Sleeping Bags

[multisportscott]

Hi, I posted earlier asking about Mont Bell UL SS Down Hugger #3 but did not get any replies.
What sleeping bags are people using?? I want something which will go down to about 0C/32F, extremely packable and of course light!!
Any feedback will be welcome.
Cheers from NZ, Scott

[DiDaDunlop]

I am using a Go Lite Quilt. Ideal. Goes down to about -5 to -10 Celcius and packs to a bit more than the size of a 0,5litre coke bottle.

Use it in conjunction with a good liner (any tips? I am lokking for a very light non cotton one) and very easy to regulate the temperature.

[jonesy792]

I'm trying out the thermarest haven this weekend, 20 degrees and very packable

[jeffkerkove]

I am using the MontBell UL SS Down Hugger #4...which is now renamed the #5.  Stuffs down to the size of a 32 oz. Nalgene bottle.  Works great for 95% of my camping adventures.  If it looks to be colder, I will pack along the MontBell U.L.Down Inner Jacket and Pants.

[boddunn]

The Montbell are supposed to be pretty good but I've got a Cumulus Quantum 200 which is a shade under 500 grams and packs absolutely tiny. Very impressed with the quality and warmth too, I've had it below freezing with no problems. With the weak pound you might be able to pick up a bargain.

[DaveC]

Western Mountaineering makes the best down bags.  Period.  The Summerlite is very well regarded as a three season bag, weighs 19 oz, and packs very small.  If cared for they'll last decades. 

[Spoonie]

So to hijack the thread a little...

Are you better off getting a slightly colder bag and getting a liner/E-Bivy to push it or a warmer/heavier bag?  Debating on what the best option is if you're going to cop a wide temperature difference on your ride (ie high country vs sea level)

Cheers
Craig

[AZTtripper]

I have a Mountain Hardware Phantom 32 compresses down small enough plenty warm enough for anything here in AZ.

SpoonBoy how a bout a lighter bag and a down vest to use in colder conditions. Or just bring a buddy and do the spoon thing seems to fit your handle. Maybe you could get some of these guys http://homoclimbtastic.com/ into bikepacking, just kidding.

[Spoonie]

Jokes aside,

Was thinking more something like this:

http://www.seatosummit.com.au/showdetail.php?Code=AREACTPL

+ a highlight.   The price difference between doing that and just getting a heavier bag is not much, but it means you can say take the highlite when you only need the highlite, the liner and bivy in summer, or the highlight + liner in "winter"  (our definition here in Aus of winter might be a little different

If you're carting a down vest of jacket around anyway,  I'm kinda thinking I'd be better off spending the money on a good 1lb bag and pushing it with a liner or whatever rather than less on a not so good heavier bag 'cause I'm not sure?

Ed:  Actually,  the phantom 32 seems like really good value!  how well does it pack down?  "Small enough" in all the reviews would suggest a little bulkier than some?

Cheers
Craig

[AZTtripper]

All kidding aside that liner does look pretty good Seatosummit seems to make pretty good stuff I have a poncho/tarp from them.

The Phantom is not the lightest I am sure, the zipper is not full length but it is a little beefy. But I like it that way I also have a 20 deg bag with a much lighter zip and it is a real pain to use. I can get the phantom pretty small with a compression bag.

As for the vest a friend of mine uses a 40 deg bag with the vest for extra warmth plus it is good for use in camp.

I also have a bivy and that can add a lot of warmth I should think that your 3 part system would be a good way to go.

[bmike-vt]

I have the original Thermolite Reactor... doesn't work as well as they claim.
It adds something... but I'd err on the cold side.

I used it, my 30deg bag, and every item of clothing I carried to sleep in a lean to last November. Temps dropped to low 20's over night. No bivy. I wasn't ice cold, but I wasn't toasty warm either.

Down vest - you can use this for alot more than just sleeping in.
I have a not so packable LL Bean variety.
Great off the bike, great setting up camp.

Have yet to sleep in it...

[Emily]

Big Agnes Pitch Pine bag with a bivy bag. So far I like the it pretty well for down to about 30.  Also I wear a Patagonia Nano pullover and longjohns or leggings to sleep in. 
I sleep pretty cold, if I wake up in the middle of the night shivering I just eat something and it usually warms me up enoug to sleep some more. 
If that still doesnt do it I put on everything else I've got (raingear etc) or just get up and start moving on.

[Slowerthensnot]

http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Quilt-Kit/index.htm

been pretty happy using this with a big Angus pad

[multisportscott]

Thanks everyone for your responses!
I really like the look of the new Micro Series sleeping bags from Sea to Summit, especially with the drawcord closure at the feet. Not sure they are going to be brought into NZ due to price.
Keep the comments coming. Cheers, Scott

[Spoonie]

Well,

my local dealer of Heroin... err I mean outdoor supplies was having a sale on sleeping bags.  so I bit the bullit and picked up a Summerlite.  I'm hoping the Summerlite + clothing will let me push it to the -2 or -3deg c I'm expecting...  Will give it a test run at some point before I hit up my longer ride in Sept.

...I'm sure all will be good!   

Cheers
Craig

[multisportscott]

Thank you all for your responses.
Have just purchased on of these as I could get it cheap 
http://www.macpac.co.nz/shop/en_nz/gear-and-clothing/sleeping-bags/express-400.html
It is slightly heavier than I was hoping BUT it has about 100gms more down.
Keep the comments coming!
Cheers, Scott

[JF-mtnbiker]

Montbell SS Down Hugger #??? (40 degree down) served me very well in the Tour Divide. Packs down small, it's light, it's warm and dries out quick. Slip it in your bivy and your warm when you wake up frozen shoes and ice dew.