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  

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.