Sleeping Bags

“OK, so my sleeping bag and ground pad were stolen this week while I was out for work. Because of this, I must purchase a new bag.
I am a cold person in general, so I like a bag a little warm. Mostly desert camping all year round.
Thanks for any thoughts you can share.”

“I have a TNF cat's meow, and have used it alone down to 10 degrees, and with a liner when we slept in an igloo. It's been great.”

“Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Down bag works well for me. Warm and light.”

“I am thinking of getting a REI Travel Sack, which would be totally ideal for desert summers, along with a real bag for trips and spring/winter camping.
Has anyone used the Travel Sack?”

“Have the Cat's Meow, and love it. Only used it down to mid-20's.”

“I have the REI Travel Down, it's a 1 lb 9 oz bag, carries a 45 deg rating, pretty similar to the Travel Sack. The jury is still out for me, I only used it once last year before it became too cold, but it didn't seem to provide much insulation. Ironically on the same trip my thermarest sprung a leak so I may have been cold because of that. I usually sleep pretty warm, but have to say I don't think I'd buy this bag again, just go with a lightweight 20 deg bag & leave it unzipped if it's warm. Here's the link to my bag. http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47605132&parent_category_rn=4500518

Let me know what you do, I'm bag shopping now myself, just visited Feathered Friends & Western Mountaineering sites.”

“i would think that the fleece bags that cost about 20 bucks should be good for summer travell i use that normally in north GA mountains for summer...”

“I've got a TNF Cats Meow too and love it. I put a collar in it at the neckline and it seems to have increased its warmth rating significantly (a simple layer of thin, 100 weight fleece). Works great down in most situations. I even use it in winter, just wear a layer of clothing with it. Seems comfortable in the 15-20 F range, especially when used with proper ground insulation.”

“getagrip-
are you concerned more about weight or warmth or both? Sorry about your misfortune - rip offs suck.”

“Thanks for the thoughts. I am definately going with the cheap fleece bag idea for summer. Don't know why I didn't do it sooner, actually. In the summer here most times, you just lay on your sleeping bag with a sheet over you, so what is the point of dirtying your bag?
As far as weight for an actual bag, I'm not too concerned. I'd much rather be comfortably warm than save a few pounds.
Yeah, rip-offs do suck. I always thought that the type of people who went camping had better morals than that. Live and learn, I guess.”

“I am going today to REI (which just opened here in Vegas) and get the Cat's Meow bag. It is the one I have been eyeing for quite some time and after several people said such good things about it... Well, I'm sold. Thanks”

“Too bad about the timing. I was in TNF factory store in Freeport, ME a few weeks ago. They had the Cat's Meow for $89.”

“What a deal! There is a TNF factory store? What excuse can I think of to go to Freeport??? So it's all the way across the country, but the savings would pay for the plane ticket, right?”

“Well, I didn't buy the bag yet. When I went in, the nice people who help you gave me something else to consider. I realized I spend more nights of the year in my bag than in my bed. I camp almost exclusively in the desert. So why shouldn't I get down which will last longer and be warmer? I tried several in the store and really liked the Marmot Angel Fire and Sierra Designs Shut Eye (both women's bags). I had also never considered the women's bag option, but less space to heat is a big plus when you're a cold sleeper. Anyone have either of these bags?”

“They also have a factory store in the SF Bay area, in San Leandro just a block away from their corporate headquarters. However, with the way TNF has been passed around by different owners over the past few years, it might not be there anymore.

They also had one at an outlet shopping complex near Palm Springs, but it was closed down. It really wasn't that much cheaper, and the merchandise was not warrantied.”

“Been using one for a few years now. It finally gave up the ghost and does not stay as warm. It does sport a 64 inch girth which is nice for me. I'm 6'1" and weigh 215. A lot of bag for the buck at a lb heavier than most bags these days like the helium, or WM”