Help with sleeping bag compression/packing

[Iowagriz]

So, I'm hunting for a new bag.  I sleep cold, so I'm looking at 20 to 30 degree bags.  I have been using the Mountain Hardware Lamina 45 for summer, but want to extend my season(s).  I run a Revelate Sweetroll on the bars and it must be the small size as the Lamina 45 slides right in (packed dimensions are 5.5x11).

As I look at the warmer bags, the packed dimensions obviously increase.  So, I'm trying to size for either the Sweetroll (not likely) or my Viscacha on the rear.

Two questions:
1) if a sleeping bag shows a packed size of 8x17; can that be made smaller via a compression sack? If so, I can't image it does by much, what is your experience? If it helps, I'm looking at the REI Igneo http://www.rei.com/product/862532/rei-igneo-sleeping-bag

2) where do you pack your cold weather sleeping bags? I rather not have to buy the Harness if I can avoid it, but perhaps that is the ultimate answer.

Thanks

[Smithhammer]

A couple ?'s and thoughts:

1) Are you open to the idea of a down bag instead of synthetic? Both have their advantages/disadvantages, but a down bag will generally pack down significantly smaller, and be lighter, than a comparably-rated synthetic, and the difference will become more and more noticeable as you get into shoulder season/winter bags. On the other hand, it will be more expensive, but you can often find them on sale.

2) A bivy will extend the temperature range of your sleeping bag, though probably not a 25deg. difference. Other things that can help include your mattress choice and wearing your layers to bed (maybe you already do this?).

3) I wouldn't rely on the manufacturer's stated "packed size." Don't be afraid to take your Sweetroll dry bag and your Viscacha to the outdoor shop, and try packing the sleeping bag/s you're considering into them. Better to discover at the shop that a certain sleeping bag won't fit in your bag system than finding out the night before a trip.

4) A compression sack can help with getting a bulkier sleeping bag down to a manageable size. You could even ditch the Sweetroll entirely, line the compression sack with a plastic bag and then pack your sleeping bag in it, crank it down until it's small enough, and lash it to your bars with some ski straps. Unless you're riding seriously technical terrain, ski straps work great.

[Iowagriz]

I'm open to down, would probably prefer it, thus the REI Igneo.  Goal is to keep it under $300 retail and hoping for coupons to drop that price.  I do have a bivy and I originally hoped for what you were also thinking (adding 10 degrees or so of comfort). I was even hoping to add a bag liner like the Sol series, but I just don't think that will work for me with the current bag.  Overall, the current 45 degree bag isn't a loss, it works perfect for the summers.

[Racingguy04]

The packed size that manufacturers list is almost an arbitrary number, it's really just the dimensions of the stuff sack they ship with the sleeping bag. I usually buy a smaller waterproof stuff sack for my sleeping bags but compression sacks work too.

I definitely think it's a good idea to take your bags with you to check at the store, or with REI you can always return it.

[Wandering by Bicycle]

Have you considered a down quilt? I used the Mountain Hardware Lamina 35 for the past few years and this spring I switched to the Nemo Siren 30 degree down quilt. Wearing my mid layers I would get chilled in the Lamina in the mid 30s, especially my feet, while the Siren is comfortable, if not warm, with just base layers in the high 20s. I sleep directly on top of my sleeping pad, which is a Klymit Static V. On cold nights with just the pad I do feel a chill from the ground, which the quilt can't help, but putting a 3 foot Reflectix bubble sheet under my torso, under the pad, mitigates that. The one downside is after over 3 months of continuous use this summer on the GDMBR and Northern Tier Route, with not many showers, my pad looks like someone died on it from all the dirt staining. I've considered covering it with a sleeping pad liner both for comfort (sleeping on the plastic is a bit clammy in the heat) and for easier washing. The Siren packs so small an XS Sea To Summit eVent compression dry sack is fully cinched tight and it does fit in my Sweetroll. Hunting around on the internet I was able to get the Siren for $220 shipped, but I don't remember from where.
As for packing, I keep my bag and pad in my Carradice Camper Longflap saddlebag. I also use a Revelate Harness, with a few extra straps, on the front because I find it more stable and versatile that the Sweetroll, but that's personal preference.

[Sparkyga]

Check out some of the Mont Bell sleeping bags, they fit your budget (around $200), are of extremely high quality and compress down as good as anything else on the market. I had a #2 for a few years 3 season touring/camping, the wife has a #6 and I now use a #7 bag for summer riding and for use in the tropics.

A thought on compression sacks in regards to sleeping bags/soft goods. If you use a compression sack it makes whatever is inside a large hard mass that is more difficult to pack around than in regular stuff sack. I like to put my sleeping bag in the middle of a either my handlebar setup and pack around it. The sleeping bag fills in the corners so to speak and creates a more stable platform to carry (less tightening your straps during riding).

[Iowagriz]

Thanks for the additional replies and help.

Quilts - I've certainly thought about them, but (like many) I have my doubts.  Not that they don't work, but that they won't work for me. I really do sleep cold.  I do believe that I have a buddy with one locally that I could try.

MontBell - nice stuff, thanks for the referal.  Small packing, light weight.  The #2 seems perfect.

[Sparkyga]

Keep in mind if your building a sleep system for cooler times of the year you might need to revisit your sleeping pad if you are currently something for warm weather use.  I use a Thermarest NeoAir and it's great until about 0C/32F. After that I start to notice the cold coming from the ground and have done a few nights in close to -10C... Didn't die but was very cold even with a normally very warm sleeping bag.

Adding some insulation might be as simple as adding a car shade

[Iowagriz]

^^^ good point, I'm using the Klymit pad, the blue one with the holes in it and the built in pillow.  Plenty comfy, but not sure if it has any insulating value

[Smithhammer]

I'm a Klymit fan as well - I use the Static V. I think it has a little better insulating value than some of Klymit's pads with holes in them. A few extra ounces in the pad allow me to stretch the use of a lighter sleeping bag into the shoulder season.

They also now make an insulated version of the Static V - it has a higher "R" value, and is rated for 4-season use. It's about 7oz. heavier than the regular Static V.

[sfuller]

Griz - You are welcome to borrow my pad and quilt (25F) anytime you want to test them. I had my doubts about quilts at first, but for a given weight, you're actually making better use of the insulation that you're carrying. You will want to use a solid pad with the quilt vs the klymit you have now.

[Bedrock]

I recommend Enlightened Equipment quilts. American made, warm and under your budget. Combine with an ultralight bivy for a very compact and adjustable sleep system. Both will fit in an average size handlebar or seat bag.

[KittyOnMyFoot]

1) if a sleeping bag shows a packed size of 8x17; can that be made smaller via a compression sack? If so, I can't image it does by much, what is your experience? If it helps, I'm looking at the REI Igneo http://www.rei.com/product/862532/rei-igneo-sleeping-bag

2) where do you pack your cold weather sleeping bags? I rather not have to buy the Harness if I can avoid it, but perhaps that is the ultimate answer.

I use that exact sleeping bag (well, my Igneo is blue, but still). I pack mine in one of my rear panniers primarily because it's light (I keep the heavy stuff on top of the rack or elsewhere within the frame). Nothing fancy - it goes on the bottom, I mash it down with my fist, and there's room for a pillow, book, and headlamp on top. I could probably squeeze more room out of it, but I'm not strapped for space with what I bring.