"Extended-size" sleeping bag, pad

[K2]

OK, I know there are more sleeping bag threads than Carter has little pills. However, people talk about plus size bags, but don't really give specific measurements.

I need more specific information. I am of average height and 55" in the hips.

These are bags REI has suggested to me:

The Big Agnes Amber SL +30 Sleeping Bag - Women's Regular
http://www.rei.com/product/779842
Big Agnes Skinny Fish +20 Sleeping Bag
http://www.rei.com/product/798608
(http://www.rei.com/product/798608)REI Zen +25 Sleeping Bag - Women's Regular
http://www.rei.com/product/778183

She suggested others, but these were too heavy or expensive. She also suggest a couple of base camp sleeping pads, since these are wider, but both were too heavy.

How heavy are Ensolites? I have a friend that will give me one, and I thought, if it wasn't too heavy, I could use one, or part of one, in addition to a new generation pad.

I can't spend more than $250 for both. I may be able to afford something else later on.

Also, who does quilts, and is that a viable option?

Now, I know there are more brands and better choices out there, but I'm not certain where to look.

Thanks for your help. ~K2~

[K2]

P.S. I'm looking closely at Big Agnes Skinny Fish as it provides the most room of these choices. ~K2~

[Mountain Wildman]

The Amber SL at 55" will just fit, No room to move.
The Skinny Fish with 66" Hip Girth will give you some room.
The Zen is in the middle of the other bags with 60".

[redmarbleshoe]

I'm 5'10 and very curvy. size 18/20 pants. hips are like 62" all the way around. Finding a sleeping bag where I was comfortable, definitely warm enough and light, was a challenge. I did lots of research and trying on bags at all the outdoor stores within 100 miles.

I came down to 1 investment that will work for the whole year. My lovely bag is a Montbell down super stretch #2, rated 25 degrees.

http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=29&p_id=1121747

When I need more warmth, I used a liner called the reflector. OMG! I was roasting down to about 38 degrees. So really I could easily go down to the mid 20s comfortably, and I am a VERY cold sleeper. Constant Popsicle feet. no joke.

I would recommend this bag to anyone. I used to sleep on the ground, tenting it in our 3 person tarp tent, using my 3/4 insulated inflatable pad (19oz). I used my pack for leg support and padding. I now am grateful for my hammock. I still use my sleeping bag as a top quilt, but sometimes I get in it too since there is a great amount of room. I love my bag. I usually end up with my face slightly under the neck baffle/guard part, keeping my face warm, and it is so perfectly roomy that I do not get condensation on my down bag

I hope this info helps when you make your decision. Good luck and and have fun SHOPPING!

[Roland]

~

How heavy are Ensolites? I have a friend that will give me one, and I thought, if it wasn't too heavy, I could use one, or part of one, in addition to a new generation pad.

~

Wow, that takes me back a few years.

Ensolite is a brand name of closed cell foam. In the 70s Ensolite was very popular. Because they were the first, some old guys like me sometime refer to any closed cell pad as "ensolite", though technically that is not correct.

The weight of Ensolite is similar to that of the blue pads commonly found today. They are lightweight, but bulky; they don't compress. They provide good insulation, but because they don't compress, they aren't very cushy.

Some manufacturers have tried to offset the bulk by producing folding pads. These take less space than roll-up versions. Others have molded the foam into an egg-crate pattern, with claims to improve comfort.

For the price, an Ensolite pad provides good insulation and low weight. If comfort is your top priority, explore other options.

[K2]

Thank you for your comments.

I didn't think the Ensolite would be worth it, but I had to ask. Regardless, I am getting a better sleeping pad.

The Montbell sounds good, but I may have to go with synthetic--cheaper. I am looking at other websites to find a bargain.

Thank you all again for your comments. ~K2~