After some of the recent elk threads I have the fever more than ever. I have finally built up enough vacation at work and my wife has given me the ok for next September. I've been wanting this for years!
I'm going to slowly put together the gear I need and I have a bunch of it already. My question is what are my sleeping bag options in the under $200 dollar range? After using the search option most mentioned are $400+. If these are my best bet I will spend the next year trying to find used within my budget.
Rob
You get what you pay for. I had used military surplus bags for ever. They were warm enough. Then I went to light cheap bags. I froze my *** off. Since I found myself getting further from the truck and consequently colder, I purchased a Mountain Hardware Phantom 15. Best bag I ever had. LIGHT and WARM. Seems a lot off people overlook this part off their gear system.
Quick advice
Down: Light, Warm, doesn't do well wet.
Poly fill: Slightly heavier, stays warm when wet.
If you plan on sleeping in a tent an not get your bag soaked go with the down.
Down fill ratings from 400-600 are ok. 600-700 are good 750+ is best.
A North Face Cat's Meow has been around the backpacking world forever. REI has them under your budget. I've used one in Colorado in September elk hunting many times. If you are a really large wide guy and a side sleeper it might be snug but it's still a good bag.
Western Mountaineering is a top shelf bag but not under $200 and probably not needed in Sept. if you have merino base layer to sleep in.
I would look at Western Mountaineering's Alpinlite.It weighs 1 lb 15 oz and is rated down to 20 degrees.WM doesn't exaggerate their ratings.It is also a fairly roomy mummy so you still are warm but don't feel confined like slimmer mummies.
A full length zipper is very important in case of warmer nights.
If you can find a Western Mountaineering under budget, that's never a bad choice. Might also be able to find a Montbell in your price range.
If all else fails get a Kelty Cosmic Down 20 degree bag. They run about a $100 bucks, and is way more bag then the price tag would suggest.
You have lots of options in that price range with a roomy Big Agnes bag. Add one of their insulated air core pads in the sleeve in the bottom and you will sleep more comfortable than your bed at home. The bonus is you do not slide off your pad either.
Check out the free listing site in your area that rhyme with "gregl _ _t". I bought mine from there and save couple of hundred bucks.
Unless your going to bivy hunt for several days you don't need a super light,high dollar, minus 10 degree 300 dollar sleeping bag.
Even then you probably don't.
You can get a really good bag for 200 bucks or less.
Most elk hunting in September the temps are very seldom going to get below freezing at night.
John
QuoteOriginally posted by Outwest:
Unless your going to bivy hunt for several days you don't need a super light,high dollar, minus 10 degree 300 dollar sleeping bag.
Even then you probably don't.
You can get a really good bag for 200 bucks or less.
Most elk hunting in September the temps are very seldom going to get below freezing at night.
John
X2
If it does get a little chilly, I'll sleep in my light merino wool longjohns. I guess they are called "base layers" these days.
Consider a Wiggys sleeping bag (wiggys.com). Great value and they work.
Search a mountaineering stores items, most can tell you the difference. like REI for eg.
I have a Kelty Clear Creek 20 degree bag that has kept me warm on 6 elk hunts in all kinds of weather. It's not super light but it was under $100. You don't have to spend a fortune on gear. If you have the jack, I got no problem with you spending it but if you don't have the money, don't let it keep you from doing stuff. Just get tougher.
I've got to say the best bang for the buck out there is a Marmot Sawtooth. They are down bags, rated at 15 degrees, and retail for $220 or less. I've had mine and its been well used for about 5 years. If this doesnt fit your needs, definitely consider a down bag either way. Marmot offers excellent bags for the money in my experience.
If you are not packing in, you should check out the Eureka Kaycee. It is well within your price range and quite warm. It's a 0 degree bag that weighs just over 4 1/2lbs. I used one in Colorado last year and the temps got to freezing or below a couple nights. Never got cold and plenty of room. Probably not ideal for packing in but not impossible. If you're truck camping though, it should work quite well.
I think it will depend on if you plan on hiking in any kind of distance. You will pay more for the lighter stuff. If weight is not a big deal then there are lots of options for you. For me a 15 degree bag will do you for most of your September hunts.
