i hate to be a pain but you all are a wealth of knowledge! i am looking for a light weight sleeping bag for a elk hunt in Co. weight is a issue as we will be packing back in. first week of Sept, what can you recommend?? do not want to brake the bank, thinking $100 range or so.
I got a nice Northface for just about 100. Had it year and keep me nice and toasty. Just stay with a good name.
Do you have an REI store around you? You can get some awesome used equipment there for next to nothing. If you want light weight, go with down insulation. The down side of down, is that it is expensive and if it gets wet, it is worthless as an insulator. Synthetic is a great alternative, but you are going to gain weight.
no REI anywhere near me.
If you go with down, make sure the shell is water proof or you'll be in hell. I'd recommend synthetic over down because the tech behind it has come a long way and the warming properties are the same.
You want a great bag consider Western Mountaineering. They are one of the best down bags out there and very light.
Kifaru slickgbag choose your tempo rating, I like my wide 0 bag pretty well opps sorry out your your posted price range...
I went the REI route, got the sub zero 20 degree bag, froze my butt off in CO on a late August hunt. Did the low budget route.. The next year I went with a Western Mountaineering bag. If nothing else, do not skimp on your bag.A good night's sleep goes a long way to having a good hunt. Expect to do 300 to 400 for a good bag.I prefer down but, you have to pay attention to them. My brother got a deal at Cabelas awhile ago on a down bag, worked good for him and the price was right I Think about 200. Try for 15 to 20 degree bags, if you sleep warm you could go 30 40 degree. Remember there's nothing like feeling nice and cozy when it's crappy out.Just my 2 cents worth Jim G
I disagree with Dave. Do NOT get a waterproof shell or you will drown in your own sweat. Gortex or other breathable material, yes, but not waterproof fabric. Your body transpires moisture all night long and you need to have a bag that will let it out.
Also, get a bag with down on the top but holofil or some other non-compressable insulation under you. Down that is compressed offers no insulation. Plus, get a quality sleeping pad like a Thermacil, they are wonderful and will keep you from losing heat to the ground.
The bag I use is rated down to 0 degrees. Try to find a bag with a rating at least 15 degrees lower than what you will actually expect as minimum temps. Also, if you haven't tried a mummy bag before see if you can borrow one and try sleeping in it once. Personally, I simply cannot sleep in those things. I'm a big guy, a side sleeper, and I tend to roll over often during the night. A mummy bag ties me in knots. Yes, mine is not the lightest bag around, but a good nights sleep is important than an extra pound to me, so those requirements come first for me, then weight.
Campmor.com has a wide range of choices and some good quality gear at reasonable prices.
Ken,
You want that Military ECWS bag set that Detroitfirej is selling. It's what they issue to us. It is super versatile and in your price range. It's all I use when camping, hiking, hunting etc...
There is a science to how the system works, but it does in fact work when used properly. Google it.
Can't wait bro...
I have a Lafuma one kilo extreme 2.2 lbs 16 deg. rating that I used on a backpack hunt in Idaho I don't remember how much I paid for it but I do know that it wasn't to expensive. I also have an arctic shield 0 deg bag that weighs 3.9 lbs. A few thing that I've learned are that the tempurature ratings are not comfort ratings, and september in the mountains can have major temp changes. On my Idaho hunt we had from 80deg to 17 deg and snow I froze in the Lafuma bag the night it was 17deg I had to put all my wool on in order to get warm enough to sleep. Also if your a tall guy make sure to pay attention to the size of the bag most light weight bags are small. I like both bags that I have but I use the arctic shield more now that I have both, the Lafuma is just large enough for me I'm 6'3". If the extra couple pounds isn't an issue I use the warmer and larger arctic shield if it's warm I can always un zip it. The arctic shield packs down in the included compresion stuff sack to about the size of a basketball and the Lafuma to the size of a volleyball. The arctic shield is now sold under the Bass Pro Brand. You probally already know this but I sugest practice packing your backpack and weighing it you can then make decisions on what you can do without.
Hope this helps and good luck with the hunt.
Shoot Straight :archer2:
I can only tell you what I've done.
Mummy vs rectangle? Like Whip says, you gotta figure that out yourself. I toss, turn, roll, sleep on my back, my side and a mummy bag works fine. Others hate them and bad sleep is bad hunting.
