Looking for suggestions for sleeping bag system.

DerekH

DerekH

Handsome According to my Mother
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Hi all, I am currently in the market for a new sleeping bag system. More specifically I would like to go with something fairly versatile like my brothers USGI sleeping system setup, but I don't think I can justify spending that kind of money for one, and so far I haven't had much luck finding one used online for a decent price either.

So I guess my question is this; are there alternatives to that system, or something similar, that can be used in as many different situations? I like that I can mix n match the different bags to suit the weather, and would really like to be able to just buy one system and be done with it as opposed to several mismatched parts. I saw a 3-piece online by Phenix Gear, but at the price point I have wonder if it is worth it.

Any suggestions? I would like to keep the price under $200, but if there is something close that is rock solid with plenty of good reviews I could probably stretch the budget a little.

Anyways, thanks for any suggestions, I appreciate it!
 
DerekH said:
Hi all, I am currently in the market for a new sleeping bag system. More specifically I would like to go with something fairly versatile like my brothers USGI sleeping system setup, but I don't think I can justify spending that kind of money for one, and so far I haven't had much luck finding one used online for a decent price either.
Click to expand...

I buy a lot of gear used but I avoid used sleeping bags, especially synthetic ones. Way too often, they have been stored incorrectly (in their stuff sack) and the compressed insulation has lost much of its loft.

Stick with a new one.
 
Ive learned from trial and error, and what Ive come up with is a combo..the USGI gortex bivy, with two snugpak sleeping bags.
 
Yeah, stay away from used, unless you know the seller or can see it first hand. I don't know anyone that stores theirs correctly, other than myself.
You probably know about Sierra Trading Post and Campmor. They have great deals all the time, and STP has an awesome guarantee.
I admit I'm not familiar with the USGI system, but I would think a multi-system would end up weighting more than just a nice winter bag.
I got a 0 degree down bag for 1/2 price through Campmor, and for summer, you can get a real cheap bag. That's the way I saved money and weight.
 
If you decide against the USGI 3 piece, you could buy just the goretex bivy bag and use this with whatever bag you get.

It will protect the bag plus add warmth and weather protection.

The only downside to the 3 piece system is it's weight. So if that is a problem, a good down bag w/the bivy would be ideal.
 
foxx said:
Yeah, stay away from used, unless you know the seller or can see it first hand. I don't know anyone that stores theirs correctly, other than myself.
You probably know about Sierra Trading Post and Campmor. They have great deals all the time, and STP has an awesome guarantee.
I admit I'm not familiar with the USGI system, but I would think a multi-system would end up weighting more than just a nice winter bag.
I got a 0 degree down bag for 1/2 price through Campmor, and for summer, you can get a real cheap bag. That's the way I saved money and weight.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the USGI system has never appealed much to me. The spec weight looks extremely approximate, but probably adds up to around 9-10lbs+ on a scale. For that weight, it just never looks that thick (lofty/warm) in pics. I don't doubt that when all layered up and with a good sleeping pad, it is warm enough for soldiers and for most civvies in most CONUS conditions.

People that have the USGI system seem to like it. If you're mostly car camping or not frequently carrying it more than a few miles, it's probably a reasonable choice.

I really like STP and Campmor too, as well as rei-outlet.com. A quick glance at STP just now reveals 20dF and 0dF synthetic bags from solid brands at less than $50 each which is a steal. An unissued USGI Gore-Tex bivy can be had for around $75, as little as $30 used, or a Chinook Ascent new for around $65.

However, a la carte commercial bags like this would not nest well like the USGI system, but the commercial bags themselves would be much warmer and lighter anyway.

Some great options for less than $200 in. Still leaves enough money for a decent pad.
 
I failed to see what RobertE2E had posted when I wrote my response, but his makes very good sense.
 
hey derek, I use a sleepining bag inside a bivvy bag on a thermal mat, for shelter I use a hootchie(a fly tarp) that I string up in the trees or if theres no trees I use poles and pegs. Ive used this system in -20 degrees, howling wind and torrential rain with no problems, there a reason why most soldiers use this system, its light, comfortable and easy to set up. If you want pics send me a PM, good luck mate

regards,
Stew
 
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