View Full Version : Zero Degree Down Bag
Interested in purchasing a 0-Degree Down bag in the near future. The prices seem to range from$160--$500 so interested in hearing from those that have purchased Zero bags and their thoughts on weather or not the extra $$'s really make that much difference.
I will probably only use this new bag until the end of March before returning to use my Golite 20 Degree bag.
Which bags did u purchase and what have been the results in using them in single digit temps.
Thank you.
Jim Adams
01-18-2011, 20:38
I am very happy with an EMS Mountain lite series 0* that I bought about 10 years ago at a great price. It works great down to 0*. I bought another one last year in like new condition at a great price. Just shop around and ask alot of questions...the deals are out there if you look enough.
BTW, I used the bag to Pearisburg...late march can still put you into single digits on the trail.
geek
Since you have a 20°, have you thought about getting a lighter weight bag for summer, maybe a 40° and then layering the two in winter. The lighter weight will be less expensive.
Let's compare two bags.
Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF 0°F
2 lbs, 12 oz
30 oz of down fill
Stuff size, 9x18", 1145 cu in
Kelty Coromell 0°F
4 lbs, 1 oz
40 oz of down fill
Stuff size, 9x15", 954 cu in
Oops, I forgot to mention a difference of $400.
kayak karl
01-18-2011, 21:16
go-lite 0° adrenaline was the best i had. held true
Let's compare two bags.
Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF 0°F
2 lbs, 12 oz
30 oz of down fill
Stuff size, 9x18", 1145 cu in
Kelty Coromell 0°F
4 lbs, 1 oz
40 oz of down fill
Stuff size, 9x15", 954 cu in
The difference being, the WM is 800-900 fp down, and the Kelty is 550 - the WM is most certainly going to be accurately rated. 550 is LOW quality and full of feathers.
I would buy the WM and take care of it, and have decades of warmth. And if I ever decided to never go out below 20F again, I could sell it. Easily.
Go with a stretch and down. Try a Montbell. Get it in, roll around in it, and imagine sleeping in it - you'll like it. If you're going to spend the $ on a down bag, make sure it's comfortable :)
I'm not going to call into question the accuracy of the temperature ratings. I don't think that's worth discussing unless someone has tested it.
Yes, the type of down is one difference, although it seems that Kelty attempts to make up for it with a greater quantity of down.
Fabric can make a huge difference. WM uses fabric that is 1.15 oz/yd. Kelty is using 40D and 50D fabric. Depending on what specific fabric you look at, there may not be a huge difference.
The given dimensions of both bags seems to be the same, although the Kelty bag is described as being very roomy in reviews.
The one or two things you get when you spend more money is less weight and greater water resistance.
Personally, if I was spending big money for something only down to 0°F, I'd get a quilt because I'd really want to benefit from the weight savings. For colder temperatures I would get a sleeping bag.
As endubyu suggested, layering might be a very good solution. For about $200 you could build a quilt that weighs less than 12 ounces and packs very small. Check out this 10.8 ounce quilt (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=41535&skip_to_post=353704#353704) someone just built. In this case, I think it may be the best compromise.
Since you have a 20°, have you thought about getting a lighter weight bag for summer, maybe a 40° and then layering the two in winter. The lighter weight will be less expensive.
On my last hike a few weeks ago I did this... I took my Mont Bell 20* bag and my 50* Mont Bell bag and put it inside the 20*.
Supposedly it got down to 8* in the valley and I was at close to 5000' just south of Big Bald so who knows what the temp was where I was - the wind was howling too. I stayed very warm.
That Kelty Coromell bag is on Steep and Cheap right now for $109.99... Just sayin'
go-lite 0° adrenaline was the best i had. held true
That's $500 bag... I'm mighty tempted to use that 40% off Golite coupon and grab one.
Worse case I could probably sell it for what I had in it.
Where do u find the 40% off Golite coupon that u are referring to?
I have a Montbell 0* spiral. About 2 and a half pounds but still kept me toasty into the negative teens a few nights back with just a light set of fleece. So I would definitely say that the pricetag is worth it on a good bag if you ever think you might do any real winter camping with it in the future.
The code 10-K is referring to:
40% off on your first item from Golite (www.golite.com (http://www.golite.com/)) with coupon code DSW10. Free shipping on orders over $75 going on right now which applies too.
Coupon good until March 21, 2011....
...........................
i have had several 0* bags, both down and synthetic. let's see, my old synthetic ll bean lasted 16 years and still going strong but lost it's true rating about 7 or 8 years ago. heavy. my campmore down, never stayed that warm in single digits. finally splurged and got a montbell ul ss down. swore i would never have anything else and now they've changed it to some weird spiral thingie.
i've also used friends' bags and i have to say, the montbell is the best bag i've ever been in. soft, fluffy, warm. and expensive. but worth it.
Try GoLite code DSW10. 40% off.
skinewmexico
01-19-2011, 10:47
STC has a good deal on some Sierra Designs bags now, if you subscribe to the newsletter and get an extra 25%.
kayak karl
01-19-2011, 11:07
That's $500 bag... I'm mighty tempted to use that 40% off Golite coupon and grab one.
Worse case I could probably sell it for what I had in it.
i paid $250. 2 years ago with coupon and it was only 400-435? at the time.
Thanks to everyone for all the advice and suggestions.
I ened up taking advantage of the 40% of and purchased the Golite --Zero Down Mummy Bag.
Thanks again.