Sleeping Bags Are A Million-Billion

“First, yes, I did check the other threads about sleeping bags.

I got a cheap, junky sleeping bag for the Montanapalooza. It served its purpose, but I want to get a nicer one now. I don't plan on doing winter bping, I guess it needs to be around a 30 degree bag for MT summer nights. I also want one that weighs less than 3 lbs. and scrunches up smaller than my current goliath. I don't care if it is down or synthetic. I don't want it to cost more than a hundred bucks. I looked at sites all morning and I'm not finding anything matching my description. It could just be that I'm a moron, though. If I can hurry up and discover this little piece of gold I might be able to talk my dad into getting it for me for X-mas and then I can use it for my next adventure . . . prolly next summer. Help . . . paaaaleeeeese!”

“The only bags that I can find that weigh less then 3 lbs. are about $575 and my first born child. I've grown quite fond of her and don't really want to trade her in, along w/ all the money in the world, for a sleeping bag.”

“The North Face outlet in Berkeley used to have some pretty good deals on bags. TNF seconds and a bag manufactured by them, marketed under another name.

Have you checked Sierra Trading Post?

You might also check Target, see if they have something. They were carrying some LL Bean stuff, and reports were that they were a good value.”

“I didn't check Sierra Trading Post. I'll look there. Thanks for the LL Bean link, Path, but that is still a little more than I want to pay or have some other easily manipulated person (aka dad) to pay.”

“Also, Aluminum foil is light and a good insulator.

Wear it on your head to prevent excess heat from escaping.”

“Woo-Hoo! Thanks Path, I think I found a North Face bag at Sierra Trading Post. It's a 35 degree. Seems good enough to me. Now, let's call daddy.”

“LOL! I just now saw that banner ad for Sierra Trading. It's the last place I looked though. Sorry Matt.”

“Daddy? Are you suuuuure?

It has been my experience that most men posing as "daddy" are actually psychotic fiends waiting for the right moment to kill and eat the rest of the family.

We, in the business, call it the "cuckoo syndome".

Be careful! Also, look to make sure he does not have 6 fingers.”

“Here's another suggestion.
I've been using a Sierra Designs "Forty-Winks" this summer and have really liked it. This is one of their flex bags that has stretchy baffles that allow you to comfortably sleep on your side or stomach. It's a durable Polarguard 3D bag that fits your criteria. You'll find that it is rated at 35 degrees, weighs 2lbs. 7 ozs., and is quite compact. Go to REI-Outlet.com where they have it on closeout for $97.83. I think you'd be quite happy with it.”

“Alpine, I saw that 40-winks bag, but I didn't look at it very carefully. I'm a side sleeper, so that might be a really good choice. I'll take a look. Thanks.”

“It was Eddie Bauer, not LL Bean I was thinking of and they weigh a ton, even though cheap.”

“See, that is my whole issue w/ my current piece of crap. It weighs a ton, it takes up ALOT of room in my pack and it has a cotton liner. Yeah, I know, I'm an idiot. It was 20 bucks and I needed one fast.”

“Campmor is selling the Slumberjack Summit 25F Down Regular for $99.97 right now. Here's a link...It looks like it fits most of your criteria, but is rated colder.”

“If I have to buy one myself, I need to plan ahead for the moolah issue. If I can get my dad to get it, I need to have an excuse, which will be X-mas.”

“Are Slumberjack's supposed to be good? I thought I read on one of the sleeping bag threads that I looked up that they are junk? Maybe, I misread. Here is another of my probs., I'm still real new at this and I'm not sure what is best for my (or dad's, let's not forget him) precious money.”

“Well, they're not the best. Snobs would call them junk. I think Crazy Mike swears by them though. My two bags are both store brand. Maybe one day when I have a longer crowbar (to get at the money deeper in my wallet, ya know) I'll get me a Western Mountaineering. But for now, my Campmor 0F and my REI 20F have kept me plenty warm and didn't cost a lot.

