Sleeping bag recommendations

[burgess1108]

I recently purchased a Kelty Cosmic 40. Probably the least expensive down bag you'll find at only $130, but I've used it about a week total and been very happy. It might be a little less insulated than you're looking for, but it's light and for the money, I'm not sure you'll find a better value. I used this on my trip to Moab and Fruita in April and again last weekend for Ballers. We had a couple nights that dipped down into the low 40's out west and I was mostly fine. It was a little chilly during the lowest temps, but simply laying my fleece jacket over the bag was enough to keep me warm. I also run a little cooler so if you're someone that runs warm, you should have no problem with low 40 temps in this bag.

[Jonathan]

I have a Mtn Hardwear Phantom 32 that I'm not crazy about. Sure it's light and it packs down small but if you're a stomach sleeper or sleep hot (and need to spread your legs out a bit) it's pretty snug in the lower half. The half zipper makes spreading your legs apart that much more difficult. If either of you guys are into buying a lightly used bag, PM me. I actually have a much older Mtn. Hardware 20* bag with "crazy legs" that I find much more tolerable even in warmer weather because I can ventilate better.

That's good info.

[ZenNMotion]

For east coast/lowland (ie warm and humid) I greatly prefer a synthetic bag as it's easier to wash, and dries faster if (when) it gets damp on a trip. The newer materials have gotten very close to the loft and weight of down, and the difference is negligible in warmer temperatures. Also, if it matters to you, the down suppliers are a particularly cruel industry, right up there with foie gras- I won't judge but maybe you will.
Your down coat could be the product of cruelty - Salon.com

If weight is really the priority then using a bivy bag instead of a tent adds warmth and a light sleeping bag liner or fleece is all you need, with a pair of wool tights, wool top and maybe a hat is all you need in Summer. I use a bivy bag for solo bike touring, and it's easy to just tuck into the woods somewhere quiet and out of the way to vagabond it, fast and mobile and no fuss if you want to be discreet and avoid noisy campgrounds. Load Jack London's The Road on your smartphone for a good night time read about vagabonding if you want some inspiration while you're hiding from The Man.

+1 on Big Agnes bags, I have a Wind Lip- 34 ounces, rated to 30 deg or so, I've been comfortable into the low 20s covered with a just a bivy sack (sheltered out of the wind) and 1 layer of midweight fleece, hat and warm socks. If anything, I find most similar rated bags too warm in Summer at low altitudes and humidity above 50% or so, a fleece blanket or bag liner is more comfortable and lighter. But the BA Wind Lip is a nice light synthetic bag that fits your specs without using down.
Big Agnes Wind Lip Sleeping Bag - Free Shipping at REI.com

Sort of related, but I just had several nights on rocky ground on the Appalachian trail with a new toy- a 9 ounce sleeping pad that packs to the size of a tennis ball. I had my doubts about it's comfort but REI has a good return policy and the weight was too tempting- and I love it, very (surprisingly if you look at it) comfortable, extremely light and compact, so nice to downsize what's usually a major pain in the ass.
Inertia X Frame

[ericpmoss]

I have no skills to speak of, so I'm letting Feathered Friends do the work. HOWEVER.... if you have some sewing skills and are in the mood to trade time for $, try DIY kits for outdoor gear: Ray Jardine's Adventure Page

[lukasz]

The first real test of this bag will actually be somewhere in the Pyrenees in July. I won't make the mistake I made two years ago of camping on an exposed cliff face on the Tourmalet. I was thinking about a bivy but I already have this really light Golite shelter so I might as well make use of it. Going to take some local trips and see how I like using it, anyway. Haven't made use of it for years in favor of heavy tents. I do know about the down issue but at this point it seems that the respected companies have found a way to deal with it or at least say they do.

I saw those x frame pads at REI today. They look interesting but I'm not sure if I'd dig it.

Yeah that Kelty bag is very good, especially for the money, but I'd like to save another 1/2 lb or so over it. It doesn't weigh much less than my current bag. I'd love to sew my own too but I'm not up to that kind of challenge yet.