What all these guys are saying. I love down. I have a almost 20 year old north face cats meow. 20 degree down bag. Most nights I have had to open it up to cool off even when I got snowed on. Depends on how warm natured you are too. Anyway... Get a good brand 15-20 degree bag and you'll be happy. If its down it'll be lighter, pack smaller, and be warmer. Just don't get it wet...
A bivy bag makes a big difference with a lesser bag. Adds a good deal of warmth and keeps your bag dry.
mate another option is to spend a bit of money on a exped down mat 9 witch will let u sleep on snow down to like minus 36 f and you can get away with a very light weight sleeping bag for cheap and save on space. this is what i do and i use the exped mat in my hammock with great success as well in very cold weathe. Its super comfortable being and inflatable mat plus it packs down to nothing, heaps smaller than a self inflating mat.
My only experience is with down. It is like wool clothing, cant be beat. Have two bags by Western Mountaineering, one 3 season bag and one for winter. Buy the best you can afford. Mine are 20 years old, still work great, and will probably see me out.
I've had a Big Agnes now going on three.Hands down the best bag I've ever had. Light and very rummy,You do need one of their pads but it's worth the money. Don't skimp in this area of your trip.
Thanks guys I'm taking notes. I'm no stranger to winter time camping but a weekend trip in Indiana let's you get by with a bunch more weight.
Just a note as already mentioned, a down bag is great unless it gets wet then it is useless. In the back country it is like cotton clothing, it can get you killed and is just not worth the 1/2 pound weight savings if you are way out there expecting wet conditions. The good synthetic fill bags are better overall performers for serious back country adventures.
My $.02............. While down is the gold standard for sleeping bags, it does have one drawback. That is, when it is compressed, like under your body, it has almost no insulation value. A real good pad will help but you may still be cold on the bottom.
I have had several down bags over the years and the best one is the one I have now - it's a Cabelas bag and is down filled on the top only....on the bottom is Holofil. Makes for a much more comfortable night's sleep.
The other tip and one I learned from my Grandpa back in the 60's is put a layer or two of regular newspaper under your bag, it really keeps the dampness/cold out.
QuoteOriginally posted by Oregon Okie:
What all these guys are saying. I love down. I have a almost 20 year old north face cats meow. 20 degree down bag. lighter, pack smaller, and be warmer. Just don't get it wet...
Oregon Okie, Unless they used to be down and have changed them, the Cat's Meow I owned about 15 years ago and the current specs show these bags have a synthetic fill, not down.
Just an FYI. :)
I just received a copy of my Campmor catalog and there are Northface bags that are in your price range,I have had one of the Catface bags for years that has treated me well for years in all types of conditions,chech them out on line. Lou
Sorry for the last post I ment to say a Cats Meow bag like the other posts. Lou
1flyfish,you can edit a post by clicking on the tablet/pencil icon above it.
Sambar's point about the sleeping pad is a good one.Most pads will insulate well enough for that time of year but the type he is talking about will add a lot of comfort to your sleep and you will need all the rest you can get.It can be used later for colder camping if you need it.A few years ago I got one of the Big Agnes air core pads and that is the most comfortable I've slept on the ground.It weighs a few ounces more than my old pads but to get a good sleep,it is well worth it.
If you want a good down bag but don't have the budget for it, I would look hard at used stuff.
Search in Bloomington or some other college area. I live in a college town and it amazes me what some kids sell for beer money. Often they didn't buy it (insert parents) so selling cheap is no skin off their back.
Also if you aren't going to elk hunt regularly, you can turn around and sell it again.
The internet is like a modern super garage sale. Just a thought.
I highly recommend the Blue Kazoo by North Face. It's a down bag rated for 15 degree weather. It's a little over your $200.00 guideline ($289.00) in CAMPMOR, but it's a great bag for back packing into elk country.
I also take a 100% silk mummy liner made by Cocoon. It takes up almost zero space, is comfortable and can add almost 10 degrees of comfort to any bag.
