View Full Version : 30 degree bag?
Neurosis
03-04-2008, 10:55
I already own a 30 degree bag and realy dont want to have to drop more money on a warmer bag, I personally dont think its nessacary. But was just wondering your opinions on wether or not a 30 degree bag was sufficient enough for the first month or so of hiking, lets say if I planned on starting sometime in Mid March, would this bag suffice?. And lets say its not the best choice, what would be a good start date for a 30 degree bag?
any bag can work with the right help. a liner, some clothes (puffy down jacket/vest) bivy bag, etc all add to what you can get away with. Just don't trust anything which says it adds 15 degrees, because it won't.
Ghosthiker
03-04-2008, 12:17
I've actually had good luck using a rectangle fleece liner with my mummy bag inside of it. Seems to do better, for me.
Night time temps in the teens isn't unusual at that time of year.
I carried the same 35 degree bag on all of my hikes. It can be done without freezing yourself. First, carry and sleep in a tent. This adds a few degrees there. Second, put the clothes on, including the hat. If your feet and head are sufficiently covered, you are in your clothes, in a 30 degree down bag, in a tent, I don't think a late winter chill will freeze you out. Bring some heatwarmers just in case. Light, cheap and do the trick.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
03-04-2008, 12:42
As Sly notes, temps in the teens are fairly normal for Mid-March in the GA and NC mountains. I would delay my start to at least the first week in April - maybe later.
ChinMusic
03-04-2008, 13:47
Even early April can get dang cold. Just last year was a good example.
DesertMTB
03-04-2008, 14:37
As Sly notes, temps in the teens are fairly normal for Mid-March in the GA and NC mountains. I would delay my start to at least the first week in April - maybe later.
There comes that motherly side
I've had very good experience using an old bed sheet to supplement.
Mine is an overstuffed Feathered Friends Wren down bag, 850 fill so it is probably 300F rated. It is all I use for three-season. It is the only bag I use. I leave for Amocalola 25 March, three weeks away!