I need an opinion

“I've been looking at sleeping bags - my first down backpacking bag. I came up with this one. I can't find anything better for the price.

REI Sub Kilo +20 - $209.00
2 lbs. 1 oz. 7.5 x 15 inches 700-fill goose down Nylon microfiber

Any one have this one - or can suggest a better one? I want to keep to the 200.00 range - 2 lbs”

“That's probably as good as you're going to find for 700 fill. If you don't mind going down to 550 fill, Campmor makes a 20F that's about $110, 2lb4oz.

Link”

“Just get one that goes down about 10 degrees colder than you need it too.”

“I got one of their 0F bags for that very reason. Well, that and it was cheap and light...lol...”

“Hey M&M that sounds like a good deal go for it!

8D”

“I sleep cold - I'm getting a silk liner to go with it.
I'm getting spoiled”

“Check out REI-Outlet.com for the Moonstone Zone 2 sleeping bag, 800+ down fill, 10-25 degree rating, available in short and regular lengths.

I have this bag in the DryLoft shell version, short length (I'm 5'5"), and have been impressed with it's construction and performance. I've winter camped in Michigan with this bag.

At $151.00 for the short length, regular shell version - it's a deal -or a steal !”

“I've got one and was a little disappointed. I would call it a 30 degree rather than a 20 degree bag. I got it on sale for around $160 so I wasn't too mad.
Still a pretty lite bag for 30 degrees. Compresses well. Its worth $160 but not $200+.”

“oh wait....i read that wrong.......nevermind”

“my opinion is look around and find a western mountaineering on sale...it's worth it...smallest packing, lightest, longest lasting, and warm...and expensive..unless you find good sales”

“Ya I got the rei sub kilo!
It comes with a compression sack and if u want u can get it down to the size of a cantalope!!
Its pretty roomy but sadly i havent used it on any trips yet:( so i cant give u a review.Everything i hear tho is positive.
If you can wait for one the sales you will save at least 50 bux.I paid 165 for mine on an REI sale.”

“M&M, I got this sleeping bag in short on sale for $132 but I am not impressed with it. Maybe I got one that is a reject but it seems pretty thinly filled. If you want to look at it or try it out, I can meet you somewhere to lend it to you (I know short is not long enough for you but maybe you can still get an idea). I agree with CowPatty that the MOonstone is a really nice light but high loft bag.”

“One feature I like in a 3 season down bag is a open side baffle so you can adjust the down top to bottom. My 1990, 20 degree, LL. Bean down bag has it and with most of the down on top I was toasty down to 18 degrees in this bag and it weighs 2Lbs 2ozs. The weight has gone up over the years with some extra bells and whistles, but it's a good solid sleeping bag that doesn't cost a fortune and does the job.”

“but if you've got money burning a hole in your pocket check out western mountaineering. i saved up for one and i absolutely love it. it zips all the way down around the feet so it can be opened up to act as a blanket. or it can be cinched up tight and snug. more money than the one you're looking at, too much if you ask most, but i love it.”

“Whatever bag you do decide to get...GET IT ONSALE!!!”

“I paid $200 for my Marmot Pinnacle which is about $100 below list. Take your time and find a deal if you can.

Although I have no experience with that particular bag, my experience is that house brands are often inferior quality that earns a high mark-up for the retailer.


Do you like your Moonstone bag now LyndyS? I remember you saying you got cold in it at well above it's rated temp. I steered a friend away from one based upon your review.”

“Violin, I like it much better than the REI Sub Kilo 20 deg but I do find it cooler than the temp it is rated for (the 10-25 deg bag was cool in temps of 32 degrees with the tent door open). I sleep cold, it seems.”

“For the price of that bag and a silk liner you could come real close to buying a nice bag. Check out westernmountaineering.com”

“Western Mountianeering Apache
2 lbs 20 or

Marmot Helium
2 lbs 15 degrees

Find it on sale.

I don't NEED this until the Spring. I just want a new bag. I feel left out.

Thanks guys”

“Sooooo, does this mean that you don't want to join your pals (us) for winter backpacking trips?”

“Anytime - I just have to find the time.

We camp alot in the Winter - usually under the stars. I have a -15 down, couple of 20's and 0's.

I just NEED a down 20 for the spring season. I'm tired of carrying 3+lb 20's. Trying to lighten up as I get older.”