Big Agnes

“Does anyone have input on the Big Agnes Encampment 3D +15 bag? There is one review on it (scored 5 of 5) but Im particularly curious about the "missing bottom". There is a sleeve where you insert your pad in place of the bottom of the sleeping bag.

Any thoughts or experiences with this bag/concept?”

“concept is OK for a back sleeper (ex hammocking) but it leaves a little to be desired if a side or front sleeper”

“Thanks Hog, Im a side sleeper so I will move on.”

“Ok, I'm a little thick headed sometimes. Why is it not a good idea for side and front sleepers?”

“main thing I am thinking of is that you would have to turn in the bag so as to keep the pad below you but due to the shape of the pad the bag is effectively held open next to the down side shoulder of a side sleeper causing you to lose heat. Also if the bag has a hood the hood would be in the wrong position and effectively unusable.”

“There air core sleeping pads are the bomb!!!!!!



8)”

“I have the zirkel. Same concept. I haven't found any problem with sleeping on my side, but I always sleep with a hat and my face in my hood, unless on my back. The zirkel is roomy enough that flipping around without the bag/pad moving with you isn't a problem. I like it. But, if you need your face out of your bag it may not be for you.”

“I saw the Seedhouse 2 at REI in Nashville, Saturday.

Suffice it to say, unless I learn something that would cause me to change my mind, it will be my next big purchase.”

“Heck Chili, at your height, EVERY purchase is a BIG one....lmao...”

“hardy, har, har.....



Let me rephrase.

My next gear purchase of more than $200.”

“I had the seehouse light or ultralight? I forgot. It was very nice, but I returned it because the netting started to let bugs through... not everyone is picky about this, but that's the reason why I have a tent and not a tarp so it was important to me.

I know ruby has it, and she loves hers. No problems.”

“Chili, I have the Seedhouse 1 and haven't used it yet. It looks like a nice little tent.

Gem, I don't see how bugs could get in. It looks like tight netting? Did seams start to separate?”

“yupp, that's what happend on mine. not sure how though. I actually take good care of my gear.”

“Thanks Griz.”

“http://www.rei.com/product/47863094.htm?

Chili, only one door in the Big Agnes, and the single loop over the top will make it very tight inside. You and cotton will be crawling over each other to get out.

The MSR Hubba Hubba weighs less and has two doors. The side doors are GREAT. The 'spreader' pole on top makes a big difference in the inside room too.”

“Good point, SS. I guess I need to think this through.”

“Chili, I debated the Hubba2 & the Seedhouse 2 and the Hubba won out. 2 entrys, lighter, cheaper, more headroom.”

“I am very impressed with there customer service! I had asked some questions regarding the sleeping bag that I had and the temp rating because it wasn't as warm as I would like it to be. They are exchanging my bag for a new different bag so that I get the rating that I would like. It's a more expensive bag with more down and a better temp rating at little cost to me. also it takes a different pad than the one I have so, they are taking care of that too.”

“I just got the seedhouse 2. I havn't had a chance to camp in it but I did try it out in my yard last weekend when it was cold and rainy. It's pretty cool. I don't see how 2 people could fit comfortably in it though. I immediatly made a hole in the mesh "burning incense". I fixed it, not that big a deal but it's not a virgin anymore AND I DIDN'T EVEN MAKE IT OUT OF THE YARD!!ONE111 I don't see how the bugs could fit in it but I guess I will find out when I go to cumberland island next month. Or my yard.


I have never seen one but I have read mixed reviews on the BA sleeping bags with no bottom.

My other new purchase is a montbell ss ul downhugger 5. That's one reason I didn't go with the rainbow tarptent, I was planning on going to a down bag and was not confident in my tarptent pitching skills. I've since read more reviews and have changed my mind.



I am getting older and just had knee surgery (torn meniscus and arthritis) so I am going lighter now. It's either that or stay home. I got a new pack, new tent, and new sleeping bag. I hope it does the trick.

The tarptent rainbow and rainbow two look like good designs.”

“"burning incense"

lol .. riiiight! lol”