Sleeping Bags

devilwoman · 04-16-2004

I am looking for a well made sleeping bag for 3 seasons. I live in Alaska so it gets a little colder here even in the summer so I think perhaps a winter bag would be best because I usually freeze by butt off camping. So something warmer than usually, with some room...I thrash about some, at a medium price something in the 180-200 dollar range. I've done alot of research online, but am more interested in what you all have and if you are a cold sleeper who needs that added warmth. I dont think I want down because this part of alaska its pretty damp all the time...ok...give me your best shots. I had a serria design bag...about 10 years old and it sucked on a good night. Do they make sleeping bags with fleece linings already in the bag? That would be awesome!!...Thanks all and hey come to Alaska and do some hiking and camping...I love Alaska!!!

brad nicholson · 04-16-2004

mountain hardware 3rd Dimension. less than 200 bones and is a 0 degree bag. synthetic as well....i have one for winter mountaineering and snowshoeing here in germany, works like a champ.

wingding0 · 04-20-2004

A bag that fits you will keep you warmer. I'm 5'2" and started out with a bag that would fit someone 6' tall and I was cold in it. Then I bought a North Face Blue Igloo for women up to 5'6" tall and that was better, but it was only 600 fill. Now I have two Feather Friend's Women's bags for women up to 5'3" tall that are 800 and 900 fill and I'm so nice and warm at night. I think the money spend on a good quality bag that fits is well worth it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by devilwoman

I am looking for a well made sleeping bag for 3 seasons. I live in Alaska so it gets a little colder here even in the summer so I think perhaps a winter bag would be best because I usually freeze by butt off camping. So something warmer than usually, with some room...I thrash about some, at a medium price something in the 180-200 dollar range. I've done alot of research online, but am more interested in what you all have and if you are a cold sleeper who needs that added warmth. I dont think I want down because this part of alaska its pretty damp all the time...ok...give me your best shots. I had a serria design bag...about 10 years old and it sucked on a good night. Do they make sleeping bags with fleece linings already in the bag? That would be awesome!!...Thanks all and hey come to Alaska and do some hiking and camping...I love Alaska!!!

metoliusdmm · 04-20-2004

I would say that anything from Mountain Hardware is going to be great, i would try to stay away from synthetic though. it breaks down really easy, and can lose heat rating fast, try to find a down bag. It is going to cost a little more but it is well worth the money.

Another bag to consider would be a down bag from Mountainsmith. These bags are amazingly warm, and light.

Hope that helps,
Devin

GreatDivide14 · 04-20-2004

...look at the Marmot Sawtooth, $200, warm into the teens. Light enough, good price, superbly detailed. I went for down despite my generally slim budget, mainly since it lasts so much longer. This bag will still be going strong when I can afford a WM. If you're worried about keeping it dry in the pack, it can be arranged. There's the classic trash bag, and there's the overkill approach of stuffing it in a lightweight dry bag, i.e. GoLite Paddler stow sack, preferably a little oversize to keep the whole thing malleable enough to fit into corners and use all the cubic inches.

Jordie · 04-22-2004

When I first switched to down a few years ago I got a Marmot Hydrogen, which I liked. I then got a Western Mountaineering HiLite for slightly warmer temps. I was sold on the WM (got the WM advise on this board). Less wasted airspace in the bag (I've read some criticisms it's too snug), better loft, less weight. I sold the Marmot and got another WM bag. It is higher than the price range that you mention, but the one place that I really don't mind spending on is the sleeping bag. I rationalize it as a few nights in a hotel. Few things are worse than being cold and miserable all night. As far as the down part, you just have to keep it dry. I live on the Gulf coast by Louisiana and it doesn't get more moist and rainy than here and the down has done fine by me on canoe and kayak trips and on a rain soaked trip in the Ozarks and a couple of trips to the Smokies where it rained and is very humid. I also got a WM Flight Jacket, a 10 or 11 oz down jacket-a great coat.
But, in any case, here's a link which might help you with weights, prices etc...

http://backpacking.net/gearbag-chart.html

Jordie

Duckman_ · 04-22-2004

Western Mtneering. After owning/using a few nice Marmot bags, TNF, etc....then theres WM. Have owned and used the High Lite at a cool 16oz, and easily 40* ratng..for 4-5 years now(at least), using it to the 20s* several times. Week long AT hikes, as well as in the Sierra's for such time periods. Also up until lately, I "used" to backpack 40-45 weekends per year, using it the most. Yes indeedy. Excessive compulsive disorder they tell me. Anyhoo...also my favorite 3 season bag in the universe, is the WM Ultralite. Used it to the single digits a few times, despite its very conservative 25* rating. 1lb 12oz. true weight on my scale. Expensive yes, but you'll never buy another bag for the temp rating. Nothings worse then being cold....except being cold AND still carrying a heavy bulky bag maybe. The Big 3 are it...Bag, pack, shelter. This item makes a given pack that much roomier now..so your pack just got smaller as well. See how it goes? If you can keep those 3 under 10lbs cumlative, your way ahead of the game. 3lb pack...sub 2lb bag...2lb shelter(BetaMid comes to mind, and is still 4 season for Alaska or equal). There you have it.

The 2 said bags...$210 and $320 respectively, if I remember right.

ND Sol · 04-30-2004

Though these bags don't have a fleece liner, you may want to buy a silk liner. Feels great, adds a few degrees of warmth and keeps your bag cleaner. I purchased one from JagBags in New Zealand.

Skyeward · 04-30-2004

Yeah I got a mummy liner from Jagbags recently as well. Good company: friendly and expediant, plus no shipping charges! The liner is well made, stitching all looks good. Packs down very small and the advertised weight is right on. VERY comfy to sleep in. I highly reccommend Jagbags if you're looking for a sleeping bag liner.