Should I upgrade my sleeping bag?

[robertblake60]

Ok, I need some advice.

Some info:
I'm 6'0" male and currently weigh 210lbs.
I've got my pack weight down to 28.4lbs when loaded with food/water (18.4 w/o).
My current sleeping bag is an REI Polar Pod 25+deg. It weighs about 3.7lbs.
There are a lot of other sleeping bags out there, like the REI Igneo 20deg, that weight around 2lbs.
They also cost anywhere between $350 and $500.


I don't want to spend the money if I don't have to (I have the money, and can spend it if needed); but 1.6 lbs weight savings is quite a bit. But I think my pack is already pretty light. Thoughts?

[Karma13]

Is this for a thru? If so, what's your start date?

[robertblake60]

Yes, a thru. Starting on 3/9.

I'm also bringing a silk liner.

[tds1195]

Truthfully your pack isn't really that light. A lot of people can thru with much less than 28lbs. It's not a bad weight, but I wouldn't consider it light.

If I were you I would find a used sleeping bag that you can purchase instead of buying a new one. There are a lot of good ads on WB.

[flemdawg1]

Have you considered a quilt? You can pick up a really nice 20deg one for around $210-250, weighing <1.5lbs.
http://www.hammockgear.com/burrow-20/
http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/product/revelationx-20/
http://www.jacksrbetter.com/shop/sierra-sniveller/

[Stink Bug]

Do you have a bag for the summer weather? If not, rather than getting a ligher winter bag, I'd suggest getting another bag for the warmer months.

[Chaco Taco]

carried a 15 and switched to a 35

[robertblake60]

Have you considered a quilt? You can pick up a really nice 20deg one for around $210-250, weighing <1.5lbs.
http://www.hammockgear.com/burrow-20/
http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/product/revelationx-20/
http://www.jacksrbetter.com/shop/sierra-sniveller/

I hadn't considered a quilt...but I may now.

My plan is to simply use the silk liner for the summer months.

[Drybones]

Only you can answer your question...what's it worth to not carry 1.7 pounds for 2100 miles. Me personally, I'd get a lighter bag. I added about 4 oz of down to an old bag I had to use last spring. Since then I've purchased a Marmot Helium, on sale for $289 (long), weighs 2 lb-5oz. Now that I have a "good" bag I find myself still using the old REI Sub Kilo I modified, it weighs 2lb-3oz. Keep your eyes open and you can find some good deals on bags, I got my wife a 15 degree, 2 lb, 750 down bag for $134, she hasn't slept in it yet, which means I shouldn't have bought it even though it was a great deal.

[SCRUB HIKER]

Do you have a bag for the summer weather? If not, rather than getting a ligher winter bag, I'd suggest getting another bag for the warmer months.

I agree; keep the one you've got to start with, because it's right for the conditions. Don't listen to these people who say, "You should be lighter than 18.4lb." Of course you can always be lighter. Your base weight could be 10lb and there could be things you could improve on. I would guess 18.4lb is totally normal, maybe even lighter than average, for people starting the AT. I was 17lb and lighter than all my friends but one.

If I were you, I'd spend a little on a super-light down quilt for the summer months. Warm enough that you can survive the odd 40-degree night in the shoulder season, light enough that you can drape it over you the rest of the time and not overheat. Something like the Jacks R Better Sierra Stealth or GoLite's 1-season Down Quilt. Good luck on your hike this year.

[robertblake60]

Thanks everyone for the advice; I'm googling like crazy right now. haha

[jeffmeh]

A 20 deg quilt can get you through colder spells as it allows you to wear or drape more insulation over you without compressing it. It also works when warmer, as you can easily vent or "half wear" it.

My son did this last year with a Warbonnet Mamba. I really like the looks of the Revelation X.

[robertblake60]

A 20 deg quilt can get you through colder spells as it allows you to wear or drape more insulation over you without compressing it. It also works when warmer, as you can easily vent or "half wear" it.

My son did this last year with a Warbonnet Mamba. I really like the looks of the Revelation X.

I think this is exactly what I'm going to do. I like that Revx too, and it simplifies things.

[MyName1sMud]

Keep your old one. No point in fixing something that isn't broke.

[fredmugs]

Check the Selling Used Gear forum on this site. Also, and this is a pain, the website steapandcheap will occassionally throw up a bag for sale. Most of it's crap but every now and then something nice pops up.