View Full Version : Switching to warmer sleeping bag
Toolumpy
03-02-2011, 01:38
Where or where on the trail did you switch to a higher degree sleeping bag? I know it's different for every body and weather makes a difference. Just wondering.
Where or where on the trail did you switch to a higher degree sleeping bag? I know it's different for every body and weather makes a difference. Just wondering.
Pearisburg.
garlic08
03-02-2011, 09:51
Best advice I heard on the topic (after making a mistake about it and switching at Pearisburg too early in May) is to wait until the Trail Days weekend (mid-May), no matter where you are. It really depends on your pace.
I never did make the switch. Just kept the same bag throughout the entire hike. I did have a silk liner, and on really hot nights that was often enough to fall asleep with. More often than not though it would still get chilly at night and I'd end up using my bag as a quilt to keep me warm.
Still, were I to hike the AT again, I would switch out bags. I didn't back in '98 because I didn't have the $$$ for a second bag. If you have the money though, you might as well. Though I'd still suggest carrying a silk liner for the really hot nights.
As to when/where... it will just depend. Play it by ear. My guess though would be mid Virginia.
Toolumpy
03-02-2011, 15:03
I am leaving from Hot Springs May 13th? and was planning on buying a Western Mountaineering Caribou 35 degree and a bag liner. I sleep warm also.
I started with a 30 degree bag at Springer on 3/4/10. I mailed it to myself up the trail at Harper's Ferry as I hadn't used it at all for two weeks. Used just my silk liner through the mid-Atlantic states and kept bouncing the bag north. Occasionally had to put on an extra layer of clothes at night. Finally retrieved it in Williamsburg, MA just in time--it got down below 50 degrees the first night out of Williamsburg.
Toolumpy
03-02-2011, 21:34
Thanx for all the replies.
well - I'll just be a smart ass here - I was SOBO - I switched to a really warm bag near Mt. Rogers, VA about the first day of October!
Blissful
03-02-2011, 22:52
By third week of May
Blissful
03-02-2011, 22:54
well - I'll just be a smart ass here - I was SOBO - I switched to a really warm bag near Mt. Rogers, VA about the first day of October!
Cool!
:D:D
Still, were I to hike the AT again, I would switch out bags. I didn't back in '98 because I didn't have the $$$ for a second bag. If you have the money though, you might as well.
What bag would you buy for a summer bag?
What bag would you buy for a summer bag?
Either the Western Mountaineering Highlite, or the Summerlite. Both weigh in at just about a pound.
i love high-end gear but maybe my favorite summer bag is a really really light Slumberjack brand bag -I think it was $50.00 at Diamond Brand - the thing probably was a 40 degree when I got it 10 years ago - it's lighter now -been 1000 miles or so - might weigh about 15 ounces including the stuff sack - it's great - I add a Patagonia Nano-puff jacket and a stocking cap and take it into the low 40s, maybe high 30s if I add a hot water bottle. I love western mountaineering bags too (I have two for winter) - but I'll pit the Slumberjack against either in a tarp in a hard blowing rain.
HiKen2011
03-03-2011, 23:01
Marmot pounder, great summer bag at 16ozs.
How about a Monte Bell #5, 40 degrees and weighs 1 lb.?
How about a Monte Bell #5, 40 degrees and weighs 1 lb.?
Can't beat a Montbell. I've had my MB UL SS #2 for 3 yrs. Great bag!
How about a Monte Bell #5, 40 degrees and weighs 1 lb.?
This is what I ordered for my summer bag.