The Campmor Down 20F is $110 right now, but it's 550 down fill instead of 650 like the Slumberjack.

You might want to ask Crazy Mike about how his Slumberjack bags have performed for him.”

“K, thanks Bit. I read on one of those threads that he has 4 bags, but he didn't say the brands. I'm not a gear snob, I don't know enough to be any kind of bp snob, but I do want to get something that won't turn out to be worthless.”

“I understand that fully, I'm the same way. Slumberjack makes some lower-end products for family car camping that wouldn't be good for bp'ing. Kelty's the same, but no one runs them down the same way. It's probably just the name, lol....”

“1-Wait for a sale
2-get Down-they compress into the size of a small loaf of bread.
My 20 deg. REI sub kilo weighs 34oz ,is roomy but was too warm on my recent sierra bpack!I would opt for 25-30deg...however women sleep colder so...

Also consider spending an xtra 50 bux-its really worth it when yer on the trail.
REI has killer store sales in Jan.
I got my bag for 160.00
Synthetic bags can be had all day long under 100 bux but they pack like a giant beachball and are not worth the pain.”

“North Face

I know Sierra Designs makes some women's bags like the Rosa and, hmmm, but anyway they have a couple of different designs. Down is more expensive than synth but they have both. Ms. Roseymonster has a down bag and they are beefier than the men's bags. More fill. I'm not a big proponent of synth.

here's a link.
http://www.sierradesigns.com/cgi-bin/driver.pl?gendersize=3&insulation=polarguard&rating=&conf=bag_findflat&x=8&y=3”

“Newgirl take a look at Northernmountain.com they frequently have closeout stuff like STP does.

From a brief looksie they have a TNF thunderhead 20deg synthetic bag for $79 that weighs 2lb 15oz for a regular length. (I assume you don't need a long)

And a MHW banner 35deg down bag for $122 that weighs 2lb 6oz. (probably more $ than you want to spend but it will last forever)

I'm sure there are more deals to be found there.

OOOOOORRRRRRR........

You can see if someone is selling any old/extra bags.”

“Thanks guys. I'll keep looking. I pride myself on being an awesome sale shopper for clothing (I just got Newergirl a whole new wardrobe for her b-day for just under a $100, including winter gear), I'm sure I can figure out how to get a good quality bag for a little less dough.”

“You should be able to easily score one for under $100 or slightly over if you want to splurge.

I love last years "old and inferior" gear prices when the "new and improved" stuff comes out.”

“HPM, why do you say that a MHW banner will last forever?”

“Newgirl, I bought a summer bag on sale at a discount store for about $15. It's light, it compresses, and it is warm enough for summer use (I would not, however, want to depend on it down to 30).

But my point is, look around. They do make cheap bags, although I doubt this one will last a long time. But for the price, it won't have to last a long time.

My winter bag is a Kelty that is supposed to be good down to 10 below. It is worthless much below 30. If you plan to use a bag at 30, it should be rated to at least 10 below. You will probably have to pay for that, but keep looking for sales.”

“I doubt I will actually be out in any weather that is getting down to 30 degrees at night, Geo. But, in MT you never know, so I thought that seemed like a temp. to go for, I really have no clue though. I wonder what Aero uses?”

“Check out Snugpak Softie or Code Green bags if you want a lightweight bag in a small package.

How about a 41 degree bag at only 1.65 pounds in a package the size of a football? That's the Softie-3 Merlin.
There is also a Softie-6 Kestrel rated at 31 degrees and the Softie-9 Hawk rated at 23 degrees.

Go here for info and search "Snugpak" on Google for best price - they are usually on sale somewhere on the net:
http://www.southsummit.com/snugpack%20sleeping%20bags.htm

Or

http://www.geared-up.com/category.cfm?Category=45&CFID=429845&CFTOKEN=97746936”

“Well NG,

1. Down is known for durability if you treat is right.

2. MHW stuff is built tough. I am extremely happy with the build quality of everything of theirs I own. They almost overbuild in my opinion.”