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
The only issue I have with down is the possibilty of it getting wet. In that case, you have potentially a very serious problem. I love down and generally use it when not in a wilderness setting. I would suggest looking at some the light synthetics that retain warming ability if they get wet.
I really like my Wiggy's bag...
i've had my north face unimog for nearly 40 years.
lived in it for at least 5. they rebuilt it about 15-20 years ago.
to me, a bag is the bottom line survival unit, along with a goretex bivy.
if i'm hurt bad, or real sick, i can crawl in and survive.
a full zipper, around the foot, is important to me.
you can adjust your bag 20° just by sticking your feet out.
no tight mummys dor me
I have had good success with a Ledge Outdoor's sleeping bag. I have the featherweight 0 degree bag. Been through a number of cold nights with this bag. Tough to beat the price!
chris <><
sorry for typos. the site does just not allow me to correct/edit effectively with my phone.
joe
What Sambar said is bang on!! I'll repeat it, get an exped down mat for under your bag and you'll add all kinds of warmth and comfort.
I honestly don't even know why they but down on the bottom of the bag :D it just gets compressed and doesn't do anything.
QuoteOriginally posted by calgarychef:
I honestly don't even know why they but down on the bottom of the bag :D it just gets compressed and doesn't do anything.
Google Big Agnes Sleeping Bag...
For that budget you're going to be looking at down bags with 600 - 650 fill. The two bags I'd recommend you look at that are close to your budget are the REI Radiant 20 ($209) and the Marmot Sawtooth 15 ($249). Either bag will be plenty warm for Elk season. I don't have any experince with the REI bag but my brother has the Sawtooth and is very pleased with it. Personally, for backpacking I would stick with down as it compresses much smaller and to me bulk is just as important as weight.
Either way, take your time and do your research. You have plenty of time until next September. You might also want to check out some of the backpacking websites. Alot of people on those sites spend more time in a sleeping bag in one year than some of us do in a lifetime.
Well... A sleeping bag can be the most important piece of gear you own in the back country, which is why I use a Western Mountaineering Badger from September on. WM bags are not cross baffled, so you can shake most of the down from the bottom of the bag to the top.
I also use an Exped Downmat under my bag
I also live in a heated floorless tent
and, I keep my bag in a Sea to Summit eVent compression sack when its not in the tent.
Contrary to popular belief, a wet synthetic bag can still kill you.
in that price range...a wiggys' superlight. Its essentially the overbag for the -40 and -60 systems...rated at +20 cost is 130 bucks. weight is 3lbs. Wiggy's is the most underrated temperature rated bag on the market!
Wiggy is also the most egotistical doucebag in the backpacking biz.
If you are interested in a synthetic bag the mountain hardwear lamina and ultralamina bags are excellent for weight vs warmth. If you are over 5'11" get the long version though.
My experience is limited, but I've been so happy with my Mt Hardware Pinole coupled with my Bivy and Alps Mountaineering self inflating pad. The Bag is synthetic @ 3#3oz, the pad is wider and thicker @4#, the bag is Goretex Military model and decently light. It was all under $200 but does the job on 3+4 day hunts w/my Badlands 2800.
my 2 cents
In my experience the synthetic bags are no better when wet then a down bag...
If your bag gets wet enough and its cold enough either way down or synthetic..your screwed...so don't buy into that myth. Just keep your Bag dry!
I replace the stuff sack with a sea to summit waterproof stuff sack, so for river crossings and downpours your bag is always going to be dry in your pack...even if totally submerged in water.
Then once your tent or fly camp is set up..only then bring out your bag and if your set up properly it should never get wet.
For backpack hunting I go for down... I can pack it up smaller and its slightly lighter.
Also don't overlook a good sleeping pad, its vital for cold nights and over a few days in the back country there is a lot to be said for having a good nights sleep and being able to keep hunting hard.
good luck
I just "field tested" my Big Agnes Lost Ranger bag and BA insulated aircore pad and they passed with flying colors! If your a side sleeper like myself that air core pad is the way to go, trust me your hips will thank you!
