Need some sleeping bag suggestions..

Slaytanic

Slaytanic

Joined
May 19, 2003
Messages
810
Hello, I was wondering if I could get some suggestions on a new sleeping bag for hiking/camping?
Here’s what I’d like:
- Lightweight (will attach to backpack)
- Plenty big/roomy(I’m 5’-10” /190lbs, average size), had a 3 season Military mummy bag that was real restrictive, I can’t deal with not being able to move or feeling claustrophobic.
- Temp rating to say down to 30*F or so for fall camping.
Let me know what You guy’s suggest, brands/personal experience etc....I appreciate it!!

Thanks,
Darrell………….
 
Snugpak. Softie 3 merlin.
 
i have a mountain hardware phantom 32. mine is good to about 40 degrees (f). they make bags with a colder rating.

it is the mummy style, so a bit restrictive, i am about your size.

packs very small, about 6x8 cylinder shaped stuff sack. for packability you are fairly limited to bags like the mh's and snugpacks for size, and most will be somewhat restrictive.
 
How much are you wanting to spend and how cold are you wanting it to be rated to?
Click to expand...
About $200.00 or under, and down to say 30*F + or - 5*/10*?

have a mountain hardware phantom 32. mine is good to about 40 degrees (f). they make bags with a colder rating.
it is the mummy style, so a bit restrictive, i am about your size.
Click to expand...
Sounds like a nice bag, do they have any other styles a bit larger?

Thanks Guy's!!
 
I second snugpack, Although I have a military 3 season bag too and don't think that is too restrictive, but it is heavy and bulky. So I don't know what to say. Recently, my department was issued Kifaru bags and they are awesome. But I researched getting a personal one and figured taking a loan out on the house would be a bad idea!
 
"Wiggy's" bags, some good choices and machine washing is encouraged.
 
I've been happy with my Caribou bag for the past few years. And the Boy just got a new Eureka sleeping bag that's better than I anticipated.

Seriously, what I do when bag shopping is check Sierra Trading Post for whichever bag seems like the best bargain. :)

Also, keep in mind those temperature ratings are considering that you're wearing long-johns, socks, and a hat. If you're cold-blooded like I am and camp in high-elevation or northern climates, you'll want a bag with a rating better than 30 degrees. For example, I spent a few summers living above 9,000' elevation and slept every night with my 20d bag zipped completely around me. My newest bag is 0 degrees and I still bundled up tight when in Durango last June.

Hope this helps,
-Bob
 
I just picked up a Kelty Stratus on sale for 26 bucks. It's supposed to be rated to 35 degrees. I won't recommend it, yet, because I haven't had the chance to put it through hell. I'm 5'10" and a svelte 220 (seriously...I'm not fat, just dense...one day, I worry that I'll reach critical mass and implode like a neutron star). Anyway, it seems to have plenty of room and most of the necessary features. I'll update once I've had the chance to abuse it a little.
 
I think it is hard to find a mummy bag that is not too restrictive.

I have one of the Campmor 20 degree goose downs and wearing a fleece so I can leave one arm hanging out I can sleep pretty good with it.
 
I don't know where your short bus is Darrel, but if you can, try to get yourself to a store that has a selection that you can slip into and try out. REI, Sportsman's Warehouse, maybe a Bass Pro Shop or Gander Mountain. There is a surplus/outdoor store in our area that has a selection of bags hanging that you could try out.

I have two different bags from The North Face that I have had for years, and they have kept their loft and keep trucking. The 0 degree bag has the original Polarguard insulation, and the 20 degree has the Polarguard HV insulation. For years, the 0 degree bag was the only bag I had, and it saw a ton of use. Whatever you get, I highly recommend getting cotton storage bag for it so the insualtion can get a break from being compressed. I believe the storage bags have greatly extended the life of my bags.

I also have an extender panel for my TNF bags that increases the girth of the bag by about 8". I am about the same size as you, and although I've fit into these bags fine for years, having the extra room is nice sometimes.

I also have a couple inexpensive 'patrol' bags that I got from the Sportsman's Guide. I bought these (one mummy, one rectangle) for summer camping only, as they pack down super small. But if you don't like restrictive, stay away from these bags.

Try before you buy. If you can. And don't feel you ned to spend all of your $200 to get a good bag. There's lots of great bags out there at decent prices. I was lucky to have a TNF outlet for a few years in my area. I miss it very much.
 
The Big Agnes bags have some interesting features (pad pocket), are roomy, and are reasonably priced. I don't have one yet but that will be the next bag I buy.
 
I understand and appreciate the desire to stay under $200.

There are a number of choices with all of bag makers out there ..... variations of fabric, variations of quality of down or synthetic materials, etc. These companies also make (or market) lots of other products under their name. The emphasis these days seems to be on light weight yet a key component of a great adventure is a good nights sleep, IMHO. I utilize a good pack and am more than willing to carry a little extra weight for a bag that will ensure some good rest.

I personally use a 15 F Western Mountaineering bag (Badger) that is 66"/41" in dimensions due to the desrie to not be restricted in my movement. Most light weight bags are in the 58" - 60" shoulder girth when it comes to mummy bags. The WM bags are quite expensive when you look at the price AND are well worth it to me personally. They use great materials, have great designs with the continuous baffle for more versatile use (shift down as needed) and have great quality. Their emphasis is on making good sleeping bags.

These are some quick thoughts on the matter and these opinions expressed are solely my own.

Good luck on the hunt and enjoy the outdoors.
 
At REI, there's a bag that looks like it would fit the bill

Marmot Pounder Plus- Long
25 degrees
Primaloft
Fits to 6'6", 64" wide at the shoulder
$199.00
2 lbs. 6 oz.

The bag's light, great maker, synthetic fill for versatility, roomy, and a dollar under your limit.
 
I used to do a lot of backpacking during my college days. My girlfriend I was seeing bought me a North Face Cat's Meow sleeping bag. I can't say enough about it! I too am a big guy at 6'2" 220 lbs and I have no trouble at all.

I've always wanted to get a down bag just because of the warmth to weight ratio, but my luck is usually pretty bad and it would be a guarantee that it would get wet at the half way point! I deal with the manmade and am happy with them.

Here's a link and some specs on it
http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AJ6L&language=en
 
Slaytanic said:
About $200.00 or under, and down to say 30*F + or - 5*/10*?


Sounds like a nice bag, do they have any other styles a bit larger?

Thanks Guy's!!
Click to expand...

both mountain hardware and snugpack offer quite a few bags. generally, the colder and more packable, the more you will spend.

both are high quality, and should last a lifetime provided you take care of them.
 
Snugpack, NorthFace, Kelty, , they all make good bags in your price range and have good customer service.

You best bet is to visit a physical outfitter's store, and ask if you can unroll it and see how you fit inside. If they won't let you do that, ask them if they can give you directions to their competition.
 
Sorry for the resurrection...

I plan on picking up the REI Sub Kilo Long version. 750 fill down, 20+ bag. It packs down EXTREMELY small. I have the REI Ridgeline pack, which, unfortunately does not have a sleeping back compartment. The 0 degree bag I had before was HUGE and would not fit in the ridgeline even stuffed down. The Sub Kilo fits awesome stuffed.
 
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