any questions.

Sly
03-13-2007, 00:17
https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=1102&hinban=1121732
1lb 2oz 40degree down bag that packs to be smaller than my nalgene. i have the older model of this and can say nothing but the absolute best about it. But..... it isnt in the price range you specified. I'm just pointing it out as i know its worth every penny for a Summer bag.


Here's 2006 model #4 on sale...

http://www.prolitegear.com/montbell-ul-ss-down-hugger-4_long_2006.html

A little more than you wanted to spend but a good deal.

Revolutionist_Rob
03-13-2007, 03:20
yah the 06's are 725fill down, the 07's are 800fill. I bet all the 06's go on sale as the 07's become more plentiful. Good time to buy 'em. +++ Stuff

kyhipo
03-13-2007, 06:45
scorpio bag by N.face very light and comfy,ky

Midway Sam
03-13-2007, 08:25
There is a local outfitter here in Lexington, KY that has their 2006 Mont Bell bags 25% off. The stock is dwindling but the last time I checked they had a #5 that I think was $168 or so on sale. If you live out of state they won't charge you sales tax.

It's this bag:

http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/bagdetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__PRODUCTID=MTB394

PM me if interested.

rafe
03-13-2007, 08:30
campsaver.com (http://www.campsaver.com) almost always has specials on name-brand bags. Eg. (right now) Mountain Hardwear 1st Dimension (30 degrees) for $100, and other models by Marmot and Mont-Bell.

DawnTreader
03-13-2007, 11:05
Jacks R Better Shennendoah summer quilt works great for me....:)

Sly
03-13-2007, 11:10
There is a local outfitter here in Lexington, KY that has their 2006 Mont Bell bags 25% off. The stock is dwindling but the last time I checked they had a #5 that I think was $168 or so on sale. If you live out of state they won't charge you sales tax.

It's this bag:

http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/bagdetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__PRODUCTID=MTB394

PM me if interested.

Sam, Thanks again for the lead. I called Phillip Gall's last week and ordered the #1 long. They charged $7 for shipping but no sales tax and I got my bag yesterday.

Midway Sam
03-13-2007, 11:11
Sam, Thanks again for the lead. I called Phillip Gall's last week and ordered the #1 long. They charged $7 for shipping but no sales tax and I got my bag yesterday.

Glad to help!

Sly
03-13-2007, 11:14
campsaver.com (http://www.campsaver.com) almost always has specials on name-brand bags. Eg. (right now) Mountain Hardwear 1st Dimension (30 degrees) for $100, and other models by Marmot and Mont-Bell.

The Montbell #1 long at Campsaver, although on sale, is $40 more than the outfitter in Lexington that Midway Sam mentioned. Edit: I guess I should mention, I got the last one! :D

Earl Grey
03-13-2007, 12:53
Wow these Montbells are really nice. Ive been reading up on them and some of the designs they use are really innovative. The difference between the #4 and #5 is 5 degrees and a few ounces. Would a 35* bag be better over a 40* bag for the AT in the summer? It says you can use the 40 down to 28.

Earl Grey
03-13-2007, 13:48
Also what is the difference between these two?

https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=&hinban=1121741

https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=1102&hinban=1121732

One isnt a "hugger" I take it.

Hoku
03-13-2007, 14:23
Yet another vote for the MB #5 stretchy for summertime. You can use the footbox as a stuff sack, making a nice cushion and saving another .5 oz.

A good sleeping bag is a fine place to splurge a little

Sly
03-13-2007, 14:30
Also what is the difference between these two?

https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=&hinban=1121741

https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=1102&hinban=1121732

One isnt a "hugger" I take it.

They're both huggers so to speak, as they both stretch, but SS hugger has a wider girth.

Sly
03-13-2007, 14:33
Also what is the difference between these two?

https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=&hinban=1121741

https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=1102&hinban=1121732

One isnt a "hugger" I take it.

It you want one with a wider girth as found in the SS why not get one of last years models? Here's the #4 a bit warmer than the above, but on sale and less money.

http://www.prolitegear.com/montbell-...long_2006.html

weary
03-13-2007, 14:51
My summer bag for three decades has been a North Face down sleeping bag liner. I've long forgotten what it was called, but that doesn't matter since it almost certainly has long since been discontinued.

It's gradually lost weight over the years, and now weighs around a pound and a half, or so.

My point is that a good down bag lasts forever. I wouldn't skimp, just to save a few bucks, especially if you plan to continue hiking for a long time.

Also, don't wrry too much about ratings. I used my ancient bag through mid October in Maine in 1993. 18 months ago I used it on a tour of the northern national parks, camping some nights at 9,000 feet in snow and in below freezing temperatures. Just wear a fleece jacket or other spare clothes when temperatures drop.

Weary

rswanson
03-13-2007, 15:21
I bought my The North Face Blue Kazoo for about $120 a few years back. They've since redesigned the bag but it looks like mostly cosmetic changes. Its a bit heavy at almost 3lbs but very accurately rated at 20 degrees. Its been a reliable bag. I've since moved on to lighter options but I'd still recommend the Blue Kazoo to those on a budget.

I've also heard many good things about Campmor's down bags. The 20 degree (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=86896&memberId=12500226)version weighs 2lb 4oz and sells for $110. That's hard to beat.

dla
03-13-2007, 16:20
I bought my The North Face Blue Kazoo for about $120 a few years back. They've since redesigned the bag but it looks like mostly cosmetic changes. Its a bit heavy at almost 3lbs but very accurately rated at 20 degrees. Its been a reliable bag. I've since moved on to lighter options but I'd still recommend the Blue Kazoo to those on a budget.

I've also heard many good things about Campmor's down bags. The 20 degree (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=86896&memberId=12500226)version weighs 2lb 4oz and sells for $110. That's hard to beat.

+1 for the Campmor bag. I use one as a quilt. If I were doing it over again I would look into a Fanatic Fringe quilt, or make my own.

Bear C3300
03-13-2007, 17:24
I have used a Slumberjack Super Guide 30°F ThermoliteŽ Extreme Sleeping Bag - Regular for the last three years. The nice feature is the foot end is zippered for warm weather. It also has mesh to keep anything from coming in with you. It does weigh about a pound more than a down bag. But poor ways for poor folk. It also is less than half of the price.

aroth87
03-13-2007, 17:26
If I were doing it over again I would look into a Fanatic Fringe quilt, or make my own.
I just ordered the quilt kit from thru-hiker w/ 9 oz of down. I'm planning on making a summer quilt from it and with a few extras the total cost was $111 shipped.
I don't have a lot of sewing experience but I'm not worried about being able to complete the project in the least.

Adam

panama snail
03-20-2007, 14:42
I have the MB #5 and used it this weekend in 37 degree with 40 MPH winds with a wind chill of 30 degrees, not exactly summer weather but I slept comfortable with fleece and long johns.