I'm scouring craigslist and it is popping up with some deals. May have found a 900+ fill Marmot Hydrogen for $125. That's my kind of value!

[ZenNMotion]

I'm a whiny princess when it comes to sleeping on the ground- I tend to sleep on my stomach or side which is a challenge on uneven ground, but the X frame pad worked well- at 5"10" the padded parts lined up well at the shoulders feet and hips. It didn't work as well for my 5'4" wife, if they don't make these in several sizes they should. I liked it as well as my full length thermarest, and it's so cushy and light. It's the Dugast of sleeping pads!

[jackattack]

HIGHLY suggest Big Agnes Bags with the pad sleeve. Never roll off your pad again. I' have a 40* bad, and have used it in a hammock as well, added some reflectix for warmth. Simply LOVE it.

If you have shoulders, do not buy a Big Agnes bag -- at least that was my experience with a BA bag I tried once.

[jackattack]

May have found a 900+ fill Marmot Hydrogen for $125. That's my kind of value!

Buy it. I have a hydrogen, I've loved it in all types of weather for close to 10 years.

[Bobonli]

If you're out tooling around on the Rick Jones on LI, there's an REI and EMS two blocks from one another on Glen Cove Rd in Carle Place. Lots of bags to lay in including Big Agnes. BA, BTW, gets good reviews on some bike packer's websites. You can forget looking for bivvy sacks at REI (not that you were going to). I went in there a few months ago and the sales people had no idea what I was asking for. I think the sales crew only knows what they sell and not much more about camping equipment.

I have the Cat's Meow (nothing but good experiences) and a lighter Marmot bag, which is also quality construction.

[11.4]

I have tested LOTS of bags and have several of my own, my favorite being a Marmot Helium. Western Mountaineering is the logical choice of any self-respecting Salonista. If you can afford one they really are that good. Best loft and snag-proof zipper of any bag I've been in.

Humphhh. That's like saying that a Salonista would be happy with a Schwinn. There's one supreme bag and it's far above anything else in quality and remarkably well priced. Feathered Friends. They don't advertise. They have most bags in stock and can rapidly produce a custom with any amount of fill, any grade of fill, any type of baffling, different zipper length, modified hood, internal pocket for your iPhone, many cover fabrics, literally anything you could possibly want. Doing a serious expedition? They are the only choice, and even if NF or MHW sponsors your expedition, many of the bags will be Feathered Friends made to look like the sponsor's products.

If you don't want to baby your bag,if you live in high humidity or wet environments, if you perspire heavily, I would second the observation that you should look for high-end synthetics. They are a huge step down from the best down, but best down doesn't matter if you get it wet -- it's like buying a steel frame if you have heavy and acidic perspiration. Or worse. You can admire Richard's best frames, but they may simply not be the best for your particular needs.

[Bobonli]

There's one supreme bag and it's far above anything else in quality and remarkably well priced. Feathered Friends. They don't advertise.

I've been to the shop in Seattle. Astounding. But as far as I recall they only sell direct, which means there's no way to check out one of the bags without buying a plane ticket.

[lukasz]

I wouldn't say a Marmot is like a Schwinn. Maybe more of a CAAD 10? Kind of what I'm looking for!

[BShow]

I just found this, but I really wonder if its a women's bag. Usually I've seen them around $300'when on sale.

Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32 Sleeping Bag: 32F / 0C Degree Down | RacingThePlanet, The Outdoor Store - RacingThePlanet

What makes a sleeping bag gender specific?

[Jstone]

The price of a Western Mountaineering bags seemed high until I treated myself 15 years ago. I bought the bag, built the way I wanted, and came to appreciate the value of the brand. Over the past 30 years, my wife & I spend our getaway time
backpacking. The Western Mountaineering quality has led us to replace all of our other bags with Western bags, so we now have 4 different Western bags. They hold up, wash well, and have proven satisfactory. Save up, order one based on your needs, live happily ever after.

[Jonathan]

What makes a sleeping bag gender specific?

