Sleeping bag decision for Bikepacking...need insight

[Cosmo K]

I need to get a new sleeping bag for bikepacking.  Mine, a Big Agnes Crater, is still too bulky.  I do not want a quilt and won't consider one.  The issue I'm having a hard time finding info on is packed size (when compressed) for the bags I'm considering.  Any insight into this would be really helpful plus if you have any other recommendations:

Western Mountaineering Summerlite
Marmot Plasma 30
Montbell Ultralight spiral #3
Mountain Hardware speed 32

All of these bags are around 1.2 -1.5lbs and approx. 32 degree bags.  Any idea of pack size when compressed?

For some reason I can't find pictures of these bags when compressed and packed size, as we know, is a premium.

Thanks!

[mtnbound]

I have the WM Summerlite (6 foot) and WM's website states it packs down to 6"X12".  I use the stuff sack that it came with and, while I have not measured it, I would say that WM's measurement is probably accurate or really close.  I don't think it would compress anymore even with a smaller sack.  The stuff sack, as you would imagine, is tubular so the 6" width measurement is the max diameter.

[12wheels]

Montbell supplies a 5.1"x10.1" stuff sack with the Ultralight Spiral #3 while the Plasma's stuff sack is 7"x15" and the Speed 32's is 5"x8".

They'll probably all pack down to roughly the same size, 5-6" x 10-12" with the exception of the Speed 32. Try to check out the bags at a store before buying if possible.  Some of the ultralight bags have a slim cut which some people find uncomfortable.

[Cosmo K]

Thanks guys.

What I'm looking for is the real compressed size not the quoted size by the manufacturer, I have those.

@mtnbound - -  I was hoping the summerlite packed down smaller than that with a compression sack.  This guy I think has it stuff into a smaller compression sack: 

Western Mountaineering Summerlite

I'm guessing that most of these other ones "should" pack to a similar size since they are comparable weight and fill weight is comparable.  I wish I had a shop around here that sold them, but I don't.

Thanks again.

[juanesunpescado]

There is a standard http://www.astm.org/Standards/F1853.htm

Bag manufacturers should be using this standard and citing it in their published information. The nice thing about standards is that even if your compressed volume is different from theirs, at least you can compare the relative compressability from among different brands/models.

If a brand is not using or citing the standard they are probably hiding their results and you should call them out on it.

-tj

[Eastman]

Cosmo - I've got my Summerlite here in front of me.  In the provided stuff sack it measures 12" X 6".  When compressed (putting some weight on the provided stuff sack) it squishes down to 7" X 6".  Hope that helps.

[Briansong]

Hi Cosmo,

I chose the Zpacks 20 deg. bag 6'2". It weighs 18 oz. It also stuffs into a similar sized bag. I think with a compression sack it would be 5" x10" approx.

Steve

[Cosmo K]

Steve - The zpacks bags look interesting.  They are a little more pricey than what I can get the other bags for but the reviews have been outstanding.  I'm looking at the 30 degree bag.  Tough decision.

[mtnbound]

Cosmo - after looking at that video, I agree with Eastman that the Summerlite compresses down smaller (still haven't tried it yet).  However, I am reluctant to do that and put that stress on the bag.  I am probably being overly protective but I want to keep my bag in good as possible condition, particularly since it is expensive and I don't want to cause a rip or tear while out in the field.  In order to make these ultra light bags, I am concerned that they don't have the same material strength as other bags.  Anyway, good luck and I hope you find what you need.

[adelorenzo]

My Big Agnes Horse Thief SL (35 degree bag) packs down into a 5 L dry bag. I cram it in there pretty hard (there is room to get 3-4 folds on the top of the bag) and it's stood up to that for over a year now.

[dave]

Just giving you a heads up, but I found the Speed 32 to be a tight fit and so I went with the roomier (but still ultralight) Phantom 32.  The Speed 32 seemed great otherwise, though.  Never tried a Highlite but it sounds similar.  Hopefully you've been able to try out at least one of these bags in a store. 

For reference, my Phantom 32 is a long (6'6") model that is a year or two old.  It allows me to sleep on my side with one leg bent and my knee forward.  I'm 6'2", 155 lbs.  I believe actual weight is 1 lb, 9 oz and it packs down small.  I don't have specific measurements but could get them if you ended up interested in a long MH bag.

[PeteStaehling]

Just giving you a heads up, but I found the Speed 32 to be a tight fit and so I went with the roomier (but still ultralight) Phantom 32.  The Speed 32 seemed great otherwise, though.  Never tried a Highlite but it sounds similar.  Hopefully you've been able to try out at least one of these bags in a store. 

For reference, my Phantom 32 is a long (6'6") model that is a year or two old.  It allows me to sleep on my side with one leg bent and my knee forward.  I'm 6'2", 155 lbs.  I believe actual weight is 1 lb, 9 oz and it packs down small.  I don't have specific measurements but could get them if you ended up interested in a long MH bag.

I'd like to second the suggestion to consider the Phantom line.  I have found my Phantom 45 to be a great bag and very versatile.  I have used in down to the mid teens F, but I put out heat like a furnace.  The short zipper of the Speed is a big downside for me.

[paulmissoula]

Does anyone here have a Jacks R Better quilt? They do several UL down quilts and bags for backpacking, which seem comparable in weight and cost to Montbell, Mountain Hardwear, etc, though maybe a bit lighter since they lack a zipper.

[Expeditionmarc]

I have a 20 degree zpack sleeping bag. I did many hikes with it and bike-packing adventures and I must say its light and warm. Weight I think is 16 oz. comes with a cuben fiber stuff sack. Was out on weekend in -10 Celsius weather witch is over it's raided value my feet where slightly cold but the rest of my body was warm. I would recommend this bag for weight and size. Cheers!!

[benmtb44]

I have the WM Megalite, and I love it.  Also WM makes all their bags in the US!

[dgjessee]

I was looking at the mountain speed 32 because of the weight and size. It shrinks down to a ball about the size of your palm. It's seriously tiny! However I just couldn't justify the extra cost over a phantom 32 and I didn't feel like the phantom was unreasonably larger in size/weight. The bag the phantom comes with is pretty much its ultimate compressed dimensions. So whatever MH lists as it's packed size is prob dead on. Guessing the compressed bag is 6"x4" maybe?