Whats the difference between a 40$ 0F sleeping bag and a 400S 0F sleeping bag?

J

jhrule

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Feb 20, 2008
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Whats the difference between a 40$ 0º F sleeping bag and a 400$ 0º F sleeping bag?
 
If you want to know something about insulation in general and sleeping bags in particular, check out http://www.wiggys.com/
I have no connection other than being a satisfied customer. Wiggys makes bags for Seals and mountain rescue units. They're guaranteed for life and you can wash them in your washing machine.
 
Whats the difference between a 40$ 0º F sleeping bag and a 400$ 0º F sleeping bag?
Click to expand...

A lot of the time it has to do with size and weight. If you get a cheap wal-mart 0 degree bag it might be the size of a small car and weigh 20 pounds and it will be cheap synthetic fill. A good 0 degree bag will either be down or a high quality synthetic (both have pluses and minuses) and relatively light and small. Other things can come into play as well (durability, brand name, etc.), and some bags are starting to come with built in waterproof bivys (very expensive) etc. Also, some bags are built for modularity and will be more expensive as they can be upgraded further with add on bags. Oh, and tall people will almost always pay more for a long bag.
 
Size,weight and most importantly_The comfort level at the zero degree mark. Well designed bags have minimal spots that will feel cold.



Paul
 
There is no standard for rating the warmth of the sleeping bag.

Cheap unscrupulous companies often over-rate their bags. Or you might encounter the bulk issue mentioned above.

You also need to consider your sleeping habits and comfort. Many bags with low temp ratings are quite constrictive and drive me bats. Also, some people just sleep 'warmer' than other people so they might be toasty in a bag you'll find cold.

Rent some different bags from REI, or college outdoors programs and see what you think of different manufacturers and their ratings.

Phil
 
The same difference as between a $40 knife and a Sebenza.

Obvious differences - apart from simple quality of construction and components - include, but are not limited to:

Down or synthetic?

Loft?

Is the shell water resistant?

Construction method: Sewn-through? Offset? Shingles? Baffles?

Footbox, yes or no?

Look here for more info:

http://www.mec.ca/Main/content_text...74302881828&CONTENT<>cnt_id=10134198673221223

maximus otter
 
Well, $400 seems a little high but
the difference between a $40 bag and a $140 bag
is sleeping through the night
and not sleeping through the night.

Doc
 
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Great question! I hate hype. Really I do. Please have a look at SnugPac Bags from Proforce gear. I've been using bags since my Scouting days, when it was a $10 Sears bag that left me FREEZING at night- so I know a bit about them.
Snugpacs use some proprietary fill material, called reflectathane. Basically, an expensive bag ($200 is expensive to me) should use high tech material that combines:
- High insulation
- Low bulk
- Low weight
- Easy care
The Snugpacs have all that and $20 bags are just filled with pillow stuffing- polyester.
Have a look...
http://gearninja.com/Images/OD/ProForce_L.jpg
 
Without repeating what has been said.

You dont have to go full blown $400 to get a good bag.

Slumberjack makes some pretty decent bags for under or about $100.

Also, check E-bay from time to time and try to pick up a USGI Sleep System. They can usually be found for about $150 with a Gore-Tex Bivy cover. Great setup.

Also, Wiggys is about as good as you can get.
I have a Wiggys bag, and couple it with a USGI Bivy sack. Thats about as warm, and tough as you can get.
 
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