“I go out in early May, and West Virginia it gets down into the mid-20s in May and October, routinely, I would guess Montana would be at least that low and more likely a tad lower. June and September would probably be lows in the low 30s for you.

That said, you should probably go for a good bag. Nothing worse than trying to get a night's sleep while you are shivvering to death.”

“Take your time and wait for a deal. Especially with X-Mas approaching, you're sure to find something very nice for under $100.

Last year I happened upon a North Face Blue Kazoo (yeah I know, the name is funny) for $99 and it's one of the best gear purchases I've ever made. Down, comfortable as hell, under 3 lbs., and packs real small.

Only hard and fast rule I'd recommend is to stick with down.”

“Second to my WM summer bag (the whatchamacallit... the 16 oz. model), my most favored bag is the TNF Chrysalis. It's extra roomy, rated to 25 F. and the long model weighs-in, I believe, at 2lbs. 15 oz.

Few years ago I was in the NJ Campmor store on Xmas Eve. and scooped it up, adventitiously, for 119.00. Look around by checking all the on-line outlests. Whatever you do, insist on your less=than-3lb. standard and refusal to pay full price.”

“Another thing, make sure the bag is roomy enough. Especially if you're a side sleeper, many of those "mummy" bags are too narrow and don't let you turn over or bend your legs easily. Think of a straightjacket.

If possible, try one out at the outfitter. If that isn't an option, look carefully at the dimensions before buying online. For example, a 66"/57"/41" is probably spacious enough (I know because I've tried on a WM Kodiak at the outfitter) but 59"/51"/38" may be too constrictive (the Apache).

To get a feel for this, go to the Western Mountaineering spec chart. Just don't look at the price chart, you'll drop dead lol.”

“The Kazoo deal sounds awesome for 99...also the MHW for 122 but 35 deg might be a little wimpy?
Just got check out all the web sites daily for sudden sales/clearance specials.ya gotta be quick cuz the good deals sometimes sell out fast.”

“Man, thanks so much for the info. everybody. You people never fail me. I didn't know about half this stuff. I'll try checking the other sites everyone recommended and keep all this info. in mind while looking.”

“I haven't read the posts here, but wanted to mention Outdoor Outlet as a sleeping bag source (or source for equipment period)

I got a Kelty Arete 0-degree bag there, a discontinued bag I believe, which has been a good buy for $99. They currently have the Kelty Arete 15-degree on sale for $99. Just over 3 pounds.

I can't remember, but I think mine is a regular?? I am 5'4" and have plenty of room in the foot of the bag. BUT that's handy to put clothes down in there to fill space and keep them toasty for the morning.

I've used it to 10 degrees and stayed warm with a few clothes on. You might want to use it in weather a bit warmer than it says. So the 15-degree might be perfect.

I sure do like my bag!! It is down, if you want down.

The link below is for their sleeping bag page. You'll find the Arete on it. There are other good deals, too. I like Outdoor Outlet.

Kelty Arete and other sleeping bags”

“I second the Campmor 550 Goose Down 20 degree Mummy Bag as the most "Bang for the Buck". It's a good light compressable bag for $110.
Most women I know sleep "cold" so a real rating for you is likely 30 degrees.
Here are a few links to reviews of this bag.
ReviewA
ReviewB
ReviewC”

“Slumberjack, Kelty, LL Bean, Campmor, REI, and Lowe Alpine make some pretty good introductory gear.

REI-Outlet.com usually has some decent sleeping bags on sale for ~$100. Also a compression sack may help you with sleeping bag volume.

I think I would want something a little warmer than a 32F bag even in the summer in those Montana mountains.”

“I bag I just find out about, is the BIG AGNES. Bigagnes.com It comes in syn fills and goose down. Check them out. Also I believe in Marmot. They back them for the life of the bag. Snow Nymph, tell her about them.”