I'm no expert but I think things like shoulder size, hip size, length and of course the marketing folks throw some different colors in the mix. There may even be a rating difference. I've seen bags come as women's and Unisex.

[bking]

here you go. years ago, I poured through each issue each month, from "Backpacker": http://www.backpacker.com/2013/2013_...3_BagChart.pdf

[lukasz]

And if anyone wants to read about temperature readings, this is more than you ever wanted to know: http://www.mammut.ch/images/Mammut_Sleep_well_pt1_E.pdf

These folks seem thorough except they keep telling me I should be using a quilt or something without a hood. Maybe they're right but I don't feel like listening right now: OutdoorGearLab | Reviews

[Gradient]

Yes, I have this bag in the recycled version. It is stated to be a 20F bag but I run (sleep) fairly hot and it was comfortable at 40F. It is roomy enough and the zipper draws down so it has good cooling ventilation properties. Weird name, almost did not try it. Worth a test @ REI or TNF if you have one close.

TNF cats meow is even, I can't speak for any others. With the big Agnes the insulation is all on top and the insulated air pad goes into the calculation.

Can always go to REI or EMS and lay in some...

[VertigoCycles]

For east coast/lowland (ie warm and humid) I greatly prefer a synthetic bag as it's easier to wash, and dries faster if (when) it gets damp on a trip. The newer materials have gotten very close to the loft and weight of down, and the difference is negligible in warmer temperatures. Also, if it matters to you, the down suppliers are a particularly cruel industry, right up there with foie gras- I won't judge but maybe you will.
Your down coat could be the product of cruelty - Salon.com

If weight is really the priority then using a bivy bag instead of a tent adds warmth and a light sleeping bag liner or fleece is all you need, with a pair of wool tights, wool top and maybe a hat is all you need in Summer. I use a bivy bag for solo bike touring, and it's easy to just tuck into the woods somewhere quiet and out of the way to vagabond it, fast and mobile and no fuss if you want to be discreet and avoid noisy campgrounds. Load Jack London's The Road on your smartphone for a good night time read about vagabonding if you want some inspiration while you're hiding from The Man.

+1 on Big Agnes bags, I have a Wind Lip- 34 ounces, rated to 30 deg or so, I've been comfortable into the low 20s covered with a just a bivy sack (sheltered out of the wind) and 1 layer of midweight fleece, hat and warm socks. If anything, I find most similar rated bags too warm in Summer at low altitudes and humidity above 50% or so, a fleece blanket or bag liner is more comfortable and lighter. But the BA Wind Lip is a nice light synthetic bag that fits your specs without using down.
Big Agnes Wind Lip Sleeping Bag - Free Shipping at REI.com

Sort of related, but I just had several nights on rocky ground on the Appalachian trail with a new toy- a 9 ounce sleeping pad that packs to the size of a tennis ball. I had my doubts about it's comfort but REI has a good return policy and the weight was too tempting- and I love it, very (surprisingly if you look at it) comfortable, extremely light and compact, so nice to downsize what's usually a major pain in the ass.
Inertia X Frame

When bivying how did you deal with the moisture that you created especially in warm weather? That's something I never figured out. I've spent countless weekends backpacking/camping/climbing/riding in MD, VA, WV and PA have had the good fortune to try many different tents/pads/bivy's/bags (used to manage an HTO in MD) and getting a good nights sleep in a bivy without a sleeping bag is something I've never successfully done if only because close contact with the sleeping pad made me sweat buckets in any temperature.

I ask because I'd still like to crack that nut. I have a couple of bikepacking trips planned to the OR coast this summer where the environment is very much like MD in the fall...damp and cool. My baby tent is more bulky than I'd like and a bivy would likely trap too much moisture if it offered any weather protection. I don't mind sleeping out in the open if it's not going to be too wet but with the fog on the coast it's not likely.

[Gradient]

You could also look at the The North Face Aleutian as a close alternative. Although, re-reading your needs these might be to bulky/heavy for your requirements.