What do you consider to heavy for a back packing sleeping bag? I am 6' 4"" 250lbs and most bags I see are 5 lbs or more, that will fit me without breaking the bank.
Define breaking the bank.
Winter bag? My winter bag is just over 5lbs. My summer bag is a Marmot that is considerably less.
I'm 6'2" 200lbs I always try to justify spending more money on lighter stuff but in reality I can comfortably carry a bit more than a smaller framed person and save some money. It sounds like 5+lbs should be very doable for you unless you want to spend the money.
Rob
Over $300.
3 lbs. Should more then do it. Look at quilts too. Saw one that would fit you for $200.
Where are you going to be hunting? It makes a big difference. On our Alaska hunts we see temps from -15 to 40 degrees at night. A bag not built for the temps will make for some very uncomfortable nights.
Mike
Colorado September 2014
You should have no problem finding a 15 to 20 degree long down bag under $300 that weighs 3lbs or a little under.
Look on Sierra trading post .com. You can find pretty good deals on bags at a decent price and the weight you want
Look for a Kelty Cosmic down 20' bag. It fits all of your requirements and you will have enough money left in your budget for a quality sleeping pad too.
I helped a buddy pick out a bag this year with a similar budget. If it has enough room the REI radiant down bag is a screaming deal with relatively light weight and minimal compromises. Plus REI has a one year no questions asked return policy, which is nice. For more room you might also consider the Sea to Summit Trek TkII. I was also impressed with the price and roominess of the Big Agnes Summit Park, but the weight was a little much for my tastes. I would also keep an eye on SierraTradingPost and Steep and Cheap. Best of luck.
After you pick a bag buy the Exped UL5 downmat and don't look back...the pump is so nice at elevation and it keeps the inside of your mat dry.
Google Wiggys thats the best bag and it will keep you warm even if you get it wet
To compound the issues, I bought a really good bag, rated for quite low temperatures, and I have now yet to be able to sleep in it and have it zipped. Too danged hot.
ChuckC
I really like quilts for moderate cold weather 20 F and up. (Below that and I like a mummy bag a little better.) IMO, the quilt allows you to cover a much wider temperature range than a traditional sleeping bag. On warmer evenings, you can drap only part of it on just enough of your body to take the chill off. Then it's very easy to pull over all of you as the night get's cooler. In colder weather, you can wear more clothes to bed and not worry about compressing your insulation like you would with a tight mummy bag.
If you backpack hunt, the ability to have a lighter quilt/bag and wear extra clothing to bed, if it gets cold really helps save weight and bulk. You can wear those clothes in the day when you are sedentary, so they do double duty. (Just keep those sleeping/warm clothes dry.)
The secret with a quilt is to get one wide enough so that you can roll on to your side with out your rear hanging out and getting drafty.
You can make your own synthetic quilt for well under a $100. For better weight and smaller volume in your pack, good quality down is the way to go. There are many quilt manufactures out there now.
I've got one from Enlightened and it is a good value and I like it. The RevX30 long model gives me 2" of loft, plenty of room (I'm 6'2" 175 lbs, weighs a scant 21.75 oz for under $200. With just long johns on, I'm comfortable (I consider myself a "cold sleeper") down to the high 20's. Add a thin wool shirt and a thin jacket and I'm comfortable into the high teens.
My "heavy" 4 - 5 lb mummy bags stay at home now for most trips.
Bill
Look at campmor.com some good 20degree bags around 5# thats what I took think I spent $170.00
I use an Enlightenment Equipment revelation x top quilt 20°. Weighs 25 oz and cost $240 I think. Only have one night so far in it. Feels really warm you just need a high r value pad.
Brandon