“campmor has some 100.00 down bags on sale now.
The 3 i saw were a North face but only 32 deg rating,a slumberjack-but questionable name and a campmor at 20 deg.
the slumberjack summit was 25 deg bag with 650 down while the camppmor was a 20 deg bag with 550 down.
I have heard that 550 is pretty crap and that you you should strive for 650 or better when it comes to down.The 550 stuff is lo grade feathers that decay and lose their effectiveness.
I'd probably go with the slumberjack for the down quality but the campmor has pos. reviews.If the NF bag was warmer i'd go for it cuz of quality...
Id avoid the big agnes cuz of its size etc...”

“What lizs said-
I bought a Kelty Arete ZERO from BobWards.com(Montana) for $120.
The 15 degree and ZERO's, regular and long are all $120.
They claim its 600 cu. in./OZ.
It is nice and puffy......so far.
lizs got a better deal though.

The Campmor Down Bags say on the foot tag, "minumum 75% down, remander feathers"......just so ya know.”

“GO DOWN!!!”

“I realize that everyone has given you a lot of wonderful info., but this just might be up your alley.

I bought a Kelty Light Year 3D, +30. Now, for you, this one would work better, considering you're looking for one with the rating. I, on the other hand, am going to exchange it for a REI Polar Pod. I was too cold in it this weekend.

Just to share: when I went on my solo trip to Manistee, it worked perfectly. However the weather was a good deal warmer than this weekends was, too. I was able to get this particular bag on sale for $74.99 at REI. Don't know if it's still that price, but I know it's not more than $100.00.

Hope this info was a little helpful!

BTW..... the "cool" selling point that sold me on this bag: the end had a zippered part for your feet, in case they got too hot! A GOOD thing for anyone (like me) that kicks their feet out from under the covers at night, ....... for a thermometer purpose! ;-)”

“As you are a woman, I agree with Tom Terrific...go down!”

“LMAO!! hmmmm....

Tom, when did you get yours? I MEAN THE SLEEPING BAG!!! I've had mine at least a couple summers. This summer it sems to sit stuffed in my pack a lot. (BAD ME!) Still nice and fluffy, though.

I use my 0-degree year-round, OK, 65 degrees and under.... LOL! I just unzip and use it more like a blanket when it's warm. Stick out whatever feet and arms (OR WHATEVER...eeek!) ya like.

I just used it this weekend. It was maybe 45 overnight. I unzipped it, but was in it. Also, when it's this kind of weather, I use the mummy head (did she say "head" Mommy?) as a pillow. Very slick. It worked just fine.

And remember, it's a 0-degree, while the one I'm recommending is 15-degree, which would be a little less warm.

It's on sale!!! www.outdooroutlet.com”

“coyote 13
the polar 20 i had sucked.
Anyway go down.Synth just doesnt compress well.
Go to a store and try stuffing both a synth and a down and youll never wanna look at synth again.Its amazing how small and light down is.
Even a synth bag under 3lbs packs like a watermelon.
Im amazed to see down bags as lo as 100 bux.I would wait for a super deal on a genuine down bag-something unlike a campmor/slumberjack that aint a down hybrid.”

“If I could afford a down, I'd get it. But right now, I'm looking for something to hold me over until such time. I plan on getting a down bag soon though. I'll keep my eyes open for a deal, and davex, I'll make sure that it's ALL down!

Thanks for the bit of info everyone...!”

“lizs, I got the Kelty Arete about two months ago for my wife.
She has agreed to go to backpacking with me and two of the boys to Grand Canyon NP....ha ha, we're all gonna die!
bobwards.com seems to have some pretty good closeout deals.

Campmor has a North Face Chrysalis bag(closeout) that is pretty good.
I got two of the 2000 models in the last year(I liked it so much and Campmor was out of the SIZE LONG that I searched and found it at bobwards.com for a little less).
It is a 25 DEGREE Semi-Rectangular 600 down sack.
Campmor still has the 2000 model in regular length and its purple.....nice color.....$140.
This sack is under 3#.”

“You know newgirl, if your father really loves you, he'll get you a Western Mountaineering bag.”

“violin--Does that work from your kids?”