best packable sleeping bag

[stlhdr1]

So, I'm all geared up minus the sleeping bag for my 5 day trip. I will be pack in camping at around 5000 feet through the first week of september up near Mt. St. Helens.

What are the best bags out there that are the lightest yet smallest to pack? Goose down? What suggestions do you guys have? I'm game on anything Cabelas carries as they're great about their products....

Plus a second question would be at 6'2" what length of bag would you suggest?

Keith

[Yeti]

Originally Posted by stlhdr1

So, I'm all geared up minus the sleeping bag for my 5 day trip. I will be pack in camping at around 5000 feet through the first week of september up near Mt. St. Helens.

What are the best bags out there that are the lightest yet smallest to pack? Goose down? What suggestions do you guys have? I'm game on anything Cabelas carries as they're great about their products....

Plus a second question would be at 6'2" what length of bag would you suggest?

Keith

Personally I would go to a Specialty Outdoor Retailer. Look at Marmot, Mountain Hardwear and Big Agness. I would go 775-800 fill down for a starter. You will want a long most likely, but try them on. Temp range is up to you. Some people need -5 bags in 15deg others do well in 20 deg bags. My guess is a 5 - 15 deg bag would be the most versital. There are some super light bags in that range but they may have features like 3/4 zip instead of a full zip. Don't forget a good pad. It will make for a more rested day of hunting.

[chukarchaser]

Yeah... what Yeti said. IMO goose down is the way to go, very light and very warm... just make sure you keep it dry. Check out the Sierra designs tradewind... based on my research, it is the one I am saving my pennies for. Good bag for the $. I wish I could afford a Marmot down bag... they are tops... but spendy!

CC

[NeverGuess]

Some of them have welded seams that are waterproof and less cold spots. There are some really innovative designs out there....

[Tilla]

Sierra Designs.....good selection and they been around a long time...ie: they're in the business

[I/P too]

Most bags today are very good. But getting off the ground will make all the difference. I have used a break down back packers cot with a thermorest for years. I highly recomend you shop for one. Whoever I was with always said I need that same set up.

[thresher]

Another option is look at those 15 degree bags and pick yourself up a lightweight fleece liner to put inside. Should add 5-10 more degreese warmth. Brand choices i like North face and Marmot personally. Also yes "Try them on" for length

[chromebright]

I did a bunch of research on this exact topic recently and bought this one. Marmot Helium 15 Degree http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___46558 very highly reviewed by many in the backpacking world.

I also own a Kelty Light year 20 deg down, but don't really like it so much and would not like to sleep in it in 20 deg weather, but it was MUCH cheaper. http://www.kelty.com/kelty/products....&cat=68&id=429

[stlhdr1]

I can't imagine it will be much colder than 35 at night where we will be. Does a guy sweat to death in a 0 or 15 degree bag??

Keith

[Yeti]

Originally Posted by stlhdr1

I can't imagine it will be much colder than 35 at night where we will be. Does a guy sweat to death in a 0 or 15 degree bag??

Keith

A propperly built down bag will breath very well. A 15 deg rating on most quality bags means you will get through the night without freezing. Some, like Marmot, will be fairly comfortable at thier rating. Leaving the neck baffle and head pocket open will cool the bag off quite a bit. I would not hesitate to use a 15 deg bag at 35 deg. It will be very comfortable. If you get warm you just open up the zipper and baffle.

A cot is great in camp. But anything that allows cold air to circulate under the bag will cool things off significantly. If you want to be warm sleep on a thermarest on the ground not on a cot.

[chromebright]

You can always unzip the bag if you are warm. Being cold is a much bigger problem to me. Getting cold at night really zaps your energy when you need to recover.

[Cornbread]

One word: Marmot. I have been packing with the same Marmot for the last 11 years and it is still just as warm as the first day I bought it and I have several thousand miles(not joking) of packing with it.

[stlhdr1]

Originally Posted by Cornbread

One word: Marmot. I have been packing with the same Marmot for the last 11 years and it is still just as warm as the first day I bought it and I have several thousand miles(not joking) of packing with it.

That's the confidence that I need. Now I just need to find the right Marmot for me.....

Thanks for all the help out there too. My cousin also has a Marmot that he loves.

Keith

[bbell]

I got a Eureka 15 degree bag from cabelas that weighs 2lbs 13 oz. Haven't used it yet but you might want to check it out.

