Cold Weather Sleeping bag on a Budget.

[bobjenkins79]

Is there such a thing as a good-quality packable cold weather sleeping bag that costs less than $200? I want something that'll fit in a Vicacha bag and be comfortable at/around 20 degrees. I've done a lot of online research but there are just so many options I dont know how anyone picks the right bag the first time.

Any help would be great.

[honkonbobo]

i have a kelty cosmic down 20 bag (~$125) in a small sea to summit event compression dry bag (~$35) in my viscacha with a fair bit of space left for clothing.   i have been warm in a bivy on a thermarest trekker wearing thin layers at 32F and i think i could do 20F with a little more clothing.

[THE LONG RANGER]

Getting a bag rated at 20 degrees F starts really hitting the, "warm/light/cheap, Pick Two" law. I would suggest going used - I picked up a 35 degree Long Women's UL bag for $75, which works nice. Wanted it because my 20 degree bag was too warm (and too nice). I don't think I could be too comfortable @ 20 degrees, unless you throw in a liner that's made specifically to add a coupla degrees to the bag, and dressing in a light down top and bottom. Going that direction does open up the problem of a potential sweat-feast.

Here's a 25 degree bag for $125 - not bad!

http://www.rei.com/product/794797/rei-lumen-sleeping-bag

[sfuller]

Start combing the For Sale forums at Backpacking light. They are a little tough to navigate, and you have to act fast many times, but there are good deals to be had there. I picked up a once used EE down quilt for almost half of new cost a year or so ago.

[bicyclehobo]

I have seen the Sierra Designs Arrow Rock 30 Degree Sleeping Bag online from $149 - $199. It's just under 2.5 pounds and with a bit of effort I can fit it in an XS sea to summit event compression sack.

Here are two very thorough reviews i read before I grabbed one for $149 on moosejaw.

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Sleeping%20Bags/Sierra%20Designs%20Arrow%20Rock%20Bag/Test%20Report%20by%20Michael%20Wheiler/

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Sleeping%20Bags/Sierra%20Designs%20Arrow%20Rock%20Bag/Test%20Report%20by%20Ralph%20Ditton/

I plan on augmenting it with a liner, a full layer of merino [tops, bottoms, mittens, socks, hat] and perhaps a bivy. I have owned a number of Sierra Designs products in the past and this factored into my purchase. My goto tent for years was a sierra designs clip cd. I bought it in 1997 and it is still serviceable.

I am still looking at bags and may upgrade before my next tour.

[SlowRide]

BAP's "deals" section of their site is always a great place to keep an eye on, too. Can't beat buying used/demo Big Agnes gear straight from Big Agnes.

Here's the Demo/used sleeping bags section:

http://www.wearbap.com/home.php?cat=384

They sell demo bags at 40% off, there's currently a used Grouse Mountain 15 for $156.00 there, regularly about $280.00. That's a steal.

[bobjenkins79]

Thanks very much for the help and especially the links, everyone. It's much easier to negotiate a $160 purchase with the wife than a 300-$400 one

[SkinnyTraffic]

If you live anywhere near an REI, be sure to watch for their "Garage Sale" events where they sell off all the items that have been returned for whatever reason. I've picked up several different bags over the years, all essentially brand new and under a hundred bux. You never know what you'll find, of course, but at the Denver store where I used to go, there always seemed to be a pretty decent selection. If you're willing to remain a bit flexible, it can be a great way to score a bargain.

There's another store in Denver called Wilderness Exchange and they do internet sales as well; they often have demos/seconds/closeouts at good prices. Worth a gander... http://www.wildernessexchangeunlimited.com/

If you sign up for their email list, you'll get a monthly 20% off coupon which can be used online too. (There's one right now that's valid through Monday.)

I tend to be a cold sleeper so I use a warmer bag than some other folks might. I don't have any idea how they come up with temperature ratings, but keep in mind that it doesn't (for me, anyway) mean you'll be toasty warm at the rated temp. I mostly use a 20 degree North Face Cat's Meow and have found it comfy down to around 35 degree nights if I layer up clothes too. If you'll be camping where it's literally 20deg, you may want to consider a warmer bag. I'm sure everyone has different experiences; I prefer to carry a little extra weight and get a good night's sleep.

[offroute]

Hey bob, I just searched REI with the 15-29 degree filter and saw numerous possibilities.


We used Igneo bags on the Divide and were very happy with them. It might actually be more bag than you need if you employ sleeping-in-clothing strategies and/or use a substantial pad. Super warm, light and compressible, and the repellant finish really works.

http://www.rei.com/product/862532/rei-igneo-sleeping-bag#tab-specs