Sleeping Bags?

B

Buck268

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Nov 5, 2006
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Considering looking into sleeping bags for use in many different conditions. Generally 3-season use in Michigan under a tent. Probably won't see more than a couple times a year but don't want a cheapy either...

A little background; I'm 6'-3" about 230lbs (sometimes a bit less) and can fill an entire "full" sized matress. Obviously no sleeping bag you would want to carry provides this amount of room, but the less restricting the better. I do tend to stay warm easily and I know how to layer. That said, I've had poor experiences with early and late season tenting without a cot. Think its possible to get away with a rectangular-type bag if I'm using a decent pad under it or will it just be too big/bulky and not very warm?
 
Do you intend to backpack with it or will it be for car/canoe camping?

DancesWithKnives
 
The Snugpak Softie Elite II is a roomy sleeping bag made for colder climates. I have used mine from the Shenandoah Valley to the Adirondacks.
 
i figured I would post because this is a subject I have firsthand knowledge and did my research:thumbup:

first off whatever sleeping bag you choose get a LONG!!

I would recommend a mummy bag if it fits your body type..much like there in MI ..it gets cold here in New england....so unless you are camping in dead of winter I think a 20 degree bag is good for you. The good 3 season bags are good down to 20 degrees usually .

def get a synthetic bag not down!! down is lighter but more fragile and if it gets even a little wet you are screwed!!

And yes the question whether you want something that will be light enough and pack down enough to put in a sleeping bag.

I also advise going to a store (not just an online purchase...but once you know what fits by trying it on you know what to order if you find it cheaper online...fine) that knows their stuff and let you crawl in and see how they fit you....

I am short but broad shouldered and muscular...(wow that sounds cocky:foot:) so you have to make sure you are not too cramped, the rule is it should a little snug

the mummy bags keep you warmer because there is less room for cold air to get in, plus the mummy bag pack down better because they taper down to your legs....Less material = less weight

REI and EMS are both great for this, i don't know if you have one or the other closer to you???

After doing all my reasearch I bought the Northface Cat's meow, 20 degree synthetic mummy bag,

i know it comes in long because i needed to buy the long not due to my height..i'm only 5'8' but due to my chest and shoulder width. long bags aren't only longer but wider in the chest and shoulder,,something which i think you may need like myself...... us big boys need more room;)

i Have used it in the hot summer as well as the cold late fall in the white mountains of new hampshire this past year and found it was a true 3 season bag. plus it packs down small enough and light enough to backpack with it.
i think i paid about $125 on sale.

I know you said you didn't want to spend alot but this is one of those items you are better off spending a little extra and keeping it for years,

nothing is worse that freezing your ass off in a cheapo sleeping bag when you are stuck overnight....just ask my hardheaded girlfriend!!:p (she had a cheaper rectangle bag...i told her she should have bought a mummy and she learned the hardway:rolleyes:

also thermarest makes a very comfy and small inflatable sleeping pad that will taper to your sleeping bag keeping the weight and size down

now we both have good sleeping bags...well if you have any other questions email or pm me, J Ps no, i don't work for northface,thermarest, rei or ems either lol i just camp and canoe alot;)
 
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I agree that at 6'3" a long bag is likely necessary.

As for down, I have found it to be considerably less fragile than synthetics. I have down bags from 1977 and 1989 that are still great. On the other hand, a North Face Snowshoe with Polarguard 3D is shot after about a half dozen years. I bought it for whitewater raft trips in Western Alaska, where it rains a lot. Of course, in about a dozen prior years of Alaska river trips I never had a problem keeping my down bag dry.

I've had some seam separation and valve problems with Thermarests. Although they are heavier, Cabela's air/foam mattresses have held up well for raft/4WD/horse camping.

Just throwing some different experiences into the mix.

DancesWithKnives
 
DWK2 said:
As for down, I have found it to be considerably less fragile than synthetics.
Click to expand...

+1 :thumbup: Given the choice I'd take down over synthetic nearly every time. However, synthetic might be a better choice in some locations and it's certainly less expensive. IMO the whole "if it gets even a little wet you are screwed" mantra is hugely overblown.
 
Great! Definately have a better idea of what I'm looking for. Luckily I do have an REI about 2 miles down the street as well as a Bass Pro within driving range.
 
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