Which Snugpak Sleeping bag for early spring/fall hiking?

[Macchina]

I recently misplaced my Slumberjack sleeping bag that was good down to 25 degrees F and I'm am currently looking for a replacement. I hope to spend not too much over $100 on a nice new 2.5 season bag. I'd like at least a 32 degree comfort rating, and small size/weight is important to me. I currently use a 1/2 lbs. Lafuma in the summer and it is comfortable down to about 50 degrees F. I'm looking for a bag for early spring/fall hiking in a tent with a 3/4 length mat.

I am really interested in getting a Snugpak, but can't decide on what model. If you have one, do you like it? What are the benefits of your model and what is it lacking? Any insight would be grand.

I am mainly looking at the Merlin 3 and the Elite 2. I'm leaning towards the Merlin 3 because it's so compact, but don't know if it will be warm enough for 40 degree nights in the spring. I am open to any suggestions.

P.S.
If you are thinking about getting a Snugpak, they are about 50% cheaper if you buy them from England through OutdoorGB.com. I am not affiliated with this company, but they are the only way that a Snugpak is affordable to me. Shipping is a very reasonable $15 as well!

 

[schlotskey]

michael -- I use a Merlin 3 myself spring/summer/fall in the Rockies. I'm not a warm sleeper, but the Merlin takes care of me just fine. I can supplement it with my fleece if needed, but that's rather rare. I have no experience with the Elite 2. Like you, I would only buy snugpak's through outdoorgb, they have great customer service and their prices (including overseas shipping) easily beat other retailers I've found. As an aside, they're also one of the few places where you can choose a left or right side zipper for a snugpak. I have one of each, for when the better half joins me. Hope this helps.

 

[PayetteRucker]

get the Slumberjack Solara, that's what I use for 4 season camping. It stays super warm when it's cold, but it's also very light and compresses into a tiny size that you can strap easily to any pack. it also has vent holes in the feet that you can zip open in the summer. I've used it in Florida and Texas, in 95 degree heat, and felt about as comfortable as one could be in that muggy crap. Not to mention it costs about 35 dollars.

 

[Macchina]

I can get a superb deal on a Snugpak Softie 9 Hawk that I think I'm going to jump on. Has anybody had any experience with this bag? I think I will like the warmth, but I am concerned about the complaints online about this bag having no "neck baffle". Can somebody explain to me what a neck baffle is and how not having this will affect me? I am used to standard mummy bags that have a drawstring that allows you to cinch the bag around everything but your face, does this bag differ in someway?


Seeing as this will be my Spring/Fall bag, I think I'd rather lean towards the warmer end of mid-weight bags. After a bit of thought, I think the Merlin 3 may be a bit too light for my needs.