View Full Version : Need help picking between 2 sleeping bags
Hey guys, i'm in the very early stages of planning a 2012 thru, and basically i'm looking to buy the sleeping bag i will be using. I will be getting it now basically because my old 20 degree bag is falling apart, and i need something for trips before hand. Im a full time college student, so $ is an issue, and im trying to buy the best gear that won't put me over budget. Im open to any suggestions but the 2 bags im looking at right now are the EMS boreal, and the REI polar pad. (both in long)
The Ems boreal is 3lbs 6 oz, usually priced at $150 on sale for $104, and with the student discount they offer (20%) it would come out to a little over $80
http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3655533&lmdn=Brand&cp=3677338.3737362.3705267
Rei Polar pod is rated 25 degrees, and weighs in at 3lbs 13 oz. and is also on sale for $73
http://www.rei.com/product/777920
any help would be wonderful!
skinewmexico
01-13-2011, 12:11
Are those the only choices? No Campmor down bag? No Luxurylite?
Hi
I had someone recommend the Eureka Casper its right about 3 pounds and is 15 degree rated. Its on sale at Cabelas for 49 and 59 for the long
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Camping/Sleeping-Bags|/pc/104795280/c/104770080/Eureka-Casper-Sleeping-Bag/732492.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2F_%2FN-1100675%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%3BMMcat104794380&WTz_l=SBC;MMcat104794380;cat104770080
4eyedbuzzard
01-13-2011, 12:16
FWIW, unless they make a mistake at checkout, EMS only gives you the 20% off on their full retail price.
halftime
01-13-2011, 12:18
Don't have experience with either bag, however for just a bit more money you can get a down bag that is much lighter than either. That said would go with lightest and lowest temp rating (if rating can be trusted).
check out the Marmot 15 degree Sorcerer. It has been a good bag for me down to 18 degrees no problem. packs small for a synthetic.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/search/SearchResults.aspx?allwords=sleeping%20bags&searchdescriptions=True
halftime
01-13-2011, 14:44
for just a bit more money you can get a down bag that is much lighter than either.
Are those the only choices? No Campmor down bag? No Luxurylite?
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___40065 (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___40065)
HiKen2011
01-13-2011, 14:45
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___40065 (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___40065)
Campmor 20 degree.
You might be able to find the 20 F degree down Kelty Trekker bag at Target for $50. That's the clearance price in the store.
i have the boreal and reccomend it. With a good pad (xped 7) i was comfortable to 10'. If it is strictly for backpacking, it's a little heavy compared to a down bag but compared to other synthetics its not bad weight wise. It packs down pretty small for being synth also. I use mine when I go on river trips- but for about a year and a half before i got a down bag this was my backpacking bag. Try it on in the store to make sure it fits you well.
Bags4266
01-13-2011, 15:56
http://www.rei.com/product/780903
On sale $160. 750 fill at 29oz, only down side is you need to be shaped like a pencil. People says its a great bag but a little narrow.
Campmor 20 degree.
I think I'm going to pick one up.
Obvisouly you like the bag but are there any negatives? And what do you like about it?
Hey guys thanks for the advice, the campmor one is interesting, ill look into it. Im open to any bag really as long as the price wont break the bank. again thanks for all the help guys!
I had read on WB about 2 weeks back about mention of the Eureka Casper 15+ degree for $49.00 at Cabela's. Bought one for the g/f. Haven't tried it out yet but quality seems pretty decent. Appears to be a great bag for the $. $8.00 shipping from Cabela's and arrived within 3 days.
I think I'm going to pick one up.
Obvisouly you like the bag but are there any negatives? And what do you like about it?
if you are very round you'll have issues with it
bigcranky
01-13-2011, 21:50
A four pound synthetic sleeping bag will take up a lot of space in your pack. A two pound down bag will be just as warm, take up a lot less space, and be two pounds lighter. That Campmor bag is a great deal for the price, as is the REI Sub Kilo when it's on sale.
I had a casper and its very tight and packs bulky.
Way to tight for me.
Comes with a compression sack.
The campmor 20dF down bag is about as good as it will get for a budget bag.
No DWR though.
If you have more $ get a montbell SS UL bag. Very roomy.
the Marmot Sorcerer is $70 at Sierra trading Post
JDB,
I own the campmor 20, good bag, but IMO, not 20 degree rated, more like warm 30. You could sleep warmer than me, thou. I think you need to do a couple of things before buying, if you are really wanting a good bag, and you do want a good bag. Size is important. Get to some good store, slip in some known bags, write down the model(s), go home look carefully at the specs. Then you get a feel for what size is at least close. Easier to shop on the internet that way, less chance for wrong size. Eliminate bags that are wrong size. What is lowest temp you could reasonably expect? I would buy a bag below that temp, regardless of maker. Sucks to be cold at night. I would recommend a major investment in an 800 fill power down bag, that will be good for a long time. Also, can be resold easily if needed to, down the line. Good luck.