Sleeping pads are also quite personal. I've carried the cheap foam ones which suit me just fine. I've been surprised to see the cheap foam pads providing better rated insulation than some of the expensive ones.
It can get cold overnight. I've had plenty of mornings in the low teens in September.
I've got a GoLite outlet 25 minutes away from home. They had a 3-season synthetic mummy bag rated 15 deg for $75. Couldn't pass it up. It's much better than my old Slumberjack.
I've got to be over by the outlet on Wednesday the 10th if you'd like me to check to see if they have anything.
Hope this helps.
homebru
There is no industry standard for temp ratings on bags. This came from an REI salesman who tested bags for many years across the industry. I would go with a name brand and stick with a 0 to 5 degree bag easy to unzip and vent if necessary. I was also told that the life of most bags is 180 nights although I am sure there many bags that have seen much more use (same source). I have had good luck with Northface bags although there are better bags. Stay with synthetic fill, down although superior looses it insulation if it gets wet or damp and this moisture can come from your body as you sleep and after several nights builds up if you are not able to allow it to dry between nights. Tough to do if it's raining or damp outside. $100.00 is going to be tough you are probably looking at $150.00 up. If at all possible get in the bag before you buy to make sure you have room. Mummy bags have less room to heat but if you are tossing and turning all night because you feel too confined you won't hunt well,the same holds true for bring chilled. Warmer bags more weight (unless down), roomier bags more weight, bulkier to pack. Do your research then decide. Hunt can be a bust if your not well rested.
58
Zmonster is on the dot with that military bag. I have one and use it in the wi ter. A great, not good, bag will make your hunt enjoyable. Also agree with goretex vice other covers
I'm satisfied with Wiggy's bags but their not $100. I won't lie, many times I've slept at 9-15 degrees in a zero rated bag and was no where near toasty but it was OK. Use a good insulated ground pad, in a tent and out of any wind helps, too
Rusty
I take a flat sheet and fold it in half longwise, sew across the bottom and maybe two feet up the side so I have an insert inside the bag. This adds to the ability of the bag to keep you comfy and you get it dirty and not your bag.
I have a great bag I bought at REI. It was on a special sale and the price was GREAT. Problem is, I can't sleep with it zipped shut. Too danged hot, which is a problem you don't often hear about but will keep you from sleeping well just the same.
Although it adds to comfort, a blow up (air) mattress does not add to your warmth and in fact takes it away. Some sort of good insulation below you is nearly as important as that above you.
ChuckC
The problem with the military bag is it weighs a lot, like 7+ lbs. ! but if you have to use all the layers it will keep you warm.
X 2 on the Wiggy's 0 degree bag, or a Kifaru slick bag 2lbs 12 oz., but not for $100, sorry.
I agree with what Chuck just stated an air mattress will make for a cold night if there not some sort of insulation between the mattress and bag, Bbrrrr!
Ken,
I can recommend three things: Campmor.com, Slumberjack, and a $25, 53" x 83" Czech Republic wool blanket from Turkeyfoottrading.com
http://turkeyfootllc.com/blankets.html
I have slept out with the wool blanket alone. Inside the 0° Slumberjack mummy bag it's good for really cold nights. Folded under for comfort on warmer nights.
Get a 3/4 length foam pad for comfort if sleeping on the ground.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___11718
* sigh * Wish I could have swung it. Hunt sharp out there. :thumbsup:
I have a marmot sawtooth that I use for backcountry elk hunts and I like it a lot. It's a 15 degree bag and combined with a pad, I have no problem staying warm (in fact I usually don't even zip it up all the way).
My .02 - spend your money on good boots and a good sleeping bag, unless you find something on sale cheap 100 bucks doesn't buy much. You have to remember on back country hunts weight is a issue but ALMOST equally important is volume. Generally nicer -more expensive- bags are lighter and compress down significantly.
Get EVERYTHING you THINK your bringing together and try and pack your bag- ha ha- you'll figure out that your gonna have to make some sacrifices and more and then some more!
My sleeping bag goes in a stuff sack that goes in a waterproof compression bag and rides outside my pack but I wouldn't want it any bigger than it is.
