Sleeping bag for Tour Divide in June?

[flanagaj]

I am researching the equipment required for doing the Tour Divide in June and was wondering what temperatures you are likely to encounter in the mountains.  Given that there is still snow on the mountains at that time would a 3 season down sleeping bag suffice?

I tend to feel the cold more than most, but as I have no idea of what nightime temperatures I am likely to encounter during the trip.

[harryonaspot]

You will see below freezing temps up high inColorado. Perhaps other places as well. Depends how early June you start. Later is better, but it depends on snowpack. I used a 30 degree bag and was only uncomfortable a few nights. Most nights are "cool" in the mountains.  Harry

[flanagaj]

So would something like this be ok or too warm.  Has a comfort rate of 0c and extreme -15c.   Plus it only weighs 850 grams

http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Product_Type/Sleeping_Bags/Down_Bags/Voyager_800_Sleeping_Bag.html?view=specification

[D45yth]

flanagaj - I think I'd rather have a bag that isn't as warm as the one you've linked too.  Having a cooler bag would be better for the warmer temps, you could then supplement it with a liner and/or extra clothing when it's cold.
The other thing that could affect your choice is whether you'll be using a tent or bivvying.
I can recommend PHD's bags.  They are very helpful when you ask them for advice and can make a bag to suit you.

[flanagaj]

flanagaj - I think I'd rather have a bag that isn't as warm as the one you've linked too.  Having a cooler bag would be better for the warmer temps, you could then supplement it with a liner an/or extra clothing when it's cold.
The other thing that could affect your choice is whether you'll be using a tent or bivvying.
I can recommend PHD's bags.  They are very helpful when you ask them for advice and can make a bag to suit you.

I will be using a tent.  I see your point about using a liner and additional clothing for when it is cold.

[harryonaspot]

looks like a decent bag. light probably compresses pretty small. do you sleep hot or cold? do you have other bags? i don't think it's too warm especially if it has a full length zipper. a liner will keep your bag cleaner as well, though they can be a pain to use.

[flanagaj]

looks like a decent bag. light probably compresses pretty small. do you sleep hot or cold? do you have other bags? i don't think it's too warm especially if it has a full length zipper. a liner will keep your bag cleaner as well, though they can be a pain to use.

I tend to sleep cold.  My Wife always gets annoyed when I want the 13 tog duvet putting on the bed

[harryonaspot]

That to me looks like the right weight bag for you. others may disagree. It does seem expensive though. You could get an equivalent bag in the US online for $250. Let me know if you need help finding gear. Harry

[flanagaj]

That to me looks like the right weight bag for you. others may disagree. It does seem expensive though. You could get an equivalent bag in the US online for $250. Let me know if you need help finding gear. Harry

Hi Harry, thanks for your kind offer.  I am in the UK, prices in the US are much cheaper, but by the time you add shipping and import tax (20%) + UK postal handling fee the majority of the savings get wiped out.

[s8tannorm]

Flanagaj if you're in the UK then I'd second D45yth's suggestion of PHD. If your pockets aren't that deep, then in all honesty you won't go wrong with an AlpKit PD 400 or PD 600 depending on how cold/warm you sleep.

IMO TN stuff does tend to demand a slightly inflated price due to it saying TN on the label.

[flanagaj]

Flanagaj if you're in the UK then I'd second D45yth's suggestion of PHD. If your pockets aren't that deep, then in all honesty you won't go wrong with an AlpKit PD 400 or PD 600 depending on how cold/warm you sleep.

IMO TN stuff does tend to demand a slightly inflated price due to it saying TN on the label.

I took a look at the PHD bags after a recommendation from D45yth and was quite suprised.  The MINIM 400 rated down to -5c weighs 670 grams! If I also took a silk liner and a light weight fleece then I suspect that would cover the nights when it gets a bit cooler than normal.  Plus the fleece can be worn in the evenings as well.

Looks like I might have found the bag for me.

[s8tannorm]

I'd forget the fleece and get a lightweight down (or maybe synthetic) jacket or vest. Chances are it'll weigh less and pack smaller than a fleece ... perhaps something like a RAB Microlight.

[chriskmurray]

This was brought up in one of the other TD prep threads and one guy posted a picture where he woke up to the ground and his bike covered in snow so there are certainly some cold temps some nights at elevation.

I have not heard roughly the hottest temps to expect at night in some areas though but one could adjust for too hot much easier than too cold.

I also read that sleeping cold was one of Matt Lee's tricks to getting up in the morning because it would be warmer to get up and start pedaling on a cold morning.