Brandon

[Jimbow]

I am looking at the Big Agnes Lost Ranger- I like the idea of the built in pad pocket. I guess I'm just tired of sliding off off the darned pad all the time.

[wsuweston]

Get a long bag, it will be much more comfortable.

[Doc Savage]

might check rei and see if they rent bags if you aren't going to need it much after the trip. Search for rei rental;


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[Lucky Guy]

Originally Posted by Jimbow

I am looking at the Big Agnes Lost Ranger- I like the idea of the built in pad pocket. I guess I'm just tired of sliding off off the darned pad all the time.

I use that one and can't say enough good things about it. The 3" pad is very comfortable, and the whole package is lighter than anything else you'll carry.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

I bought a Slumberjack 15 degree bag at Sportsmen's $89.99.

I use a Thermarest self inflater pad.

[bobber dance]

I purchesed the cabellas XPG light weight bag, rated to 15 degrees. I hate it and do not recomend it. Spend the extra money and go with the marmot

[ehunter]

Another good bag for the money is the cats meow from Northface its synthetic but not too heavy. I used it as my first back packing bag I bought years ago and we still use it. Also check bag price at Campmor for down bags some times you can get a good deal on a bag.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Category___244__

[ErnestE]

Originally Posted by ehunter

Another good bag for the money is the cats meow from Northface its synthetic but not too heavy. I used it as my first back packing bag I bought years ago and we still use it. Also check bag price at Campmor for down bags some times you can get a good deal on a bag.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Category___244__

Second the above:

Cat's Meow for 25 years and still going strong, warm or cold, snow on the tent, frozen water bottles, keeps me warm

[4th_Point]

I'll be 3rd to recommend the Cat's Meow. Probably the best for the buck. Synthetic will keep you warm even if it gets wet. If you want ultra-lite, go with down but realize that when they get wet they lose their ability to insulate.

I would rather have a 2-1/2 pound, 15 degree synthetic bag than save a few ounces and have a 45 degree bag. You may already know this but the backpacking folks usually have the best reviews and info on bags, tents, pack stoves, etc. You may want to look for this year's Backpacker Gear Guide.

[Orion]

One more vote for the Cat's Meow.

[jnicholson]

WARNING WARNING WARNING

I almost froze my a$$$ off in a - 15 degree bag last year during elk season on a wilderness hunt. Lil hotties help me make it through the nights and it was only about + 20 degrees. Miserable.

I won't mention the brand but I will never do that again. Apparantly, it means you can survive with it that cold ... it doesn't mean you'll be warm and comfy.

It would be worth renting or borrowing one now to see what you think will work.

John

[Yeti]

Originally Posted by jnicholson

WARNING WARNING WARNING

I almost froze my a$$$ off in a - 15 degree bag last year during elk season on a wilderness hunt. Lil hotties help me make it through the nights and it was only about + 20 degrees. Miserable.

I won't mention the brand but I will never do that again. Apparantly, it means you can survive with it that cold ... it doesn't mean you'll be warm and comfy.

It would be worth renting or borrowing one now to see what you think will work.

John

You hit the nail on the head. The other part of the equasion for temp ratings is a normal body. If you have been on a wilderness hunt you will be in a calorie defecit. Temp ratings are based on your body maintaining a "standard output" in terms of body temp. On a true wilderness hunt you will be below that standard unless you have a sherpa.

That is why a true backpacking/mountaineering bag is what you want for a wilderness hunt. They are designed with a safety margin that accounts for calorie deprivation. BTW, in wilderness medicine they teach us to eat a chocolate bar if you are having trouble sleeping. The additional calories will help you sleep.

edit:

One other tid bit about bags. Synthetics loose thier temprature ratings over time. The longer they are compressed the faster they loose thier rating. We are talking as much as 10-15 deg over 5 years if it is packed regularly. Down is much more resiliant. A good down bag that is not stored compressed can last 20 years. Store your bags hanging in the closet or loosely packed in a lawn & garden bag.

[pnw_fisher]

I am really surprised by all the north face thumbs up...throughout the years we were strong north face supporters (owning 10+ sleeping bags ranging from the cat's meow to heavier, colder weather bags to tents to countless pieces of outerwear) and lately I have been very disappointed by many of their products. I am much, much happier with my new REI kilo plus rated to 0 degrees. The REI kilo plus paired with 1-man Mountain Hardwear tent has been the field-tested lightweight warrior for me.

