View Full Version : Sleeping Bag Ideas???
wsuhoops
02-16-2012, 00:50
I am planning a thru-hike for May 2012, any advice on a bag?? I've heard good things about WM...
Smooth & Wasabi
02-16-2012, 02:03
I go down and like the montbell ulss not much heavier than WM but much roomier. Are you looking for one bag for the whole trip? I would personally go with a 30degree and have down jacket,pants, and booties available to stretch it toward the end. I sleep warm however and many folks prefer a lower rated bag (15?) depending how far you go into the fall.
I used a 30 degree down bag (Marmot). One night it was in the 20's and I used my beanie and jacket. Ground insulation is important so choose a pad that gives some insulation. I used a automobile sunscreen for insulation on my Big Agnes air mattress, worked fine.
bigcranky
02-16-2012, 08:41
Starting in Georgia? A decent 30-F bag should be fine if you are a fast hiker and can finish before it gets too cold in Maine. WM, Montbell, Feathered Friends, Marmot, and others make good bags. Find one that fits well.
swjohnsey
02-16-2012, 08:50
I am planning a thru-hike for May 2012, any advice on a bag?? I've heard good things about WM...
I can't see how you can go far wrong with WM. The Highlite weighs a pound rated 35 F.
roguedeadguy
02-16-2012, 09:27
I used a Mountain Hardware Phantom 32. Weighs less than 2 lbs but is rated to 32 degrees. Ship it away when it gets warm...get it back before the White Mtns.
garlic08
02-16-2012, 09:39
All good advice above. (I think everyone's assuming a NOBO.) I'd even consider a 30F down quilt for that hike. I just ordered one for a summer bicycle tour.
Since you're starting that late, I also assume you're planning a pretty fast pace and don't plan on hiking in New England in November? If that happens, you can always get another bag, or by then you'll be pretty confident in whatever you're carrying.
Western Mountaineering--for me the absolute standard. I have a Kodiak (0-D) and a Tamarak (32 D), getting an Alpinlite for the CT this summer, It is a bag for life.
wsuhoops
02-16-2012, 12:48
Yes thank you guys, I am a NOBO. Thanks for your great ideas and support.
skinewmexico
02-16-2012, 16:07
Check the WM specs, they make different models with the same temp rating for different shoulder girths. Or get a quilt.
Feathered Friends equipment is on a par with Western Mountaineering, and just as pricey. I have two of their bags - a Great Auk overbag and a Rock Wren inner bag with foot and arm holes.
I also have a Montbell ULAP liner bag, and a Golite Feather-Lite zipperless bag. All are well made.
The Golite bag is in my avatar and I use the Montbell bag inside it in cold weather (or alone in the summer). My son currently has the Rock Wren, and my wife uses the Great Auk because she sleeps cold.
I used a 30 degree down bag (Marmot). One night it was in the 20's and I used my beanie and jacket. Ground insulation is important so choose a pad that gives some insulation. I used a automobile sunscreen for insulation on my Big Agnes air mattress, worked fine.
look what on sale at REI!
http://www.rei.com/product/762525/marmot-hydrogen-30-sleeping-bag
15236
why such a late start?
Probably doesn't want to miss any good tornadoes (check OP's location). ;)
pepkbell
02-19-2012, 02:13
macpac is awsome water proof plus warm and light
4eyedbuzzard
02-19-2012, 11:02
macpac is awsome water proof plus warm and light $600+ USD for a 30°F rated, 2lb bag? Overpriced IMO and more so given paying shipping from NZ. Looks high quality, but a bit heavy and expensive compared to similar WM, FF, and Montbell products..
WM for me all the way. I got one from a local online shop and it came with a granite gear event compression sack. They are the best bags in my mind.