Help me pick out a sleeping bag!!!!

[maconmatt]

Ok,

I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive (ok, really inexpensive) sleeping bag that is pretty lightweight. I think i've got my choices narrowed down a bit. Please give me your input on what you think is a good deal.

Lafuma Warm N' Light 600 -- 1lb.5oz. -- 37º: $64.95
Mountainsmith Recon +20 3D -- 2lb.14oz. -- 20º: $66.93
Kelty Auster 30+ -- 2lb.8oz. -- 30º: $57.93

I will be hiking primarily in the North Georgia area...

[The Solemates]

for an all around bag, id get the 20-degree one because it will be more versatile in a wider range of temperatures than the other two options.

[maconmatt]

Thanks for the help.

The Lafuma is down, while the other two are synthetic (Polarguard). At this price, will that make much of a difference?

[The Solemates]

Thanks for the help.

The Lafuma is down, while the other two are synthetic (Polarguard). At this price, will that make much of a difference?

the difference is weight. you can look at the numbers and tell that. i wouldnt be hesitant in buying synthetic or down.

[rswanson]

I will be hiking primarily in the North Georgia area...

During what time of year will most of your hiking be done?

[maconmatt]

During what time of year will most of your hiking be done?

I may occasionally use it in early/late winter, but I'll be using it primarily in Spring/Summer...

[stuco]

I just got a mountainsmith 45 degree bag advertised at 1lb 14oz and when I got it I weighed it (several times) on a digital postal scale and it is actually 2lbs 6.5oz. You can't trust their weight as advertised.

[jesse]

can you sew?

http://www.ray-way.com

Light weight, and cheap. I sewed 2 of these for my son and me. Its all we use. When the temps get in the low 30's you do need extra clothes.

[maconmatt]

Thanks stuco! Right now, I'm leaning torward the Lafuma Warm N' Light

[The Weasel]

Go for lowest temp bag. Don't worry about a few ounces on what will be the most important thing you carry.

The Weasel

[maconmatt]

So, is 2lb.14oz. still a relatively light bag?

(Thanks again for all your help. I'm pretty knew to this. Some buddy's and myself are planning on knocking out the Georgia section of the AT this year during weekends.)

[maconmatt]

Here's links:

Mountainsmith Recon: http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...8001&langId=-1

Lafuma: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,...m-n-Light.html

[The Weasel]

So, is 2lb.14oz. still a relatively light bag?

(Thanks again for all your help. I'm pretty knew to this. Some buddy's and myself are planning on knocking out the Georgia section of the AT this year during weekends.)

For a 20 degree bag, yes. Keep in mind that no one believes a 20 degree bag will be warm at 20 degrees, but it will be OK at 30.

The Weasel

[maconmatt]

For a 20 degree bag, yes. Keep in mind that no one believes a 20 degree bag will be warm at 20 degrees, but it will be OK at 30.

The Weasel

Yeah, i figured.

[floyd242]

Mountainsmith Recon: http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...8001&langId=-1

Has anybody tried this bag? I have a hard time believe those specs, especially the stuff size.

[Lilred]

check out the campmor 20 degree bag too. It's around 2.5 pounds and only costs $109. Great down bag.

[rswanson]

I may occasionally use it in early/late winter, but I'll be using it primarily in Spring/Summer...

Unless you buy a accurately rated 20 degree bag, I wouldn't expect to get much winter or shoulder season usage out of it, unless you have good supplemental insulation you can wear to bed (like a high-loft jacket). If you pay less money for a bag, expect the temp ratings to be optomistic, sometimes very much so. Keep this in mind. Also, synthetic bags are always bulkier so you'll need to have an adequately sized pack.

In my experience, the last place to cut corners budget-wise is when sleeping bag shopping. I know mine is the most expensive piece of gear in my pack, by far. If you absolutely must stick to the budget you're outlining, go with the lower temp rating bags. You'll get more use out of it and won't be forced to stay home in late fall thru early spring.

Your other option is to buy one of the lighter bags, like the LaFuma, and save up for a warmer for use in the winter. Good luck!

[maconmatt]

Thanks rswanson! Lots of helpful info! I just realized that the Mountainsmith says that it fits up to 5ft 11in. I am 6ft tall...do you think i'd be pushing the limit on the size?

[The Solemates]

Thanks rswanson! Lots of helpful info! I just realized that the Mountainsmith says that it fits up to 5ft 11in. I am 6ft tall...do you think i'd be pushing the limit on the size?

not if you sleep on your side most of the time. then you are somewhat curled up so it doesnt matter. then again, if you want to fully stretch out and lay on your back, you may notice it more.

[Sly]

Thanks rswanson! Lots of helpful info! I just realized that the Mountainsmith says that it fits up to 5ft 11in. I am 6ft tall...do you think i'd be pushing the limit on the size?

You also want to make sure it's wide enough. I'm 6' but need a WIDE bag at the shoulders. It was the most important element in my last sleeping bag purchase.

I've never seen a girth size for LaFuma, and it's hard to tell, but they look narrow in the pictures.