Steve
The bag I have wouldn't be in that price range. I would suggest looking at a website called steepandcheap.com. There has been a sleeping bag that fits your criteria on there. The deals only run 30min or so but if they don't all sell out it cycles through. Also check out sierra trading post. Not sure the kind of weight you're looking for, but if it's not until next year you will have plenty of time to find one.
Unless your a "big" guy like me the surplus:
ECWS Modular Sleep System -30 Degrees U.S. Suurplus Bivy Patrol Bag Intermediate Bag Compression Sack
are a great system. Jason uses one and has it's great. Unforunately I'm too big to fit.
Mike
QuoteOriginally posted by AkDan:
in that price range...a wiggys' superlight. Its essentially the overbag for the -40 and -60 systems...rated at +20 cost is 130 bucks. weight is 3lbs. Wiggy's is the most underrated temperature rated bag on the market!
I know it's an old thread, but I just bought the wiggy bags for my wife and myself they are fantastic,best bags in the business and at a reasonable price, made in USA ! w got the -40 sleep system . And he was great to work with in getting just what we needed.
Carl
Wiggy's bags are great. Best I have ever used.
I agree with Tradtusker. I have a 25-year-old down bag from Beans that's been to Alaska a few times and out west practically every year. Never have I gotten it wet, and one trip in Alaska it rained 12 out of the 14-day hunt.
That bag is getting a little compressed after all these years so I recently picked up a Western Mountaineering bag. Very high quality, high loft down. New, they're over your price range, but might be able to find a used one.
I'd also recommend a 0 degree bag. I'd rather have a little extra than not enough. It can get mighty chilly when the thremals start running down the mountain at night. You can always open your bag if you're too warm. Of course, you can put clothes if you're not warm enough, but that's a hassle and rather uncomfortable.
Douchebag though he is Wiggy makes the only sleeping bag that is launderable, works when wet, and is made in USA. Down bags work great until the first time you get it wet or stinky and are a colossal waste of money.
Rob,
PM sent about REI Outlet (on-line). I just bought two goose down bags (arrived yessterday) that were on sale. They were $419 each originally. I got them for $177 each. We are flying with these bags so I'm leaving my 30 year old Cabela's synthetic at home.
X2 on the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15. This bag is amazing. I spent a lot of time researching quality bags from Western Mountaineering, Marmot, Kuiu, etc. and kept coming back to the MH Phantom 15. If you hunt around you can find them as low as 349.00. Moontrail.com has them for this price right now in the regular size which is the same size as everyone else's long bag. Hands down the best bag I could find without breaking the 500.00 mark.
Just recently discovered the sierra designs back country bed, it is awesome!! I recomended checking it out
Are you backpacking deep into backcountry or are you hunting from a trailhead camp? Weight is crucial issue for the former and not a consideration for the latter.
You can get nice warm bag for a lot less money if you don't mind its weight. I have a down bag rated to --40 F that I backpack with because it is light. At any kind of altitude at all, it is pretty cozy even in September.
Most of the time I sleep in my tent or back of my truck and hunt from that camp. For that I use a nice but old sleeping bag and I don't even know the brand. Picked it up real cheap at a flea market.
I love the military ECWS modular bag for about $100 on the big auction site. I use one for years, even down to -35 degrees. As the bag has a patrol bag, outer bag, and gortex bag, it lets you modify the layers based on the temps. It has never let me down.
I've been looking at the Sierra designs bag with dri-down. Thinking of a minus 7 bag for early sheep and caribou.
I bought a Western Mountaineering several years ago. One of the best investments I have ever made.
I was and still am a Big Agnes fan but I was looking to lighten the load and due to my build couldn't find any BA's that fit the bill. I went with a Enlightend Revelation quilt and LOVE it. Over $200 but under $400.
Wiggys X2 I have been using mine for 5 years or more. the great thing you can wash them at home and put in the dryer on a low temp.
Around here I would be looking for a military surplus bag many of which are hardly used or unused...not sure what you have available where you are
DDave
Check out the offerings from Mountain Equipment Coop...they will ship to the USA and your dollar goes about 25 percent further than our does these days so you 200 will only be 150 of yours
DDave
I checked out one of their Western Mountaineering bags and the price is $570 CA,vs $380 in the states.Great selection though.