[ehunter]

I have 2 summer down bags 1 rated to 25 degrees and one rated to 32. My favorite is a kilo Northface weighs 1.5 lbs but it is not a late fall bag the other one I have used tramping all over NZ 2 years ago it is Kelty 15 degree bag ok for summer but not for hunting season. I have even snow camped in the Cats meow 20 degree bag. I know my girl friend will uses the cats meow bag over the down bag she claims it is warmer. Just remember that down is sturdier than synthetics you need to store your bags either flat in or in storage bags because synthetic bags will lose their loft if stored all crunched up. The very best down bag for the money and the bag most used on the PCT is from Western Mountaineering, but they are very expensive but they are one of the few bags that are supposed to be true to their rating systems and one of the lightest on the market. Oreognmuley has one and he really likes his.

Originally Posted by pnw_fisher

I am really surprised by all the north face thumbs up...throughout the years we were strong north face supporters (owning 10+ sleeping bags ranging from the cat's meow to heavier, colder weather bags to tents to countless pieces of outerwear) and lately I have been very disappointed by many of their products. I am much, much happier with my new REI kilo plus rated to 0 degrees. The REI kilo plus paired with 1-man Mountain Hardwear tent has been the field-tested lightweight warrior for me.

[jnicholson]

If you think that you can get away with a summertime bag on an elk wilderness hunt when the season opens ... you are seriously risking your health and well being.

You're hunting, not just trying to survive. I promise you you'll regret it. Take the warmest possible bag you can carry. Plan for 30 below!!!!! Be safe.

John

[wsuweston]

Originally Posted by pnw_fisher

I am really surprised by all the north face thumbs up...throughout the years we were strong north face supporters (owning 10+ sleeping bags ranging from the cat's meow to heavier, colder weather bags to tents to countless pieces of outerwear) and lately I have been very disappointed by many of their products. I am much, much happier with my new REI kilo plus rated to 0 degrees. The REI kilo plus paired with 1-man Mountain Hardwear tent has been the field-tested lightweight warrior for me.

The Kilo's are great bags

[oregonmuley]

Well, there have been some good ones mentioned. The Marmot Helium bag is a fantastic bag, they don't come any lighter or any pack smaller than that one. But - unless you can deal with a real snug mummy bag with only a half zipper - look at something else. I almost got that bag until I got in one, thought I was in a body bag - and I'm not that big a guy. But its a heck of a bag.

If you want a bag that it light-weight, compresses down almost as much and only weighs a little more. Like Ehunter mentioned really look at the Western Mountaineering bags - especially their Gore Windstopper bags, which last year was called Dryloft. Check out the Badger GWS bag. Its about as roomy a mummy bag as you will ever find, its filled with 850+ down, rated to 15 but they are known to be better that what they are rated for. It weighs 2lb.12oz packed, and isn't much bigger than a loaf of bread when in stuff sack. Plus they are made in the USA

With the Windstopper they are water resistant, but I can tell you I've gotten quite a bit of water on mine and it never soaked through so even with the down its not a big worry unless you sleep in a rainstorm you should be fine.

Only problem with these bags is they are not cheap - they will lighten your wallet but what the heck, whats a good nights sleep worth. If in the Portland area, you can look them over at Oregon Mountain Community, or online.
Good luck and have fun.

[stlhdr1]

So I finalized my search with a NorthFace Cat's Meow 20 degree bag in the Long version. I couldn't pass it up at REI for $104, they have them on clearance there right now so for anyone out there wanting one I think that will be a tough price to beat....

Keith

[ehunter]

I think you will be happy take a stocking hat it will help to keep you warm.

Originally Posted by stlhdr1

So I finalized my search with a NorthFace Cat's Meow 20 degree bag in the Long version. I couldn't pass it up at REI for $104, they have them on clearance there right now so for anyone out there wanting one I think that will be a tough price to beat....

Keith

[dla]

I'm not sure of the fill in the meow, but I like down much, much better than synthetic. The cheapest down bag (and I own 3 of them) is the Campmor sold at Campmor. I'm 3'41" tall and I use a 20* long mummy. I use it as a quilt. I've slept down into the snow (low 30's) with it. Make sure that you bring a stocking cap and gloves. And never go to bed dehydrated and hungry. Since I'm getting kindof soft in my old age, I use a pair of down booties I bought for $10 at REI during their after winter sale.