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Lightweight sleeping bag that isn't a mummy?

W

Wildewinds

Joined
Nov 20, 2006
Messages
600
So I'm looking for a lightweight 20 degree plus sleeping bag for backpacking that isn't too tight on me. I'm sorta tall, about 6'2", sorta big (225), and I bought a mummy bag and the damn thing is just too constricting for me. I couldn't move my arms around. I really had to sleep like a mummy... which I'm not. Are they all like that? Never had one before, so I dunno.

Anyone know of wider mummy bags or rectangular bags that are light enough for backpacking?
 
Why not try a blanket? This weekend (granted it was hot), I used my GI-poncho liner and it was nice and comfy. I think Rick (Magnussen) prefers to bring along a wool blanket in the winter. The ultra-light crowd like to use 'quilts' under the argument that the part of the bag on bottom gets compressed and offers little real insulation above your mattress pad.
 
I went through the same thing as you, Bro.

Ended up with a Marmot Trestles...but I only needed a 40 degree bag.


North Face has a few rectangular bags too.


The best part is that since mummy bags are all the rage right now...rectangle bags are 'passe' and are almost all under $100. :thumbup:

Dan
 
A quilt might work for you, but they can be pricey. I recently got one made by Nunatak, and had the dimensions and fill adjusted to fit my needs. JacksRBetter also offers ultralight quilts and our own Bear the Dog is considering offering the quilts he makes for sale.

-- FLIX
 
Wildewinds said:
So I'm looking for a lightweight 20 degree plus sleeping bag for backpacking that isn't too tight on me. I'm sorta tall, about 6'2", sorta big (225), and I bought a mummy bag and the damn thing is just too constricting for me. I couldn't move my arms around. I really had to sleep like a mummy... which I'm not. Are they all like that? Never had one before, so I dunno.

Anyone know of wider mummy bags or rectangular bags that are light enough for backpacking?
Click to expand...

What bag did you get, do you still have it? :D
 
I got a Eureka! Cheyenne last week for $59 at Cabalas. It comes in Long and Regular sizes (I got the long at 84") and is listed at 40 degrees.
 
I hate mummy bags. Too restrictive IMO. I've slept in a Snugpak jungle bag at around 14degF but was really at the limit. The Snugpak Sleeper Lite is rated for 20degF and up and is a square foot so I'd look at that.
 
Well, I am 6', was 220, and I could roll around in my mummy sleeping bag. Not restrictive at all, like I thought it would be. Most companies have there bags in both regular and large, you should be looking at large bags.

Also, each bag, even from the same company, will have different dimensions. Try to find the dimensions of the bag you had, and compare that to other bags to find one that might work.

You're in California, so see if you have an REI near you, there you can test out any bag you want in there store before you buy it. And if you buy it and find you don't like it you can bring it back for a full refund no questions asked, even if you've used it several times.

There site also lists details on each bag, so even if you don't have a store near you, check out there site to compare dimensions. http://www.rei.com/category/4500001_Sleeping+Bags

Big Agnes makes there bags especially large, so if all else fails, check them out; also at REI. Give mummies a second chance, they really aren't that constrictive if you find one that fits.
 
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Try a Big Agnes bag. They are roomier than most. I have a Lost Ranger which is rated to 15 degrees.
 
Eureka makes a solid product. Check out slumberjack, they make a roomy bag that's still lightweight and packable, they are cheap too.
 
Take a look at the Golite Ultra 20 quilt - warm enough and very light. I've been using mine this summer, down to 36 degrees, and have been very pleased with it.
 
Nothing lighter than a quilt! Used correctly within a "layering system" a person can be quite snug! I hope to open shop soon!

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-RB
 
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Not sure what your price range is, but take a look at Big Agnes. If you a ton a coin you can drop Kifaru started making bags awhile back.
 
Good advice so far, guys. Thanks!

Bear, why are quilts lighter? What makes them different from a regular bag?
 
Wildewinds said:
Good advice so far, guys. Thanks!

Bear, why are quilts lighter? What makes them different from a regular bag?
Click to expand...

They are cut a little tight but not as tight as Nunatak. You basically have to be very thin to fit into one of theirs. I use the lightest materials and a simple design. I only have one on hand and my own personal one (the first I made) that I use.

-RB
 
You could do worse that the previously mentioned poncho liner but if you fancy something a little more enclosing then I would suggest the British Army Summer or Jungle sleeping bag.

I recently used mine at the MCMWTC at Bridgeport, California. I use it back here in Scotland to. I'm 6'4'' and never had a problem with the room in it either.
 
wildmike said:
Try a Big Agnes bag. They are roomier than most. I have a Lost Ranger which is rated to 15 degrees.
Click to expand...

+1 on dat.
thats my bag too, and I love it. Almost excessively roomy yet very lightwieght and crushes down pretty small for my backpack. Not a bad price either.
 
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