Sleeping Bag?

[JackJack96]

I am looking for a cheap sleeping bag less than 2.5 pounds. I am trying to plan a backpacking trip for other Scouts. Most are out of shape and I am trying to help them lighten the load.

[Feral Bill]

How cheap and how warm?

[JackJack96]

Like below $150 and 40º is acceptable but 35º is preferable.

[Venchka]

There is cheap.
There is under 2 1/2 pounds.
Pick one. You may have a hard time finding both qualities in the same bag.
Sierra Trading Post has a lot of bags starting around $60 up to $200. Most are over 2 1/2 pounds.
Good luck.

Wayne

[Venchka]

I was typing while you were typing. Try this page at Sierra Trading Post. On the left you can pick a price range. You can then sort from lowest to highest price.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sleeping-bags~d~208/priceor~%2425-%2479.99%3b%2480-%24119.99%3b%24120-%24179.99/

Wayne

[JackJack96]

I found one on Sierra Trading Post, a Marmot 40º Bridger Down, at $119 and 2lb 3oz. Not sure about it though, so still open to suggestions.

[bigcranky]

Kelty Cosmic 41 is less than 2 pounds, costs $120.

http://www.rei.com/product/847648/kelty-cosmic-down-41-sleeping-bag

[JackJack96]

Thank you big cranky. Has anyone used the Kelty Cosmic 41?

[bigcranky]

I have not, though I used a Kelty Light Year 40F bag years ago. It was well made and roomy, though perhaps better rated at 50F :)

[MuddyWaters]

Sierra trading post and Department of Goods both will have some.

NEVER buy anything from Sierra Trading post without searching for a coupon first. You can often find a 20-40% off coupon code online somewhere .
If you dont, they will probably send you one after you purchase. Dont feel guilty about using it to purchase the item again, and send back the original for refund.

One of the best bags would be the MH Ultralamina 32

[Skid.]

My warm weather bag is a Kelty Lightyear XP, bought about 3 years ago. Good price, VERY light, rated +40. I use with a fleece liner on 40 degree nites.

[JackJack96]

I got my hands on an amazing deal. My grandfather gets free military surplus every year for his continued service, and he gave me the military modular patrol sleeping system. I will use the green inner bag. It is good to 30º, is 2lbs and 3 oz. And I got it free!

[FarmerChef]

This is what I use (http://www.amazon.com/Texsport-15207-Fleece-Sleeping-Bag/dp/B001916XG4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369852926&sr=8-1&keywords=fleece+sleeping+bag) in the summer or when temps are going to be in the mid to upper 40s and above. It's technically a fleece sleeping bag liner going by the brand Texsport. It costs $15 on Amazon and it has served me, my wife and my kids for over half the AT (we add an Apex quilt in the winter). So it's durable.

That said, your comfort mileage may vary. For $15 it's worth a try in the back yard to see how you like it. At 1.2 pounds and $15 it's pretty close to the best "value" I know of. And, if it's going to get down into the upper 30s, I add more clothing to my sleep system to push the rating a bit lower. So if you're competently creative, you can eek a bit more out of this closer to your desired range. Let me stress that this is probably NOT the right approach for inexperienced hikers and something I would not recommend to scouts without them trying it on the coldest night they anticipate and in the safety of their back yard. If it doesn't work, you have plenty of money left to buy a more expensive bag and a decent bag liner to go with it.

Also with regard to this and the other thread you posted on: you can pack light and cheap. Not pennies cheap but not $1,000 either. Be creative and look for used gear as well as common everyday items you can repurpose for hiking. For instance, when I was a scout I had a metal canteen and a metal mess kit (they still this kit!). Ugh. Now I drink the soda out of a soda bottle and use it for water. I use a Gladware bowl and lid as a plate and bowl and a Taco Bell spork for my utensil. Bring an extra spork if you're worried about it breaking. Want to make pudding or whipped cream? No problem. Put it and your powdered milk/water into the bowl. Clamp the lid on and shake. Yummm. Total cost for all 3? Uh. Somewhere around $2.00. What do I heat my water in? Well, if I wasn't hiking with my entire family (5 to 6 depending on the hike) I would use a 2 quart aluminum pot ($20 - light), a Wal Mart "grease pot" ($10 - lighter) or a soda/beer can pot ($free after drinking the soda - no beer for you :) - lightest ).

By the way, I think I saw you posting on other items you're putting together for your troop hike. Good job taking the initiative to seek council from the broader hiking community as you plan the logistics around your hike. Feel free to keep asking questions. Being prepared will help make your trip that much more enjoyable for everyone involved. From one scouter to another...

[Trebor66]

Just bought a Marmot Cloudbreak 30 (long) at REI for $119.99 and it weighs in at 2lb 4oz. Haven't tried it outside yet but it seems to be a decent bag for the money.

[slbirdnerd]

I just bought a Sierra Designs Zissou 23 from REI on sale for less than $200, I think it was on sale over the weekend. Today it is $219. It weighs 2 lbs. 1 oz. I think there is stuff out there in your range, but you have to look for it. Also try Campmor and Backcountry.com, they have some great sales sometimes.