Sleeping Bag Help Needed....Again

The Warrior

The Warrior

🇺🇸 INSANE VIKING 🇺🇸
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I have a hard time finding stuff that'll fit me. I ended up getting a North Face Bighorn, which fits me fine, but it's a 20° bag, and I'm looking to get a 35-40° bag, that rolls up very compact. It's for hiking this spring, and I'm wanting something that will fit inside my backpack. (Gregory Baltoro 75) I'm 6'2", 275 lbs. The length isn't usually the problem, it's finding something that'll fit me around the shoulders. Any help appreciated.
 
Any consideration for a quilt, rather than a traditional bag? I know its not for everyone, but something like a down top quilt from jacks-r-better, or a synthetic like the Kifaru Woobie/Doobie can give you a lot more freedom of movement, particularly around the shoulder area...
 
I have thought about going that route. I can't afford too much at the moment. I just got my Gregory Baltoro 75, Marmot Limelight 3 person tent, cookset, etc in.
 
My 20 degree TNF Cats Meow was pretty cheap on sale and I use it in warmer weather by unzipping the foot or the whole bag as needed. Most bags can be unzipped and used as a quilt over a pad. This bag would be too narrow for you probably, but don't discount a 20 degree bag as being unuasble in warmer weather. You can always sleep on top of it and use a liner for a cover in really warm weather. If you can't afford a couple of temp specific bags, consider improvising with one bag to do several seasons. I know that here it is sometimes hot and humid at sundown, but cools by midnight and can be downright chilly before dawn.
 
you might want to look at Snugpak. www.snugpak.com

they're seriously good quality and have a great range. Their military range is by far the best. I'd reckon a softie 6 kestrel, or tactical 2 would be perfect for your needs.

Note the military versions always pack smaller than the civilian ones.
 
Snugpaks are nice, but they don't even come close to fitting me. I bought one, and gave it to my wife. My North Face Bighorn has a 68 inch shoulder area, and it's a little snug.
 
I'd go with a quilt rather than a bag. I just made a purchase with one of the cottage vendors in the hammock-camping field and it was refreshing. Since you're dealing with a single human being who is the one who will be making your product, you can pretty much get whatever you want/need. I'm a big guy, too. I just ordered a down underquilt for my hammock (from Underground Quilts.com) and was able to choose the inside and outside colors, got the length and width extended, and had an extra ounce of down stuffed in to bolster the temperature range... all for the price of a middle-of-the-road mass-produced down bag.

Why struggle to find a mass-produced product you can fit in when you can have a top-quality, hand-made product made specifically for you for the same price? The only drawback is having to wait for it to be made. Worth it, though....

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
The Warrior said:
Snugpaks are nice, but they don't even come close to fitting me. I bought one, and gave it to my wife. My North Face Bighorn has a 68 inch shoulder area, and it's a little snug.
Click to expand...

sorry was unaware that you've gone down that path already. :(
 
desmobob said:
I'd go with a quilt rather than a bag. I just made a purchase with one of the cottage vendors in the hammock-camping field and it was refreshing. Since you're dealing with a single human being who is the one who will be making your product, you can pretty much get whatever you want/need. I'm a big guy, too. I just ordered a down underquilt for my hammock (from Underground Quilts.com) and was able to choose the inside and outside colors, got the length and width extended, and had an extra ounce of down stuffed in to bolster the temperature range... all for the price of a middle-of-the-road mass-produced down bag.

Why struggle to find a mass-produced product you can fit in when you can have a top-quality, hand-made product made specifically for you for the same price? The only drawback is having to wait for it to be made. Worth it, though....

Stay sharp,
desmobob
Click to expand...
As stated, funds are a little low right now. I still have to get the wife a nice backback, rain gear, and pack covers, among other things. Not wanting to spend a lot on this. Hell, I may just get a wool blanket.
 
The Warrior said:
Hell, I may just get a wool blanket.
Click to expand...

I knew a kid in high school that used to camp out in some pretty extreme conditions with a canvas ground cloth and a wool blanket. The beauty of it is, you can sleep right next to the fire if you need to. No worries about getting burn holes in the blanket or catching on fire.

I almost forgot... Sierra Designs used to make a synthetic fill "Paul Bunyan" bag that was not only extra long, but extra wide. I have one in a 20* rating and it's roomy. I don't know if they made/make other temperature-rated versions in that model. Might be worth dropping them a line.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
Well, the thing is, the North Face bag is huge. I can stuff it in from the top, but there's no way I can roll it up and put it in the sleeping bag door/compartment. Not even close. I was thinking that I wouldn't need a 20° rated bag, to just get a less rated one that would fit.
 
According to your compression size specs I don't see how you could go any other route besides down, which is expensive. If you're open to more bulk then Wiggy's makes an overbag rated at +35. The extra long wide dimensions are 90"x34". Not cheap but not expensive.

http://wiggys.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=267

I've been using their Ultra Light model for years. I'm loyal for life. It's a nice bag.
 
Warrior,

Like you, I prefer to have my sleeping bag *inside* my pack. I just dislike stuff outside of pack where it catches on branches and rocks and such.

The issue with your sleeping bag is the synthetic fill. Synth bags are bigger when stuffed. 20F is the classic 3 season rating.

Here are some options to consider:

1) If you want to get your existing sleeping bag into your existing backpack, investigate compression stuff sacks. They are long, thin stuff sacks with end caps that compress down with the aid of straps. OR, Kelty and REI all make them among others. When I used to use synth bags in the winter and for bike touring, this was the only way to beat them into submission. This may kill the insulation faster, but as you'll learn, all synth bags go flat after a while anyhow. My opinion was that at least I was getting use out of the bag.

2) If you don't want to use a compression stuff sack, try to find a slightly smaller conventional stuff sack than what came with you bag. *STUFF* it, don't roll it. It's better for the bag and goes down smaller that way. Now put your bag in the bottom of the main compartment and move tent, clothing and/or cook gear into the lower compartment of you pack.

3) I'm not familiar with the Baltoro. But on most internals that have a divider, the divider can be unzipped to deal with large bags. That will give you more flexibility.

4) Ultimately, if you want smaller stuff size, lighter weight and more durability, consider moving to a down bag. Finances are tight, so don't do it now. Do it after the first really cold night in your bag once it's gone flat. Retire the synth bag to car camping general utility use. If you watch for a good wide body down bag for several years, you should be able to snag a clearance deal.

Either you need a bigger back pack or
 
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