Hey all, just got off my first ever section hike on Georgia AT! had some bad luck the first night and had to set up camp in the pouring rain with rapidly dropping temps to about ~35 degrees. It gave me the chance to learn that my 30 deg REI Polar Pod just won't cut it in the future. The next night it was warmer at 40 degrees but I still was chilly and would like to go warmer. I don't plan on upgrading the sleeping bag for a few months at least but I would like some direction on a good quality bag under or around 150-200$.
The end goal is to thru hike or do a long section on the AT from Georgia and it would be around an early May start so I'm thinking a 20 deg bag might do the trick? I know the pros and cons of down vs synthetic and i have to say that synthetic is tempting after sleeping in one even tho I was pretty wet from the rain, but I would consider down. What do you all suggest? I want quality that will last me for years to come, thanks!!