Just my thoughts- pm me if you'd like more info- I would be happy to help as my yearly trip to the Rockies constantly runs thru my head
Sorry to disagree, but there are insulated air mattresses that provide 5 to 7+ R values that insulate quite well.
When down bags compress under your body they lose loft. Loss of loft is loss of insulation. Something like a BA Aircore or Exped Syn or Downmat has insulation inside of the mattress. No loss of loft, trapped air=insulation.
Will a $20 wallyWorld air mattress cut it, no. Proper tools proper job.
I use the Military Modular 4 part Sleep System with GORTEX Bivy Cover . That way depending on the weather you can sleep light +30 or down to -40 and waterproof if you use the outer shell. if in a tent dont use the bivey. They come with a compression sack. They are used on the big auction well under $100 for me the 7 lbs is worth sleeping dry and warm
Ajungilak Tyin Winter 180L Sleeping Bag, that's what I use since 1999. A Canadian Army sleeping bag worked wonders up in the mountains in 1998,too. Getting into the mountains ill eqipped will make for a very unenjoyable,potentially dangerous trip. Don't save on a sleeping bag and on a good shelter. A good self-inflating foam matress makes it much more pleasant to sleep on the ground.
My choice: Kifaru Tipi with Stove, Ajunkilak Sleeping bag,Kifaru Longhunter backpack, 1.5" self-inflating foam matress, Thin fleece blanket.
I mostly use the sleeping bag as a blanket only, the fleece blanket over the matress. If it gets colder, I zip the bag up. For base camp I use a go anywhere flat tent bed, matress in fleece blanket and a wool blanket over the sleeping bag as blanket to keep it from moving. I am a side/belly sleeper. Woll banket keeps the light sleeping bag in place.
The modular army sleeping bag doesn't sound bad either.
Best bag going for that money is the Kelty Cosmic 20 degree down bag. North face cat's meow would be second...
I have done 6 backpacking elk trips in temps and conditions from one end of the spectrum to the other. I have also done a good deal of backpacking in all the seasons.
I am not a gearhead. I use what works for me. A lot of it is attitude.
I have a Ridgerest sleeping pad that I bought for $.50 at a garage sale 15 years ago. I have a Kelty 20 degree mummy bag that cost $59.00 in 1997. Together they weigh just under 4 lbs.
If it is cold, I sleep in my clothes.
If it is really cold, I wrap a $2 mylar space blanket around my lower half on the outside of my bag. Never put it around your face or condensation from your breath and the air leaking out of your bag will soak you. I use a tarp as a shelter so condensation clears pretty well but it will still soak you.
X2 on North Face Cats Meow. Good bag under $200, weighs 2lbs 12 oz, and packs small. I've been using one for a couple of years now. It's a good bag for the money.
Keep your eye on Craigslist for inexpensive gear. Or good gear at a bargain.
From experience though. I wouldn't go cheap especially for carrying weight and warmth. Also. A good pad is optimal. In my opinion. More important than the bag!
I have a big Agnes lost ranger. Light and warm. The plus side. The pad goes in a Sleeve in the bag and is always flat. Like WHIP I'm a side sleeper. But because of the design. The bag doesn't roll.
Weight warmth and design. Well worth the cost.
Good luck!!
I used a Wiggys bag while living in Southeast Alaska. I used it on goats & sheep hunts, etc. Wiggys (http://www.wiggys.com)
Looks like hey have 20% off and free shipping right now.
Second on Wiggy's. just picked up a 20 degree bag for 130.00.
i really like Marmot brand. they have a large range of prices. good gear.
I upgraded from cabelas xpg 20deg. Backpacker bag and Thermarest Zpad to Big Agnes Lost Ranger and air core pad. Well worth the extra money you'll sleep better which means you'll hunt harder.
Steve
It might depend on what elevation you are going to be sleeping at. I went to CO a few years ago in mid sept. and the temps were in the 70's in the day. I had a name brand high quality 15 degree bag. Camping at 10500' I froze!
mine is a Mountain Hardwear Lamina Ultra 0*....nylon shell, synthetic fill. I like it because it is a full size for my 6'3" frame and allows movement in bag but not so big I waste energy warming the inside. The fill is high loft and very insulating...you can get it with zipper on left or right per your preference....it has a draft tube and collar and enough room in footwell to allow you to keep some light clothing items down there to keep them warm or to throw a little pocket hand warmer thing you can buy at walmart to warm bag up. I team it up with a insualated XLong Thermarest pad and is great for anything.
I got synthetic fill as where I live it is very humid so rain or high humidity is normal even in cold months. I did not want anything that was going to lose loft in damp conditions or if it gets wet in my canoe (yes I use a dry bag).... It is a mummy style but like mentioned with its size it is very comfortable and not restricting for me at all. I would stay away from the waterproof shells....
If you are going to be out without a tent or tarp then I would just buy a bivy sac to go over it for that instant but otherwise get a regular constructed bag...you dont want it to hold any moisture in bag as that lowers your body temp in inclement weather just as wearing too many clothes in your bag will do.
I do recommend wool socks and a wool or poly/fleece head cover while in bag and then up to you whether you go commando or just very light synthetic underwear for sleeping. Makes a huge difference in warmth and retention.
Good luck....I think my bag is like 3lbs...you can check it on MH website to be sure but very light and packs fairly small. Wifes ia a Marmot...great bag too but for me the Mountain Hardware and Big Agnes were only two that gave me the warmth I required and the comfort I demanded being a larger framed guy. A good solid sleep is important...
Mountain Hardwear Syn Mens bags (http://www.mountainhardwear.com/extreme-cold-sleeping-bags/sleepingbags-below0degrees,default,sc.html)
Can get through REI, CAMPNOR and Moosejaw for better pricing or buy last years colors...that is what I did about 4 years ago.
Try CampMor They have a good selection and I've used one of their lightweights for years. I would go with a synthetic. I would get a good ground pad. The self inflating mattresses are compact and light.
Also try Sierra Designs. They sell overstocks and have a good selection also.
Irv Eichorst
True South Adventures
South Florida outfitters for Hogs and Osceolas
I also recommend the Kifaru sleeping bags. They are definitely out of your price parameters, but I've not found a better more comfortable bag. In my opinion they give you the best combination of weight, warmth, and comfort. Obviously there are other good bags, but Kifaru is the best I have found.
Hope this helps.
I just took advantage of 20% off and free shipping at Wiggy,s. And they're making them custom so they can be zipped together for my wife and myself at no extra charge. Seem to be nice people to work with. And yes I know this thread was in 2013 but it's cold out. So I ordered 0° bag.
Carl
Since Carl is resurrecting this thread, I might as well spout off too. I have backpacked a lot in the Wind Rivers of Wyoming and the Sierras in California, usually a month or two every summer. For about the last 10 years, I have used a somewhat unorthodox system for sleeping. The bottom half is an Elephant's Foot from Feathered Friends. This is an ultra lightweight bag that only reaches about halfway up my chest, but has high quality down so my feet and legs stay warm. The top half is whatever the best down parka is that you can find or afford. Mine is a Northface that reaches down below my butt, so there is quite a bit of overlap between the parka and the bag.
Usually I sleep on a Thermarest pad with my feet and legs in the bag and my parka spread over me like a blanket. If it gets colder, I put the parka on and zip it up. My arms are always free to stretch, never confined like in a sleeping bag.
At night if it gets cold before I go to bed, I put on the parka and am quite comfortable. Same thing in the morning when I get up; I just keep the parka on until it either warms up or I leave camp.
The combined weight of the parka and the bag is no more than many other bags alone, and I have found the combination to be much more versatile and comfortable than a full sized sleeping bag. It also compresses and packs into the same stuff sack as a regular sleeping bag.
My parka is too much to wear around during the day unless I was on an Everest expedition, and too puffy to wear when shooting the bow. But then, so is a sleeping bag. If I were camping in extreme cold I would probably want something warmer at night, but this combo works fine for me down to about -5 or so if I'm in a tent and have a good insulating pad underneath.
McDave's idea sound interesting, but since I have a 0* Wiggy's I'll have to go with that.
McDave's idea was pioneered by climbers back in the 60s and 70s, who used it to conquer a lot of mountain summits. Here is a link to images of some half bags with parkas (http://tinyurl.com/m6gcyb2) .
I used the REI Radiant in CO during an elk hunt. Really liked it!